Web Governance Overview

Introduction

The web governance framework at CT State Community College (CT State) defines the strategic, operational, and technical decision-making processes essential to ensuring that the College’s website is innovative, reliable, and effective. The design, development, and maintenance of ctstate.edu are substantial and ongoing responsibilities that underscore the web's importance as a primary strategic asset.

As stewards of ctstate.edu, the CT State community is responsible for maintaining the site in accordance with best practices and the highest quality standards. This document outlines the policies, roles, standards, and procedures that support the sustainable governance of our digital presence.

If, after reviewing this document, you have any questions, please contact: >ctstate-web@commnet.edu

Note: This is a living document and will be revised periodically to reflect the evolving needs of the College.

What Is Web Governance?

Web governance refers to the framework of people, policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines that guide the creation, management, and maintenance of CT State's official website and related portals. It provides structure and clarity around roles and responsibilities, ensuring the site remains a consistent, high-quality, user-focused digital asset.

Guiding Principles

• Consistency in branding, tone, and messaging across all official pages
• A strategic focus on delivering an engaging, accessible, and intuitive user experience
• Clear ownership and accountability across departments and content areas
• Ongoing assessment and iteration informed by user feedback and testing

At its core, the web governance strategy aims to build long-term engagement—especially with current and prospective students—by helping users quickly and easily find the information they need.

Roles and Responsibilities

Web Team

• Support campus departments and content owners
• Enforce branding and web standards
• Maintain and update CT State’s website
• Provide training and content support
• Remove outdated content and troubleshoot issues
• Manage redirects and content audits

Content Owners

• Designate primary and secondary content managers
• Ensure accuracy and relevance of department content
• Work with the web team to update and enhance web materials
• Provide high-quality media and follow consent protocols
• Content owners are responsible for providing photos if they wish to include them. Time permitting, the web team can assist with sourcing, resizing, and placing images on your page.

Governance Oversight

A Web Governance Board may oversee strategic direction and policy development. Suggested members include:

• Chief of Staff
• Senior Director of Marketing
• Director of Digital Marketing
• Assistant Director of Web Services
• Web Content and Accessibility Coordinator

Strategic Web Governance Priorities

1. Policy Development: Define content, accessibility, and data privacy standards
2. Collaborative Content Management: Train and coordinate with campus stakeholders
3. User Experience: Conduct usability testing and apply responsive design principles
4. Maintenance: Perform audits, apply SEO, and resolve technical issues
5. Cross-Functional Coordination: Involve IT, admissions, academics, and student services

CT State Homepage

The CT State homepage serves as the digital front door for all campuses across Connecticut. It is designed to support the College’s strategic enrollment goals while also highlighting important and timely information such as registration details, weather alerts, institutional news, upcoming events, and campus information sessions.

Prominent on the homepage are rotating sliders, which are prioritized for enrollment-focused messaging, including open houses and other recruitment-related events. These sliders are a key communication tool and must align with the College’s overarching enrollment objectives.

Final decisions regarding homepage sliders and featured content are made collaboratively by the web team, Chief of Staff, and Director of Marketing. This governance ensures that homepage content remains timely, strategically aligned, and reflective of CT State’s brand and mission.

Web Standards and Best Practices

• Remain up to date with current technologies and be fully responsive across devices
• Follow the College's brand guidelines for consistency in design, voice, and tone
• Be free of errors, including typos, broken links, and missing media
• Feature audience-focused content for students, faculty, and staff
• Avoid redundant, outdated, or trivial content
• Use optimized images and approved videos
• Allow the web team to edit content, navigation, and media as needed for clarity, style, and usability

Templates and Content Ownership

The website uses standardized templates to ensure consistency in layout and branding. Each academic or administrative department is responsible for the integrity and accuracy of its own web content. This includes identifying content owners, ensuring regular updates, and collaborating with the web team to meet quality standards.

For content outside standard templates or branding, departments must submit a proposal for approval by the web team.

Content and Messaging Standards

The website reflects a friendly, direct writing style. Content should be clear, concise, and user-focused. Edits may be made for clarity, tone, formatting, and compliance with branding guidelines.

Visual Content Guidelines

• Use high-quality, authentic photos showing student life and learning
• Secure appropriate image release permissions
• Avoid stock or copyrighted content not approved by CT State
• Reflect the diversity of the CT State community in all imagery

Accessibility

CT State is committed to making its website accessible to all users, in accordance with W3C standards and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Our goal is to provide equal access and opportunity to individuals of all abilities.

Accessibility Standards Include:

• Alt Text: Provide 5–15 word image descriptions for screen readers.
• Color Contrast: Ensure a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.
• Accessible PDFs: PDFs must be optimized for screen readers prior to upload.

Project Request Process

The web team provides support for both short-term content updates and larger digital projects.

• Minor requests: Typically completed within 1–7 business days
• Large projects: Scheduled in advance with agreed-upon timelines

Priority is given to initiatives that support strategic College goals.

Final Notes

CT State’s website is a vital asset that promotes the College’s mission and serves diverse audiences. A unified governance approach ensures the site remains a reliable, engaging, and accessible resource for all users.