What We Are Responsible For

Consistent web page templates play a vital role in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of Oakland University’s online presence while providing information, services, and resources to students, faculty, and the broader community.

• Branding and Identity: Consistent templates help reinforce the university’s brand, making it easily recognizable. This consistency aids in building a strong, cohesive identity that can distinguish Oakland University from others.
• User Experience: Consistent design elements across web pages improve navigation and usability. Visitors can more easily find information because they become familiar with the layout and structure, reducing confusion and frustration.
• Professionalism and Credibility: A unified look across web pages conveys professionalism and reliability. It suggests that Oakland University is organized, detail-oriented, and committed to providing a high-quality experience.
• Accessibility: Consistent templates can be designed with accessibility standards in mind, ensuring that all users, including those with disabilities, can navigate the site effectively. This is crucial for meeting legal requirements and ensuring inclusivity.
• Maintenance and Scalability: Having a standard template simplifies website maintenance and updates. It allows for easier content management, as changes made to the template can automatically apply across multiple pages. This also makes it easier to scale the website as Oakland University grows.
• SEO and Analytics: Consistent templates aid in implementing SEO best practices across all pages, improving the site's search engine ranking. They also make it easier to track user behavior and engagement through analytics tools, as uniform templates provide a standardized framework for data collection.
• Content Management: For staff and faculty who contribute to the website, consistent templates streamline the content creation process. They provide a clear structure and format for adding new information, ensuring that content is presented in a coherent and professional manner.
• Security: A standardized template helps to ensure security protocols are uniformly applied across the entire website, protecting against vulnerabilities that might arise from inconsistent coding practices.

ADA compliance is essential for Oakland University to meet legal requirements, support all students and staff, maintain funding and accreditation, and uphold ethical standards.

• Legal Obligation: Oakland University must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that all public and private institutions provide equal access to individuals with disabilities. Non-compliance can lead to legal action, fines, and reputational damage.
• Inclusivity and Accessibility: Ensuring that campus facilities, programs, and digital content are accessible promotes an inclusive environment where all students, faculty, and staff can participate fully. This aligns with the core educational mission of fostering diversity and equality.
• Student Success: Accessible learning environments support the academic success of students with disabilities by providing them with the necessary accommodations and resources. This can improve retention rates and graduation outcomes for these students.
• Funding and Accreditation: Many funding sources and accreditation bodies require institutions to demonstrate ADA compliance. Non-compliance can jeopardize funding opportunities and accreditation status, which are vital for the institution’s operations and credibility.
• Ethical Responsibility: Beyond legal and practical considerations, Oakland University has an ethical responsibility to ensure that all members of their community have equal opportunities to succeed. ADA compliance reflects a commitment to social justice and human rights.

Strong SEO performance is a critical component of Oakland University’s digital marketing strategy, directly impacting its ability to attract and enroll students.

• Visibility and Reach: High SEO rankings ensure that program pages appear prominently in search engine results when prospective students search for relevant programs. This increased visibility can lead to higher website traffic and greater awareness of the programs offered.
• Attracting Prospective Students: Many students begin their search for educational programs online. A strong SEO presence can capture the attention of these prospective students, making it easier for them to find and learn about the programs offered by the university.
• Competitive Advantage: Higher rankings can differentiate Oakland University from its competitors. In a competitive educational landscape, appearing at the top of search results can be a deciding factor for students choosing between similar programs.
• Credibility and Trust: Websites that rank higher are often perceived as more credible and authoritative. This can enhance Oakland University’s reputation and instill trust in potential students and their families.
• Cost-Effective Marketing: Investing in SEO is often more cost-effective than traditional advertising. High organic search rankings can provide sustained traffic without the recurring costs associated with paid advertising.
• Engagement and Conversion: Well-optimized pages not only attract more visitors but also provide relevant and valuable information, improving user engagement. This can lead to higher conversion rates, such as inquiries, applications, and enrollments.
• Global Reach: As Oakland University continues to look to attract international students, SEO can help reach a global audience. Optimized content that includes language translations and region-specific keywords can improve visibility in international search results.
• Content Strategy: Effective SEO requires high-quality, relevant content. By focusing on SEO, Oakland University ensures program pages are informative, up-to-date, and aligned with the interests and needs of prospective students.