Sector(s)
Evolving Web partnered with Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) to reimagine its digital presence with a user-focused redesign that elevates the College’s brand. Through deep discovery and close collaboration, we deliver a streamlined, component-based design built on the latest version of Drupal. By embracing best practices and simplifying the CMS experience, we created an engaging, easy-to-navigate digital ecosystem that aligns with GGC’s goals for academic excellence and community engagement. The redesigned platform highlights key differentiators at critical touchpoints—such as the program finder and program detail pages—while empowering content editors with greater flexibility. The result is a seamless, student-centered online experience that allows GGC to make a greater impact.
About the project
Goals
GGC set out to create a modern, visually engaging website that authentically reflects its unique learning community while advancing strategic priorities in recruitment, marketing, and retention. The new platform needed to attract prospective students, strengthen engagement with current students and faculty, and connect with the broader community.
A key goal was to provide a no-code content editor experience that is flexible, coherent, and easy to manage. GGC required a solution that empowers editors to create and maintain content without technical barriers, ensuring a dynamic, user-friendly digital presence.
Requirements
The project required migrating more than 400 landing pages—many with functional elements that needed to be rebuilt. Third-party extensions and integrations had to be carefully evaluated to ensure they aligned with the new design without losing functionality. At the same time, the project team needed to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort by leveraging existing content while opening opportunities for a stronger content strategy.
Solutions
Evolving Web expanded the project scope from a reskin to a full rebuild on the latest version of Drupal. This approach enabled GGC to modernize its architecture, streamline content migration, and create a sustainable, user-centered platform.
We designed and implemented an updated information architecture that highlights GGC’s distinctive offerings and focuses on student success. Key solutions include:
- Updated CMS architecture, powered by Drupal for long-term scalability.
- Component-based design with Drupal Paragraphs to give content editors a modular, intuitive editing experience that balances flexibility with sustainability.
- Groups module integration to control content editing access and streamline governance across different areas of the website.
- Bold typography, branded duotone icons, and inclusive imagery that reflect GGC’s values by showcasing diversity of backgrounds, ages, and perspectives.
- SAML authentication integration using Acquia’s updated SSO setup for secure, seamless access.
- SEO optimization tools including Metatag and XML Sitemap to maximize discoverability and search performance.
- Affordability calculators that clearly demonstrate the value of GGC’s competitive tuition rates.
- Simplified navigation and integrated content strategy—consolidating student resources, rebranding “Student Affairs” as “Student Life,” and weaving student stories directly into the user journey for a more intuitive, engaging experience.
Outcome
The new GGC website delivers a modern, accessible, and student-centered experience that strengthens the College’s digital brand. Prospective students can now explore programs more intuitively, while content editors have tools for creating more effective content. Together, we’ve updated over 400 landing pages with a more clear and consistent content strategy. The website now highlights GGC’s unique resources and supportive learning environment. It offers an improved student journey and reinforces the College’s commitment to academic success and community engagement.
Why Drupal was chosen
Drupal provides Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) with a robust, future-proof digital foundation that supports a fully flexible and scalable content management experience. Leveraging Drupal’s powerful content architecture and a component-based design system, GGC’s website empowers content editors to efficiently create, update, and manage content without relying on developer intervention. Seamless integration with third-party tools and enhanced authentication security through Acquia’s SSO and SAML ensures a secure, efficient, and modern editorial workflow.
The Drupal platform delivers a high-impact digital experience aligned with GGC’s goals of academic excellence and student engagement. Built for scalability, accessibility, and performance, their site offers an intuitive, user-centered design that meets the diverse needs of GGC’s student population while remaining adaptable to future requirements. Evolving Web’s collaborative approach ensured a solution that fully supports GGC’s educational mission and maximizes ROI for their online presence.
Technical Specifications
Drupal version:
Key modules/theme/distribution used:
- Security and compliance were key priorities for the platform. Acquia’s SSO and SAML authentication solutions were implemented to provide enterprise-grade access control, while accessibility enhancements ensured alignment with higher education web standards.
- To support a flexible and scalable editorial experience, Paragraphs and Single Directory Components (SDC) were selected to enable a modular, component-based content system. This approach allows non-technical users to easily create and manage dynamic, engaging pages using reusable components, while maintaining consistency across the site.
- The Groups module was chosen to support decentralized content governance. It enables departments to manage their own content independently through tailored permissions, ensuring clear ownership and reducing administrative overhea
