Free Web hosting

Free web-hosting services are available to RSOs registered with the Student Involvement Center. If you are a registered student organization, contact Student Affairs IT at (309) 438-1111 for more information.

Creating an RSO Web Site

A web site is an excellent tool for promoting your registered student organization (RSO) and communicating what you do. The following questions and answers are to assist you with planning and may help you to determine the best direction and goals of the site.

1. Consider why you want a Web site.

There are a variety of reasons to have an online presence for an organization. A few include:

• Promoting your organization to prospective members, faculty, alumni, and sponsors
• Communicating important news or other information
• Creating a virtual “meeting space” for members to share information

2. Consider how to organize the site.

Consider what it is you are trying to achieve and who it is you are trying to reach with your Web site. Consider what kind of information your visitors would find helpful. Do not simply place information because it might be interesting or because it is a place to store information "just in case". Make it relevant and important so visitors have a reason and interest in visiting the site again and again. In addition, it's very important to consider who would maintain/update the site and how often it would need to be updated.

3. Consider what tools, resources and people can help put it together.

Once the structure for the information has been laid out, the site design can begin. Ask around for assistance. You will often find people who have different knowledge bases and interests when creating the site. Consider what tools will help you the most and what the costs may entail. Microsoft Frontpage is helpful software and is recommended by many first time web designers.

4. Use these web hosting guidelines to help you get started in the right direction.

RSO Web Hosting Guidelines (pdf)