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Quick Overview of the SMU Template

The SMU template combines elements from several different files and directories to create a seamless page. Some elements, such as logos and the University's nondiscrimination statement, remain consistent on every Web page and are updated centrally so that changes will appear automatically on all pages using the template. Others, such as navigation and content, can be edited and adapted to best serve your department's or office's communication needs.

Below is an illustration of the SMU templates. Each of the "Zones" highlighted is actually a different file or a different element on the page. Put your cursor over the links below to view each of the areas.

Generally, the only parts that you will need to worry about are the content area (Zone 8), the sitewide navigation (Zone 2A), and the local navigation (Zone 2B). The other parts are automatically taken care of by the template and your initial site set-up process with the Webmaster's Office.

The Parts of the Template

University branding (Zone 1)
This area accommodates the University logo and a campus image.

Sitewide & local navigation (Zone 2)
These two areas (Zones 2A and 2B) accommodate sitewide and local navigation. You control the content for these zones in two separate files.

Main SMU navigation (Zone 3)
The red horizontal bar contains the SMU Search area and global Universitywide links. This area cannot be modified or hidden.

"Breadcrumb" area (Zone 6)
This area contains a "breadcrumb trail" of pages to help the visitor keep track of where they are in the site.

Department identification (Zone 7)
The name of the department, office or school will be displayed in this area.

Content area (Zone 8)
This area is 472 pixels wide. Make sure that no graphics or tables in your site are wider than this. You control the content for this zone.

Legal Statements (Zone 11)
Contains links to the University legal statements, a copyright statement, a print function that generates a printer-friendly version of the page, and an index of the SMU Web site.