Jan. 21, 2025, marks the launch of South Dakota State University’s newly updated sdstate.edu website, unveiling its modern, user-friendly interface and enhanced functionality.

University Marketing and Communications at SDSU spent two years planning and developing the redesigned website to improve the online experience for students, faculty and numerous others who use the platform.

“It has been very, very positive,” said Mike Lockrem, director of UMC, when asked how the response has been after the launch. “I’ve heard a lot of really good comments about the look and feel and overall experience of it.”

Lockrem explained the next step and where the focus will be after the launch.

“Now comes a lot of the follow up work that takes place and what has to be done moving forward,” Lockrem said. “These are living, breathing entities that never stop being worked on.”

As with any major technological advance, there may be challenges that arise and require attention. Lockrem explained the steps users should take to resolve any issues they face.

“We ask them to send things to web support at sdstate.edu, because if they do that, then it goes right into a funnel for us to answer questions and take care of problems,” Lockrem said. “Our web support people are getting to every question and every email. It might take them a little bit of time, but they will answer them.”

UMC staff met with various departments and programs represented on the website to discuss their goals for the update.

“For several months our team met with both the web team in University Marketing and Communications, but we also met directly with the consultant group from Lullabot, the firm that was overseeing the redesign of our site,” said Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, Shawn Helmbolt when asked about the process for the admissions department. “Our meetings were both focused on design, content, organization of the site, how our users utilize the site, what they use the site for, and many other aspects that were then considered as the site was redesigned.”

The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center was another SDSU affiliate that saw improvements on their subsection.

“The rebuild allowed us to add more pages to our site and re-organize content in a way that will hopefully be more streamlined for our patrons,” said Marketing Coordinator Intern, Katrina Weber.

“From the facility’s perspective, I hope that this website update is another step in further establishing our reputation as a premier performing arts venue,” said Weber. “This, in turn, may attract more students to pursue the arts here.”

For many departments, the website serves as their main source of communication, making the update an opportunity to enhance and strengthen their outreach.

“We are hopeful that with a new design, new content, amplified images and video content which are consumed at the highest levels of a form of media, improved search functionality, and improved landing pages for our various digital campaigns and recruitment communication, the website experience for individuals engaged in the college search process with SDSU will be an improved experience,” said Helmbolt.

Current students have already noticed the improvements made to the website and are pleased with the changes.

“The website is more functional after the update and it is easier to access information,” said freshman Whitney Payne. “I also like the variety of student highlights found throughout the website.”

The update overall provides valuable information to students and anyone looking to learn more about the university. The re-designed website reflects the university’s commitment to innovation and improving the online experience.