March 2015

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Division of Information Technology
P.O. Box 6888
Radford, VA 24142
Phone: (540) 831-5173
Fax: (540) 831-6217
Email: cio@radford.edu

Division of Information Technology
Radford University

Radford.edu to be redesigned to support new brand platform

In support of Radford University's new brand platform, the university's website will undergo a complete redesign. When completed this fall, Radford University will have a fully responsive website that reflects the university's new branding.

The website will also migrate to the latest version of the content management system – Adobe Experience Manager 6.

Radford University launched its current website in January 2011. Since that time, the Web landscape has changed dramatically as technology has evolved. The proliferation of mobile devices necessitates a strategy that allows content from the university's website to be presented in an appealing and useful way regardless of the screen size of the device the visitor is using. In other words, content needs to be accessible, appealing and useful whether it is viewed on a 2-inch screen or a 27-inch screen – and every size in between.

Industry best practice for handling this new landscape is to create a responsive website. Responsive web design allows the elements of a website to be presented in an optimal manner regardless of the screen size.

Coinciding with these changes is the rollout for the university's new brand platform, which includes a new visual identity system for campus. The design of Radford.edu will be created by the same consultants that created the branding materials, ensuring a seamless and consistent image for the university.

The overhaul kicked off this month and will include several discovery sessions with stakeholders across campus. By summer, new design templates will be in place and content administrators may be asked to review their sites in the new format to ensure the content is presented appropriately. The fully redesigned site is expected to roll out in the fall.

More details about timelines will be distributed to content administrators across campus. For more information, please contact Jaime Hunt, director of Web Strategy and Interactive Media, at jhunt7@radford.edu.

IT OneStop

Work is underway to implement a new technology Self Service webpage which will be branded, IT OneStop. The site will allow all RU users to access the new technology ticketing system called ServiceNow. With this new system users can:

• Report technology issues and have real time access to view the status of the issue at all times.
• Enter technology requests, such as request new phone lines, new network ports and training requests.
• Find answers to common questions with our newly revamped knowledge articles called Solutions Library.
• Get help with a forgotten password without having to call the Technology Assistance Center.

Of course, the Technology Assistance Center's current services will still be available, but the new system will add another layer of support.

Technology training offered

Academic Technologies and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) offer training opportunities to support RU faculty and staff.

Technology-focused sessions including Desire 2 Learn (D2L) open labs where experts will be available to assist with specific questions. Registration for the open labs is required, and it is recommended that along with your questions, you bring your laptop to the session. The technology-focused trainings scheduled in March / April include:

Visit the CITL Training and Development System to view the current schedule of classes and enroll in a session. To learn more or to request a one-on-one, group or custom technology training, contact the Academic Technologies Office at either acadcomp@radford.edu or 831-7521. You can check the DoIT Knowledge Base for a wealth of online tutorials, Quick Reference Guides, "how-to" videos and articles to assist you with campus technologies.

Open House for computer upgrades

The DoIT strives to replace faculty and staff computers on a regular basis, refreshing laptops every 3-4 years and desktops every 4-5 years.

This year's computer open house is scheduled for the week of March 23 in Walker 183. During this time, faculty who are slated to receive new machines will have the opportunity to choose from the new models. The new machines will be on display and Academic Technologies staff will be available to answer any questions to assist with the selection process.

Distribution of the new machines will begin the middle of May and run through the middle of August.

An email with specific details will be forthcoming. Please feel free to contact Academic Technologies at acadcomp@radford.edu for more information.

Meet the DoIT Staff

Colin Cospel
Web programmer

How long have you been employed in the Division of Information Technology at Radford University? Six years in May.

Family: My wife, Catherine, and two boys, Daniel (age 11) and Roman (age 5).

Hometown: Wytheville, Va.

Education: Bachelor of science – computer science and technology from Radford University.

Interests/Hobbies: Science and philosophy. I enjoy playing music, hiking, kayaking and woodwork.

Favorite vacation destination: Puerto Rico.

Favorite part of your job: Working with the great people at RU.