FAQ for Webmasters
Q: What is the role of the Class Webmaster?
The class Webmaster maintains the Class Web pages, updating them on a regular basis. The Webmaster is also responsible for keeping in touch with class officers and classmates to gather content and other material (photographs, art work, surveys, etc.) for the Web pages. In a Reunion year, the Webmaster should share frequent updates on Reunion plans and activities.
Q: Who can become a Class Webmaster?
Class Webmasters are appointed by the class officers. Any alumna/us is eligible to become a Webmaster. Webmasters should have regular access to a computer and be familiar with the Internet. Other than that, no special skills are needed. If you are comfortable typing a letter in a word-processing program like Microsoft Word, you have the skills you need to maintain your Class Web pages.
Q: How much time does a Webmaster commit?
You should expect to spend an hour or two setting up your initial pages, if your class doesn't have a Web site already. After that, it will depend on how active you are in soliciting input and material from your classmates. Ideally, you should update your pages at least every month to keep the site current and interesting to repeat viewers. Each update may take you anywhere from 30-90 minutes, depending on the amount of new content and your facility with the system.
Q: What does maintaining my class Web pages involve?
The class officer team, including the Webmaster, should discuss the type of content and features it wants to include on your Class Web pages. After that, it is the Webmaster's job to stay in touch with class officers and other classmates to gather interesting news, event plans, digital photographs, feedback, and ideas.
The Webmaster should edit his/her class Web pages regularly (preferably bi-monthly or monthly). This involves logging on to the Web page editor and updating content, adding new stories and pictures, changing dates, etc. Webmasters need to send digital photographs or graphics to Michele to upload.
Once the site is established, the Webmaster should monitor feedback and suggestions from classmates and communicate this input to class officers. In a Reunion year, the Webmaster should update the site more frequently to share news on Reunion plans and activities.
Q: What can be included on class Web pages?
Think of your Web pages as a blank slate awaiting your creativity. You can include any or all of the following features on your pages:
- Letter(s) from class President or other officers
- Class Notes
- Photographs
- Reflection letters from classmates
- Networking directory for work or volunteer opportunities
- Class surveys
- Recipes, wine tips, craft ideas, book or movie reviews
- A guest book or chat room
Q: How do I get started as the class Webmaster?
You will first need a password. Contact Michele L≠Heureux '88 at lheureux_michele@wheatoncollege.edu to identify yourself as the class Webmaster. She will generate a user name and password for you.
Once you have that information, point your Web browser to http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/edit. Log in with your user name and password. On the subsequent screen, use the radio buttons to select "Edit the text of a Web page," and press "Submit."
Instructions on how to edit your Web pages can be found at http://www.wheatoncollege.edit/help.html.
Michele L'Heureux '88 will provide training by phone or in person and is available during business hours to support all Webmasters.
Q: What other tools can I use as the Webmaster?
OnLyon Alumnae/i Directory
Track down "lost" members of your class, send e-mail messages, or acquire a wheatoncollege.net lifelong e-mail address
Zoomerang.com
An online survey company with both free and fee-based services
Bravenet.com
A site offering Web tools for Webmasters, including free online guest books, web journals, message boards, polling services, and more
This page is maintained by Deborah Fontes. Last updated on 1/24/06.
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