Campus Communicators' Resource Centre

Are you a communications professional at the U of S? If so, there are many specialized tools and resources available in the Campus Communicators' Resource Centre to help you in your everyday work.

PAWS
Access the group through
your PAWS account

 

Not a member?
Contact communications@usask.ca to join the Campus Communicators' Network.

U of S websites

Consistent and high-quality web design is crucial in maintaining a strong U of S visual identity. It is equally important that U of S websites meet the standards of great content, ease of use and accessibility. U of S websites should help the university achieve its strategic goals while helping priority audiences achieve their goals.

Create purposeful websites

To ensure your website provides value to your visitors and maximizes its success, use an evidence-based and task-focused approach throughout all stages of development. Consider:

  • Why does your site exist? What is the purpose or goal of your site? Establish business objectives.
  • Does your website's function align with your unit/organization's goals?
  • Who is your target audience? Think about the profile of the people who come to your site and who you would like to attract. What do they need? What are they looking for?
  • What are the top tasks? What do people come to your site to do? What do you want them to do? After you identify your audiences and tasks, think about the content and services you have for each group and make sure it meets the needs of your users.

Website layout

Following preferred U of S website layout will ensure a cohesive web presence amongst all usask.ca pages. A strong visual affiliation to the University of Saskatchewan adds strength to your message, a consistent navigation system brings familiarity and comfort to your visitor, and a large customizable area allows for the creativity necessary to set your page apart.

The following are suggested elements in U of S websites:

  • A standard header, including:
    • The University of Saskatchewan logo in the upper left corner of the page, which links to the University of Saskatchewan home page.
    • To the right of the logo, tertiary navigation that provides a link to a PAWS. Tertiary navigation may also include links to the campus map, A-Z directory and other audience-specific links.
    • To the right of tertiary navigation, a search box, which uses the institutional search tool.
    • Below the logo, tertiary navigation and search box, a department/unit title block spanning the width of the page including a three-square graphic element followed by the name of the department/unit.
  • A standard navigation system spanning the width of the page, filled with a gray-gradient background, including:
    • Menu options in white text that are flush left. If a drop down menu is present, it should be indicated by a green arrow aligned to the right of each individual menu item. The number of menu items should be restricted to allow adequate space between each element.
    • Optional social media links can appear as icons that are flush right. You can choose to add links for Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Wikipedia, LinkedIn, MySpace, Flickr, etc.
  • A standard footer, including:
    • The University of Saskatchewan alternate (gray) logo in the bottom left corner of the page, which links to the University of Saskatchewan home page.
    • Optional social media links can appear as icons that are flush right. You can choose to add links for Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Wikipedia, LinkedIn, MySpace, Flickr, etc.
    • Up to five links to other webpages, including Contact, Disclaimer and Privacy.
    • The copyright statement "© University of Saskatchewan".

Notes about general layout

The recommended layout uses both fixed and variable widths. This allows the width of the web pages to expand and contract within a certain range. It also ensures that computers with larger screen sizes don’t have paragraphs of text stretch across the entire screen in a single line, while allowing for readability on smaller screens. Accessibility for visual impairment is addressed by allowing font size adjustment.

For more information

The development of usask.ca websites can come from various sources. Contact your college or unit’s Communications Co-ordinator, your college or unit’s IT department, the university’s ICT department, Advancement Services department, eMAP, or University Communications for more information.