The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has launched a redesigned, modern, and more efficient website for its central administrative operations—www.uwi.edu

Weeks before its launch, however, the design of the new website was entered in the 9th Annual Education Digital Marketing Awards; it emerged as a Gold Award winner, in the Institutional Website- Update/Refresh category from among 1000 entries from other colleges, universities and secondary schools around the world. The announcement came on November 1.

www.uwi.edu is The UWI’s system-wide or ‘Centre’ website that serves as the primary digital asset for the regional university, and an online gateway to its five campuses (Mona, Jamaica; St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; Cave Hill, Barbados; Five Islands, Antigua and Barbuda; and its Open Campus), as well as ten global centres with partnering institutions.

The website redesign project which began in 2019, was led by The UWI’s University Marketing & Communications Office and the Office of the Chief Information Officer, with general oversight by the University Registrar, Dr. Maurice D. Smith. According to University Director, Marketing & Communications, Dr. Rhonda Jaipaul-O’Garro, “It took on greater significance with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic because of the increased technological dependence in meeting stakeholder needs and advancing the University’s ongoing digital transformation strategy. The website is also a critical tool in strengthening The UWI’s visibility and engagement as a top-ranked university, currently positioned among the best 1.5% in the world.”

In a purposely phased transition process, this initial redesign includes the launch of a new Homepage, as well as Admissions, About The UWI, Administration and Media Centre pages. Dr. Jaipaul-O’Garro explained, “Among the primary focus of these areas have been the design and development of a more modern, world-class, user-centred web presence, with more engaging, content that better supports the University’s mission and strategic business goals and objectives.”

The award for the redesigned website follows three international marketing awards won earlier this year for work produced by the University Marketing and Communications Office.

The Education Digital Marketing Awards (EDA) programme recognises the best educational websites, digital content, electronic communications, mobile media and social media. Over 1,000 entries were received from colleges, universities and secondary schools including Arizona State University, Florida International University, New York University, Texas A&M International University, and the University of Notre Dame.