The Goucher College Web Style Guide is your comprehensive resource for creating and maintaining web content that is accessible, professional, and aligned with the college's brand standards. This guide is designed to help web editors use our content management system (CMS) effectively, ensuring consistency and quality across all webpages. 

Why have a website?

Our website is often the first interaction that prospective students, families, and the broader community have with Goucher College. A well-maintained, user-friendly, and accessible website reflects our commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation.

Higher education websites are designed to be updated frequently. They require constant review to make sure content is not only current but also accessible to visitors of all abilities. We ask that you frequently audit your department's pages to ensure content is not stale or out of date. We've put together this style guide as a reference for how to update the Goucher website.

What you will find in this guide

The Web Style Guide provides instructions and best practices to help you:

• learn how to use the Modern Campus CMS to update webpages.
• use templates and modules to build attractive, functional pages.
• follow accessibility guidelines to ensure our website is usable for all visitors.
• maintain a consistent and professional look and feel across the entire site.
• create content that aligns with Goucher College's brand and voice (coming soon).
  
  

Why this guide matters

Consistent and accessible web content not only enhances the user experience but also strengthens Goucher College's reputation as a forward-thinking institution. By following this guide, you contribute to:

• accessibility: ensuring that all users, including those with disabilities, can interact with our website.
• user experience: providing a seamless and engaging experience for visitors.
• brand integrity: presenting a unified, professional image that aligns with Goucher College's values.
  
  

Who should use this guide

This guide is intended for:

• web editors and contributors responsible for maintaining departmental or program pages.
• faculty and staff who contribute web content.
• anyone involved in creating web-based communications for Goucher College.

Whether you are a seasoned web editor or new to working with the CMS, this guide will provide the tools and knowledge you need to create high-quality, effective web pages.

How to get started

Begin by exploring these sections of the Web Style Guide:

• CMS Tutorials: step-by-step video tutorials for using the website's content management system

• CMS Interface: overview of the CMS layout and its main functionalities

• Web Templates and Modules: how to use web templates and modules in the CMS with examples

• Text and Headings: guidelines for writing web content and using headings effectively

• Formatting and Conventions: standard rules for dates, emails, tables, file types, and naming

• Links: best practices for creating accessible and effective hyperlinks

• Images and Graphics: how to use and optimize images, including accessibility tips

• Accessibility Guidelines: creating web content that is usable by everyone

By following this guide, you will help Goucher College maintain a website that is consistent, inclusive, and aligned with our institutional goals. Let's work together to make the Goucher web presence a reflection of our vibrant community and values.

Contact us for support

If you have questions about the website or need help implementing best practices, contact the Web Team at webmaster@goucher.edu.