The purpose of these guidelines is to provide specific information to campus Web developers and anyone involved with publishing to The University of Texas at Tyler Web site. Web publishers at UT Tyler are responsible for the content of the pages they publish and are expected to abide by the highest standards of quality, consistency and responsibility. A conscious effort has been made by the university to meet regulatory guidelines and compliance, promoting consistency, quality and a cohesive, unifying image for the institution while also assuring individuality. All campus organizational units are encouraged to create pages that reflect their mission, goals and needs, limited only by the minimal requirements established by this policy. Any visitor to a UT Tyler Web page should immediately recognize the page as one published by and belonging to the university. These standards reflect this purpose while also addressing other important objectives: legibility, making pages "search friendly," compliance with state requirements, compatibility with different browsers and computer platforms and enhancing and improving access to UT Tyler Web pages.This document supplements the Web Site Policies and Procedures and UT Tyler Web Design Accessibility Standards.

Texas law requires that every state agency establish a Web site to communicate with the public, post specific information and meet accessibility requirements. The law also requires each agency to establish specific policies, procedures, guidelines and responsibilities for the site. Following is a list of guidelines required by the State of Texas to use as we develop, update or redesign any official UT Tyler Web pages. For complete details, refer to the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0, UT Tyler Accessibility Guidelines and The State of Texas current guidelines.

1. Alt Tags: Every image on a state Web site is require to use an alt tag with sufficient information describing the image, or a null (alt="") for simple images (e.g., a dot or bullet), so that a person unable to see the image can understand the content and meaning for its use.
   Use short and clear alternative text for every image that carries information.
   
   Example: <img src="header.gif" width="390" height="17" alt="The University of Texas at Tyler Header">
   If image is a bullet or clear gif, an empty " " should be used.
   
   Example: <img src=spacer.gif alt="" width="2" size="2">
   
   
2. Meta Tags: Identification meta tags including description, keywords and author along with title for each page are required by the state.
   
3. Color: Ensure that text and graphics are understandable when viewed without color, for example from context or markup. Foreground and background color combinations provide sufficient contrast when viewed by someone having color deficits or when viewed on a black and white screen.
   
4. Tables: Create tables that transform gracefully. For data tables, identify row and column headers. For example, in HTML, use TD to identify data cells and TH to identify headers. Do not use tables for layout unless the table makes sense when linearized. Otherwise, if the table does not make sense, provide an alternative equivalent
   
5. Link back to home page: The State requires a link back to the UT Tyler home page from the front of each department Web site. From inside the department pages should be a link back to departmental home page.
   
6. Link to Privacy Policy: Required from all key points of entry and Web-based forms.
   
7. Frames: Frames are NOT to be used with the UT Tyler template. It is also recommended that frames not be used on key UT Tyler Web pages due to the extra accessibility rules required. Frames must be dropped when indexing or pointing to other non-agency Web sites.
   
8. Skip to link: A 'skip to' link (when needed) provides users with a method for bypassing the header and going directly to the main content each time a page is accessed.
   
9. Accessible: All Web pages must be accessible using generally available browser software (older versions of Netscape, IE, America Online).
   
10. Load Time: Sites are to be designed with load time in consideration for all types of internet connections (28.8 modems, etc.).
    
11. Department Contact Info: All key points of entry must include contact information for that department (required by state).
    
12. Text-only page should be provided with equivalent information or functionality, when compliance cannot be accomplished in any other way. Update the content of the text-only page whenever the primary page changes. It is best to design your site so that a text only page is not necessary. By using the UT Tyler template properly, you should achieve this goal.
    
13. Sound Files: Text files must be available for ALL sound files containing substantive spoken content. A transcript must be provided for any audio on your Web site.
    
14. Color: Web pages shall be designed so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color, for example from context or markup.
    
15. Avoid flicker: Pages shall be designed to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz. Therefore, it is best to avoid flicker, moving, blinking, scrolling, or auto-updating objects or pages.
    
