Web Presence Standards

1. Purpose

These standards establish clear and enforceable standards for developing, governing, and maintaining all official web properties affiliated with the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). These standards ensure consistency in branding, usability, accessibility, and security across the university's digital presence.

2. Scope

These standards apply to all websites and digital platforms representing or delivered by UCO, including but not limited to division and departmental websites, administrative units, colleges, faculty websites, research centers, student organizations, blogs, and intranet sites. Any content hosted on the uco.edu domain or purporting to represent the university—regardless of hosting location—must adhere to these standards.

In addition, all digital communications and presences associated with UCO, including but not limited to official social media accounts, third-party platforms, microsites, and externally hosted web applications, are subject to these standards and must align with university standards for accessibility, branding, and content quality.

3. Governance

Office of University Communications: Oversees branding, editorial standards, and public messaging.

Office of Information Technology (OIT): Supports technical infrastructure and security compliance.

Web Governance Action Team: Assembled as needed, members of the Web Content Team, University Communications, Information Technology and Digital Accessibility may be convened for reviews and assistance as required.

4. Brand and Identity Standards

All web content must adhere to UCO’s official branding standards. This includes the use of:

Approved university logos and seals

Official color palette and typography

Consistent design elements and navigation structures

University-provided templates and content-managed platforms unless otherwise approved

The Web Style Guide, branding assets, and templates are available through the Office of University Communications.

5. Domain and Hosting Control

All university web properties must be hosted on approved platforms and/or within the uco.edu domain or other domains authorized by the Offices of University Communications and Information Technology. Independent registration of domain names related to the university is prohibited. Unauthorized or unapproved domains may be subject to removal.

6. Content Management and Approval

Departments and units seeking to create a new web presence must submit a formal request to University Communications.

Content contributors must complete training on accessibility, editorial standards, and content management system usage. Additional training required as needed.

Final approval of all new websites and significant updates must come from the Office of University Communications.

7. Accessibility Compliance

UCO is committed to digital inclusivity. All university-affiliated web content must comply with:

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility Policy, which is authored to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines and any future updates or applicable standards that promote inclusive and accessible digital content.

The university will provide resources and training to assist content creators with compliance. Non-compliant content will be flagged and corrected or removed.

8. Security and Privacy

All websites must comply with university data protection standards and IT security protocols. Sensitive or personally identifiable information must be encrypted and stored securely. Websites collecting personal data must display appropriate privacy notices.

9. Social Media and External Platforms

Social media accounts representing university entities must:

Be registered with and approved by University Communications

Follow university branding and content standards

Be actively monitored and maintained

Inactive or unmonitored accounts may be removed or deactivated.

10. Maintenance and Quality Assurance

All university websites must be reviewed at least annually for accuracy, accessibility, and functionality.

Broken links, outdated content, and non-compliant material must be resolved promptly.

Content owners are responsible for ensuring accuracy and relevance of their web content.

11. Enforcement

Non-compliance with these standards may result in revocation of publishing rights, removal of content, or other disciplinary actions. The university reserves the right to deactivate or restrict access to any digital property that violates these standards.

12. Review and Revisions

The Office of University Communications will review these standards annually in collaboration with the Office of Information Technology to reflect emerging standards, technologies, and institutional needs.