Web Policy

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 Office of University Marketing.

Website Hosting

TCU Website Management works with on-campus units to help provide consultation support and propose solutions for web and new media projects. All TCU websites should be initiated by first contacting University Marketing or submitting a web support request.

If it is determined that an individual project requires an outside firm to assist, Website Management and University Marketing will facilitate that relationship and ensure compliance with this policy.

Accessibility & Code Quality

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. Anyone with edit access to a public-facing TCU website is required to complete digital accessibility training.

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

Domain Names

To request a TCU subdomain (*.tcu.edu URL), contact TCU Website Management at ext. 5218. Custom domain requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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.

Custom domains, including .com names, that are used to redirect or forward all traffic to a website on the TCU domain should be registered and administrated by TCU Information Technology. Expenses incurred for custom domain registration and renewal are the responsibility of the employee or the employee’s department.

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.

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

Approval of Official Websites

Official TCU websites require approval by the appropriate administrative or academic leadership before going live. Official websites are also subject to approval by the Director of Website Management and the Creative Director.

Brand Standards

Official pages should 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. Any use of TCU marks, logos, or trade names must comply with University Brand Standards.

Co-Branding

All websites are subject to all existing laws and University policies, and may not be used to promote businesses, organizations, goods or services; for advertising; or to provide financial gain or support personal causes for any individual or organization. Additionally, the co-branding of the university’s logo on public-facing (external) websites with outside organizations must be approved by the appropriate college or school dean or administrative area leadership and TCU Marketing & Communication. External websites should not imply a partnership with TCU.

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 the TCU FERPA page 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.

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 website.

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 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.”

Student organizations can request to have a link to their website added to the TCU Directory web page or another relevant TCU website by contacting Website Management.

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 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 Brand Standards and should not violate University policies or federal, state, or local laws.

Website-Related Training

Training on official TCU content management systems (WordPress and Modern Campus 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 academic and administrative units. Training may be requested via web support request.

Enforcement

Non-compliance with the established University web policy may result in lack of publishing or linking from official tcu.edu web pages. If accessibility barriers are identified on a page or site, the site owner will be notified. If the site owner fails to remediate the barrier within 30 days of notification, the page or site may be taken offline by Website Management.

Administrative Responsibility

TCU Website Management, University Marketing, and Information Technology are responsible for administering and revising this policy, as needed.