Starting this spring, incoming freshmen will not receive a printed 2013 general catalog when they arrive on campus for orientation.
Vice Provost for Academic Programs, Planning and Review T. Gilmour Reeve said the idea for an online-only general catalog has been in the works for several years, and it’s now near completion.
He said the Office of the University Registrar coordinated the idea and has selected a vendor for the website. On Nov. 9, the office hosted a session for faculty and advisers to look at examples of the new catalog.
University Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope said although he is a fan of printed material, having the catalog only online will save the University money.
“Nevertheless, there’s no missing the point that the production of a printed catalog was an expensive enterprise,” Cope said.
Cope said having an online-only catalog means students will never have to pay for one if they lose theirs. Another benefit of having the catalog available online is that it can be updated frequently.
“In a general way, the electronic media is much more flexible and responsive,” Cope said.
Reeve said in the past, departments would receive printed copies and would have to pen in changes, which would later be typed up for the new catalog.
The catalog was printed on poor-quality paper, but the website will now offer illustrations and links for students to click, Cope said.
Cope said the general catalog will be available for the public to view, meaning future students will have the opportunity to read up on the University’s course offerings before deciding to enroll. This will increase both enrollment and recruitment.
Accounting sophomore Michaela Jones said she’s a “fan of the tangible aspect” and prefers being able to physically flip through the book.
“Having a hard copy made it easier to plan classes or even learn about the different classes,” she said.
Cope said students will probably respond favorably to accessing the catalog online.
“In my own class, I have not seen a student pick up a piece of paper in the last two years, so I think they prefer electronic media,” Cope said.
Jones said there are benefits to having the general catalog online, but it shouldn’t replace the printed copy.
Reeve said the current catalog can be found online as a PDF, and it has some links embedded in it.
“It’s not nearly as interactive or dynamic as the [new] online catalog will be,” he said.
Jones said she will continue using her hard copy of the catalog, but will also use the online version so she can have it on her screen and in her hands.
Reeve said advisers will have the ability to print pages for students if they request it.
Many other Louisiana universities are already using an online catalog, he said.
“We’re getting in the game, and we’re a little bit behind,” Reeve said.
‘… I have not seen a student pick up a piece of paper in the last two years, so I think they prefer electronic media.’
