Web Policy
NUInfo Content Policy
Guidelines for the Central Web Server
If your unit/department/division/school Web pages are hosted on Northwestern's central Web server, called "NUInfo," you are required to familiarize yourself with these NUInfo server content guidelines.
The NUInfo server is a University-funded repository providing information about the University to the Northwestern Community and the general public. It is designed to enhance the experience for Northwestern students, faculty, and staff by providing them with timely information related to their studies, work, and recreation. It also serves as a gateway for introducing outsiders to the University community and its resources.
Content Ownership
University offices, schools, departments, and approved student organizations are responsible for the accuracy of their information on NUInfo. Web Communications is responsible for technical administration of the NUInfo server and training of University offices and organizations that wish to publish information on the web. Web Communications also maintains the top-level pages of the University (www.northwestern.edu) and the University Relations page.
The Web Communications Office is responsible for confirming the authority of any person submitting documents for inclusion in the NUInfo database on behalf of a Northwestern office or organization. Any office or organization with concern about information included in NUInfo is encouraged to communicate with the Web Communications Office. If you have any questions, please email us at webmaster@northwestern.edu.
Accommodate Those Who Visit Your Web Site
Consider that visitors to your Web site may not possess the latest hardware and software technology or may be physically challenged. To learn more about accommodating your visitors, consult the accessibility portion of the University Web Style Guide.
Duplication of Information
Do not duplicate authoritative content. The University maintains extensive Web-based information that should be referenced by linking rather than duplicated on your Web site. Examples of authoritative sources:
- Hiring, employment, and benefits issues. See Human Resources.
- Course descriptions and course offerings. See the University Registrar's Office.
- Application and admissions processes. See the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or The Graduate School.
Copyright on the Web
Copyright protects expression—your expression and that of others. All original expression is eligible for copyright protection as soon as it is fixed in a tangible form; In fact, almost all original expression is protected as soon as it is expressed. Virtually everything you can upload and download on the web is protected by copyright.
Items NOT eligible for copyright protection include:
Ideas, facts, titles, names, short phrases, and blank forms
While it is easy to download and copy files (text, photographs, graphics, sound, movies, etc.) from the web, you must have permission from the copyright holder to use them on your own web pages (or anywhere else). Under the terms of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, the University is obligated to take appropriate action if it receives a complaint that copyrighted material is being published over our network without permission from the copyright holder. To read more information on copyrights, see the U.S. Copyright Office website.
If you wish to use copyrighted material, send a Copyright Request Form (PDF) to the content owner to obtain the necessary permissions. Obtain personal releases (PDF) before using materials that could violate the privacy of individuals.
Links to Commercial Sites
Official University pages may not link to commercial sites that advertise/sell products or services, and may not accept sponsorship from commercial entities in exchange for advertising or links to commercial sites.
Specific exceptions may be allowed if the commercial links support the University's missions or provide an essential service to the Northwestern community.
All links on official home pages are subject to review by University Relations or the appropriate school office.
Credits such as "Site powered by..." or "Site created by..." are prohibited.