Higher education websites don’t exist in a vacuum. The majority of schools run a whole ecosystem of websites spanning different departments, administrative units and even campuses. This fragmentation makes it harder to create a unifying content strategy and cohesive user journeys. As a result, improving UX and information architecture becomes harder because there are many moving pieces. And if that wasn’t enough, you also have to navigate the challenge of getting stakeholders and site owners to agree on and implement changes.
In this session, we’ll explore real-world strategies for tackling these challenges, using York University’s Markham Campus website as a case study. And we’ll highlight practical steps for creating a more connected web experience.
Topics covered include:
- Challenges of managing a multi-site university web ecosystem.
- Gathering user input from students, faculty, and staff.
- Benchmarking and usability testing to drive improvements.
- Using analytics to drive data-informed decisions.
- Communicating recommendations and securing buy-in.
- Training and documentation for long-term governance.
- Mapping user journeys to optimize web experiences.
In this session, you’ll learn:
- How to assess a fragmented higher ed web ecosystem.
- Steps to improve user journeys across university websites.
- Strategies for a more connected and cohesive web experience.
- Ways to gain stakeholder alignment and implement improvements.
Suzanne Dergacheva
Co-founder and Digital Strategist, Evolving Web
Suzanne Dergacheva is the Co-founder and Digital Strategist at Evolving Web, a 90+ person digital agency that works with colleges and universities across Canada and the U.S. to create user-centred web experiences. With 17+ years of experience in digital strategy, Suzanne has led projects for institutions like McGill, Princeton, and York University. She specializes in content strategy, UX, and helping higher ed teams align their digital goals with real user needs. Suzanne brings an empathetic, consultative approach to her work—she loves connecting with web and communications professionals to exchange ideas and explore what’s possible.
Jason Miller
Associate Director Digital Marketing, York University
Jason Miller is the Associate Director Digital Marketing at York University. Over his career in the higher education industry, he has played a pivotal role in elevating institutional brands, creating impactful partnerships, and enhancing reputation through digital properties.
Taking a strategic and analytical approach and weaving in creative storytelling, he has a long track-record of success managing innovative content curation, building seamless cross-channel user experiences, developing strong online communities, and creating brand recognition through impactful marketing campaigns.
He is also a part-time Instructor at the Schulich School of Business focusing on data storytelling and marketing analytics. Outside of Schulich and York U, he is also and member of Canadian Handball Team that competes around the world.