When you visit IU Online, you’ll find a redesigned website with a user friendly interface that provides a 21st-century, streamlined search experience. You can search IU Online’s 119 degrees by program groupings, designated by easy-to-recognize icons; by degree level; or by search term. Clicking “Online Degrees” shows academic program groupings, as well as a 24/7 chat feature for students with questions. “Apply now” buttons that follow you through each stage of the search process make it easy to apply. In the top navigation bar are resources students are most likely to request.
Take a quick tour of the site at https://www.facebook.com/online.iu.edu/videos/1656202737750052/.
Behind this clean, new design is a sophisticated, integrated software design that advances IU’s marketing and recruitment initiatives. The Ranku software on which the website is based integrates with Salesforce (IU Online’s customer relationship management system) and SIS (IU’s Student Information Systems). This integration allows IU Online to more precisely track students from their first contact with IU through graduation.
The Ranku website template is based on design that research has shown to be most effective in generating student engagement. That initial engagement sets off a “journey”—that is, a personalized, just-in-time series of email communications. These emails introduce students to each of the specialized services available to them as they are admitted, apply for financial aid, and so on.
At the program level of the website, students find detailed descriptions of each program, including an explanation of the degree, target audience, content they’ll learn, and career outcomes. Tuition, fees, admissions requirements, and the process for transferring credits are outlined. The statement “What’s it like to take a program online?” helps orient students to the advantages and flexibility of distance learning. Throughout, students are reminded that IU Online is Indiana University—online, with the same classes, faculty, and diploma as on-campus programs.