Introduction

Our Web site is a vital communications tool for the University, its image, and its identity. It’s often our first means of contact with prospective students, faculty, and staff. For some audiences it’s our only means of communication. Therefore, it is essential that the Web site meets the highest standards of identity, design, navigation, accessibility, and reliability.

In order to provide a Web experience that is unified and represents the University constituency’s official voice and message, this guide sets out best practices and standards that have been adopted to support brand identity, search engine optimization, accessibility, legal requirements, as well as consistency in appearance and user experience.

Scope

The information that follows applies to all University Web pages and is intended for content managers and editors who are responsible for the material published on the University Web site by their department, division, or program.
University Communications Web Services determines and is in charge of the University web presence.  All requests for design changes must come to Web Services.

No outside vendors or consultants may be hired for the purpose of designing new navigation or pages without first consulting Web Services. External developers or vendors developing pages for any University department or program must work with Web Services for specific guidelines.

Developing a Web Site

Creating a Web site starts with defining one’s audience. Creating and maintaining a Web site requires an investment of time, personnel, and financial resources. Web Services collaborates with academic and administrative offices to develop a Web presence.

The first step in developing a new Web site or when taking the reins of an existing Web site is to contact Web Services.  Web Services will meet with the content managers and, when appropriate, the administrative management or dean’s office associated with that site to plan the site’s focus and direction.

Faculty and staff designated as content managers should familiarize themselves with the standards so that they can provide effective and timely content that also works within the University brand and image.

Branding and Identity

Montclair State University’s identity and brand reflect our mission, goals, and strategic plan. Our brand is well-established on various levels--visual, cultural, and emotional. The Web site supports this identity in ways that range from the proper use of University’s logo, to the development and management of effective content, and to the Web site’s overall professional appearance. Web services works to produce Web sites that support the University brand along with the identity of each University department, division, college, and school.

Consistency of design, continuity and commitment to excellence can further reinforce our identity both within the University community and externally. All communications and marketing materials that represent Montclair State University must adhere to the requirements outlined by University Communications.

Design

The design of a Web site should always reflect the message, brand, and identity of the University. It should target the defined audience while maintaining a very high standard of accessibility and usability. It is important to plan and to take into consideration management resources and the technical capabilities of the audience.

Creative design elements, such as animation, must support the message of the site and meet technical standards as outlined by Web Services’ guidelines. 

Content

Construct your content and page structure to meet the needs of your audience. Write for the Web, not print.   Content should be clear and concise. Avoid long, wordy paragraphs. For long pages break content into sections for easy scanning using HTML objects like heading tags and bulleted lists. All content should be reviewed and links verified at least twice a year.

Navigation

Good navigation is the foundation of a good Web site. Aspects of good navigation include clear language, logical order, and consistent navigation on all pages.

When developing navigation for your Web site, consider where your visitors would expect to find pages, the language with which they identify.

Accessibility and Usability

Because the University Web site is visited by individuals with a wide range of ability, content managers should be mindful factors that impact web page accessibility such as font size, use of color, alt tags for images, or heading tags.
Essential content should never be solely provided in an image, and audio file, or a video.  Whenever possible make text version of your content available.

The University’s Web site templates have been created to optimize accessibility and usability on University web pages.  Whenever possible make use of the tools provided via the University templates.