The new GoldLink portal launched this past Tuesday, Feb. 15, to mixed reviews from students and faculty.This facelift to the old GoldLink allows for all of the old functions of the system. You can still check class schedules, grades and billing reports.

However, along with these traditional services, the new GoldLink portal is offering users an all-in-one package in which they can customize their individual GoldLink pages.

The customization ability allows students and faculty to change information and arrange their pages according to their specific university needs.

Anthony Kiech, technology development coordinator, said this was an opportunity for people to add and subtract things so that they could make this site their own.

Sophomore Brendan Clark said he believes the site is a move in the right direction for the campus.

“It looks like the customization will have a bit of a learning curve, but once everyone catches on it will be very nice,” Clark said. “This is a huge step up from the old system though.”

Despite Clark’s optimistic view of the new website, there are some students who do not wish to take the time to customize their pages.

Senior Josh Elkins said that the website could be too time-consuming with how much he has going on during his day.

“I will probably just use it for what I need it for and not really change too much,” Elkins said. “It is a lot of work and I really do not have time to do it.”

Elkins added that he understood that this change is for the better and they were trying to make it easier for those using the site.

Users also have the chance to navigate through the various ETSU online outlets. This will eliminate people from having to go through the hassle of signing in and out of different websites.

“You have a single sign-on and you don’t have to put your password in again and again for all these different things,” Kiech said.

Renee Couch, assistant director of the Department of Housing and Residence Life, thinks the single sign-on is a great installment.

“I don’t have to log into D2L and then log into Banner,” said Couch.

“I like it.”

There is always the fear that comes along with something new, especially when talking about technology.

Kiech understands that this is new but believes that it is bringing the proper tools to the fingertips of all different kinds of computer users.

“We have tried to make it very easy with online tutorials on the homepage,” Kiech said. “It has a higher learning curve but this tells you everything you need to know.”

Kiech said he understands there are students who have been here for four or more years who might not want to change.

“This is why the site has something for everybody.”

Junior Landon McMurray said that this new version is a great idea and that it will benefit students in many ways.

“It has a new face that makes navigating easier,” McMurray said.

Author