About Web Communications

Bates College is a small-campus College with a global reach. Bates’ distinctive approach to whole-person education prepares exemplary students to make a difference in a rapidly-changing world by developing their capabilities in critical assessment, aesthetic expression, and independent thought. Bates is located in an historic and increasingly diverse city midway between Maine’s coast and mountains.

Bates’ Web Communications staff, students, and colleagues are envisioning, architecting, and building next-generation online experiences that facilitiate these facets of the Bates education and helping to connect Bates people, partners, and friends throughout their lives.

We are grateful for our colleagues in the Office of Communications and Media Relations where we work and thrive.

Our vision is that all online media (Web, email, text, mobile) need to be part of an integrated vision to deepen engagement between members of the College’s many communities. Human needs should define the use of tools and techniques, rather than the other way around.

Established in 2006, we got started by evaluating the status and potential of Web communications at Bates. We then convened a series of open forums with students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.

Our next success was the increase of staff for the first time in 13 years, and we are grateful to the Office of Career Services and Information and Library Services for supporting our vision.

In 2008, our Vice President for College Advancement sponsored the first phase of our overhaul of the public Web presence: the Home 4 project, starting in January 2009. The Home and Views site launched to the world in September 2009. In November, 2009, we were given the green light to advance and renovate Bates’ official Web communications for departments and offices.

This Web site is intended to demonstrate principles of an effective Web experience and prototype a site in our new Web Hub. We are walking the talk.