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Web Format and Content Guidelines
Overview
Content Guidelines
Format Guidelines
Montana State University in Bozeman maintains a Web site to provide information
about the University to the campus community and the public at large. Individuals,
departments, divisions, and colleges may develop and maintain local Web pages
within the [montana.edu] domain. These guidelines are to insure that Web pages
within the [montana.edu] domain further the purpose of MSU's Web site.
For more information about the Web Content and Format Guidelines and branding expectations, please contact MSU Web Communications.
The object of these guidelines is to ensure that the content of Web pages
accurately represent Montana State University.
Content must be consistent with the purpose of
MSU's Web site.
Content must conform to Acceptable Use Policies, and MSU's Computing Policy, and MSU's Graphic Identity and Branding Policy so that it is
- Non-discriminatory,
- Non-commercial, and
- Protective of individual privacy.
Language must be suitable to a public forum.
Content provided must be appropriately current and accurate.
Links are to be monitored, with non-functioning links removed or repaired regularly.
The object of these guidelines is to ensure that Web pages present a favorable,
professional image of Montana State University.
Spelling and grammar should be correct.
HTML should be used correctly.
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Use of the MSU identity should comply with the MSU's Graphic Identity and Branding Policy.
- All MSU Web pages should be constructed using the standard MSU Web templates and style sheets, and supporting graphics should be compatible with those standards.
- All new MSU Web sites must be reviewed by MSU Web Communications prior to being published live in order to ensure Web branding consistency.
Images should load correctly within a reasonable amount of time.
- Large images may load very slowly and can discourage those attempting
to browse your pages. Make the viewing of large images optional
by showing them as links and forewarning your audience of their
size.
Example: Aerial
view of the MSU campus (179K)
- Include alternate text for users browsing in a text only mode by using
the ALT= parameter of the IMG tag.
Example: Always
include alternate text with images: <IMG SRC="images/photo-125.gif" border="0" WIDTH="125" HEIGHT="110" ALT="Aerial
view of the Montana State University campus">
Relative links should be used in place of the full URL whenever possible.
- To link to a file in the same directory on the server, just use the filename in the link.
Example: <A HREF="filename.html">Filename</A>
- To link to a file in a subdirectory on the server, use the directory
and filename in the link.
Example: <AHREF="directory/filename.html">Filename</A>
- See HTML Sampler or other HTML references for a full explanation of link syntax.
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Navigational aids should be provided to assist the user in returning
to MSU's home page.
- Several standard methods of navigation are build into the Web templates and these features should not be modified.
Documentation should be displayed on each page to indicate:
- The office responsible for the page should be displayed with contact information in the "Contact Us" box of the program home page,
- Date that every page was last updated should be included as indicated within the standard Web template.
Institutional and local pages should include information to facilitate accurate indexing by search engines.
Pages should be checked before posting for accuracy and correct coding.
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