As a precursor to a critical analysis of websites using environmental theory, a brief review of theory is appropriate. A Handbook for the Profession provides a useful framework. The physical features of a campus environment include both natural features such as geographic location, climate, terrain and manmade features such as buildings and open space. The web master chooses whether or not to include features of the campuses physical environment. If depicted on the site, the physical features of the environment can be carefully selected or edited.
Pictures depicting the campus can focus on modern buildings or on more traditional architecture.
Web-only features of the physical environment include the structure of the page, the images selected and the placement of and relationship of images to one another. The web page in effect replaces the physical environment. In Real Life Human aggregate as an environmental feature reflects the strength of environmental press, especially in a highly congruent environment. The concept of human aggregates can best be understood using the assumption that dominant features of the environment are a reflection of the dominant characteristics of people within it. In Real Life Organizational structure refers to the reporting and decision-making units of the institution.