Web Resources
The University's main home page and web site, located at http://www.und.edu, is administered jointly by Information Technology Systems and Services (ITSS) and the Office of University Relations. ITSS is responsible for technology; University Relations manages web content. Departments place their information online; training is available from the Office of University Relations.
For more information, contact Jan Orvik, web manager, University Relations, (701)777-3621, janorvik@und.edu; or the ITSS help desk at (701)777-2222, ITSShelp@und.edu.
Web space is available to faculty, academic departments, administrative offices, and student organizations.
Applying for Web Space
Faculty, departments, offices and student organizations may obtain web space by filling out a web space request form AND an acceptable use policy (included in the web space request form).
Complete the following & mail or fax to:
Jan Orvik
Office of University Relations
411 Twamley Hall
264 Centennial Drive
Stop 7144
Grand Forks, ND 58202
Fax: (701) 777-4616
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UND Web Templates
All units using The University of North Dakota web resources except faculty and student organization web sites are required to use the UND Web templates. There are four tiers or layouts.
The implementation of these templates throughout the University will increase consistency in user experience, navigation, and accessibility, as well as help brand the University of North Dakota and provide for a cohesive online experience.
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Building Your Web Site
You may use HTML, DreamWeaver, Netscape Composer, or other programs to build your web site. We do not recommend use of Front Page because of problems uploading to the main server. We offer courses through the U2 program, a basic HTML primer (http://www.und.edu/dept/our/html/webhelp,html) and individual training. Call 777-2474 to make an appointment for training.
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Web Site Standards
All pages on the main server, except faculty pages and student organizations, must conform to standard guidelines. This includes a the standard UND banner across the top of the page and a custom header. Contact University Relations if you would like a custom header developed for your site.
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Uploading Your Web Site
You will use FTP (file transfer protocol) to upload your web pages to the main server.
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Linking Your Web Site
Once your site is developed and published, contact University Relations to have it linked on the main server. E-mail the UND Webmaster, janorvik@mail.und.edu, or call 777-2474 or 777-3621.
Please note that we do not link pages until they are published.
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Web Site Best Practices
Best practices are a set of guidelines for members of the University of North Dakota community who develop and maintain web sites. Because a large variety of people use UND web sites, we need to ensure that our readers are able to easily find, understand and use our information. UND sites should be consistent, professional, and useful.
Custom URL's
If you have space on the main UND server (www.und.edu), you may request a "custom URL" such as www.yourdepartmentname.und.edu from the University Relations office. E-mail janorvik@und.edu with your request. Your original path (www.und.edu/dept/yourdepartmentname) will remain valid, and you will continue to use your original URL to update your information online. Please note that these custom URL's are limited to departments and offices and are not available to individuals and organizations.
Writing for the Web
Writing for the web is different than writing for print or publication. Readers tend to scan web content rather than read each word. They read more slowly online. To help your readers, cut the word count, use lots of sub-headings and bulleted lists, and limit yourself to one idea per paragraph. Make sure you proofread and edit your content. Keep writing concise, clear, and friendly. Avoid jargon or acronyms.
Designing for the Web
Keep your pages consistent so readers don’t get lost within your site. Help them find their way with "breadcrumbs" (subtitles and titles). Note that many search engines use titles as a way to determine ranking in searches.
- When laying out a page, make the most important items the most prominent.
- Note that colors you choose may not look the same on all monitors. When you work with colors using software such as PhotoShop, use RGB (additive) colors, not CMY (subtractive).
- Limit the fonts you use to just one or two.
- Check your site on multiple browsers (at least IE and Firefox).
- Always display a link to go back to the UND home page and to your home page. This helps readers find their way through the site.
- Avoid the use of white text on a dark background. People with sight disabilities find it hard to read. And, when you print the page, you'll often get a blank page or very light text.
- Don't use frames. They're difficult to navigate and print and a visitor can't bookmark or link to them.
Usability
Many people use search engines to find your page. Be sure the University name and logo are at the top of the page and point to www.und.edu . Place your office/department name prominently and let people know where they are. Let each page function independently.
- Keep navigation consistent and clear throughout the site.
- Test your site.
- Make sure it loads quickly.
Graphics and Images
- Keep your graphics as small as possible to help your pages load quickly. If you can, reduce the number of colors. Make your images the exact size you need. Use PhotoShop, Fireworks, or other image software to compress and optimize images and reduce the size of the graphics file rather than trying to resize it in HTML.
- Include height and width specifications in your image tags. This speeds the loading time and lets the browser know how much space to allow for the image. Don't use the width and height attributes to resize an image; this could cause your images to display incorrectly.
- JPEG (.jpg) graphics are used for photos.
- GIF (.gif) are used most often for graphs, charts, and other graphics, such as buttons.
- PNG (.png) are used for illustrations and photos. They support a transparent background.
Maintaining your Site
- Test your site and links often. Broken links and images frustrate your readers and cause them turn to sites other than yours.
- Keep your information up-to-date. If some information on your site is old, the rest of the site loses credibility, too.
- Check your site from off-campus and with a modem to see how quickly it loads and how it displays.
- If you update a page, try to use the same URL so people who've bookmarked your site or linked to it don't experience a "page not found" error. If this is impossible, contact University Relations for a page redirect.
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Find a Bad Link?
If you find an outdated or broken link, please contact the UND Webmaster, or janorvik@und.edu We'll be happy to fix it or pass the information along to the site owner.
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Password Protecting Your Web Site
Do you have information not everyone should have access to? Protect it with this tutorial.
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History of the UND Web Site
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