Web Help

Formatting and Content Guidelines

As a web editor and content contributor having a concise and clear page flow will ease and guide the user through the information on the page more effectively.

Pasting in Content

When inputting content onto the website from an outside source you will want to paste the content as text only using Ctrl + Shift + V in Windows or Cmd + Shift + V on a Mac. This will remove any existing formatting and styling to plain text. Once you have paste in the content, you can restyle the content as needed using the branding guideline.

Best Practices for Content on the Page

• 6-7 items is the max of someone’s cognitive load. Seeing more than that will lead someone to disconnect from your content. Remember this when creating content for FAQs, cards, or if you think you need to add a new page.
• Tone and Voice: Inclusive, informative, inviting, supportive, active, clear, nurturing, engaging, guiding. Remember these words when you are developing new content for a reader and ask yourself if your text comes across this way.
• Do your best to remove academic jargon. We need to reach the full spectrum of students and the best way to do that is to write like you are having a conversation with them. Give clear direction and action.
• Use only high quality images. Preferably from our office when possible.
• Links must be descriptive (ex. Not “click here”). This is for accessibility reasons, you want your hyperlink to be descriptive for a screen reader to pick up.
• Don’t just post a flyer onto the website. Either convert it to web content on your page or create an event!

Fonts and Headers

Heading 2 – This size should be reserved for the main topics of the page.

Heading 3 – This heading will be used for sub-headings of your heading 2.

Heading 4 – This heading will be used for sub-headings of your heading 3.

Heading 5 – This heading will be used for sub-headings of your heading 4. This should be used sparingly.

Heading 6 – This heading will be used for sub-headings of your heading 5. This should be used sparingly.

Be cautious when using underlines or bold text. An occasional use is fine, but if you use it to frequently it loses its value.

DO NOT highlight or change the color of text on a page.