College of Natural Sciences Launches Redesigned Website

The College of Natural Sciences (CNS) has launched its redesigned website https://www.cns.umass.edu/ as a one-stop location for information about the college.

The site works equally well from small phones or giant desktops and maximizes both searching and browsing. Additionally, each section has links to useful pages within the site as well as important campus resources. An extensive audience section enables visitors to find pertinent content efficiently.

The homepage News and CNS Highlights sections provide a digest of all CNS news. Featured Events draws from an events calendar that lists events from all 14 departments and schools, as well as those from a wide range of CNS and campus programs. All events are also automatically posted to 10 digital screen displays (each with unique content) in seven different buildings.

A new Giving section complements the CNS development office’s outreach efforts and offers a range of useful content and giving opportunities. The extensive Equity and Inclusion section highlights the college commitment in these areas and details college initiatives and campus resources. The comprehensive Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advising section provides information for all UMass Amherst students interested in pursuing a career in a health field. The expanded Advising section includes a directory of chief undergraduate and graduate advisors. Additional features include Student, Faculty, Alumni, and Donor profiles.

The updated CNS Directory provides easy-to-use staff listings for the Dean’s Office and related offices. Other new and improved sections include the CNS Newsletter and archives, and the popular CNS blogs, which feature blogs by dean Steve Goodwin and associate dean Martha Baker.

The site has been several years in the making, and draws upon extensive testing and conversations with a wide range of stakeholders and user groups. Elena Sharnoff, CNS director of communications and marketing, oversees the site and welcomes comments and questions at esharnoff [at] cns.umass.edu.