16. Embedded objects: Ensure direct accessibility of embedded user interfaces. When an embedded object has its "own interface", the interface -- like the interface to the browser itself -- must be accessible. If the interface of the embedded object cannot be made accessible, an alternative accessible solution must be provided. Make programmatic elements such as scripts and applets directly accessible or compatible with assistive technologies
    
17. Image Maps: Provide client-side image maps instead of server-side image maps except where the regions cannot be defined with an available geometric shape
    
18. Timed Responses: When a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted and given sufficient time to indicate more time is required.
    
19. Language: Use the clearest and simplest language appropriate for a site's content.
    
20. If, after best efforts, you cannot create an accessible page, provide a link to an alternative page that uses W3C technologies, is accessible, has equivalent information (or functionality), and is updated as often as the inaccessible (original) page.
    

• http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/S206.htm
• http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/srrpub11.htm
• http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/srrpub11-accessibility.htm

Proper Name Usage

When publishing on the Web, it is acceptable to eliminate the space between the "U" and the "T" (this is because there is no control over the right margin, which can result in the "U" and the "T" becoming separated on two different lines.

Incorrect	Correct
the University of Texas at Tyler	The University of Texas at Tyler
UTT	UT Tyler
UT-Tyler	UT Tyler
UT-T	UT Tyler
UT Tyler Home Page
Incorrect	Correct
ut tyler.edu	uttyler.edu
www.UT TYLER.edu	www.uttyler.edu
www.uttyl.edu	www.uttyler.edu

When referencing The University of Texas at Tyler, use "The University of Texas at Tyler" on first reference and "UT Tyler" on second reference. Web addresses should not have spaces or capital letters.Proper name usage for UT Tyler colleges:

College of Arts and Sciences
College of Business and Technology
College of Education and Psychology
College of Engineering and Computer Science
College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Template

The official UT Tyler template is required to be used on all Department level, College level and Administrative level Web sites. (Faculty may use the template for faculty home pages at their own discretion). Please view the policies below regarding use of the UT Tyler template.

• Online tutorials for Contribute can be found at the following link: http://www.uttyler.edu/news/contribute/
• To request a UT Tyler template, contact web@uttyler.edu, or #7061
• Templates are to be used ONLY as instructed.
• Under no circumstances are changes allowed to the template in any way.
• Rebuilding the UT Tyler template is NOT allowed. It is built specifically to specification for UT Tyler use.
• Using pieces from the FRONT PAGE of the UT Tyler Website to build your site is NOT ALLOWED!
• The graphics in the header are NOT to be used alone on any other part of a Web page. For a Web ready UT Tyler logo, see the Logo Usage page.
  

Contribute

Macromedia Contribute is the Content Management System that has been put in place for faculty and staff on the UT Tyler campus.

Contribute users can find information on the following page to assist you with problems, questions and how-tos: http://www.uttyler.edu/news/contribute/

All UT Tyler Web pages are to be reviewed by the Office of News and Information before being officially launched. Please contact The Office of News and Information at the beginning of your site project.

Logo and Seal Usage

Follow this link for full instructions regarding Logo usage

LOGO
All official UT Tyler Web sites are to contain the official UT Tyler logo with the correct design and color. Logos may not be altered in any way.

Follow this link for specific logo guidelines. The main UT Tyler Web site uses the following font tag: <font face="Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Browsers only recognize a small number of fonts universally. The following fonts have been chosen as the official Web fonts for UT Tyler sites. Other fonts should not be used.

Arial, HelveticaTimes New Roman, TimesVerdana, Arial, Helvetica

It is recommended that if using Arial, Helvetica OR Verdana, use font size "2". If using Times New Roman, Times, use font size 3 or the default size. 2. Text

• Large amounts of text should not be centered on a Web page. This makes it difficult to read on the page. Text should be flush left. Design Tip: To add a small amount of white space to each side of your text, place your text inside a <blockquote> tag </blockquote>. Text can also be placed in a table for more flexibility.
• Default color for text must be a dark color, preferably black. Background color on inside pages must be light, preferably white. This allows the page to be printed and easily read.
  
• DO NOT use blinking text for any reason.
  
• Use upper and lower case on all text on pages, including headings and titles. All upper cases should be avoided.
  
• Design Tip: Large amounts of italicized text is hard to read. Do not bold or italicize entire paragraphs unless absolutely necessary. Use bold and italic type sparingly.
  
