This Web page provides information and access to obtain the new MSU branded Web templates. These templates will provide an overall visual consistency for MSU's Web presence and all units affiliated with MSU should begin using these templates to convert and maintain their Web sites. If you have a question about whether the templates apply to your unit, please contact MSU Web Communications.

There is not a fixed deadline for conversion of existing sites to the new templates, but Web content owners are encouraged to revise their site designs as soon as is feasible. Starting immediately, produce any new Web sites using the branded Web templates.

Each MSU unit will be responsible for converting their own Web resources, but MSU Web Communications can assist with Web template selection and set-up, Web graphical style guidelines, and in some cases can provide direct assistance with the conversion and design.

All Web site conversions and design work should be coordinated with MSU Web Communications to ensure appropriate graphical and messaging brand standards are met. Final Web site designs must be submitted for review prior to publishing live pages. It's advisable to contact MSU Web Communications early in your Web design or conversion process.

Web site owners may also contact the Information Technology Center (ITC) for assistance with converting and constructing Web sites using the new templates. In those instances ITC will coordinate the graphical development and branding review process with MSU Web Communications.

About the templates

There are a few template code options available, depending on different server or maintenance needs. Within each coded set of templates there are multiple layout choices that can be selected depending on the user's content needs. (These can be previewed using the provided links below.) The preferred default layout for most pages will be one of the layouts with a left-side navigation column, but other options are provided. If you cannot determine how to place your content within one of these layouts, contact MSU Web Communications for assistance.

The template options available include versions for standard HTML with no additional markup, versions with Macromedia Dreamweaver markup for use in Dreamweaver or Contribute, versions with Server-Side Includes (SSI) markup, versions with PHP include statements, and versions that are XHTML 1.0 Transitional compliant. The SSI and PHP include versions of the templates require the least amount of template maintenance as they reference all of their branded components in a central university wide location. The Dreamweaver/Contribute templates require a little more maintenance as each template in use will have to be updated as changes occur. The standard HTML and XHTML templates require the most maintenance as they have no mechanism for updating individual sites as template updates occur - these should be used only when absolutely necessary (i.e. something prevents the use of one of the other templates). If you need assistance selecting which templates to use, contact MSU Web Communications.

The templates themselves include several standard features that should be utilized to the greatest extent possible. These include a "Contact Information" box in the left navigation column that should be included at least on the home page for every unit, a common navigation scheme for primary links in the left column, and a text-only option with a last update note at the bottom of each page.

Consistency of text and type styles is one of the most important features of the new branded templates. All of the text formatting and styles in the templates are now based on centrally-served Cascading Style Sheets (CSS.) Users should not use local text coding to override these styles.

There also are a few standard graphical title styles, particularly for use on home pages. Examples of these can be found on some of the new Web sites that are beginning to become available. If you need assistance with graphical styles or integration with your Web site contact MSU Web Communications for assistance.

New MSU branding guidelines are currently under development that will more specifically define graphical standards for both print and Web presentation. More information will be forthcoming on these soon. In the meantime some of the basic concepts to apply when considering Web design include:

1. Do not visually modify or create variations of the templates and their associated styles. Content development should be done within the parameters of the template and the text styles.
2. The use of pertinent, high-quality photography that reinforces the university's brand messaging is highly encouraged. Do not use "gimmicks" or digital effects to present photography. Select the best pertinent photography you can obtain and display it simply.
3. Do not use alternate logos or other graphical variations to define custom identities for your unit's Web graphics. Consistency of visual identity, with a focus on pertinent, useful content and messaging, with high-quality photographic images are the primary objectives for the new Web branding.

If you would like assistance with conceptual planning and development of graphical elements of your Web site design or conversion, please contact MSU Web Communications for assistance.

If you have any problems with this process contact MSU Web Communications for assistance.

Download the templates

If you have any problems with downloading the templates, please contact MSU Web Communications for assistance.

1 Col - Left Nav (fix) v0.14c
1 Col - Right Nav (fix) v0.14c
1 Col - Dual Nav (fix) v0.14c
1 Col - No Nav (fix) v0.14c

1 Col - Left Nav (fix) v0.14n
1 Col - Right Nav (fix) v0.14n
1 Col - Dual Nav (fix) v0.14n
1 Col - No Nav (fix) v0.14n

1 Col - Left Nav (fix) v0.12s
1 Col - Right Nav (fix) v0.12s
1 Col - Dual Nav (fix) v0.13s
1 Col - No Nav (fix) v0.12s

1 Col - Left Nav (fix) v0.12x

1 Col - Left Nav (fix) v0.12p
1 Col - Right Nav (fix) v0.12p
1 Col - Dual Nav (fix) v0.13p
1 Col - No Nav (fix) v0.12p

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 1/28/2008