Up-to-Date Web Sites
 

I'm just curious as to why my daughter's chapter has an active web site that is over two years old- I think it would hinder recruitment; young women going through recruitment are good researchers-- and in addition, several of the feedback remarks indicate that alumnae would be willing to do things with the chapter-- Anyway a nice reminder could go to all chapters reminding them of what this looks like???

One of the problems my chapter had was that the "Webmistress" was an elected postion, and after that person got elected to that postion, they had to track down whoever had the password last, learn the system/program that the website uses, design a new page, etc...and by the time all of that is done, it's time to elect a new person. The person elected to that postion goes in with high hopes that "this year, we're going to have an AWESOME website", and it never actually comes around.

If the Kappa Deltas don't mine me responding, I feel like this is a serious issue in all GLOs.

I had a longer, rambling answer to this question with all types of personal anecdotes. Then I deleted it because I sounded drunk. So here is the new, shorter response:

Every GLO that can afford it needs to have some sort of "best website" awards program AS WELL AS a national committee that enforces website standards. That way, chapters have an incentive to keep up to date websites.

APO used to have something like this, and I think my chapter's website won best in the region one semester.

My chapter hasn't had an up-to-date site since I ran it 3yrs ago and it is sad. They started to pay someone else to do it and there was great potential there, but alas, there's still nothing new.

I think that the web is a GREAT tool for recruitment in that PNM's have the ability to see their potential sisters in their element. See that philanthropy can be fun, see what type of social environment the chapter sets... I mean, I'm not saying to judge a book by its cover, but I think the website says a lot about the chapter.

I particularly like (even though I didn't in the past) how Chi Omega's national site hosts all of its chapters and keeps a set format to it. It may not be unique to each chapter, but at least some things stay up to date.

I also like how some Panhellenic associations pay for a website for each of its chapters so that everyone can have an equal opportunity of a creative and fun site.

You might want to contact your daughter's chapter specifically about this issue. You could probably get better answers to your questions from their council officers.

Ding ding ding.

I didn't live near my college, so the websites were the only way I even found out anything about the sororities here before I came! They can be a huge recruitment tool if people would just update them regularly. And since your chapter controls all the content on the site, you can show yourselves off in the best way possible.

Advice to councils? Pick the website chair well. Pick someone who's dependable, always taking pictures or movies to add to the site, involved in chapter functions, and good with computers. Have them keep a notebook with all the relevant information--passwords, how to get access to edit the site (or contact information for the company handling your site), site design guidelines for your school and sorority (no cups in pictures, file size limits, etc.), CDs with pictures or the FTP program you use, etc., etc. And have someone on council (VP-PR usually is over the website appointed office, I think) check up on the chair to see what they're planning or working on re: the site.

And if your GLO doesn't give space, host it on the school server! I think that's one of KD's national requirements, but it's usually free space and easy to find/link to from the school's Greek Life pages. I just remember a horror story about one chapter who forgot to renew their external URL only to have that URL bought by a porn site--eek!

What's this about KD's national requirements to give server space...elaborate cause I'm curious about getting involved and getting our own site updated. please and thank you:D

I'm pretty sure (pardon the rustiness here) that they came out with a rule a couple years ago saying that a chapter website needs to be hosted on the school server (i.e. insertschoolhere.edu/kappadelta versus an address on angelfire, brinkster, godaddy, etc.).

Can anyone who's active verify/elaborate here?

I don't believe that is true, because there are several KD chapter sites that ARE NOT on the school server, my school of initiation, for one. I know KD came out with visual standards, but I also don't believe they have set requirements for what websites need to look like either, other than the usual ethical issues--ie, of course no pics of women drinking or acting inappropriately. Again, however, going to the source is the best bet. Try emailing National Headquarters if this is an issue that is pressing to you. I like doing that. :)

OOo, I'm so excited my chapter FINALLY got a new site. It's been down since I stopped doing it. www.kappadeltaecu.org

That is a really nice website! It looks like the Florida State website, if I remember correctly. :)