Website Update

Dear Web Content Editors and Approvers,

Update on the new Content Management System and Training

Since the new website launched in late August, I have been working with our vendor, Datatel, to set the new system up and enable an approval process so content editors will be able to make edits to their pages, via the process outlined in the content management guidelines (attached, and also available via the Web Manager’s Blog).  As soon as the system is ready, we will send out an announcement regarding training.


Web Review Meetings

I would also like to hold another round of web review meetings this fall semester.  Throughout November and December, I will be scheduling web review meetings to discuss the website with each department.  These meetings will continue our positive momentum in creating new content and keeping existing content fresh.

In addition, I have heard concerns regarding some areas of academic content in the new website.  I will be inviting the deans and their faculty to web review meetings this semester.  I anticipate these meetings will be a great way to work together and move forward in a positive way concerning our academic programs on the web.  I will be contacting the deans to schedule these meetings.

Content Management Process

Below please find the two options for maintaining content moving forward.  The process may be subject to change, given that everyone is getting used to the new process and system.

Your department can choose from one of the two following options to get updates to their pages on the website.  If you choose option B, the editor DOES NOT have to attend training.  If you choose option A, the editor for the department must attend a training session.

A. Make the updates to your pages yourself

Choice “A” is good if you make frequent updates and would like to make updates on your own.  Turnaround time will also likely be quicker under this option to get your updates live on the site.

1. Attend a training session and learn how to make updates to the website.
2. Make your changes to the page.
3. E-mail a link to your approver or print your edited page for their review before it goes live.       
4. After your approver has given their approval to you, you can submit the page to the Web Manager in the system.
5. The Web Manager will review the updates and either post or return the page to the department if there is need for more edits.

OR


B. Send updates to the Web Manager

Choice “B” is good if you have very infrequent updates or do not have an interest in learning the updating software.

1. Please send the Web Manager your updates via e-mail to web@bridgeport.edu, in Word or plain text format.        
2. Please copy your approver (typically your department head or Dean, if you have questions about that please let me know) on the e-mail so they can stay informed and approve the changes you are requesting to go live on the site.        
3. Please be as specific as possible  regarding the update and include the URL of the page you would like updated, along with the specific copy change request.  For most routine requests, a turnaround of 24-48 hours can be expected before your item is posted to the live website.  For more complex updates, turnaround times may vary depending on the nature of the update.

Don’t worry, the details regarding the above process will all be covered in training.


**PLEASE NOTE** Old Website Archive

Please also note that the old website, currently found at www-old.bridgeport.edu, will be taken down per our contractual agreement with SunGard as of the end of this month.  I will retain a text backup of all of the content from the old site, along with the images and document assets.  Moving forward, if you need any content from the old site, please contact me and I will be happy to provide it to you.


Weekly Web Update available at the Web Manager’s Blog

For those interested in weekly updates on the activities on the UB website, documentation on the content process, and more please stay tuned to the blog.



Beginning this Friday, I will be posting a general update every week regarding the website.


I look forward to working with you all on improving your content.



Sincerely,



Dan Alves