LongwoodLink, Longwood University's alumni database site, is currently undergoing a software conversion this month. The change will offer a new look to the site as well as provide some different features for those in charge of LongwoodLink.
According to Amy Harris, administrative assistant for Alumni Relations, the change is currently in the process. She said it should be completed by January, when the push for the new site will start. However, Harris said the new page may go live before the new year.
Because of the change, certain features such as "Class Notes" and "Pictures" on the site were unable to be transferred. The office posted a notice on their website asking users to copy all information, such as notes and pictures, to their computer by Nov. 1 before the software change took place. The Alumni Relations Office said there would be few interruptions during the conversion process.
Harris said the change should not affect the in-users of the site. Many will just notice visual changes instead of much regarding the site's functionality. The largest change will come with the freedom to do more for the office. "It will be different on our end of things," said Harris.
Harris said the office would be able to mange the site more and change things on their own rather than contacting the site designer, currently located in Kansas City, Mo.
"There will be a lot more freedom to change the look and feel of the site than we could before," Harris said. She said the new functionality will allow them to keep the site looking updated, offering a "fresh" change. "People like to see sites updated these days. This change will allow us to do that."
LongwoodLink operates as a hub for alumni of the university to stay connected to what is happening. "If you are an [alumnus] and you want to be in touch with the functions going on at the university, we hope this is the first place you look," Harris said.
The site acts offers networking opportunities as well in addition to housing events. A page is available where people can share contact information, as much or as little as they wish. All users are given login credentials to become active on the site so only registered users can access such information.
Harris said the change is a great move for the office, extending functionality of the site and offering more for users to see. "This is definitely a good direction we are headed in here," Harris said.
Alumni wishing to register on LongwoodLink can use their login credentials obtained via the Office of Alumni Relations and visit the site at www.longwoodlink.com.
