Northwestern WebComm: Your Hub for University Web Resources
Quick Summary
- Centralized web resource support
- Comprehensive CMS guidance
- Ensuring web standards
- Dedicated expert assistance
- Enhancing digital presence
Northwestern University's Office of Global Marketing and Communications (OGMC) provides a dedicated WebComm service designed to support the university's diverse digital presence. This internal team offers comprehensive guidance and resources for managing and enhancing official Northwestern websites. From content management systems to digital guidelines, WebComm ensures that all online platforms align with university standards and effectively serve their intended audiences. WebComm serves as a central hub for web content contributors, developers, and administrators across the university. They assist with various online applications and tools, including the popular Cascade CMS, NUsites, and the PlanIt Purple calendar system. Their mission is to empower internal teams to create, maintain, and optimize their web content efficiently and securely.
- 📋 Preparing for Content Management within Northwestern
- 📍 Accessing Your Northwestern Web Editing Environment
- ⭐ Unlocking the Potential of University Web Platforms
- ⚠️ Addressing Web Content System Disruptions
- 🔒 Upholding Digital Trust: Web Governance at Northwestern
- 🎧 Official Help Desk Contacts
- ❓ Key Information for Northwestern Web Contributors
Preparing for Content Management within Northwestern
- University Affiliation: To utilize WebComm's resources for managing a Northwestern University website, you must be an authorized faculty, staff, or student contributor.
- Required Training Completion: Gaining access to content management systems like Cascade CMS often necessitates completing mandatory training sessions provided by WebComm. These sessions ensure users understand the system's functionalities and adherence to university web standards.
- System Access Privileges: Specific permissions are required for editing or managing content on platforms like Cascade CMS and NUsites. These are typically granted after training and based on your role within the university.
- Adherence to Guidelines: All web contributors are expected to follow Northwestern University's established website guidelines, including those for web content, privacy, domain names, and the overall web style guide.
Accessing Your Northwestern Web Editing Environment
- Initial Access Setup: To begin editing web content, first contact WebComm to secure the necessary account and permissions for systems like Cascade CMS or NUsites.
- Complete Mandatory Training: Before full editing access is granted, you may need to complete required training modules, particularly for Cascade CMS. This ensures you are proficient in using the platform.
- Utilize University Authentication: Once your account is set up and training is complete, access your assigned web editing environment (e.g., Cascade CMS, NUsites) through Northwestern University's standard authentication process, typically using your NetID and password.
- Consult Platform-Specific Documentation: For detailed login procedures or any specific system requirements, refer to the documentation available on the respective platform's help site, such as the Cascade Help Site for CMS users.
Unlocking the Potential of University Web Platforms
- Content Management System (CMS) Support: WebComm offers extensive support for Cascade CMS, providing help documentation, frequently asked questions (FAQs), dedicated training sessions, and access to a user community for updates and shared knowledge.
- NUsites and Branded Templates: Users managing sites built with the NUsites branded template can find detailed documentation and support. WebComm also offers guidance for branded university web templates.
- University Calendar System (PlanIt Purple) Assistance: Get help with PlanIt Purple through FAQs, best practices documentation, and a service request form for specific support needs.
- Website Guidelines and Best Practices: WebComm provides comprehensive guidelines covering requirements, recommendations, and tools for all university websites. This includes advice on web content, accessibility, and search optimization.
- Search Optimization (SEO) Guidance: Receive expert advice and best practices for search engine optimization, including strategies for webmasters, editors, and content providers.
- Developer Resources: Technical documentation and resources are available for developers working with applications maintained by OGMC, including Cascade CMS, NU Search, and PlanIt Purple Feeds.
- Google Analytics Support: Learn about implementing Google Analytics 4 and best practices for reporting website traffic to gain valuable insights.
Addressing Web Content System Disruptions
⚠️ Accessing Cascade CMS or NUsites
Cause: Issues with login, permissions, or general system usage for content management platforms.
Solution: We understand encountering difficulties with digital platforms can be frustrating. For immediate assistance with website edits or questions related to Cascade CMS, please email [email protected]. If your site uses NUsites and you have questions after reviewing the documentation, reach out to [email protected]. Quick questions can often be resolved during WebComm's drop-in Q&A sessions.
⚠️ PlanIt Purple Calendar System Issues
Cause: Problems with using the university's online calendar, such as event posting or display.
Solution: If you are experiencing challenges with PlanIt Purple, the most efficient way to receive assistance is to fill out the dedicated PlanIt Purple Service Request Form. This ensures your issue is directed to the appropriate support team for prompt resolution.
⚠️ General Web Resource Inquiries
Cause: Unsure about web policies, best practices, or requesting new web development projects.
Solution: For broader questions regarding university web resources, policies, or to initiate a project request, navigate to the Web Resources section on the Northwestern University website. You can also utilize the Request a Project button for new initiatives.
Upholding Digital Trust: Web Governance at Northwestern
- 🔒 Adhere to Web Style Guide: Always follow the University's official web style guide for design and content, ensuring consistency and compliance with university standards.
- 🔒 Review Website Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the comprehensive website guidelines that outline requirements, recommendations, and tools for secure and effective university websites.
- 🔒 Respect Privacy & Consent: Uphold the Privacy and Consent Guidelines and understand the Cookie Consent FAQ to ensure sensitive information and user data are handled appropriately.
- 🔒 Implement Accessibility Best Practices: Apply accessibility best practices to improve digital access and user experience for all individuals, fostering an inclusive online environment.
- 🔒 Utilize SEO Recommendations: Employ WebComm's SEO advice and best practices to ensure content is discoverable and optimized, while maintaining ethical digital communication standards.
🎧 Official Support & Help Center
Email: [email protected] (for general web editing and Cascade CMS queries) Email: [email protected] (for NUsites specific inquiries) For PlanIt Purple, use the PlanIt Purple Service Request Form.
Key Information for Northwestern Web Contributors
Q: How do I gain access to edit a Northwestern website?
Access to edit Northwestern University websites, particularly those managed via Cascade CMS, typically requires completing mandatory training provided by WebComm. After training, system access permissions are granted based on your role within the university. You can begin by contacting WebComm to inquire about getting an account and scheduling training.
Q: What are the standards for web content at Northwestern University?
Northwestern University has established comprehensive Website Guidelines covering content, privacy, domain names, and a specific Web Style Guide. These guidelines ensure consistency, accessibility, and legal compliance across all official university web presences. You can find these resources on the WebComm support pages.
Q: Where can I find training for Northwestern's web tools?
WebComm provides various training options, including Cascade CMS 'Basic' Training, which is often mandatory for gaining CMS access. You can find help documentation, FAQs, and information on scheduling training sessions, including monthly office hours, on the WebComm support pages.
Q: Who should I contact for technical help with a university website?
For assistance with website edits or questions related to Cascade CMS, you should email [email protected]. For NUsites inquiries after reviewing documentation, please contact [email protected]. For PlanIt Purple issues, use the dedicated Service Request Form.
Wrap Up
Northwestern University's WebComm team is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in managing the university's online presence. By providing structured support, comprehensive training, and clear guidelines, WebComm ensures that Northwestern's digital platforms remain robust, accessible, and consistent. Leveraging these resources empowers content contributors to maintain a high-quality online experience for the entire university community and beyond.