• Design Tip: Underlining text that is not a link can confuse the user. Do not underline type -- body text or headings.
  
• It is best not to use overly large size fonts or text. Readers use different size monitors and browser settings. Text that is too large is hard to read and will appear unprofessional. Using the font sizes listed above (section 1) for standard font sizes on your page will help keep a uniform look for UT Tyler. Header tags and larger font sizes on titles and sub-titles should balance with the rest of the text on the page.
  

3. UT Tyler Official Colors The official UT Tyler colors are Orange and White. The official orange PMS is: #159Orange Web conversion color is: #ef741dWhite Web color: #ffffff
4. Background Images and Colors State law requires that all information conveyed with color is also conveyed in the absence of color and that the contrast is sufficient in images. The UT Tyler template is designed with this in mind and is not to be altered.When using color to convey important information, also use context and markup to convey the same information. For example, "Books that are available appear in green and in bold font."

Document Style LayoutNavigation and Identification Requirements (state guidelines)
All UT Tyler home pages must include:

1. Identification that materials are being provided by The University of Texas at Tyler.
2. Links to "higher level" pages to allow users to easily reach other UT information.
3. Text link to the official UT Tyler home page: http://www.uttyler.edu.
4. An E-mail link to the individual or department responsible for producing the material and information.
5. Official UT Tyler logo.
6. UT Tyler address and phone number should be included on main pages. This is included on the template footer.

1. Under Construction Messages All Web pages are permanently under construction. Adding "Under Construction" logos or text serves little purpose and is not considered professional. Under Construction messages or images should not be used. Design Tip: If it is necessary to link to the page, a note stating that some sections are incomplete is useful. For example, "More Information Coming Soon" is appropriate and professional.

2. Graphics (photos, header, etc.)Custom title graphics and pictures for individual department use that are unique yet coordinate with the overall UT Tyler Web site can be requested through the Office of News and Information. Please do not attempt to "recreate" graphics or headers to "match" other parts of the UT Tyler site.

Taking images (pictures, graphics, etc.) from other UT Tyler home pages is not allowed. UT Tyler graphics and Images are under copywrite protection, and may/are owned by individual departments. To request a graphic or photograph for use on your site, or for further information regarding UT Tyler images, contact the Office of News and Information and refer to the Campus Web Site Policy and Procedures, VI (2).

All images and graphics are to be developed in consideration of download time. Care should be taken to balance visual appeal with usability. Design Tip: Image programs like Photoshop and Image Ready have built-in software designed to create "Web ready" graphics by optimizing the image. Contribute also has built-in image editing abilities. Using image optimization is necessary to greatly reduce file size while keeping the quality of the image. For specific information regarding image optimization, contact the UT Tyler Web Content Coordinator. (Each graphic must be accompanied with an ALT tag containing appropriate descriptive text, see guidelines below and the Accessibility Guidelines.)

Webmaster Feedback Your suggestions and comments are needed and appreciated. The Webmaster Suggestion Form is available to all campus Webmasters who wish to share ideas, ask questions or send comments.

• Webmaster Suggestion Form

Links State of Texas Guidelines

World Wide Web Design Standards and Coding Guidelines http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/srrpub11.htm
Web Accessibility Guidelines (version 332): http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/srrpub11-accessibility.htm
Linking and Indexing Internet Sites: http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/srrpub11-linking-indexing.htm
State Web Site Link and Privacy Policy: http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/link_policy.htm
Privacy and Security http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/srrpub11-privacy-policy.htm
Transaction Risk Assessment: http://www.dir.state.tx.us/standards/srrpub11-transaction-risk.htm
UT System Guidelines for Web Site Solicitations: http://www.utsystem.edu/bpm/62.htm
W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0: http://www.w3.org/TR/WAI-WEBCONTENTBobby Usability Testing Site http://bobby.watchfire.com/bobby/html/en/index.jspUT Tyler Links

• UT Tyler Web Site Policies and Procedures
• UT Tyler Accessibility Guidelines for Campus Web Developers
• Logo Usage Guide
• UT Tyler Web Accessibility Policy
• UT Tyler Privacy Policy
• News and Information Services Guide
• Contribute Users Guide and Tutorials
• UT Tyler Home Page
• Office of News and Information