In today’s digital world, a university website is its calling card—the first introduction for prospective students, faculty, donors and other key audiences. In fact, a recent study by consultants Noel-Levitz found that nearly 50 percent of prospective students— and 60 percent of their parents—cited a negative experience with college websites as a factor that lowered their interest in the college. Nearly 20 percent of students indicated that they would not apply to an institution if they found its website frustrating or difficult to use.

“Our website is the doorway to Montclair State,” says Deborah Gaines, executive director of strategic communications. “It has to be enticing if we want people to enter.”

Together with an outside design consultant, the University’s web services team worked with stakeholders throughout the Montclair State community to rethink not only the way the site looks, but also the way it delivers information.

In addition to expanded video, social networking and search capabilities, the new site features a greatly expanded section for alumni. Montclair.edu/alumni is packed with features, networking tools and information about more than 100 alumni-related programs and events that the University organizes each year.

“With more than 100,000 living alumni, including 34,000 from the past 12 years alone, Montclair State has the networking and buying power to offer significant benefits to its graduates,” says Jeanne Marano, executive director of alumni relations.

Alumni-oriented features include MONTCLAIRconnect, a password-protected networking site; more than 15 affinity groups, ranging from athletics to communications; a career resources seminar series; and a new Perks card offering discounts to local and national products and services. Alumni can also learn about upcoming events and view and download galleries of photos from recent gatherings.

Red Hawk sports fans will also find expanded coverage of Montclair State’s 17 Division III athletic teams, including live stats, calendars and links to the athletic department’s Facebook, Twitter and RSS feeds.

“Our sports fans are a passionate bunch, and we’re happy to be able to give them the real-time updates they’re looking for,” says Mike Scala, director of sports information.

Check montclair.edu often for updated news and information about the University.