University Logos & Guidelines|Webmaster Resources |The University of Utah

Template FAQs

 
Q: Am I required to use one of the University templates?
A: To meet the branding goals of the university, you are strongly encouraged to use one of the templates or to create a web design that mirrors the critical elements of the templates.  If you believe you have a unique case where a template won’t work for your organization, contact University Marketing & Communications.  They will work with you to develop an acceptable and compliant design.  
 
 
Q: When do I need to have my website in the new template?
A: The goal is to have all University websites reflect the University’s identity by Feb. 2008.  
 
 
Q: What if I’m creating a website that requires a different type of structure (e.g., a newsletter or a special event) that does not fit well with any of the templates?
A: The most critical elements of the template are the top header, correct logo and use of a color scheme that works within the University’s color palette.  Contact University Marketing & Communications with your suggestions for non-standard templates. Visit www.utah.edu/utemplates to view new designs as they are added.
 
 
Q: I work for University Health Care. Do I have to use one of the University templates?
A: University Health Care has templates and designs that mirror both the University’s visual identity and University Health Care’s strategic brand. Contact the University Health Care Web Resource Center for more information.  
 
 
Q: I’m developing or working with a web application  What are the branding requirements?
A: The most critical elements of the template are the top header, correct logo and use of approved colors. If you are coding your own applications, please adhere to these standards. When working with third-party applications, please try to meet identity standards whenever possible. We understand that vendors of third-party applications often have restrictions on design; we’ll comply where required but ask that you request critical elements of identity whenever possible.
 
 
Q: What areas can I change on the templates?
A: The most critical elements of the template are the top header, correct logo and use of approved colors. Other areas within the template are more flexible. For example, you can:
  • Remove the my.utah.edu portal logon screen if it is unnecessary for your site
  • Reduce or eliminate submenus
  • Eliminate the right side bar (picture and text) if you feel you don’t have content for that area
  • Eliminate areas for photos – or increase the number of photos
Again, the goal is to provide elements of commonality on all web sites associated with the University – but not eliminate creativity or expression.
 
 
Q: What if I want to use a different color scheme? 

A: The University has an entire palette of approved primary and secondary colors. The templates shown here reflect approved colors and help promote a consistent and coordinated visual image for University’affiliated programs. However, you may develop a design using other approved colors from the University palette if you wish. The design must be approved by University Marketing & Communications and the Web Advisory Committee.    
 
 
Q: How can I get help with the templates? 
A: To use the templates, you need basic Dreamweaver or HTML skills.   There are several training classes on campus to learn these skills. We've also provided instructions on how to use the templates. Media Solutions can also provide assistance or do the initial setup of your website for a fee.
 
 

Q: What about web sites maintained by a University of Utah department or program in conjuction with other researchers, programs, or tutorials around the country?

A: Such sites are not required to use the University’s visual identity (but can if they so choose).
 
 

Q: I have faculty and/or researchers who maintain their own web sites. Are they required to use the University’s templates?

A:They are encouraged to do so, but not required to do so. Using the University’s templates will eventually ensure greater synchronicity with the University’s content management system, and will provide the faculty or researcher with the benefits that come from being allied with the University.

 
 

Q: What about programs affiliated with the University but not primarily academic in nature?

A: For purposes of clarification, University Marketing is identifying such programs and websites as Category B sites. Examples include (but are not limited to) Athletics, Kingsbury Hall, Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Utah Museum of Natural History, Red Butte Garden, KUED, and KUER. Category B entities are asked to provide strong identification of their association with the University. That affiliation will be most apparent in their logo design. Such programs are not required, however, to use the University’s web design (but may do so if they wish). The following characteristics may help define Category B programs:
  • Are primarily commercial in focus (i.e., sell tickets, require an entry fee, or solicit private funds for the majority of operating purposes)
  • Receive the majority of staff and/or program funding from sources other than state-appropriated funds through the University of Utah
  • Primary web address does not include .edu (although some Category B sites do use .edu)
 
 

Q: Can I use fly-out menus?

A: Fly-out menus are not supported in the template for reasons of accessibility, usability, and aesthetics. Typically, fly-out menus make it nearly impossible for screen readers for the blind to read hidden menus. While it is true that an experienced designer can create a fly-out menu AND provide an alternate text-based format, this rarely happens (and has not happened consistently in the past). Fly-outs can also be challenging for those lacking fine motor skills who struggle to “capture” the desired menu option before the fly-out disappears. The University is committed to the ideal of accessibility for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors; fly-out menus are not in harmony with that ideal. And finally, fly-outs that overlap pictures, text, or other menu options create usability problems and visual confusion. For these reasons, fly-out menus are not acceptable.
 
 

Please note: We are actively seeking extraordinary web sites that reflect the University’s visual guidelines while infusing the site with creativity and identity. Please share your ideas and designs with other web masters via this online forum. To submit a page for consideration, please contact the University Webmaster Team or University Marketing & Communications.