Getting Started

I. Steps to a successful Web presence

  1. Formulate a plan:
    1. Gather resources for the Web site.
    2. Determine goals and objectives.
    3. Gather, outline, and organize your content.
    4. Develop your navigation.
  2. Initiate an official Web site request by submitting the Web site request form (except student organizations). Most of the colleges have a Professional Technologist-Designer who we may forward the request to. Student organizations should fill out this form to request a Web site.
  3. Attend an initial Web development meeting.
  4. Approve your design.
  5. Attend slate training.
  6. Create Web pages from template and integrate content.
  7. Notify University Relations -Web or the Prof Tech Designer when Web site is ready to go live.
  8. Maintain web site content.
  9. Stay informed of current Web standards, follow accessibility guidelines, and use best practices.

II. Dreamweaver vs. Slate

Adobe Dreamweaver is a Web development application originally created by Macromedia which allows template-based Web site design. Prior to the development of University Relations-Web’s content management system—called Slate—all WVU web sites were Dreamweaver template-based designs. A working knowledge of Dreamweaver is still required for the maintenance of a number of WVU web sites.

Slate was developed to help University departments and organizations manage web sites through an easy to use interface. The majority of all new and redesigned web sites are managed in slate. Web-based content management and ease of management of users are key advantages to choosing Slate over Dreamweaver.

III. SimpleForms

SimpleForms was developed by University Relations-Web to allow users to create online forms and surveys that can securely collect and store data. The data can be accessed and exported from the system at any time by the user for easy analysis. No social security numbers, WVU ID numbers, or other confidential informational should be gathered on SimpleForms. If the project is related to research with human subjects, IRB training and approval should be complete before applying for a SimpleForm account.

Request a SimpleForms account

IV. Tutorials

V. General Resources