Most universities are quick to advertise their best programs and what they can offer academically. However, what they don’t always promote are the smaller details that make up the school’s environment.
These factors are now taken into consideration and presented in the Voluntary System of Accountability’s new Web site, www.collegeportraits.org, which was launched Friday. The Web site offers information concerning campus safety, attendance percentages by race, average age of students and much more.
Also presented are links to the colleges’ Web sites, administration contact information and the ability to request more information.
The site is easily navigated and displays the information presented in a manner that is easy to understand. Upon opening a university’s portrait, the user can find links to the information’s source, further enhancing the Web site’s credibility.
"We want students, parents, guidance counselors and other stakeholders to be able to easily compare (UH-Victoria) with other universities and make the right choices about higher education," said Tim Hudson, UHV president, in a Sept. 28 story in the Victoria Advocate.
UH is listed as a member of College Portrait; however, the University has yet to distribute the necessary information to build a fact sheet. The Web site says that colleges listed that do not yet have their information available will be posting their portraits within the next few months.
Roughly 300 schools have voluntarily signed up for the Web site and have either posted information or will in coming months.
Not only does College Portrait allow prospective students the opportunity to easily compare universities, but it also shows that the schools listed are responsible enough to allow students to find the best fit for their future. Three hundred schools is a good start, but there is no reason every university in the country shouldn’t make their information this easily available.
With as many specialty programs as there are at universities today, searching for educational information can be a long and difficult task. Finding the schools information should be made as simple as possible and the people at VSA have realized that.
There really is nothing bad to say about College Portrait. Any program dedicated to making the search for further education easier is a good thing. The VSA should be commended for their assistance in this program.
