What does SMU need from a website?

If asked what SMU needs from a website, I draw a blank. (I’m not the average student and haven’t a clue what the staff needs.) However, if asked what I need from an SMU website, I immediately think better directories and class websites.

Sure, SMU.edu has a directories link buried in the site index, but there is no quick and easy way to find an email address or website by typing a name into a box. (I admit it, I’m spoiled and want excessive ease of use. Think MS outlook’s contacts button.) Once the directory is uncovered, it may or may not hold a link to the instructor in question. And on the off chance that instructor has a website, it may or may not have anything to do with the classes he or she teaches.

A centralized directory with on campus phone numbers, email addresses and URLs would be a wonderful addition to any school site.

Another welcome addition would be the ability to research all classes on the web. Sure, Access.smu.edu offers quick class goals, but those don’t help in planning a semester. Helpful items include syllabi, schedules, and general time requirements. If I know my Reporting I class will require seven stories of 400 to 800 words in length in addition to readings, in class exercises and tests, it’s a good idea that I not schedule Intro. to Fiction Writing and Major British Authors in the same summer semester. (No, I didn’t learn the hard way… yet.) However, if I see that a required class has no homework and I am debating between two others for an added three credit hours, the ability to see all class requirements can determine which one is better for that semester. There is no reason to keep this information hidden.

I don’t pretend that every student cares about scheduling compatible classes each semester, but those of us who do would benefit from the ability to research beforehand.

/rant off.