External Site Requirements
This policy outlines requirements and guidelines for using microsites, third-party vendors, and commercial sponsorships on 5X社区 websites.
Kent State requires all departments to build content within Drupal for consistency, accessibility, and compliance. While external solutions may be necessary, we strongly encourage using Drupal to:
- Align with university web standards
- Ensure a consistent user experience
- Optimize accessibility and SEO
For microsites, third-party solutions, or commercial sponsorships, for review and approval.
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 vendor.
Approval of all microsites is required, 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.
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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.