NIU’s window to the world has undergone a recent facelift.

On Thursday, the university Web site changed to reveal a new format.

"We wanted the new Web site’s appearance to coincide with the return of the students," said Melanie Magara, assistant vice president for Public Affairs. "Then they could learn the system as the year goes by."

Navigational improvements and updating the appearance were among the goals inciting the Web site’s change.

"Our main page is how we make an impression on the world," said Magara. "It’s mainly promotional in nature and we wanted it to attract future students."

Some of the new perks of the Web site include audience pages, geared to target individual groups such as faculty and staff or current students.

The Web site was also designed to be more accessible to people with disabilities through the implication of navigation codes.

"If a person uses a screen reader instead of a mouse, the cues that are embedded within the codes will make it easier to choose topics to view," said Jennice O’Brien, communication manager for electronic media. "That way, the user could quickly skip through topics that they don’t want to see."

So far, student responses have been mixed.

"I didn’t really like it," said junior business major Andrea Huizenga. "I couldn’t find what I wanted to find very easily."

On the other hand, the Web site has had a few good reviews.

"I thought that it was more organized than the other [previous] Web site," said junior sociology major Lisa Bonn. "I really like how they change the pictures too. It makes it look more sophisticated."

The previous Web site was in place for over a year.

Hola compadres, my name is Matt Knutson and I will be Casey Toner's No. 2 this semester.

And so begins the Toner/Knutson reign over the 12-page section known as the Weekender.

For those who don't already know, this section is geared toward and for entertainment. Not only the world of entertainment, but the entertaining events that NIU and surrounding areas have to offer.

Most of you reading this probably think NIU is the most boring and mundane of all colleges in Illinois. To those people, I say, "Rubbish."

We intend to bring the fruity goodness of NIU's entertainment scene to your attention.

And you need to bring it to ours. So if there's anything remotely entertaining, write, e-mail, send a telegram, smoke signals or carrier pigeon, because we want to know. In the words of Jerry Maguire, "Help me help you."

The Weekender is here to serve you and your entertainment fixation. We are looking forward to feedback. Let's hear it.