OISE's new four-department model launches officially on July 1 with four new websites

June 29, 2012

by Eileen Thomas

Over the past several weeks, departmental communications staff and the Education Commons have been working feverishly to create new interim department web sites for OISE's new four-department model that comes into effect on July 1, 2012.

"The new websites reflect the integration of the new and the familiar in our evolving graduate departments," said project team leader, Terry Louisy. "The new department sites launching on July 1 are interim sites because later on this year they will give way to a whole new re-envisioning of the OISE web experience happening in conjunction with a web development project to improve and upgrade the central university site."

One of the goals emerging from the Strategic Plan was to rethink the structure of the departments to ensure a strong OISE in the years ahead. After substantial institute-wide consultation, OISE decided on a four-department model that supported its guiding principles.

"We are delighted to have these updated websites reflecting the changes in departmental structure which was one of the primary objectives to emerge from our strategic planning process over the last two years. We would like to thank of all of those who contributed their time and effort to this project," said Jeanne Watson, OISE's Associate Dean, Programs.

The Office of Innovations and Opportunities, headed by Associate Dean Ruth Childs, developed the project so that the departments can have transitional websites in place by July 1. "The web development team for these interim sites focused on trying to create a more unified look and feel across all departmental sites while also allowing for the distinct nature of each department’s changing cultures to show through," Terry explained. "This effort to streamline the information and the navigation on these interim graduate department websites will feed into the process of re-envisioning the institute’s overall web presence coming later this year."

The new websites will feature an improved faculty profile interface as well as improved calendaring to showcase departmental activities and events.

-30-