Communication and Information Technology (CIT) provides the following services for outreach-related projects. Please see the section below for fees or contact us for further information.

Consulting and Product Development

Web sites: CIT provides Web design and development services to MSU faculty and their external partners who engage in outreach work. We incorporate the latest design and development techniques integrating best practices related to usability and complying with federal accessibility regulations for people with disabilities. We also conduct focus groups and tests of the Web sites to evaluate the degree to which the sites we develop are usable, useful, appealing, and accessible to typical users.

Techniques used in the design, development, and evaluation process can include: analysis of user requirements (e.g., conducting a contextual inquiry or focus group for gathering user requirements); generation of user interface architecture; creation of user interface prototypes; and testing of designs with representative end-users (performing formal one-on-one user evaluations that incorporate task scenarios and a structured walk-through approach). Click here to learn more about these evaluation techniques.

Databases: CIT provides database development and management services to MSU faculty and their external partners who engage in outreach work. We work with you to determine your objectives and your target audience's needs. We can use both proprietary platforms, such as MS-SQL Server or MS-Access, and open source platforms, such as MySQL. The database solutions can be standalone, networked, or Web accessible.

Graphic Design: CIT provides graphic design and development services to MSU faculty and their external partners on their outreach projects. We provide graphic design services for print (such as brochures, posters, newsletters, and reports) and digital media (such as Web and PowerPoint). We work with our own or other Web designers, programmers, content managers, and marketing and public relations professionals, to design products that are visually appealing and appropriate for the target audience.

Publications: CIT helps in the creation and production of publications about outreach work. Services include help with concept and content development, editorial assistance, and graphic design. We can work with you from outline to final production, or we can work on discrete parts of a project. Typical projects include technical reports, policy and practitioner briefs, and scholarly publications.

Integrated Communication: CIT provides comprehensive communication services to MSU faculty and their external partners on their outreach projects. Using the most current technologies and communications media, CIT professionals can assess communication goals, identify client objectives, and design, produce, and implement effective products that are consistent with project and organizational goals. Our public relations, events, and technical support staff work closely with our publication and Web developers to offer comprehensive message coordination.

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Public Access to University-Wide Outreach Initiatives

One of CIT's mandates is to enhance public access to University knowledge resources. In response to this, CIT has developed and maintains two Web sites that offer information about University-wide outreach initiatives.

Statewide Resource Network (SRN): The SRN provides information about outreach-related projects, initiatives, and programs that MSU faculty and staff are engaging in. Find links to summaries of over 1000 programs and projects along with complete contact information.

Search the Statewide Resource Network 

Spartan Youth Programs (SYP): Search the SYP for pre-college programs and activities, camps, places to visit, and college courses for pre-K through 12th graders.

Search the Spartan Youth Programs 

Fees

Fees for services range in price depending on the demands of the project. CIT may also assist clients with funding strategies and/or grantwriting. Fees for Web sites, Web applications, and databases include product evaluation.

Please contact us for more information.

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