Digital Presence and Public Scholarship Initiative

Michigan State University

Get Started

The Domains Initiative provides people from across MSU with server space and website capabilities to take charge of their online presence. With a Reclaim Hosting account, you can create a professional portfolio site using WordPress, a website for a collaborative project you are involved in, or a digital archive or book. Or all three. We provide you with the space and human support via training, an optional fellowship program, and on-demand appointments, and you have the freedom to create and share your work with the world.

Begun in 2015-16, the Domains Initiative supports faculty, staff, specialists, and graduate students from across Michigan State University. It is a university-wide endeavor, led by the College of Arts and Letters, bringing together a growing number of partnerships, including with the College of Natural Sciences, College of Education, the Hub, Academic Advancement Network, Communication and Brand Strategy, and University Outreach and Engagement.

How do I get started?

Starting your website can be one of the most intimidating steps of the process. We’re here to help! Check out the opportunities available to you below, including our Fellows Programs and available workshops.

Featured Faculty

Professor Rocío Quispe-Agnoli from the College of Arts and Letters gave some feedback and advice for new users for their Domains experience.

What opportunities have you gotten from your website that wouldn’t have come up otherwise?

“The ability to link my social (professional) media activity to drive traffic and to attract interest from others in the profession. The interactivity between a (static) website that serves as a repository of information and the embedded social media.”

What was the most rewarding part of creating your website?

“Being in control of my professional narrative and my professional/creative self-representation.”

Finally, what advice would you offer to new users?

“Ask yourself first: what is the final goal of the website? What do you want to achieve? Think of your site as a book with chapters (each chapter is a part of the menu or sub category).”

Explore Examples

Below are some of our favorite examples of Domains websites, including portfolios, work repositories, and online class content.

Tamara Butler

Amy DeRogatis

Christopher Long

Scott Schopieray

Casey Henley

Liza Potts

Christopher Frilingos

Alexandra Hidalgo

Kristen Mapes