<< Return to Home Page

Web Site Development Policy
(Full Version)

Summary and Policy Home Page

Web Site Policy Document

INTRODUCTION: WEB SITE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
FOR INSTITUTIONAL AND PERSONAL PAGES

REQUIRED STANDARDS FOR PERSONAL WEB PAGES

REQUIRED STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR INSTITUTIONAL WEB PAGES

SITE RESPONSIBILITY AND ENFORCEMENT OF STANDARDS

I. WEB SITE ENVIRONMENTS AND TOOLS
A. Server environment
B. Desktop development environments
C. Multimedia server environment
D. Web publishing tools
E. Graphic/image files

II. CONTENT ORGANIZATION/SITE ARCHITECTURE
A. Process for Organization

III. CONTENT TEXT – WRITING/STYLE/PRESENTATION
A. Common elements and conventions
B. Structure
C. Diction
D. Correctness
E. References

IV. UWRF BRANDING REQUIREMENTS
A.& B. Common page elements
C. Page size
D. Font style and size
E. Colors
F. Breadcrumbs
G. Content terminology and usage

V. WEB PUBLISHING CONVENTIONS
A. Navigation
B. Accessibility
C. Opening new browser windows
D. Limiting file size
D1. File Management and Naming
E. Optimizing images
F. Use of HTML
G. Use of publishing elements other than HTML
H. Use of layers
I. Use of frames
J. Naming of files
K. Addressing of files
L. Use of alt tags
M. Use of motion
N. Use of meta tags
O. Use of mailto tags vs. HTML/CGI contact forms
P. Use of “under construction” links
Q. Usability by search engines
R. Usability by various browsers/versions/technologies

APPENDIX A. TERMINOLOGY, USAGE, AND SPELLING

APPENDIX B. ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT

Campus Web Development Office
21 North Hall, 425-0661
webmaster@uwrf.edu

SECTION III. CONTENT TEXT - WRITING/STYLE/PRESENTATION

D. Correctness

STANDARDS:

1. Ensure that all writing on an institutional Web site conforms to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and usage. See Appendix A for standardized terminology, usage, and spelling.

2. Proofread and edit Web pages carefully to correct typographical and other errors. Even if you have checked the document carefully before putting it into HTML, be sure to proofread it again after it is in HTML.

3. Consult the UWRF style guide first. If in doubt about correct usage, consult one of the major manuals of style, such as the Associated Press Stylebook or The Chicago Manual of Style. See below resources for further sources of information about good Web writing.

Explanation:
Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage increase the clarity of the information presented. In addition, correct writing sends an implicit message of competence, attention to detail, and professionalism – all of which increase the user's confidence in and respect for the information and the site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

University of Wisconsin - River Falls
410 South Third Street River Falls, WI USA 54022-5001 (715)425-3911
Copyright © 1995-2008 University of Wisconsin-River Falls