Web Policy FAQs

1. Do I have to use the template?
   No, the template is not required. It is provided to help Web authors in designing pages and to encourage consistency throughout the site. There are good reasons for consistency--it helps enhance graphic identity, provides visitors with a clear sense of place, and complements other university publications and materials. Very creative things can be done both within the template and within policy guidelines. It's just a question of how creative you want to be.
   
2. What is the difference between an official and an unofficial page?
   An official page is the sanctioned and publicly-accessible Web page for the University or any of its colleges, departments, offices, services, or other units. Currently most of these pages reside on www.winthrop.edu but may reside on other servers. An unofficial page is a Web page that represents some individual or organization that is part of the Winthrop community. Most of these pages currently reside on faculty.winthrop.edu and www.birdnest.org, but some may reside on other servers. These pages may include [but are not limited to] course syllabi and teaching materials, research and instructional materials, organizational information, and personal self-expression. They are governed by the Appropriate Use Policy, but since they do not represent official entities at Winthrop, they are not governed by the Winthrop University Web Policy.
3. What are the required elements on official pages?
   The official logotype, a link back to the Winthrop homepage and a link to the disclaimer statement.
4. Who determines content on official pages?
   The department head determines your content. That person will also likely have thoughts on look, graphics, use of the template, etc., to help guide you in creating an official site. The Web developer can help you think through things you might want to include as well.
5. Does my faculty page on http://faculty.winthrop.edu have to be in compliance with this policy?
   No, your faculty page is not considered an official page. Course syllabi, reading lists, etc., on faculty pages are not governed by this policy.
6. Can I use frames on my site?
   Yes, but it is not recommended. Our search technology and entry points within the Internet's most popular search engines will pick up individual pages of a frameset. Some people will come to an individual page and not ever see the navigation on your site. For more info check out: http://www.winthrop.edu/Web/howto/11.htm. If you would like to see a tutorial with more things to consider while building Websites, please see: http://www.winthrop.edu/Web/howto/1.htm.
7. Can I scan the logo off of printed material I have?
   No, we provide Web ready graphics and sized versions of our logo. You can find these on the Web services site at http://www.winthrop.edu/Web/logos.htm. If you need a logo that is sized differently or needs a different color background contact the Web developer. These efforts help preserve the quality of our logo.
8. What is the ALT tag and why do I need to put it on certain images?
   The ALT tag makes Web pages more accessible to people with disabilities. People who use speech technology along with their browsers can use Web pages much easier if ALT tags are placed on pages.
9. If I need approval for the use of Winthrop's name, logos or graphics on an external site, what should I do?
   Only external Web sites in which Winthrop University shares sponsorship, has partnered with, or otherwise is officially affiliated may use the university's copyrighted and trademarked official logos and logotypes. However, non-affiliated external Web sites may include text links to official Winthrop Web page.
   
   In ALL cases, permission to link to official pages or use the university's copyrighted and trademarked official logos and logotypes must be sought and obtained in writing from the University Relations director, art director, or Web designer. To obtain an External usage form, please visit the following page: http://www.winthrop.edu/Web/ExternalUsageForm.pdf. You must have Adobe Acrobat to download this form.
   
10. Who should I contact about joining the Web committee?
    Vice presidents and deans made recommendations regarding membership of the Web Advisory Committee. Talk to your dean or vice president about your interest. Students who are interested should contact the Web developer.

If you have a question that you would like to add to this list, email the Web developer.