Experiences merging two university websites

Abstract

The University of Toledo (UT) and the Medical University of Ohio (MUO) merged in July 2006 to form the third-largest public university operating budget in Ohio. While the merger meant bringing together two distinctly different Web development groups, it was also an opportunity to reevaluate everything from Web tools, applications and programs to processes and management. UT has been allowed to reinvent Web development through the merger process. Staff, applications and processes have all been evaluated and revamped. The first step was creating a merger team representing Web developers, programmers, server administrators, content managers and management who collaboratively reviewed all aspects of Web development and made decisions that carved the path for the future of Web at the new University of Toledo. The team created a strategy supported by administration that included a content management system (CMS), Web applications standardization, a consolidated platform and a centralized approach to Web content support. Working within the new university brand, a new site and navigation structure was introduced that utilized the strength of the CMS, addressed accessibility and took into consideration the needs of the new university and as well as better use of staffing in Web and Technology Support. Additionally, Web development has taken a strategic role in incorporating Web and interactive technology into marketing strategy for the new university.