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Website News
CAS Web Site Reaches 5-Year Milestone October 1, 2001, marks the CAS Web Site's (www.casact.org) fifth anniversary of providing news and information to CAS members, candidates, and the public. Launched and managed by the Committee on Online Services (COOS), the CAS Web Site usage has grown from about 7,000 Web pages accessed in its first month to nearly 700,000 a month during July 2001.
The CAS began offering online services in 1993 with the CAS Bulletin Board System (BBS), the Web site's forerunner. An April 1996 survey conducted by the CAS Task Force on Electronic Services found the membership to be keenly interested in the possibilities of a CAS Web Site. The CAS Executive Council approved the idea of a Web site in July 1996 and the CAS Board of Directors was given the first look at the proposed Web site during its meeting in September 1996. The Web site was activated to the public in October 1996.
Five years from its activation, through continuous enhancements, the CAS Web Site continues to be at the forefront of online services provided by professional societies. Some major milestones include:
October 1, 1996—CAS Web Site launched. December 1996—Fall 1996 exam passing candidate numbers posted (Web site usage increases 500% over the first month). May 1997—CAS Online Catalog introduced. August 1997—CAS Downloadable Library introduced. October 1998—First CAS Online Course activated. February 1999—30 past volumes of the Proceedings added to the Download Library. October 1999—Spin-off Web site, www.BeAnActuary.org, introduced. May 2000—Complete collection of the ASTIN Bulletin (70 volumes) added to the Download Library (Web site usage surpasses half a million viewed pages per month for the first time). September 2000—Online meeting registration form implemented for the 2000 CAS Annual Meeting. October 2000—Online dues form implemented. May 2001—All Proceedings(1914-1959) added to the Web site. All Forums and Discussion Paper Programs are also available online.
Web site developments over the next year will focus on increasing overall Web site usability with such features as pre-populated Web site forms, online exam registration for CAS candidates, online publication ordering, and an improved Participation Survey.
COOS welcomes feedback on the CAS Web Site and other online services. To contribute ideas or comments, e-mail COOS Chair Stewart Sawyer (stewart_sawyer@acordia.com.)