“It was a big one,” Lakeland University’s Director of Technology Services and Operations Charles Grubisic said of the October update to the my.lakeland.com website. Both Grubisic and systems specialist Sami Kasten toiled tirelessly for nine hours to see the update through. “We were here at 3 a.m. and worked until noon,” Grubisic admitted. “Just two of us.”  

Since the entire operation was such a complicated process, preparation for the website’s update began months ago, well before the 2018 fall semester began. “The my.lakeland website works in conjunction with the student information system Jenzabar,” explained Grubisic. One thing led to another, literally, as the massive Jenzabar update was the critical factor for the recent changes to my.lakeland.com. 

Jenzabar provides different software and strategies for educational facilities. Though there was much work involved, the new design “is much more responsive” according to Grubisic. More specifically, the layout is able to adapt to screens of any size. With students using phones, laptops and everything in between, Grubisic and Kasten had the goal of improving the overall experience when viewing the website.  

However, Grubisic and the Information Technology team’s work is not finished. “There’s a couple changes we are hoping to do with the aesthetics,” Grubisic said. “This is the beginning, and there are other initiatives we are looking at.”  

Students needing help with navigating the webpage are encouraged to visit the IT center in the lower level of the Brotz building. The IT office is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no appointment necessary to receive help. Students are also asked to call the IT center at (920) 565-1000 with any tech-related concerns.