Dakota State University Web Style Guide

Introduction

The purpose of the DSU Web Style Guide is to provide the necessary information for formatting Dakota State University web pages that will be viewed by external site visitors. Although each DSU department or office may have content managed by one or several individuals, each page under the DSU umbrella is required to adhere to certain standards in order to convey an image of "one university." These REQUIRED and OPTIONAL guidelines provide the basis of a coordinated effort to preserve a consistent identity while allowing enough flexibility so each department or office can maintain distinct characteristics.

Consistency, conventionality and predictability are necessary and essential attributes of information-based web pages.

ALL DSU departmental sites must adhere to the required recommendations if ANY of the departmental content pages are to be viewed or accessed by external site visitors.

The optional recommendations should be used primarily as a reference. Not all departmental or office webs will be limited to suggested optional layout or banner options. To that end, creative layout, navigation, and modified headers and footers are acceptable as long as the required elements are present.

External site links (those not managed by DSU) should open in a new browser window in order to let site visitors know that content managed on that site is not a direct responsibility of Dakota State University or its subsidiaries.

Departmental content should be updated in a timely fashion as necessary to reflect the most current available information. Each department should review each of its pages at least annually. If necessary, content should be updated or the modification date updated to convey a current message.

Dakota State University attempts to remain compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For a quick guide to ADA compliant website development, visit this ADA page from the U.S. Department of Justice. Within reason, all DSU Web pages must conform to the standards set forth by this act. If it is not possible to conform to these standards, alternative methods of delivery must be investigated.

All language used on the DSU Web must be coherent, concise and professional. Pages that contain errors or inappropriateness in language, grammar, or content in the judgment of University Relations must be modified to retain proper institutional standards.

Mission

The Dakota State University Internet presence provides online access to university information and resources that support teaching, learning, marketing, and administration of the university. The DSU site will facilitate the processes of research, fulfillment, and distribution of necessary material to recruit and retain students.

Rev 1.0 - 09.26.2005