A new idea can start with a simple spark during an everyday task. A recent example of this from an OIT staffer resulted in the introduction of a new website that provides an improved experience when exploring SMU’s academic programs.
The concept for the new SMU Academic Program Directory began when Associate Director of Web Development Beth Andresen recalled her experience searching for graduate programs. During her search, she found that many universities had user-friendly tools for browsing and filtering academic programs. Noticing that SMU didn’t have a similar resource, Andresen saw an opportunity to improve the experience for prospective students and current community members alike. “We don’t have a one-stop shop for degrees… I thought, you know, we really do need something like this,” Andresen explained.
After pitching the idea to Development and External Affairs (DEA) in early 2024, the project received approval. The directory, which launched in August, offers filters for degree types and formats, including undergraduate and graduate options. There are plans to add additional filters, such as an online program search, making it even easier for users to find the programs that best suit their needs.
The creation of the directory was a team effort across multiple areas. Beth and her colleagues collaborated with multiple departments, including the Registrar’s Office, University Decision Support, and DEA. The data used in the directory comes from SMU’s accreditation records and undergoes routine updates following board meetings. “We scoop in the SACS accreditation data, do transformations to make it appropriate for display, and then generate an HTML file,” said Aren Cambre, Director of Web Application Services, highlighting the technical process behind the scenes.
While the directory is now live, the team is continuing to improve it, refining program keywords and working towards more consistent marketing pages across academic programs.
This directory is a significant step forward in making SMU’s academic offerings more accessible and easier to navigate for prospective students and the university community. Keep an eye out for future updates as the OIT team continues to enhance the user experience.
