Greetings from UMass Amherst

New Web-based postcards debut

by Sarah R. Buchholz, Chronicle staff

tudents, employees, alumni and other friends of the University now have a new way to reach out to others and share a bit of the campus at the same time. A new University Web site allows users to send electronic postcards of the campus, complete with a personalized message.

     Each postcard image appears as though it were resting on a larger piece of paper with deckle edges. The area for inscribing text is on the "paper," as is a "postmark" and a link to the University's home page.

     The "postmark," which appears over the text area, contains the University logo and the phrase "Greetings from Amherst." Each of the postcard images has been "watermarked" with the logo, as well.

     "Some of them are beautiful, classic antique postcards, taken from UMass' Archives; some of them are brand-new photos, taken by our photographers," said Art Clifford, director of Web Development.

     "The images will change every three months so the site doesn't become stagnant," said Kim Fill, Marketing project manager. "There are a mix of images, some nostalgic, some of athletics, some new ones.

     "It's a way of promoting the University. We'll have a link on the alumni Web site, and 'Student Shortcuts' and 'Alumni and Friends' [shortcuts on the University's home page]. You're going to be able to find it in the 'Visiting Campus' site. We have been working on it for quite a few months.

     "It will give our students and alumni a chance to send a postcard from campus. The recipient will receive an e-mail with the card right in their In Box. They won't have to go to a Web site [to see the card].

To send a UMass postcard, go to www.umass.edu/postcards and follow the directions.