Brandeis University Homepage

     Examining the Brandeis University home page, I first notice the large display in the middle of the page going through a slideshow of stories regarding the university and its students. The title of the articles and large pictures accompanying the articles are front and center on Brandeis's homepage.  One article is about a student at the university who just launched a cyber security company. Another story tells of the commitment Brandeis has to supporting its LGBTQ members in regards to sports specifically. There is also an article featuring a Brandeis alumni who now works with NASA. These articles are given the most emphasis on the homepage because Brandeis is trying to sell the university to the audience, which is mostly prospective students. Brandeis wants to show the success of current and future students, to persuade prospective students in wanting to attend the university. Also, Brandeis shows its commitment to diversity through the article about  LGBTQ.

     Also on the homepage is a section about current events on campus, how to apply to Brandeis, contact information, and a link to the story behind Brandeis. There is also a tool bar at the top of the homepage giving links to information about academics, student life, financial aid, and so on. These sections are not as big as the section on the news surrounding Brandeis. Obviously, the university is using the spatial mode to emphasize what information it wants its audience to pay most attention to.

    I believe that Brandeis has more information on its homepage in order to "sell" the university to the prospective students. Almost all university homepages have links to academics, admissions, and student life. This is important information, but this technical information about attending the university is pretty much a given for any university website. The Brandeis homepage's purpose seems to be to advertise specific examples of success and diversity to attract prospective students. The authors want to show the students what sets their university apart, in order to sell themselves.