FAU recently launched a new Web site, www.fau.com, which has few differences from the school’s regular Web site. They hope that with several new applications, they can reach out to students in an ever-changing technological world.
“The university continuously evaluates the tools through which it communicates with its varied constituents, including its faculty, staff and students,” says Kristine Gobbo, assistant vice president and press secretary of media relations at FAU. “[The Web site] expands our ability to reach a broader audience.”
This newly created Web site joins FAU’s various Twitter and Facebook accounts as a new technique for getting in touch with students in the information age. However, with the same layout and design as the more education-based www.fau.edu, the question is whether or not the students will take notice.
Apparently, they do, according to Gobbo.
“Overall, reaction has been positive,” says Gobbo. “We do not keep track of individual users that utilize the site; however, I’d have to believe that students are clicking on it as there are several applications for their use.”
The new Web site was launched in the first week of March, and although reaction to the site has been positive, it is still unknown to many students.
“I’ve never heard about www.fau.com,” says Olympia Kiriakou, a freshman film major. “Maybe if the school sent out a mass e-mail advertising the site, I would view it. But honestly, I would not look at this on my own. This could be a valuable tool for potential incoming freshmen, though.”
The Web site includes new features that are not available on www.fau.edu, including an athletic apparel store and “FAU Tube,” which shows informational videos about the university and its history. There is also a photo gallery, which highlights events on campus and student life.
According to Gobbo, the division of Communications and Marketing will be in charge of maintaining and updating FAU’s official presence on all of these social Web sites.
Another goal of www.fau.com is to help the university in its efforts to go “green.” With new electronic technology, less paper is being used and wasted on announcements and communication with students.
“From a communications perspective, whenever possible, the printing of materials is replaced by electronic communication methods,” Gobbo explains. “The university’s Mission Green initiative highlights [its] commitment to promote sustainability through education, operations and community engagement.”
FAU’s main goal in creating this Web site, though, was to showcase the school’s achievements.
“FAU’s division of Communications and Marketing developed www.fau.com in an effort to highlight the many great things happening at FAU,” says Aileen Izquierdo, vice president of communications at FAU, in a press release. “It is our hope that students, faculty and staff at FAU, as well as those in the surrounding local community and beyond, will utilize the site and become engaged in the future of FAU.”
