After a month of preparation and redesign, Saint Mary's Web page posted an updated look during the weekend.

A subdued blue background, quick access bars, scrolling links and loading images are all part of recent updates to the Saint Mary's Web page.

"The Web site has been undergoing a change since the last version was developed. The last company working on it didn't finish it, and we had always planned to complete it later," said Nick Farmer, marketing and content organizer.

Efforts to improve the Web site began last March with the help of Saint Mary's vice president and dean of faculty Karen Ristau. She signed off for the project and oversaw the progress. A team of four including a Saint Mary's alumna coordinated and designed the Web page with the help of a Web company.

The team's goal was "to provide a much more high impact sight organized with the user in mind," said Dan Mendell, a member of the design team.

More interactive and user friendly, the Web page caters to all. Prospective students will find it easier to navigate and research the College with the newly layout and redesigned admissions link. Current students will enjoy an upgraded e-mail system with new features and more security. Alumnae can also appreciate flexibility and easier access to links within the site

These upgrades are just a start to the construcion being done, as more upgrades are being planned for the future to "achieve consistency and integrate the new look to other area's within the Web site," said Mendell.

For instance, departmental pages were unaffected by the changes along with other organizations within the Web site this time around, however, plans to establish the new look in these areas is scheduled in the future.

"We wanted to go in without necessarily changing everything" said Mendell. "It gives the departments flexibility."

The response from the Saint Mary's community has been accepting to the changes.

"We've had a positive response from the community. They like the availability and the dynamic new look." said Farmer.

• Attacks are successful
  
• Johnson ready to help with harassment
  
• Watch dog group calls for ban to be upheld
  
• Freshmen focus on fundraising
  
• Belles take on a marathon
  
• BOG debates leadership center
  
• Students issued discount cards
  
• SMC Web site gets a facelift