Welcome to the Marshall University Online "Year in Review." The journey you are about to embark on is a tour of the year 1996-97 for a University on the move!
In 1995, Marshall said "goodbye" to the yearbook. In 1997, we say hello in a medium that will allow students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of Marshall to see us around the world... and possibly the Universe! Why are we going high-tech instead of publishing a "traditional" yearbook? A couple of very simple reasons. First, across the country, colleges have sacrificed "traditional" yearbooks due to lack of student support (in terms of sales and staffing) and administrative budgetary constraints placed on "non-essential" services. The dilemma at Marshall is no exception. This online project is the result of the demands of our campus community for the need to continue the tradition of chronicling the history over the academic year.
Secondly, Marshall University is leading the way not only in West Virginia, but across the country in providing cutting-edge technology to the campus community. Adding the yearbook to Marshall's home web site is merely one more trend-setting achievement for our university and the "Vision for the 21st Century." We are one of the first universities to publish a "yearbook" on the World Wide Web. This production is designed to resemble a "traditional yearbook" in terms of layout and design. You'll find very few special effects. The publication will improve and integrate more technology in the future. Layouts on individual pages vary according to the user's WEB browser and the screen dimensions. For best results Netscape 3.0 should be used at full 13 inch color monitor.
There are also many programs, offices, activities, sports, and organizations that did not receive any coverage. I sincerely apologize for this... I encourage you to help me find ways to have more student involvement in future projects so we can have writers and photographers to cover every aspect of our campus. All student organizations were given the opportunity to submit feature articles and photographs. Each president, Greek and non-Greek, were notified and offered assistance. If your favorite organization is not represented, speak with the leadership of the organization and encourage them to participate in the future.
After this year's extraordinary learning experience, we hope to present Marshall University's history to you in the most advanced technology available which will include a more multimedia interactive experience -- without losing what's most important -- the names, events, emotions, and faces of Marshall.
I encourage anyone interested in writing, photography, and web page design to consider becoming a member of the staff. By having WEB publishing experience, students will have major advantages over the competition in the fields of journalism, computer science, and design.
After you experience "Traditions & Vision," please take the time to visit the guest book. We would like to find out a little about you and let you provide us with your comments and feedback. You will also have the opportunity to submit requests for information on the CD-ROM Version and how to become a staff member.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Reece,
Program Specialist
Office of Student Affairs