In early FY24, the University of Arizona transitioned to a new approach for faculty web services. As the U-System and Office of Instruction & Assessment’s Faculty Sites services were retired, faculty members had the opportunity to explore a modernized platform for hosting their research, projects, and professional websites. This shift marked a new chapter in providing a more streamlined and university-supported web presence.

Recognizing the need for a reliable and sustainable alternative, Campus Web Services (CWS) launched Arizona Faculty Sites, a platform designed to provide faculty with an easy-to-use, secure, and university-branded web solution. The launch began with a small group of early adopters, testing the system and ensuring it met the unique needs of faculty members who often lacked dedicated web support.

Unlike large-scale university initiatives that require complex infrastructure, Arizona Faculty Sites was built with simplicity in mind. Powered by WordPress, it provides faculty with an intuitive way to create and manage their own sites, whether for personal research, labs, or academic collaborations. The goal was not just to replace the old system but to offer a better one—one that was accessible, flexible, and responsive to faculty needs.

The transition wasn’t without challenges. Any shift in web platforms raises concerns about data migration, learning curves, and functionality gaps. Yet, within a year, adoption grew rapidly. By the end of 2023, 183 faculty members had moved to Arizona Faculty Sites, and by the close of FY24, that number had climbed to 200 active sites.

For many faculty members, the platform became more than just a digital space—it was a vital tool for sharing their work with the world. Joela Jacobs, an Assistant Professor of German Studies, found it to be an essential resource.

“I have had only positive experiences with the system and CWS support. This tool is essential for my research, and I am grateful for its availability. A Tier 1 research institution like ours needs this kind of resource,” she shared.

As more faculty adopt Arizona Faculty Sites, the platform keeps evolving, driven by the needs and feedback of the scholars who utilize it. What started as a necessary replacement has transformed into a thriving digital ecosystem, ensuring that faculty voices, research, and projects remain accessible to the university community and beyond.

200 Active Arizona Faculty Sites by end of FY24