myUCF upgrades with new design

While logging on, users may have noticed that myUCF has gotten a facelift — and the makeover is still in progress.

The new portal, which is used by all enrolled students and staff, was unveiled this week with a new look and function. It is the first time in five years that the site has been redesigned.

"MyUCF is an integral part of the software platform that supports UCF's primary business functions," said Zenaida Kotala, senior communications coordinator for UCF News & Information. "Such software must be upgraded routinely to keep abreast of changes in technology, regulations, security and business processes."

With the new design, users are able to consolidate their academic content and navigate the page through upgraded tabs. A new pagelet feature that provides users with timely information based upon their relationship with UCF was also added.

PID and NID lookups were also revamped for added security, Kotala said. Users will now have their log-on information sent to the university address on file when they look up their PID or NID. Security questions for passwords have also been added in the change.

While protection and functionality were key targets in the redesign, Kotala said simplicity was also a driving factor.

"Generally speaking, [we aim to make] myUCF a straightforward, web-based environment that is convenient and easy to use," Kotala said.

Paul Winocoor, a junior political science major, said the new look of myUCF is a lot more straightforward than the previous version.

"It's so much more streamlined and a lot clearer," Winocoor said. "It's easier to access all your course tools and log in. It's not as graphic-oriented as it used to be, which I think is a positive aspect of the redesign."

Kotala said that among the new features, the portal is more practical and accessible for smartphone and tablet use.

"It's a lot easier for students to use on a smartphone," Winocoor said. "Without the overload of information [on the home page], it loads faster and it's easier to navigate."

Students will be able to access more features on the myUCF portal soon, Kotala said. In the coming months, online workspaces, blogs, wiki content and discussion forums will also be introduced.

Winocoor said while he likes the changes overall, he does miss all of the news and information that came up when he logged onto myUCF. With the more simplistic layout, the access to news and updates has changed, he said.

While the new upgrades are still being integrated, students are advised to familiarize themselves with the new portal and access their Webcourses through the myUCF home screen when they log in.

"Availability and installation of new software versions are part on an ongoing process," Kotala said. "It typically takes nine to 12 months to plan and implement a major version upgrade."

When the redesign is complete, creators hope the new look and functions help better serve students and staff at the university.

"MyUCF has greatly improved the convenience, speed and accuracy of students' business transactions with the university," Joel Hartman, UCF vice provost for information technologies and resources, said in an email. "Before myUCF, students often had to stand in long lines during business hours to perform tasks such as registering for courses. Today, myUCF is accessible anytime and anywhere, fulfilling the university's commitment to make services and resources available ‘Online, not In Line.'"

When the project is finalized, Kotala hopes that users will find the portal much more accessible and beneficial to their experience at the university.

"We're constantly working to make it easier for students to do what they need to do online," she said.