Web Services
PoliciesIn order to maintain a consistent web presence, Web Services recommends all University web developers adhere to the minimum requirements stated on our web site: (http://www.usi.edu/webservices/policy.asp)
USI Template
Web Services has developed a web page template that is customizable by department. By incorporating consistent University elements such as header graphics, specific basic page layout, and footer we are insuring that the user is able to navigate easily across departments and colleges.
Web Services also understands the unique needs of each specific project. The template has been designed with maximum flexibility in mind to address these needs. This is easily accomplished by the creation of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), which are referenced by each new page. One style sheet directs the University elements and is updated as needed by Web Services. Another style sheet is created to address unique elements within your college or department pages and it is accessible within your web folder.
We strongly recommend that all departments utilize the template for all their pages. Conversely, if individual staff members or faculty have created their own web sites relating to their classes or specific jobs, migrating those to the web template is not necessary unless specifically requested.
Folder Structure & Maintenance
The USI web server houses tens of thousands of web pages in over a hundred and fifty different folders. The performance of the server, in terms of speed and efficiency, depends heavily upon files optimized within a well-organized folder structure. Utilizing proper file naming protocols and folder structure doesn’t just boost server performance; it also makes the job of maintaining the site easier for us, for you, and your co-workers. (More on proper folder structure, proper handling of alternate file types (.pdf, .doc, .ppt, etc) & image optimization at http://www.usi.edu/webservices)
It is also essential for out of date pages, test pages, and alternate versions of pages to be deleted or archived whenever possible. As the power and reach of search engines like Google continues to grow, pages that are stored on the web server will be identified and cataloged and risk coming up during a routine search. Web Services understands the reluctance of deleting files that may need to be referenced at a later date. We encourage you to contact us if you have unique archival needs.
Email Contact links
Direct email links are a popular tool meant to give quick access to specific staff at the University. Unfortunately, listing email addresses on web pages (as “mailto:” links) has become an easy way for Spammers to “scrape” a site for their lifeblood – viable email addresses.
Another problem with “mailto:” links is that if the user does not have an email program like Outlook installed or is logged in as a guest user on a computer (as is the case in most computer labs in schools, libraries, etc), the “mailto” link will not work.
Web Services has developed a contact form to circumvent these issues. It is already linked within our universal header and programmed to recognize the last page visited. The contact form assumes the user wants to contact someone associated with that previous page, so it dynamically directs the comment to that person without incorporating a specific email address.
Fast Facts
Over 80 Student Organizations on campus, 4% of student population is Greek
Alumni Events Calendar |
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| Sunday, June 03, 2012 | |
| 4:00 PM | Alumni Family Picnic |
| Friday, June 15, 2012 | |
| 7:30 PM | God of Carnage |
| Saturday, June 16, 2012 | |
| 2:00 PM | God of Carnage |
| 7:30 PM | God of Carnage |