FAQs
General Questions
Q: I would like a new website design, or changes to my existing design. Who do I call?
A: Luke Salsich, our Web projects manager, coordinates all Web development projects. Luke can be reached at lsalsich@wpi.edu (ext. 6962 ). He will set up an initial meeting to discuss your project and will involve appropriate members of our staff to contribute their expertise to the development strategy.
Q: I need a really professional website. Can you recommend a Web design firm?
A: While we are happy to recommend an outside firm, Web Operations would like to meet with you first to determine your needs. Our group produces the same, if not better, quality of work as most outside firms, and our development time is comparable. We encourage all departments to meet with us prior to talking with an outside design firm to help save you time and money
If you do decide to use an outside design firm, we encourage you to involve Web Operations in your selection of the firm. We can help identify strengths and weaknesses of the firm, and make sure their designs are compatible with the WPI site, can be hosted on our server, and comply with our Style Manual and Policies and Procedures.
Q: Our department has found a third-party Web application that is just what we need. Will Web Operations try to prevent us from tying the service into our WPI Web pages?
A: Web Operations understands that third-party applications can provide convenient solutions in a short time frame. If you contact us prior to signing a contract, we will help you prepare an RFP to identify several vendors. We will identify the strengths and weaknesses of the different products. In addition, we will work with IT and the vendor to ensure that your solution works well with WPI’s systems.
Q: What are “web standards," and why are they so important?
A. Web Operations adheres to internationally accepted Web standards and best practices. This benefits WPI in several ways:
- By ensuring that a site complies with the World Wide Web Consortium's (http://www.w3c.org) Web markup standards eliminates most problems faced by users with disabilities. This approach is a time-saver for developers who can deal with accessibility and usability at the same time by focusing on standards.
- Using a standards-based development approach leads to fewer interoperability problems, which reduces the time spent testing for platform and browser incompatibilities. This speeds up the development process, reduces overall costs, and improves overall usability.
- Standards also improve your website's usability, which is both a financial and ethical concern. For instance, if a site that future students use is easy to navigate, has few accessibility problems, and lets them find and process the information they need, it should directly affect enrollment and student retention levels. Designing for usability and using international standards can have the same result on many sites, such as those where the university's business operations provide online services.
Q: I don't understand the emphasis on accessibility. Isn't it true that only a small percentage of my users have a disability?
A.There are two good reasons for designing with accessibility in mind. First, it's the right thing to do, especially for a university that has long had an express policy of inclusiveness. It makes little sense to tolerate barriers to people who have a reason to visit your site when there are cost-effective tools to remove these barriers. Second, a Federal law mandates a policy of accessible Web design for the U.S. Government and any agencies or entities who receive federal funds. As many departments and groups at WPI receive Federal funding, it is imperative that we adhere to this law.
Q. Can I use PHP Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) to develop my website?
A. No. Our Web server does not support PHP, and we cannot make exceptions for any reason. Please contact Web Operations; we can recommend alternatives for you.
CMS Questions
Q: How do I get access to the CMS?
A: First fill out an authorization form for requesting an editor and approver for your content. The CMS Administrator will notify you when this has been set-up within the system, and will let you know when the next CMS training session is available for you.
Last modified: July 28, 2008 11:38:47