Program Finder Audit

We need your help to update the Program Finder.

UND's Program Finder is the #1 place prospective students go to learn about our academic offerings, attracting nearly 1.8 million external visitors in 2020. It's critical this content is accurate and up-to-date.

All Program Finder index (home) pages were revised to a new template in July 2020 and extensive search engine optimization (SEO) work was completed. This resulted in a 15% increase in organic search traffic and a 0.87% increase in request more information form completions.

Annual data on specific program performance is provided to UND Administration, Deans, Chairs, and all Marketing Council members. Please contact your Marketing Council representative if you did not receive this information.

How to Complete The Audit

Marketing is conducting an annual Program Finder audit. Every page must be reviewed by the respective academic department/program/college by May 7, 2021. To ensure page accuracy, programs must work together to consolidate feedback and complete one form per program. 

1. Review program list spreadsheet to identify program pages needing review. This spreadsheet is organized by college in the bottom tabs and includes URLs/links to all program pages.
2. Follow links to review your Program Finder page content. This includes the program's index/homepage, how to apply, how online works, etc.
3. Complete one Program Finder Audit Form for each program you are reviewing. This form must be completed even if you are not requesting changes so that we know the content was reviewed. 

When reviewing program pages, please look for inaccuracies. Pages will not be completely rewritten. Marketing will begin making changes to Program Finder pages after May 8.

AUDIT Form

Admissions Application Program List

In addition to reviewing program pages,  Admissions would like programs and Colleges to review the list of programs on the UND application to ensure accuracy. 

How to Review Application

1. Create an account to view the UND application from the student prospective. Please use an email account other than your UND email. It is also recommended to use the word "Test" in your first and last name so Admissions can ensure this is a test account.
2. Please review the list or programs, plans, and sub plans associated with your department as well as delivery method. Once you’ve started an application please review all the requirements that are currently being asked of the student. 
3. Do not submit your application. If there are any inaccuracies with the UND application program list, please contact Lisa Panzer, Associate Director of University Admissions.

Things to Watch For

Program pages are built in similar fashion. Content is written specifically for prospective students with selling points they are most interested in. Keep in mind that many words on the pages are there to improve rankings in search engines. For example, we use the word "accounting" on the Accountancy program page to help the page be found when someone searches for "accounting".

Program Homepage

Each index/homepage includes:

• Why Study at UND
  • Unique tracks/offerings/specializations, combined programs
  • Accredidations or national rankings
  • Application deadlines
• Program Highlights
  • Clubs/organizations
  • Hands-on learning opportunities
  • Research opportunities
  • Collaboration with other programs or organizations
• Career Outcomes
  • Job placement rates
  • National career outlook
  • Where alumni work
  • Future careers (job titles)
  • Accreditation
• National Rankings & Accreditation (if applicable)
• Courses You Could Take
  • Highlight up to 6 courses
  • Course descriptions are pulled directly from the academic catalog (CourseLeaf)
• Videos/Stories
  •  Student videos or link to student/program story
• Footer
  • Link to department, program or college
  • Link to faculty
  • Program contact list
  • Link to related programs

Requirements 

Undergraduate and graduate programs have degree/admission requirements for the current term. Plans are auto-pulled from the academic catalog (CourseLeaf) and edits cannot be made by the Web Team. If you have edits to your program’s academic catalog content, you must make changes in Courseleaf. Once changes have been made with the Registrar's office, edits will be reflected on your requirements page.

Some graduate programs have specific degree requirements that are not published in the catalog. In these instances, page content can be edited by the Web Team.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fees for current and next term are auto populated by the Quick Cost Estimator. The Web Team works with Student Finance to ensure accuracy. 

How to Apply

The purpose of the How to Apply page is to instruct prospective students how to take the next step in the recruitment funnel and apply to UND. How to Apply pages contain general application information and is typically standard for all programs.

Application deadlines are on the program homepage. 

How Online Programs Work

Online programs have different course formats. How Online Programs Work page content explains the type of online format for particular program. Please make sure the following is clearly explained:

• Asynchronous or synchronous format
• Campus visit(s) required or 100% online

Request a New Program

If your department is launching a new program, submit a Marketing Request Form to request a new program page be added to the Program Finder.

What is the Program Finder?

UND’s Program Finder provides prospective students a central location to explore all academic programs offered at UND. Program Finder pages are built to be a prospective student’s front door to UND when researching online. Pages are written for the prospective student audience, answering key questions like:

• Why should I study this subject?
• Why study this at UND?
• Who will I be learning from?
• What is the class size?
• What experiential learning opportunities will I have?
• What special requirement exist for admission?
• What scholarships or aid are specific to this program?
• Where do alumni work or pursue advanced degrees?
• What careers will be open to me?

The number one goal of Program Finder pages is for prospective students to complete the Request More Information form. Capturing contact information allows Marketing and Admissions to communicate with prospective students and encourage them to take the next step of applying to UND.