This is due to the fact that a lot of connections come from outside of the University and not everyone has a direct T1 connection. To compare the difference in download time view a departmental page from your office and then view it from home through a modem. Be aware that there is more than one browser. A tag that works for one browser may not work with another. Also browsers display information differently.
Lynx is a text only browser.
When making images make sure to use the ALT tag. Each and every departmental account needs to have an e-mail alias. The reason for this is that it keeps the e-mail consistent. It can easily be redirected to someone else, as far as people outside of the department are concerned there is no change. Plus, an alias can go to a group of people.