1. Overview of Project • A brief description of your company, its mission, and industry o The VSU Web Team is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the university’s online presence through the Cascade Server Content Management System since 2011. Our mission is to provide a seamless, user-friendly platform that supports the university’s goals of accessibility, innovation, and communication. We ensure the website remains up-to-date, secure, and aligned with VSU’s branding. Daily, our team performs routine maintenance, content updates, and technical support to ensure the website serves as a reliable resource for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. • The target audience o The Virginia State University (VSU) website primarily serves a diverse audience, including prospective and current students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community. • The business goals and objectives for the website o The website is a vital hub for VSU’s community, offering critical information and resources for academic, professional, and social engagement. The primary objective is to create and maintain a dynamic, accessible, and user-friendly website that reflects Virginia State University’s mission and values. 2. Current Website Details • The current website URL if applicable o https://www.vsu.edu • What is working well o Using our CMS (Content Management System from Hannon Hill, Cascade Server) • Any analytics or performance data, if available o Google Analytics, SEO performance – Yes, and provide with Google g4 and SiteImprove • Technology stack of the current website o Built in cascade server, VSU Web Team utilizes customizable content blocks within the Cascade Server Content Management System to develop, code, and debug new features for the university website. These blocks serve as modular components designed to enhance functionality and tailor the site to meet evolving university needs. • Current hosting environment or provider o Hannon Hill, Cascade Server 3. Scope of Services • Web design and development: o Updates, New custom features blocks • Ongoing website management: o Content updates, security monitoring, performance optimization, etc. • SEO: o Search engine optimization strategy and execution through Google G4 • Web hosting management: o Server configuration, backups, and updates (if applicable) • Analytics and reporting: o Setup and monitoring of key performance metrics with Google G4 and Siteimprove • Content creation: o Blogs, videos, copywriting, and other content management (if applicable) 4. Website Features and Functionalities • E-commerce functionality o No e-commerce shopping cart/product. All payment gateway are third-party extension sites we do not maintenance or edit • User account management o Login, membership features • Forms o Contact, registration, lead generation • Integrations o CRM, email marketing tools, social media, etc, connecting with the Office of Communication, Institutional Advancement, Admissions, and all University Colleges. • Multi-language support, accessibility, or other specialized needs. o Plug-in accessibility tool used to assist and provide support 5. Design and Branding Requirements • Design preferences o clean university website focuses on simplicity, functionality, and a user-centered approach. • Branding guidelines o University Branding Guidelines • Specific website layouts or wireframes o Yes, with using the template we design in the university website redesign in Fall 2020
