9:28 a.m., June 17, 2009----Starting with the fall 2009 semester, the University of Delaware graduate and undergraduate catalogs will be available online only. The catalogs will be accessible beginning Monday, June 22.

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Instant access, interactive, and dynamic are three key words that Havidán Rodríguez, vice provost for academic affairs and international programs, used to describe the new online catalog. The move from a print catalog to the Web also makes sense economically and environmentally, said Rodríguez.

“Going online with the course catalog will substantially reduce costs compared to producing a print version,” Rodríguez said. “We also considered sustainability issues related to protecting the environment and helping to reduce UD's carbon footprint.”

The online catalog is another small step that will help us contribute to developing a sustainable University, Rodríguez stated.

Rodríguez also said that individuals using the online catalog should find easy access to information on topics that include:

• The Student Guide to University policies and student code of conduct; and
• The home pages of UD's seven colleges.

“The online course catalog features links to academic resources such as department and program contacts, department chairs, advisers and information on undergraduate majors and minors, and graduate programs,” Rodríguez said. “Our primary goal was how to communicate effectively with students while promoting the University's commitment to sustainability.”

Joan Stock, assistant to the provost, said the online catalog features general information, a synopsis of the programs offered, and a general overview of the University, including a listing of research centers, institutes and facilities.

The general information includes a message from UD President Patrick Harker and the names of the members of the UD Board of Trustees, plus links to the academic calendar, fees and financial aid, Stock said.

“The online catalog should stimulate students to search for information, while students with special needs will be able to find out what support services are available and how to make use of them,” Stock said. “We also want to let all students know that they are welcomed at the University of Delaware.”

Also available through the online catalog are required courses for majors and minors, as well as class listings that show what sections are available for a particular semester.

The graduate student section includes features such as information on degrees offered, application procedures and academic regulations for the master's and doctoral degrees.

“Any changes in related information that occur during the year will be immediately available online,” Stock said. “This will allow us to keep the catalog updated while making users aware of the updates and providing links to the affected areas.”

The online catalog represents a multi-year coordinated effort that includes the Office of the Provost, the Office of Communications & Marketing, Information Technologies, the IT unit of the Center for International Studies, and the Office of Graduate and Professional Education, Rodríguez said.

“We also worked and coordinated with the Faculty Senate graduate studies committee and consulted with deans and assistant deans and other UD administrators and staff,” Rodríguez said. “As this process continues, we hope to get constructive feedback from staff, administration, students and faculty to enhance the online catalog.”

Article by Jerry Rhodes