Web Policies

The Office of Website Management functions as the university’s in-house consultant for website development needs and other new media projects. The office works in partnership with on-campus units to help provide solutions for web and new media projects. All TCU websites should be initiated by first contacting the assigned account executive in the Office of University Marketing.

Website Hosting

All official TCU websites will be hosted on servers maintained by TCU. To request web space, please contact the Office of Website Management or request a job online by visiting getonline.tcu.edu.

If it is determined that an individual project requires an outside firm to assist, the Office of Website Management, Office of University Marketing, and the Marketing & Communication Project Manager will facilitate that relationship as well as ensure quality by addressing security, data integrity, consistency and support.

Accessibility

TCU is committed to making information on the University’s website available to all students and employees, including those with disabilities; an accessible website is a better website. By providing simple navigation, easier access to critical information, and the ability to interact with all forms of media, an accessible website will improve the overall user experience while on our website. Additionally, ensuring that all TCU web pages are accessible will help the University avoid unnecessary risks and provide better interactions with our students, faculty, staff and the general public.

All websites will be checked against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards before being approved for launch.

Domain Names

To request a *.tcu.edu URL, contact the Office of Website Management at ext. 5218.
When a URL outside of the tcu.edu domain is required, units must still contact the Office of Website Management.

Domain names that do not follow these guidelines will not be supported and run the risk of not being linked to or from other official TCU web pages.

Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) acts in a support role and is responsible only for technical issues regarding web accounts, University servers, and system configurations; including maintenance of TCU web servers. IT personnel will review technical issues/considerations prior to the initiation of a project. All projects are governed by official IT Policies and Procedures.

Responsibility of any sites which are not hosted on the tcu.edu domain or for any sites developed by outside vendors without the consent of the Office of Website Management will be the responsibility of the individual unit involved.

Approval of Official Websites

Websites created by University departments, programs and administrative offices are considered “official” and require appropriate vice chancellor, dean, director or department chair approval before going live. Personal or curricular pages created by students, student organizations, faculty or staff are not considered official TCU web pages.

Official websites are subject to approval by the Director of Website Management and the Director of the Office of Graphic Design.

Required Elements

Official pages should also include the official arched TCU logo in the upper left hand corner and link back to the TCU core site (www.tcu.edu). These sites should also prominently display a contact name, e-mail address, physical address and telephone number.

Official University graphic images/logos and photos are available through the Office of Graphic Design’s graphics resources. Questions about official University logos should be directed to the Creative Director at ext. 4590.

All websites are subject to all existing laws and University policies, and may not be used to promote businesses, goods or services; for advertising; or to provide financial gain for any individual or organization.

All pages should be tested in the most recent web browsers such as Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Firefox as well as on multiple operating systems to ensure web pages will display accurately.

Copyright Statement

Student Information Disclosure

The disclosure of information about students is governed by the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Please consult www.reg.tcu.edu/privacy.asp for guidelines prior to posting student information on websites.

Privacy

Websites that collect individually identifiable information must provide a link to the university’s official privacy statement. For more information on handling and storing Sensitive Personal Information (SPI) please review TCU’s official SPI policy in the Policies and Procedures section of the TCU Security home page.

E-Commerce

Any sites that have a need to accept any form of online payment must adhere to the policies set forth by Information Technology on this matter. For more information please consult the Policies and Procedures section of the TCU Information Security Services home page.

Links to and From Non-University Websites

Links from official TCU websites to any non-University site must not imply University endorsement of the site’s products or services. The following disclaimer must be included unless it is clear from the context that the University does not endorse the product or service: “Links on these pages to non-University sites do not represent endorsement by Texas Christian University.”

Student Organization Websites

Student organizations are encouraged to create websites to provide information about their programs, services, and events. Organizational websites must have a faculty sponsor, who is responsible for the content, and include the name and e-mail address of the individual responsible for maintaining the organization’s website.

Student organizations can request links from the appropriate official TCU website by contacting the Office of Website Management.

Student organization websites will display the following disclaimer: “Unofficial information may be posted and maintained by TCU faculty, staff and student groups or individuals. TCU does not accept any responsibility or liability for any information contained on these pages.”

All TCU web pages are subject to all existing laws and University policies, and may not be used to promote businesses, goods or services; for advertising; or to provide financial gain for any individual or organization.

Personal Web Pages

Personal web pages created by faculty, staff or students are the sole responsibility of their authors. The University may provide lists of and/or links to personal web pages. The University is not responsible for and does not monitor the content of these pages. However, the University may investigate complaints, remove web pages that are deemed unacceptable, and ensure all pages do not pose a legal liability to the University.

Personal pages must not convey the impression that the author is representing, giving opinions, or otherwise making statements on behalf of the University or any unit of the University.

Website Content Maintenance

Website content maintenance is the responsibility of the individual school, department or unit. Web page content must comply with the Web Standards and University stylebook and should not violate University policies or federal, state and local laws.

Website-Related Training

Training on official TCU content management systems (WordPress and Omni CMS), as well as the interactive University calendar and map products, is provided by the Website Management team. Training for specific web design and coding tools is the responsibility of individual units. Training may be requested via getonline.tcu.edu.

Non-Compliance With Web Standards & Policies

Questions about content of any official TCU website may be directed to the Office of Website Management at ext. 5218.

For personal/student organization sites, questions should be directed to the appropriate academic dean, chair or unit head.

Non-compliance with the established Web Standards may result in lack of publishing or linking to official tcu.edu web pages.