POLICY IMPACT STATEMENT
Proposed Policy Name:
University Website
Responsible Office:
Office of University Relations
Responsible Executive:
Vice President for University and Public Affairs
POLICY STATEMENT
All University of North Dakota Web pages must be constructed using the approved content management system
(CMS) and adhere to University branding guidelines. Web pages for entities other than university units, university
affiliates or recognized student organizations are allowed on university servers only when the entity has a relationship
with UND that supports the institution’s teaching, research, or service missions, and has received approval from the
Division of University & Public Affairs. Failure to adhere to these requirements will result in the websites removal
from University servers.
REASON FOR POLICY
University of North Dakota resources, including its website, must be used and sustained in a manner that maintains
quality control, manages risk, optimizes usability and provides consistency. This policy would further define the terms
and conditions for all websites hosted on UND servers.
OVERVIEW OF POLICY CONTENT
Problem: At present, there are no set standards to identify what websites should be hosted on UND servers, nor are
there requirements for websites that are being hosted on UND servers.
Solution: Create a document identifying what types of websites UND should/should not host, the standard content
management system to be utilized in creating websites, allowable content, etc.
Procedures to deliver solution: All websites would be required to utilize a standard content management system
(currently OmniUpdate) unless other arrangements are made through the Division of University & Public Affairs.
Identify entities that are and are not allowed to have websites hosted by UND servers. Implement processes by which
new websites are brought online, reviewed and discontinued.
SCOPE OF POLICY

Who does this policy affect?
President
Vice Presidents
Deans, Directors & Department Heads
Area Managers & Supervisors
Faculty
Staff
Students
Others
IMPACT ON THE UNIVERSITY
Resources needed to implement and maintain compliance with this policy include human resources (personnel to
review and approve Web pages), technological resources (UND servers and content management system), and
operational resources (enforcement of policy and procedures). At this point in time, no financial resources or physical
resources have been identified.
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Cultural/behavioral changes include an institutional and personnel shift relating to uniformity and adherence to the
University brand. This policy builds on and formalizes the Web practices already in place. It will allow the Web
management team to enforce standards and create a more consistent Web presence for the University.
Is there a financial cost to implement? Explain.
Yes and No. Sites that will no longer be hosted on a UND server as a result of this policy could incur costs associated
with obtaining new server space. Sites migrating to UND’s content management system will receive server space and
support at no cost.
What are the risks of NOT establishing this policy?
There are institutional, technical and legal risks for not establishing this policy. Institutional risks include
inconsistencies with branding across websites and the perception of fairness among entities on campus. Technical risks
include security, access control and website performance. Legal risks pertain to liability of hosting websites on UND
servers and UND’s ability to provide oversight of website content.
Are there system or equipment changes required? Explain.
No. Sites would use UND’s content management system (CMS) which has been in place since 2010 and would
continue to be hosted on UND servers. The CMS and servers require constant maintenance and systems are in place to
provide these services.
Are there training requirements for compliance? Explain.
Those responsible for managing content on websites (content developers) would need training to use OmniUpdate,
UND’s CMS.
What are the timing requirements, if any?
An old server which hosted several of UND’s websites is being decommissioned on June 30, 2013. This policy will
help the Web management team determine what sites should be migrated to a new server.
STAKEHOLDERS, if any who will be consulted in developing this policy
Stakeholders drafting the Web Policy include Tera Buckley and Peter Johnson, Division of University & Public
Affairs; and Nathan Clough and Kelicia Samuelson, North Dakota University System. Stakeholders who will likely
participate on a Web Policy Advisory Group include Steven Light, Academic Affairs; a representative from Student
Affairs; Michael Moore, Division of Research & Economic Development; a representative from General Council; a
representative from University Senate; Rick Anderson, Jerry Rostand, Madhavi Marasinghe, Josh Riedy, North
Dakota University System; and Susan Walton, Tim DeBolt, and Jan Orvik, Division of University & Public Affairs
After the initial draft, this policy would be sent to PAG which includes representation from all VP divisions, EERC,
and F&O (Controller, Risk Management, Facilities Management, HR/Payroll, IT).
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