An evaluation of current staffing with any changes in number, organizational structure, etc.
- The task force recognizes that the new media offerings and services will need to be centrally coordinated and the content developed will need to be centrally organized. The task force supports the already funded New Media Producer position, which will provide these functions in addition to limited production services. The task force also supports the FY09 funding of $15,000.
The New Media Producer will need ongoing operational support to fund professional development and supplies. The amount below also includes $5000 in transcription services for the University.
FY10 One-time Costs Recurring Costs Ongoing support for New Media Producer $ 8,000 - The task force recommends realigning Web Services into University Relations, making Web Services the center of new media activity on campus. High profile projects need the same professional attention regarding new media as traditional print media. In much the same way that clients have utilized the Office of Publications for high profile marketing materials, they should also consider the expertise of Web Services as essential to the success of new media efforts.
- Current web design services are provided through a partnership of the Office of Publications and Web Services. The task force recognizes that quality web design services are required for high quality new media production and that the need for these services will only increase over time.
In particular, web design services for online recruitment are especially critical. The Survey of Fall 2007 Incoming Freshmen showed the over 98 percent of the incoming freshman used the Missouri State web site, and that over 78 percent thought it was very important. This was the highest rated source of information for these students. Additionally, the majority of incoming freshman were using newer technologies and that many students thought communication with Missouri State would be improved through these newer technologies.
To support this online recruitment need, as well as other high priority projects, the committee recommends adding a new Web designer position to Web Services. Having a Web designer position in-house would provide the consistent focus needed for high-level projects and allow for easy coordination with other traditional media operations. If funding is not available for a position, the committee recommends the University provide $25,000 of annual funding to outsource web design as a temporary solution.
The committee recognizes that a great deal of the current traditional media projects will migrate to new media over time. In order to meet existing demand for print publications, however, the Office of Publications is unable to train an existing designer and dedicate that employee for Web purposes.
To meet an expected increased future need for new media design, the committee additionally recommends realigning an existing designer within the Office of Publications to a Web focus within the next three-five years. To help with the transition, the committee recommends allocating additional professional development money to the Office of Publications for the next two years, which will train existing print designers in new media design concepts.
FY09 One-time Costs Recurring Costs Web Designer (including benefits)* $53,329 Web Designer Operational Support* $2,000 Web Designer Startup Costs* $ 2,000 Outsourced Web Design Services* $25,000 Web Design Training for Office of Publications $3,000 Total $ 30,000 $55,329 FY10 One-time Costs Recurring Costs Web Design Training for Office of Publications $3,000 Outsourced Web Design Services* $25,000 Total $28,000 *Either the Web Designer or the Outsourced Web Design Services needs to be funded.
- Athletics has the potential to deliver a large amount of new media through their existing web vendor. The task force supports the already funded Assistant Director of Sports Information-Web and New Media position, which will provide new media services in support of Athletics and coordinate with Web Services.
- The University lacks low-mid level audio/video production facilities, which limits the ability to capture content for online distribution. The task force recommends purchasing equipment and software in FY09, to enable existing staff to start with small projects. Further, the task force recommends the University add a videographer in Photographic Services in FY10 to provide video services in chargeback fashion, similar to how still photography services are provided. Having this resource in house would allow easy access to video services at press conferences and other events that require quick turnaround.
FY09 One-time Costs Recurring Costs Videographer-Editor startup costs $7,500 FY10 One-time Costs Recurring Costs Videographer-Editor (including benefits) $40,000 - The University offers successful electronic arts, media production and digital arts programs that prepare students for careers in new media. The task force recommends incorporating these students into the University’s new media activities through internships or student employment opportunities within Web Services or Photographic Services.
- The task force recognizes that the enterprise resource planning project requires a significant investment of time by Computer Services systems support personnel. As such, the task force recommends using existing systems resources already dedicated to web projects within Computer Services to support new media efforts.