The report, from the National Research Center for College and University Admissions (NRCCUA), suggests that colleges and universities might be missing out on prospective students, because their web sites are lacking certain key features…</p>
<p>The group’s ninth annual Enrollment Power Index (EPI), a research-based analysis, rates how well the functionality and design of college and university web sites take potential students from prospects to applicants.</p>
<p>Of the 3,087 postsecondary institutions whose sites were graded, fewer than 30 percent earned “A” or “B” grades. The top 10 rated schools were: (1) Lawrence University, Wis.; (2) Pennsylvania College of Technology; (3) LeTourneau University, Texas; (4) University of New England, Maine; (5) Bellarmine University, Ky.; (6) Wayne State University, Mich.; (7) Gonzaga University, Wash.; (8) Saint Vincent College and Seminary, Pa.; (9) Lakeland College, Wis.; and (10) Newberry College, S.C…</p>
<p>The study examined 34 different criteria, divided into five main categories: (1) prominence of an admissions office link on the institution’s home page (10.61 possible points); (2) admissions web page design and ease of navigation (23.25 possible points); (3) online access to admissions materials (13.42 possible points); (4) additional admissions information (38.97 possible points); and (5) ability to contact the admissions office online (13.75 possible points).</p>
<p>Because the technology used on college admissions web sites is constantly advancing and changing, so are the expectations of potential students regarding the type of information that will be available to them online. NRCCUA says its survey takes this into account, because the research criteria are updated, on a yearly basis, to reflect changes in technology and in students’ expectations. Certain features, such as a web-site search feature, have become standard, but not universal, and now carry less weight in the rating system.</p>
<p>This year’s research revealed three items that have become more critical to admissions web sites and are expected by potential students who use the sites:</p>
<ol>
<li>Interactive functions, such as instant messaging and live online chat rooms, for students to communicate with admissions officers as they explore their college options.</li>
<li>The presence of information about the community or city where the college is located, and an online campus-visit date scheduler.</li>
<li>The ability to apply online, as well as track the application status online.