As students become more technology-savvy, Eastern has been making adjustments to keep up.

Ryan Gibson, the university Webmaster, has been working to make the Web site more appealing to students.

Gibson said they plan to implement a redesign to the Web site next summer. The new Web site will have three different areas: one for prospective students, one for current students and one for faculty and staff.

The section for prospective students will be a great marketing tool for the university. Gibson said this section would have many images to draw in prospective students.

Gibson also said there will be a live chat where prospective students can log in and chat with people in the admissions office.

Gibson said they were considering having student blogs as well.

Other universities, such as the University of Texas at Austin, have already implemented this marketing tool. They have current students blog about their lives on campus to give prospective students more of a feel of the university.

Gibson said videos could be added to the Web site, but that would be up to the departments. He said the Theatre Arts department already has videos on their page.

Another technological addition the university is looking into is the use of iTunes U. The application allows universities to get audio and video content out to their students through iTunes.

“Eastern is currently in discussion with Apple about becoming part of that initiative,” said Vice President for Technology Michael Hoadley.

Hoadley said it requires the review of the contract by the purchasing department. The contract needs to be signed on behalf of the Eastern Board of Trustees.

“I envision some resolution within the next few weeks,” said Hoadley.

Hoadley also talked about having a university-wide committee to talk about how to use iTunes U to better serve the needs of the university once the project moves forward. He said he believes the committee would have representation from faculty, staff, administrators and students.

Hoadley said they would have to work out all the little details, such as login authentication.

“This planning and implementation process will take open minds and time, but I believe it will be worth it in the long run,” said Hoadley.