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Back to Story List: May 1998

Join the CDAA Online

By Matt Lane
College Topics Staff Writer

If you haven’t visited the Cavalier Daily Alumni web site recently, you might be in for a surprise. The nature of the entire site is changing: from a static source of information to a dynamic forum for communication among members.

The site was completely redesigned last November, and it is growing and changing constantly with fresh news, interactive resources and a lively discussion area. The redesign has led to a steady increase in site visits this year, with 23,000 hits in April. The most popular features are highlighted below, along with brief tips for using them effectively.

  • The Welcome Page has been completely redesigned, with faster-loading graphics and quick links to the most popular areas within the site. The "What’s New" link allows you to quickly determine what has been updated or added since your last visit.

  • An Interactive Discussion Board has proven to be the site’s most popular spot. Visitors can read and comment on other members’ ideas and post their own thoughts for discussion in a moderated forum. This tool for business, opinion, gossip and fun is already bringing new members in and bringing old members back to the CDAA.

    To read messages, simply click on the headers. After you have finished reading, you can go back to the index or click on the "Respond" button to reply.

  • Every issue of College Topics is posted to cdalumni. org so you can check the news or look up a back issue with ease. Editor Kim Ramsey can be reached online with story ideas or inquiries about contributing to the newsletter staff.

  • Searching for Other Alumni is another popular feature. It’s a great way to find old friends, and it’s a simple way to keep the CDAA updated with your latest contact information.

    To gain access to the member database, you must first go through the Registration process. You will be asked to provide the following information: address, phone, e-mail and your years of involvement at The Cavalier Daily. This information is used to verify that everyone requesting access is actually a former CD staffer. Once this is confirmed (in one to three days), you will receive a password via e-mail that allows you to use the database at any time.

    Your registration information will also be loaded into the member database and is available only to members. Encourage friends to register; it helps make the database more complete.

  • The Updateable Calendar is a recent feature that allows members and committee chairmen to post relevant events directly to the online calendar. Every visitor to the site has access to this calendar and its up-to-date events.

  • Life After the CD has gone online! Fill out this easy survey and let everybody know what you’re up to these days. If you’re privy to other CDers’ whereabouts and goings-on, encourage them to post a survey too.

  • Meeting Minutes are posted as a matter of historical record. Short summaries of each fall and spring meeting allow members to quickly get a sense for recent activities and new directions in the CDAA leadership.

Of course, there’s more on the way. The web staff is actively working to improve the site, primarily based on member suggestions. Take a few moments to consider these projects-in-the-works and then visit the site to make your own suggestions:

  • History of the CDAA

  • Automated e-mailing

  • Job-posting discussion area

  • Improved links

Point your browser to www.cdalumni.org, and you will notice a new look, a new mission and a new opportunity to get involved with the Cavalier Daily Alumni Association.

Contact support@CDalumni.org with questions or problems.
©Cavalier Daily Alumni Association