Information Architecture

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)

Goal: redesign the ISSS website to better support international students in remaining compliant with immigration regulations

Objective 1

Simplify and reorganize content on website pages so that information about immigration processes are clearer and easy to understand

Objective 2

Restructure the current menu tree so that students can easily navigate the website

Background

International students who arrive in the U.S. with an F-1 immigration status need to comply with strict immigration regulations. For example, F-1 students must enroll full time every fall and spring semester, and receive proper work authorization prior to beginning work.

Many international students are unfamiliar with U.S. systems and culture. Additionally, most international students who attend university in the U.S. learned English as a second language. International students have difficulty understanding technical immigration terms and seeking the resources they need to comply with the law.

The ISSS office is the department at the university that provides immigration advice and resources for F-1 international students to maintain their immigration status while they complete their studies in the U.S. One way the ISSS office offers support for international students is by utilizing the website as a resource for students who need general information and guidance. For example, the website details important regulations students should know and outlines how to apply for work permission.

Qualitative Research

Advisors in the office asked international students questions about the ISSS website after advising appointments. Advisors asked students if they used the ISSS website, and if so, how often, and whether the website was able to answer their questions. Students replied that the website had "too much text," the "information was confusing," and that they "rather talk to an advisor" for direct answers. Many students scrolled through a page without reading the content.

Problem: Unorganized Information

The current ISSS website is confusing for international students. The pages are filled with text with no clear organization. Many students do not read the website or use it as a resource because information is hard to find.

Objective 1: Simplify and Reorganize

Drafted an informational structure to be used across the entire website for consistency.

Created Additional Features

Made a "Quick Links" section at the top of the page for information that is frequently needed.

Designed a graphic to help students understand when to submit the request in relation to the final application.

Organized the application process step-by-step so students can follow easily.

Added an FAQ section at the bottom of the page with an anchor link as an additional resource for students.

Designed a two-page handout with a checklist on the back that can be downloaded from the website.

Result: Success!

After these changes, international students began referring to the website more as a resource. Advisors received less common questions and more follow-up questions specific to each student and their unique situation. Students said the additional features built into the website helped them make sense of complicated information. Students also mentioned that they were able to follow the steps more easily.

Objective 2: Restructure the Menu Tree

Currently, the ISSS menu tree is not organized. The website has inconsistencies where some pages are subpages of the parent page while others are standalone pages without any parent pages. Additionally, some parent pages are blank and never used.

The objective is to delete pages that are not being in use, consolidate information into one area, and create a simpler and easier path to follow with the menu and navigation. This is an ongoing project that will be completed in Spring 2025.