Central Web Server (NUInfo) Content Guidelines
If your unit/department/division/school webpages are hosted on Northwestern's central web server, called "NUInfo," you are required to familiarize yourself with these NUInfo server content guidelines as well as the IT central web server procedure.
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. OGMC Digital is responsible for business administration of the NUInfo server and training of University offices and organizations that wish to publish information on the web. We also maintain the top-level pages of the University (www.northwestern.edu) and the Office of Global Marketing and Communications websites.
OGMC Digital is responsible for confirming the authority of any person submitting documents for inclusion in the NUInfo server on behalf of a Northwestern office or organization. Any office or organization with questions or concerns about information included on NUInfo is encouraged to email us at webmaster@northwestern.edu.
Accommodate Those Who Visit Your Website
Consider that visitors to your website may not possess the latest hardware and software technology or may have needs pertaining to accessibility. 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 website. 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.
Sensitive Data
Legally/Contractually Restricted Information (Sensitive Data) should not be stored in the Web Content Management System or central web server. For more information, refer to Northwestern IT's Data Access Policy.
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 to the content owner to obtain the necessary permissions. Obtain personal releases 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 Global Marketing and Communications or the appropriate school office.
Credits such as "Site powered by..." or "Site created by..." are prohibited.