Web Page Content and Design Guidelines
To maintain consistency, accuracy, and overall quality of content and design, printed publications representing The University of Oklahoma are required to follow certain guidelines and even be reviewed prior to publication. With the advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web, and the proliferation of electronic publications representing OU departments, units, and individuals, it is not feasible for each OU Web page to be reviewed by OU Public Affairs or other campus publications officers.
Instead, OU Web page developers are encouraged to learn the Publications Policy, as it applies to Web pages, and to incorporate those guidelines into their pages.
These policies apply to OU web pages representing University colleges, departments, programs and sanctioned organizations. Should you have any questions about these guidelines, please call OU Public Affairs at (405)325-1701.
- The words The University of Oklahoma should always be prominently displayed on the homepage of each Web document.
- The name of the institution is The University of Oklahoma. Please do not use the designation Oklahoma University. The initials OU (without periods) may be used on second reference.
- The University seal is reserved for use in official University publications and on degrees, certificates and legal documents. It should not be used for advertising purposes or in homepages that publicize a facility, event, or service of the University.
- The purpose of the Web page and audience for whom it is intended should be clear.
- All homepages are expected to use accurate, standardized information on enrollment, research funding, number of faculty, number of buildings, acreage, finances, etc., which is available from the Division of Public Affairs, phone 325-1701.
- The homepage should leave readers with a positive impact and the impression that warm and friendly people stand ready to serve their needs at the University.
- The homepage should be attractive and well-designed. The copy should convey information accurately, concisely, clearly and in a style that invites readership and avoids jargon.
- The homepage should include instruction about how readers can obtain additional information, and if possible, an e-mail link.
- The "Equal Opportunity Statement" must have a link from the Disclaimer button at the bottom of each official University homepage. The shortened version of the statement, which is appropriate for OU Web pages, states, "The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution."
- This line should appear in ALL homepages that promote campus events or programs: "Accommodations on the basis of disability are available by contacting (phone; name and address are desirable but optional) by (date, or as soon as possible)."
- Each OU Web page developer is responsible for posting information that is accurate and current. Each homepage should indicate the date information was last posted.