Information Technology
Web Development Best Practices

1. Usernames and Passwords
2. E-mail Addresses
3. Web Site Organization
4. Management of Web Sites
5. Personal Information
6. Advertising
7. TROY Graphics/Logos
8. Domains
9. Last Updated
10. Web Address
11. Technical Support
12. Faculty/Staff Pages

1. Usernames and Passwords
    
   The account information for a Web site should never be given to an individual who is not authorized to maintain the Web site. Delete any account information from the computer prior to transferring it to another department.
   
   
2. E-mail Addresses
    
   Avoid the inclusion of individual faculty/staff e-mail addresses in a Web page whenever possible. Instead, list only the name and other contact information and instruct visitors to use the on-line faculty/staff directory to locate an e-mail address.
   
   
3. Web Site Organization
    
   Files used in a Web site should be well organize and easily identified by name and location. For example, photographs and other graphics files are typically placed within a sub-folder named “images”. Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF files are usually stored in a sub-folder titled “documents”.
   
   
4. Management of Web Sites
    
   Official University Web sites should only be managed using official University computers. Do not use personal computers to update departmental Web sites.
   
   
5. Personal Information
    
   Private data such as name, address, and birth date should not be collected online unless via a secure method approved by the Information Technology department. Employee/Student identification numbers must be used instead of Social Security Numbers.
   
   
6. Advertising
    
   Official Troy University Web sites should not be used to advertise another entity or product.
   
   
7. TROY Graphics/Logos
    
   Use of Troy University branding materials is strictly controlled. TROY logos may not be altered. Consult the Graphics and Standards Manual or the Office of Marketing and Communications for more information.
   
   
8. Domains
    
   Official Troy University Web sites must be hosted on a troy.edu domain. The use of other types of domains such as “.net” or “.com” is generally not permitted.
   
   
9. Last Updated
    
   Every page should include a section of text title “Last Updated” followed by the date the document was modified. For example, "Last Updated: 08/01/2007"
   
   
10. Web Address
     
    Only the Homepage located at http://www.troy.edu may be used in publications and marketing materials. The address for a specific page or Web site, except for the Homepage, may not be advertised.
    
    
11. Technical Support
     
    Contact the Webmaster at your campus or site if you require assistance with updating an official TROY site or have questions related to your Web site.
    
    
12. Faculty/Staff Pages
     
    Individual student Web pages may be hosted on http://prism.troy.edu. Individual faculty pages may be hosted on http://spectrum.troy.edu.