Web Presence Project

Updated 9/12/07

9/10/07
Template header to be updated globally; individual files can be downloaded
The University's Web Presence and Marketing & Communications teams have revised a portion of the Web Presence template header, the top portion of each University Web page. The update replaces "USC" with "South Carolina's Flagship University" as part of the University's branding and naming consistency initiative, and makes other minor color and typographic changes.

This change does not affect senior and regional campuses.

Webmasters whose sites use the templates' server-side includes (SSI) automatically received the update when it was changed centrally. Webmasters whose sites have been re-engineered should download the following files to substitute on their own servers:

The last image replaces the "on" or "active" state image of the roll-over or mouse-over feature, which is no longer being used. Both hdr_usc.gif and hdr_usc_sel.gif will be the same image, negating the roll-over effect.

This update supercedes standards for the original template contained in other areas of the Web Presence site, particularly the Visual Style Guide. Those sections will be updated shortly.

8/23/06
Equal Opportunity summary statements updated
The University of South Carolina has revised its equal opportunity policies. Webmasters and developers should adopt the new language on their Site Information pages. Additionally, pages should be updated to include e-mail addresses and phone numbers for each specific office, department, or academic area, rather than the general contact information for main University pages.

2/16/06
Template updates made available
The Web Presence Team is issuing three coding updates, two of which are strongly recommended to fix accessibility issues in the original template; the third is optional and makes available the red "fade" effect in the solid left navigation bar:

Adding a label tag to the Search box of an existing page/site: The label tag identifies the Search box in the left navigation for screen readers employed by sight-impaired users. View instructions (GIF)
Adding the "skip navigation" feature to an existing page/site: The skip navigation feature is required so sight-impaired users can jump to the content area of the page and avoid repetitive or lengthy navigation. View instructions (GIF)
Adding the Fade Nav to an existing page/site: The red fade effect in the solid left navigation menu is available as a template in the Text and Graphics versions, but only for the Basic template. View instructions (GIF)

For users who are creating new sites, rather than updating existing sites, these updates have been made to the master template files. Download complete templates.

12/05/05
New Features Added to USC Main Pages
The Web Presence Team, including the new Web Communications staff, has updated the University's home pages and added several new sections in order to provide more information about Carolina's people, programs, and projects. The updates expand on the purpose of the original Web Presence Project by adding content sections such as Spotlight, Photos, Outreach, Highlights, Apply to USC, and Carolina Today.

A customized content management system (CMS) is being used to add and update stories, features, and photos on the new pages. The Contractual Services group at University Technology Services built the CMS.

University colleges, schools, departments, and offices are NOT required to change their sites or pages based on this minor design modification to the template.

Adding the red fade effect is optional. For those interested in adopting the red fade effect in the left navigation of the updated portal, Web Presence will make the coding and instructions needed to replicate that look available in spring 2006 on the Web Presence Project pages. However, it will be possible to add the code to only one of the original template options: Basic Solid Nav Template (Graphics and Text) in which red is the solid-area color.

Instructions for adding the recommended accessibility features will also be available on the Web Presence Project pages. Please see the next section for changes that should be made regarding accessibility.

The original templates will be revised to include the accessibility features. In the future, templates can be downloaded directly from the Web Presence site, rather than by request. The fly-out template option is no longer available.

12/05/05
New Accessibility Standards Require Updates to Web Sites
Because state government is mandating stricter adherence to accessibility standards and because the federal government requires federally funded institutions such as the University to be in compliance with Section 508 standards, the Web Presence Team is addressing several accessibility issues. Web Presence endorses, at a minimum, compliance with the 508 standards, but suggests Webmasters adopt the slightly more stringent W3C requirements.

Webmasters will be asked to make two changes to their pages to improve accessibility. In spring 2006, coding and instructions will be provided on how to add a skip-navigation feature that allows sight-impaired users to move more freely through the different sections of a page, and on how to update the Search box so that is easier for users with visual impairments to utilize. Additionally, Web Presence strongly recommends that Webmasters ensure that all graphic images have accompanying alt-tags that are clearly labeled. It is also important for Webmasters to keep their site information current and to provide contact information for any user with questions or comments.

In conjunction with this initiative, Web Presence will create a new page on accessibility issues, with links to standards and resources.

5/31/04
Web Presence Project Web Site Wins Awards

2004 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
USC Web Presence Project Web Site
SILVER AWARD in the “Web Sites” category
2004 District III (Southeast) Advancement Awards Program
USC Web Presence Project
GRAND AWARD in the “Overall Web Site Design” category

02/04
Dr. Sorensen's Web Presence Compliance Reminder Memo
With the majority of college and school sites already having adopted the new Web Presence look and feel, Sorensen makes a final call for full compliance with the Web guidelines.

9/22/03
USC Times runs article on Web Presence initiative
The USC faculty/staff newsletter, USC Times, publishes an article in both the print edition and the Web edition that introduces the Web Presence project to the campus.

09/03
Dr. Sorensen's Web Presence Template Compliance Memo
Dr. Sorensen directs all areas to take immediate steps to bring appropriate University Web sites into full Web Presence compliance, with implementation by April 15, 2004.

5/31/03
Web Presence Team Launches Site
The Web Presence Team announces the launch of a Web site dedicated to the University of South Carolina's Web Presence. The site is comprised of three main areas: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Visual Style Guide, and Step-By-Step Guide. Web masters from throughout the University are encouraged to review the site before requesting the templates and converting their sites to the new look and feel.

3/31/03
Office of Undergraduate Admissions Site Goes Live
Working with the Web Presence Team and Ryan Webber in the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions deployed its site using the template system. Images on the site complement the office's print publications.

ACCESSIBILITY

During summer 2006, a new Web Accessibility Project site was developed.

Web Presence endorses the following "best practices" and encourages Webmasters throughout the University community to implement them.

Alternate Text
Alt-tags provide users with visual impairments a description of non-text elements so that they can better interpret the content of a page. Non-text elements can include graphics, images, graphs, charts, JavaScripts, Java, and plug-ins. Web Presence will provide more information about alternate text in spring 2006.

Skip Navigation
A skip-navigation feature allows users with sight impairments to jump over repetitive or lengthy navigation to get to the main content area of a page.

Site Information page and Contact Information
Each page of your site should include current contact information so that any user with problems or questions can reach the individual department or office. The appropriate e-mail addresses and phone numbers for individual departments or offices should be included at the bottom left-hand part of each page. A "Contact Us" link to another page providing contact information is also acceptable, especially if there is more than one contact for the individual department or office. Also, each page should have a "Site Information" link in the bottom right-hand portion of the page. This link should go to a site information page specifically for each department or office, with an e-mail address for the department or office (or for whomever updates the site for the department or office).

Updating current pages and site maintenance
The original Web Presence templates have been updated to fix an accessibility issue with the Search box and to add a skip-navigation feature. At a minimum, Webmasters should make the same updates to their primary pages and add appropriate alt-tags to any images. Any future pages that are created should be based on the new compliant templates and should conform to the "best practices" listed here.