Web Site Policies

Minot State University’s website is an official publication of the University as it is a major marketing and communications tool for the entire campus. Its mission is to promote the University and provide accurate, up-to-date information about the University in an accessible and attractive manner to internal and external audiences. The University's various audiences include potential students, current students, employees, friends, alumni, and visitors.

As an official publication, in addition to MSU policies, websites must also be in compliance with Federal and NDUS obligations as noted in “NDUS Policy 1901.2.”

With input from the Marketing Executive Team (MET), the MO designates official university web pages. The MET also assists by offering suggestions regarding the policies governing the content and format.

Official web pages include offices, centers, divisions, and departments. Official pages must conform to the design guidelines to give the site unity, coherence, functionality, and readability. When appropriate, the contents of official web pages should reside on Minot State University’s server with the exception of specific office needs, such as the Leapfrog platform used by the Registrar’s Office for the university catalog. To ensure timely and accurate information, the MO is available to assist departments, divisions, offices, and organizations in determining appropriate academic and student-related content.

Responsibilities

Marketing Office

The Marketing Office (MO) is responsible for oversight of content

  • approving requests from campus entities requesting a Minot State University web page, in consultation/consensus with the MET,
  • assisting and coordinating the modifications of content for official university websites,
  • monitoring web content for timely and accurate information,
  • reviewing the appropriate use of photography,
  • working closely with the Public Information Office to determine stories for the homepage, and
  • resolving any questions, problems, or grievances concerning website policy, management or other issues that may arise concerning the website's maintenance and operation, in consultation/consensus with the MET .

Web Administrators

  • Write/edit accurate and timely content
  • Review list of majors, minors, etc. for accuracy
  • Review current program of study/face sheets for accuracy and functionality (ensure all links work, data is accurate, etc.)
  • Review faculty biographies to ensure current information is noted including a professional photo
  • Determine proof points to be posted
  • Assess photography/videos throughout the website to ensure fresh content is being shared
  • Write and post note student, faculty, and staff accomplishments.

Web administrators are individuals designated by each department, division, office, or center responsible for pages pertaining to their respective area. In most cases, the web authors will utilize the University’s CMS and as needed, confer with the webmaster or MO regarding text, photography, and video content.

For tips on writing more effective content, please utilize the Minot State Writing Style Guide.

Webmaster

The webmaster (housed in ITC) is responsible for the format and Content Management System (CMS)

  • managing the branded visual design and the CMS,
  • advising web authors, employees and students about website policies,
  • communicating with those entities not using the university’s official CMS,
  • developing plans for website modifications,
  • uploading content,
  • assisting with oversight of web content that may need reviewing, and
  • routinely revising web pages to improve structural consistency.

Anton Huether, Webmaster
Information Technology Central
webmaster@minotstateu.edu
858-4442