'Gateway' Coming Soon to SLU Computers

As part of "Gateway: the information initiative of Saint Louis University," SLU has been developing an intranet, a mini World Wide Web of information designed specifically for SLU computer users. University employees soon will be able to tap into this powerful new technology.

The benefits for SLU employees are enormous -- from getting reminders about events and meetings -- to customizing content that will suit daily needs. These new features will allow employees to choose the specific tools and information they need to manage work and other facets of life at SLU.

The new technology also will make communicating easier by allowing users to send messages to specific peers and audiences. Message boards and virtual chat rooms also will allow people from across the University to make connections.

"There are some extremely exciting things on the horizon," said Dr. Michael Burks, director for academic IT services and project manager for SLU's intranet. "This project basically puts a whole new set of tools at your fingertips. We expect to be up and running this fall for basic content and features."

Representatives from across the University have been responsible for helping to refine content for Gateway. Workshops for students, faculty and staff were held for this purpose.

"We plan to add or delete content and functions as we get feedback from users," Burks said. "We have simply tried to establish a reasonable starting point."

Content and functions also will continue to evolve and improve to better meet the needs of the University community, Burks said.

Watch for ongoing updates about Gateway on Newslink and in Grand Connections.

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