On Sunday, Aug. 7, the Oblate School of Theology (OST) rolled out a new, redesigned website designed to provide users faster service, easier navigation and easier registration for classes and events on the OST campus. The public is invited to visit the website, www.ost.edu, to try it out, learn about OST’s programs and activities and experience the ease of finding any necessary information.
“This is a big step forward for us,” said Dr. Scott Woodward, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean. “We are moving into the digital era with full enthusiasm. The easier navigation makes finding information quicker and more intuitive.”
Anyone can register online for continuing education and other events such as the annual OST Alumni Gathering and the 285 Benefit. They can apply for admission to degree or certificate programs, and even donate to OST from the website.
The site will have the capability of translating English into Spanish and Spanish into English. It will provide faculty and student portals, an events calendar, online forms and a Student Secure Online Payment system. It will be integrated with social media sites and will provide new photography and videography showcasing OST’s 113-year history of education in Catholic theology.
“There is less clicking and more simple movement. It’s designed to work on smart phones and tablets while maintaining functionality. It also has a cleaner, more contemporary look that better reflects who we are as a school of theology and a Catholic and Oblate institution. Finding program descriptions will be much easier,” Woodward said.
Monica Hildebrand and Lisa Martinez of iAmplify designed the site.
“Our strategy was to create a dynamic website for Oblate School of Theology that has multi-lingual functionality and is fresh, vibrant, user-friendly and integrated to enable constituents to interact directly with the School,” Hildebrand said. “Our team worked closely with Dr. Woodward to develop a website that elevates its digital footprint and build awareness of its mission as a training center for ministry, both clergy and laity, and a graduate and academic institution with a core offering of master’s-level programs in Theology, Spirituality and Pastoral Ministry.”