A popular program offered by Information Technology Services (ITS) to help academic and support units improve and create websites is returning this year. The Summer Student Web Resource Program (SSWRP), launched in 2009, hires Queen’s students to undertake website projects over the course of the summer.

“Summer presents a great opportunity for departments to update and improve their web presence,” says Natasha Redknap, coordinator of SSWRP and a member of the web services team within ITS. “The program offers an affordable way to undertake website projects by having students assist with a range of tasks, including content updates or transitioning to the current version of WebPublish. Student support also includes website integration of other ITS services, such as media streaming and accessibility auditing, if desired.”

SSWRP students use WebPublish, the Queen’s-supported content management system. A new version of WebPublish, rolled out in the summer of 2013, offers a significant increase in flexibility and functionality, and supports the current visual identity for Queen’s websites.

Last summer, research labs became eligible for the WebPublish service. Michael Rauh, Director, RauhLab, was the first to use the service, and participated in SSWRP. “I’d never built a website before, but my student was great. He provided valuable insight and assisted me in learning to use WebPublish.” Since its launch, Dr. Rauh has received positive feedback about the site from prospective students, collaborators and the general public.

Colette Steer, Manager, Recruitment and Events, School of Graduate Studies, says the program has been a success for the school every year it has participated.

“We’ve hired full-time students through the program each summer, and the investment paid off every time,” says Ms. Steer. “The students were instrumental for expanding and enhancing our web presence, which is vital for attracting future graduate students to Queen’s.”

Under the program, ITS hires and trains the students and provides them with equipment and support. The cost for departments or faculties to hire a SSWRP student is $21/hour, which covers the student’s hourly wage, vacation and statutory holiday pay, training and supervision, and a portion of the costs associated with project coordination.

If you are interested in participating in this year’s SSWRP, email Natasha Redknap by Friday, March 6, with details regarding the type and scope of work involved. ITS will follow up to confirm the project requirements and to provide a work estimate.