Website Management @ ECU
The Internet is an increasingly important tool in the modern world, often used as a first port of call by those seeking information about our courses or the University itself. Therefore, it is essential that those responsible for maintaining, and developing, websites at ECU recognise the importance of keeping the pages they are responsible up-to-date. In 2002 the Web Management Committee released both policy and style documents outlining how information should be displayed on ECU web pages, and the requirements for pages at all levels throughout the University.
ECU Web Team
The ECU Web Team is responsible for the design and structure of the ECU Web site and reports to the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic. The team is currently working on the consolidation and redesign of the entire site.
Website Management Committee
The ECU Website Management Committee was established in 2001 with a view to improving the quality, currency and accuracy of ECU websites through the development and implementation of a set of standards and guidelines in consultation with stakeholders throughout the University. The Committee comprises members from all Faculties and Centres throughout the University, including technical and non-technical representation.
The Committee is also divided into several working groups:
- Web Marketing Working Group
Responsible for visual style and promotion of the committee
- Policy and Procedures Development Group
Responsibility for ECU Website Management Policy and Good Practices Guide (under development)
- Training Working Group (Special)
Responsible for working with PDT@HR to customise the Dreamweaver Training Course to meet University needs
- Discussion Board (Special)
Review existing policies and guidelines on discussion boards
- Links Working Party
Overview/reviews as necessary links on the University web pages
Key Documents
In 2002 the ECU Website Management Policy and ECU Web Style Guide were released outlining requirements when developing web pages. If you are responsible for maintaining web pages at ECU you need to know, and apply, these documents:
Training
At present PDT@HR provides training in Macromedia Dreamweaver 8. The ECU Website Management Committee has, in conjunction with PDT@HR, developed an in-house training course to ensure that the training on offer is customised to ECU's needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have we missed one? Send any questions to Jackie Miller (j.miller@ecu.edu.au).
Getting Started
- How do ECU staff get an account on the ECU web server?
You must complete the Web Author Account Application form (PDF 61KB)which must be signed approved by the appropriate manager. Only complete this form if you have been advised to do so. Accounts are assigned per work area on the ECU web server (eg Management Services Center); if editing for more than one area you must submit multiple account request forms.
- How do I map a network drive to the ECU web server?
Mapping a network drive to the ECU web server allows you to use Windows Explorer to transfer files between your PC/Mac and the web server. This is the only way of connecting to the main ECU web server.
- What is FTP?
FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a method by which documents are uploaded from your PC/Mac to a web server. FTP is not available on the main ECU web server.
- What support does the IT Service Desk offer?
The IT Service Desk can assist you with your ECU Login and the installation of Adobe DreamWeaver. The IT Service Desk does not provide advice regarding development of web pages.
Web Development
- What is Dreamweaver?
Dreamweaver is a powerful website management package. At ECU we use either MacroMedia Dreamweaver 8 or Adobe DreamWeaver CS3 (Creative Suite 3). It is recommended that all staff use the CS3 version.
- How do I get access to Dreamweaver?
DreamWeaver 8 is available under site license at ECU. Adobe DreamWeaver CS3 (Creative Suite 3) can be purchased under the University's CLP Agreement with Adobe from our preferred supplier. Staff wanting DreamWeaver installed on their computers must contact the IT Service Desk to arrange installation on the PC or Macintosh computer.
- Where can I learn Dreamweaver?
PDT@HR regularly run Dreamweaver training sessions on campus. Visit the at Professional Development website.
- What is a template?
The ECU Website Management Committee has created a set of Dreamweaver Templates from which web pages are constructed. The templates allow users to create, and edit, web pages which are consistent with ECU Web Corporate Style.
- What are server side includes?
SSI (Server Side Includes) are directives that are placed in HTML pages, and evaluated on the server while the pages are being served. They let you add dynamically generated content to an existing HTML page. Two of the most common uses for SSI are for including the contents of another file (such as a header, menu or footer) in a web page, or to add the date the file was created to the page.
- Can I use Microsoft Word to create my web pages?
Dreamweaver is the only application the ECU Website Management Committee recommends for developing and maintaining web pages at ECU. If you need to place a document on the web you should either upload the word document itself, or convert the document to Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format (preferred). In order to create PDF documents you will need to purchase Adobe Acrobat Professional. Consult the Helpdesk prior to purchase.
- What image types can I use in a web page?
There are three different types of images that can be used
- GIF - for low colour graphics and basic animations
- JPEG - all photographic images. Does not support animations.
- PNG - for low colour graphics or photographic images. Does not support animations.
Adobe CS3 Design Premium, Adobe CS3 Web Premium and Macromedia Studio MX 2004 includes graphics applications which can be used to create/alter images.
- Can I place copyrighted materials on the web?
If ECU does not own the copyrighted materials you must obtain permission for their use. Consult the ECU Copyright Office for further information.
- Can I limit who can see documents on the web?
Contact your area's webmaster (see list below) for assistance in limiting access to materials. It is not recommended relying upon the password protection in Microsoft Office documents alone to limit access to a documents content as search engines will show contents of documents the index and ignore the inbuilt document protection.
- How do I clear my browser cache?
If you find you are having trouble viewing a site or aren't seeing updates that you know have been made, it may be that your browser is showing a cached version of the site, instead of the most up-to-date version. To force your browser to reload the website and all its files, you should clear your browser cache.
Who do I contact?
Experiencing problems developing your web pages? Use the contacts table below to determine who you should speak to.
- Faculty of Business and Public Management
- Lisa Cleaver
- Faculty of Communications and Creative Industries
- Ron Oliver
- Faculty of Community Services, Education and Social Sciences
- Rivka Niesten
- Faculty of Computing, Health and Science
- Bryan Garnett-Law
- Faculty of Regional Professional Studies
- Nathalie Collins
- KITSC Directorate and Library
- Vacant
- IT Services
- IT Service Desk
- Management Services Centre
- Tim Smith
- HR Services
- Phil Monger
- Facilities and Services Centre
- Dayton Brown
- Governance and Planning Services
- Valentina Bailey
- ECU
- ECU Web Team: Andrew Dunbar, Dayton Brown and Tu Ly