October 9, 2009
Business Managers and Department Administrators:
Early this year, University IT engaged several user groups to provide feedback on the current printed Faculty/Staff Directory. Users were asked to recommend changes that would improve the available information and make directory information easier to access. The most common feedback is that the printed directory is outdated as soon as it is published and it has become much larger than any individual department or division needs. Given the feedback from users, it is recommended that we improve and extend the information available online and discontinue printing an annual directory.
In May 2009, University IT emailed a survey to faculty and staff to gather feedback on the printed and online directories and their usage. There were 300 responses from the 580 surveys emailed. Over 90% of respondents reported having access to a computer and using the online directory daily.
University IT and University Communications are currently testing several enhancements to the Online Directory. Improvements include providing links and searchable files for information historically available in the printed directory such as Maps, Security & Emergency Information, User Guides, Medical Center and River Campus PO Box listings, Conference Room listings and enhancements to the Department Section. Much of this information is available online and will be easier for users to find. Plans to launch the improved new website are underway and will be available to users in late fall.
Future phases of this project include a secure intranet site for Faculty/Staff listings and enhanced capabilities for Department Administrators to update their staff listings. Updates to the department section will be gathered this fall through the normal directory proof process and a final version will be available online. Department Administrators are encouraged to routinely update their online directory listings.
We will continue communication regarding online directory enhancements in the coming months. In the meantime, Faculty/Staff contact information remains available online and can be accessed off the main University web site at http://www.rochester.edu/directory.
If you have any questions regarding this information, or wish to provide feedback, please contact University IT at 275-2000 or email UnivITHelp@Rochester.edu. Thank you. |
