Just in case anyone hasn't been involved in these conversations, here's the skinny.
For more details, check out the Template FAQs
What!?
A standard header and footer are now mandated for all university Web sites.
Why?
When the quality of the ASU web presence was questioned, our top thought-leaders in branding, usability, accessibility, messaging and design were brought together to conduct a web audit. This team concluded that our web presence would greatly improve if everyone implemented a standard header/footer and followed a set of best practices (Web Audit Checklist). In other words, we're all moving forward together believing that the "whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
Who has to use it?
All university Web sites that have an exclusive affiliation with ASU are mandated to use the standard header and footer... so basically, all of us.
To view details of the ASU Web sites, see the following spreadsheets: ASU Core, College and Schools
Who made that decision?
The Web Audit team made the recommendation, a team of designers explored the best solutions, feedback was gathered from the community, and the Web Editorial Board made the final approval. It was a decision for the community, made by the community.
When?
The ASU core sites will implement Rev.2 by July 2008 and the rest of asu.edu needs to implement the header/footer by January 2009.
How?
- The details and code for the templates can be found at http://template.asu.edu
- Template Help Sessions - Experts are on hand twice a week to answer questions and lend assistance (see scheudule)
- Join the Web Community mailing list to receive updates and communication about the templates