“We are in the process of integrating the search engine now.”
– Tom Luljak, vice chancellor of University Relations

Recognizing it as a source of frustration for many, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee officials have begun work on updating and redesigning the official university Web site for an unveiling next fall.

The site, which has been live for nearly five years, is “essentially the place where anyone can come to answer any questions they might have about the university,” said Bruce Maas, interim chief information officer for Information & Media Technologies.

However, finding answers on the UWM Web site is usually not very easy. Information is sometimes out of date, the navigation system is not easy to use and the search engine often brings up off-topic results. University officials recognize the inefficacy of the site.

“We share that frustration,” said Tom Luljak, vice chancellor of University Relations. “Though the layout and design aren’t perfect, we have a rich site. It’s just that the design hasn’t kept up with the (volume) of information.”

Luljak said that the search engine is perhaps the feature most in need of improvement.

“No question about it — the search engine is old and outdated,” he said.

To remedy the problem, the university has purchased a search engine package through Google, which is in currently in a testing phase. University officials want to unveil the new search engine as soon as possible.

“We are in the process of integrating the search engine now, instead of waiting until the whole redesign is complete,” Luljak said.

University officials discussed improving the Web site a year or two ago, Luljak said, but there were no resources to make it happen until now. Officials want to create a comprehensive, yet welcoming site.

“We will provide many more services and features so it is state of the art and redesign it so it’s attractive to our visitors,” Luljak said.

“The UWM Website will have a major redesign by next fall to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the university,” said the minutes from a Sept. 9 Information Technology Policy Committee meeting.

University officials and Web site developers will be conducting formal focus groups in the near future in which students, faculty and staff will be asked to participate. The university will communicate opportunities to participate by the end of this year, Luljak said.

Until the site is redesigned, Luljak suggests taking some time to surf the information on uwm.edu.

“Explore with patience,” he said.

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