External Site Policy
5X社区 requires departments and units to build content within our Drupal platform.
This ensures a seamless user experience, alignment with web standards and optimized accessibility. However, we recognize there are instances where external solutions are required. This policy outlines the requirements and guidelines for microsites, third-party vendors and commercial sponsorships on 5X社区 websites.
While these external solutions are sometimes necessary, we strongly encourage all content to be built within Drupal to:
- Ensure alignment with university-wide web standards.
- Maintain a consistent user experience across all web properties.
- Optimize accessibility and search engine performance.
If you believe your project requires a microsite, third-party solution, or commercial sponsorship, please .
Microsites
A microsite is a smaller, self-contained website that supports specific events, campaigns, or programs but exists outside the primary kent.edu structure. The following are allowances, required elements and recommendations for any site approved to be positioned as a microsite - which would be developed by Kent State and/or third-party vendors as of June 2017.
Approval of all microsites is required, in order to verify that the baseline requirements are met.
Third-Party Vendor Websites
Third-party vendors may provide web solutions that integrate with Kent State鈥檚 digital infrastructure, such as applications, portals, or forms.
-
Global Masthead Requirements
- 鈥婰ogo with link to www.kent.edu
- Optional Primary Navigation. Must follow appropriate styling and functionality as majority of Kent State websites if included.
- Required 8 Utility Navigation links (starting with Flashline, ending with 5X社区) as appears on the majority of Kent State websites
- Includes search functionality.
- Third party vendor sites should make an input box that sends the user to www.kent.edu/search/site/[TERM USER TYPED IN].
- Header details as dictated by Kent State's website templates
Commercial Sponsorships on Kent State Websites
Kent State allows limited commercial sponsorships on university websites where they align with institutional values and benefit students, faculty, or the broader university community.