The College of Charleston today launched a completely redeveloped and redesigned website, www.cofc.edu, with significantly improved content, functionality and navigation.

The redesigned website features stories, video and photography that showcase the academic quality, vibrant student life, unparalleled setting and historic character of the College. Within each “Live the Life” category on the main page are in-depth features about research, programs, faculty, students, campus life and alumni.

“Our website is the College of Charleston’s primary communication channel for many of our constituents, especially prospective students and their families, and thus should reflect the exceptional faculty, programs and attributes of this university,” said Michael Haskins, executive vice president for external relations. “The redesigned website will expand and enhance perceptions of the college by providing more information and a better interactive experience.”

A Content Management System (CMS) has also been added that will allow faculty and staff to more easily make changes and post timely information to the website.

The comprehensive, campuswide initiative began in 2006 with surveys of users and an assessment of the existing site. In 2007, an experienced web development firm, mStoner, was selected to assist with the redesign effort in collaboration with the College’s Web development team. Together they conducted interviews and research, presented options to the campus, created new navigation and design, and built the site.

“Launching a redesigned website for the College and migrating hundreds of pages of content is a big challenge, but a necessary step to keep up with best practices and the expectations of our users,” said Andrew Bergstrom, director of web strategies. “The new site allows visitors to customize their experience using syndicated content (RSS feeds) and dynamic content (blogs), while also improving security and accessibility.”

Throughout the next few months, existing content will continue to be transferred to the new design and CMS until all pages of reflect a consistent look and feel.