Home 4 – Objectives

As we redevelop Bates’ home site, we’re starting with the vision and principles we affirmed during the listening sessions we held with students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni over the past year. Of course, we have also been deeply informed by insights from the institutional planning process.

Then, for this first-phase project, we’re working with these overall objectives.

1. Improve the online experience for first-time visitors

Develop a world-class online experience focusing on the first 30-60 seconds and the first 3 clicks (top 3 levels) of www.bates.edu. Demonstrate Bates distinctive approach to liberal arts and sciences education. Reinforce reasons why Bates is worth the attention of first-time visitors: prospective students and families, prospective employees, prospective donors, and regional neighbors.

2. Focus on connecting people with their interests

Connect first-time visitors with their personal interests — academic fields, professions, stories, and analysis of current events — by drawing them into clear pathways toward deeper content and toward e-mail and RSS subscription options.

3. Bring together content and services for current community members

Develop a targeted gateway section for current Bates people: students, faculty, staff, families, alumni. Organize links to deep content and enterprise services.

4. Sustain online experiences accessible to everyone

Develop Web pages which are easy to use, accessible through a variety of interfaces, and sustainable by current Bates staff.