These standards are in effect for the WSU website built in the legacy templates prior to the 2022 Global Web Redesign project.
Updated standards for the redesigned WSU website are being developed.
Why are Web Standards Important?
WSU’s website (www.winona.edu) is the primary source of public information for the campus community and the public. It also serves as a vital marketing tool to attract prospective students, professionals, alumni, parents and the media. Additionally, the website is a way for people to become involved with our community of learners.
In short, the two goals of the WSU website are recruitment marketing and providing public information. The WSU website is not meant to be a comprehensive archive, host confidential information, or publish information intended for a select group of people. There are other online tools better suited for these purposes.
It is a fact that our web audience judges us based on our website quality. More importantly, they make decisions based on those judgments.
When applied consistently, a set of standards and a style guide helps people quickly and easily find the information they want on the WSU website.
In turn, potential students and their families will be more likely consider WSU in their college search. Current students, faculty and staff will have more satisfying interactions with the University as will alumni and community members. All of these groups will be more likely to recommend WSU to friends, family and acquaintances.
Table of Contents
The WSU Web Standards is a collection of internal policies to make the WSU website an effective communication tool. Each of the articles below provides details about how and why the website is maintained according to certain standards.
Note: Websites are always changing as audience expectations evolve and new technologies develop. The Web Team reserves the right to modify or make exceptions to these standards to accommodate evolving best practices in Web Standards.
I. Managing Web Content
- Content & Website Management Expectations
- Writing for Your Audience
- Single-Sourcing Content
- Archiving Content