Policy Subject: Web page publishing guidelines for administrative offices

Cabinet Division: Advancement

Date Revised: April 2003

I. Background and Purpose

This policy is designed to set a uniform standard for appearance and quality for World Wide Web pages created and maintained by administrative offices at UW-Superior.

II. Constraints

Increasing reliance on the UW-Superior website to provide information to current and prospective students and employees as well as to the general public requires that appearance and quality standards be set for university web pages.

A commonly held belief among web experts and marketing experts is that many prospective students tend to form their initial impression of a university based on the appearance and ease of using the insitution's website.

In the February 14, 2003, edition of the Chronicle of Higher Education, educational consultant Neil A. Raisman wrote: "Web sites have become a primary marketing tool for colleges and universities. We must remember that how we present our institution online can make a difference to important outsiders. If an alumnus cannot learn from the site how to order tickets to the next football game, how happy will he be about the college when the next pledge card arrives in the mail? If a prospective student finds the site confusing or boring, how likely is she to apply?"

"...Clear, consistent design of the pages throughout the site is essential. Either to permit self-expression or to save money by not hiring a professional, some institutions let departments or offices design their own pages. The result is often an example of academic freedom run wild: No two pages use the same layouts, graphics, or fonts; many pages do not link to each other, and some even contradict one another. The message that such chaos sends to the outside world is that the college is badly run, as well as inexperienced with modern technology. Remember that potential students will compare your institution's site with the slick commercial and game sites they visit."

This policy will not interfere in any way with the academic freedom of any individual, department or program at UW-Superior.

III. Definitions

Administrative office: A university office charged primarily with an operating function of the university as opposed to a primarily academic function.

University frame: The top bar and left or bottom bar of navigation links assembled by University Relations for official university web pages.

Index page: A page showing a list or index of links to other web pages, or the first page of a website that includes introductory information about an office or department and links to additional pages.

Visual Identity System: Standards set forth regulating the use of the university logo, the athletics logo, and the university seal. Copies of the Visual Identity System are available from the University Relations Office and on the UW-Superior website.

IV. Policy Statements

4.1 Purpose of Administrative Office Websites

Websites for administrative offices and departments are business tools that belong to the university and follow university policies and procedures.

4.2 Consistent Design

UW-Superior strives to achieve a consistent design and appearance of websites created and maintained by administrative offices.

4.3 Adhering to the University Website Design

Administrative Offices with websites will ensure their sites comply with the University Website Design or seek the necessary assistance available on campus to ensure their sites comply with the University Website Design.

4.4 Selecting a University Website Design

Designing or updating the design of the overall university website will done according to standards and procedures set by the university's Web Planning Team and approved by the University Technology Committee.

4.5 Accessibility

University of Wisconsin System and UW-Superior policy require web pages to be accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments and those who have computers with slow modems or limited band-width. All university web pages must meet requirements set forth under the UW-Superior Technology Accessibility Policy.

4.6 Logos and images

All university websites shall conform to UW-Superior's Visual Identity System governing the use of university logos and the university seal.

4.7 Content

The content of an administrative website is the responsibility of the director or administrator of the office represented by that website unless other arrangements are made.

V. Policy Procedures

5.1 University Website Design Resources

Administrative offices creating or updating websites to comply with the University Website Design shall consult the UW-Superior Website Guidelines approved by the University Technology Committee. The guidelines are available on the Computing and Media Services website at http://www2.uwsuper.edu/cms

5.2 University Website Design Assistance

Administrative offices or individuals seeking assistance with the University Website Design requirements can contact Computing and Media Services.

5.3 University Technology Accessibility Policy

Administrative offices or individuals seeking assistance with meeting requirements for the university' Technology Accessibility Policy can consult Computing and Media Services for assistance.

VI. Compliance

6.1 Administrative office websites will be reviewed for compliance to the University Website Design by University Relations.

6.2 Administrative office websites that do not comply with the University Website shall update or redesign their pages to comply. Assistance will be offered to offices that lack the expertise necessary to design or create a new website.