If you’ve navigated around the Elon Web site lately, you’ve probably noticed some changes. On Aug. 24, the University Relations department launched a new version of E-net, Elon’s news and information homepage.

New tools and features, as well as a design update, make the new system more informative and easier to use, said Dan Anderson, director of University Relations.

One of the features he is most excited about is the addition of a campus calendar.

In the past students have searched through a multitude of E-net postings to see a summation of the day’s events. With the new Web site, all of the day’s events are displayed on the front page.

“I think this is the most useful tool of the new site,” Anderson said. “Now when people post stories to E-net they can add dates to the campus calendar. This is something that we’ve really wanted to do for a long time.”

John David Parsons, Web applications developer, hopes that organizations will look at the campus calendar before planning events and meetings to ensure that they don’t overlap with other important campus events.

New tabbed features in the student center, as well as scrolling options will allow students to access more information without having to navigate away from the E-net homepage. This should make it easier for students to access information, Parsons said.

People posting news to E-net can now upload up to three photos, link to multimedia sources such as slideshows and audio clips and edit their posts without having to contact E-net administrators.

Anderson expects the new features to enhance student, faculty member and administrative postings.

“Most of what has been added is behind-the-scenes type features that students won’t be able to see,” Parsons said. “But the people who interact with E-net on a daily basis will appreciate [the changes].”

One of the most frequented parts of E-net is the Want Ads page. Parsons thinks users will value the mouseover view, which allows them to see the details of the posting without having to click on the link.

A new “Free Stuff” section was also added to encourage reusing and recycling among students.

Following the completion of E-net, several departmental Web sites will receive an update.

With a new Web program in place, it is now easier to manage content on other Elon Web pages.

News Editor: Olivia Hubert-Allen - 08/29/07