Web Toolbox

The Marketing & Communications Department (MarCom) oversees websites for the University, especially the public websites in the udmercy.edu domain.  MarCom staff manage website content, design, functionality, and technical development. MarCom oversees:

  • enforcement of strategic website scope
  • quality control over website content
  • development of new websites, website sections, and webpages
  • consultation and training on best practices for the websites
  • training in the Cascade Server system, which we use to maintain the websites
  • control of user access and privileges in Cascade
  • technical assistance for content contributors
  • leadership on website design, usability, and accessibility
  • management of website code, functionality and other technical underpinnings

Website quality critical for the University's goals. No website can be all things to all people.  So, it’s critical to be clear on the purpose of a website. 

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    How does MarCom determine priorities for the web?

    Website quality critical for the University's goals. No website can be all things to all people.  So, it’s critical to be clear on the purpose of a website.  For University of Detroit Mercy, the purpose of our public websites is to support the revenue-bearing activities of the institution, namely:

    • recruitment and retention of students
    • advancement, i.e. fundraising

    Based on these core Web goals, the most important audiences for Detroit Mercy websites are:

    • prospective students (and their parents)
    • donors, especially alumni

    By necessity, website activities that further these goals will always be given priority.

Much of the content on our websites requires the involvement of subject matter experts to keep their content accurate and up-to-date. Such "sitekeepers" can be given access to modify website pages. This Web toolbox lists several of the concerns that sitekeepers need to be aware of to keep our websites in good shape. 

When should I call MarCom?

First of all, always come to the Marketing & Communications Department to discuss any Web-related issues you have in mind, such as:

  • website maintenance questions
  • adding files or pages to an existing website
  • building a new site or new functionality
  • choosing and integrating a third-party Web system

Maintaining your website

If you are a subject matter expert responsible for maintaining the website content for your area, the following information is for "sitekeepers" like you.

Sitekeepers should only worry about making sure that the website provides the information and functions they know their customers need.  This excludes concerns that are handled by MarCom, such as website design, organization, technical modifications, etc.

Sitekeepers' Content Responsibilities

Oversight and Assistance

MarCom staff oversees website contributors and periodically audit all website pages to ensure adherence to web, brand, and design standards.

Always contact MarCom with questions or to request a quality control review. We often find issues that contributors were unaware of so it is better to be safe than sorry.

If MarCom staff do find issues, at our discretion, we will either:

  • contact you to have issues corrected
  • correct issues directly according to our standards

MarCom may suspend any user’s Cascade access. This may be necessary when a user fails to correct issues in a timely manner, or a user repeatedly fails to follow guidelines for content, design, branding, usability, or technical coding. Such suspensions will be in effect until the user completes additional training with MarCom, or until further notice.

Cascade users will receive notifications of system changes, training and other pertinent information related to your role. These notifications usually are sent via email. It is imperative that you follow all directions and schedule training as prescribed.