Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

In June, we launched a new pugetsound.edu—with a new design, information architecture, functionality, and content management system.

The site launch was delayed while the campus addressed the coronavirus pandemic, and the delay has brought with it unforeseen challenges that are taking longer than anticipated to resolve. We know this has been especially frustrating for the campus community, and we appreciate your assistance helping us identify errors and issues.

We’re working with our colleagues in Technology Services to resolve these issues as efficiently and effectively as possible. Greater site stability is expected by the end of this month. Meanwhile, below are some updates on critical website issues and answers to frequently asked questions.

“Lost” Content / I can’t find my page.
There are several reasons you may not be able to find content where you expect it to be, based on how our old website worked.

  • The information architecture has changed. The current site design features higher-level promotional content curated specifically for prospective students and families, and resources gateways where information most relevant to current students, faculty, and staff can be found.
  • The best way to find your content. Mouse over or click on “RESOURCES FOR” to access links to detailed department, office, and program information.
  • Page Not Found error. Usually this error arises when a link is pointing to a page on the old website. Send the URL of the page not found to servicedesk@pugetsound.edu, and it will be forwarded to the appropriate person in Communications to address as quickly as possible. 

Search Functionality / Is search working?
An improved search solution is being tested in Technology Service’s development environment, and is expected to be pushed to the live site within the next few weeks. The Google search currently available on the website is a temporary solution that works best in Chrome.

CMS Training / When can I get into the CMS?
With the launch of the new site, we moved to the Drupal content management system (CMS) to provide greater site security and support more flexibility in page design. Drupal is complex and powerful—but also different than our prior solution and requires specific training. We’re gradually expanding the number of content editors trained in the new system. If you’re a content editor and have questions about when training will be available to you, please contact webmanager@pugetsound.edu.

A lot has changed on the website—and we know this isn’t the only change you’ve had to deal with in recent months. Watch your inbox over the next several weeks for regular updates as we take a deep dive into website hot topics and frequently asked questions.

In the meantime, if your content is out of date or you encounter an issue with the website, please report it. Submit a ticket to servicedesk@pugetsound.edu. Tickets are forwarded to our web team, reviewed and assigned daily. Typically, you will receive a response within three business days, but often faster (especially if your message is marked “urgent” in the subject line).

Thanks again for your patience and flexibility as we continue to improve pugetsound.edu.

Sincerely,

Gayle
Gayle McIntosh | Vice President for Communications and Chief of Staff