Business college launches new Web site

The College of Business and Administration has a re-designed Web site. Same address www.cba.siu.edu, but a fresh, new look. The new Web site "reflects the vitality, the innovation and the talent at the College of Business," said Dean J. Dennis Cradit.

Launched Monday, Sept. 10, the Web site offers easy access to the full portfolio of the college's student services, program details, alumni information, and news items. "Our new Web site is more interactive and visually appealing," said Lynne A. Westra, chief web designer for the College of Business and Administration. "The goal was for the new Web site to be a window on the college. We've done this with several new flash videos, which will be continually updated."

Since Cradit became dean last August, he has been the driving force behind the business college's new marketing strategy, which includes a stronger web presence. "At the College of Business, we are obsessed with technology and we want to be full participants in innovative educational uses of that technology," said Cradit.

The new Web site includes several blogs which will be maintained by members of faculty, staff and students, as well as the dean himself. In addition to the Dean's Blog, there is a Faculty Research Blog and a Placement Center Blog, with possibly more to come. "My faculty, staff and I will use the blogs to directly communicate with students, faculty, alumni and friends of the college," Cradit said. The blog will also allow for comments to be posted. "We are building an online College of Business community for all the people who care about our school. We want those people to participate in discussions on how to help the college reach its potential now and in the future."

- Sun Min