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Converting to the SMU Template

If your current Web site does NOT use the old SMU template, or if you wish to create a new Web site, please contact Ben Alexander in Public Affairs.

If your current Web site uses the old SMU template, converting the site to the new template can be routine if these procedures are followed:

• Inform the Webmaster's Office and Public Affairs about converting the site.

• Check the content area (Zone 8) of each page in the site to ensure that no tables or graphics are larger than 472 pixels wide. If they are, reduce them in size. If a reduction in size would create serious problems on certain pages, let us know and plan on eliminating the local navigation area (Zone 2B) on those pages.

• A test site for the conversion will be created by the Webmaster's Office, and all your Web site files will be converted. Your current Web site files will remain in place, and the converted files will be placed in this test area, which is located within your current site at www.smu.edu/YourSiteName/.

After Conversion

After the site is converted, Web site authors and maintainers should:

1. Examine all pages in the test area to ensure that they are displaying as expected. Notify the Webmaster's Office either to let them know that it looks OK, or to make them aware of any problems you encounter.

2. The conversion process will remove many "old" HTML tags and non-Section 508 compliant code, such as <font> and <center>, centered headings, and any code that creates styles in conflict with this Style Guide. A lot of your formatting may have disappeared. See the content area (Zone 8) page for guidelines on reformatting your page content.

3. Make any content changes or updates that are needed. If you make changes to your current web pages after the conversion of your site, be sure to also modify the converted files in the test area.

4. In your new sitewide navigation (Zone 2A) file, use links that best serve the visitor in moving around your site as a whole. Make use of the graphic buttons in the Button Library to enhance your visitors' experience in navigating the site.

5. In your new local navigation (Zone 2B) files, use links that will best serve the visitor to that particular page. Also determine if the rotating Pride Points will remain or if some other graphic or functionality is needed.

6. In each page, make the necessary changes to the HTML code to ensure the functionality of all areas of the new template.