A simple approach to applying environmental theory to websites is to view the site and ask questions related to each element. It can be helpful to create an analysis matrix to compare the goals of the site with each of the sites environmental elements. For each cell within the matrix, determine whether the environmental feature furthers the goals or mission of the site. For purposes of practicing our analytical skills, viewing campus homepages is particularly useful for two reasons. It helps in analysis to know the message that is to be conveyed, for a homepage this is assumed to be the university mission and culture.
Homepages are of particular importance.
Today, it could be argued that the webmaster is the most important person in impacting admissions decisions. Sites tend to reflect this assumption and some great sites are easy to find. The sites below were chosen as good examples from institutions with clear and unique missions and cultures. Or, in the case of Yale, as an example of overcoming a university organizational structure with user-friendly interface. The Xavier University homepage offers an excellent example of a website's congruence with institutional mission and values.