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Web Governance Council

About

The Web Governance Council represents a University-wide commitment to governing the way we support and maintain our web presence. The Council is comprised of members across the University to ensure a wide range of perspectives are included as we work together to establish a governance program at the University of Rochester.

What is web governance?

The University’s websites are a critical touchpoint for members of the University community. From faculty and staff, prospective and current students, alumni, our peers, and the greater Rochester area—our websites serve as key infrastructure for our organization.

Web governance refers to people, policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines that govern the creation and maintenance of the University of Rochester’s web presence. It provides the foundation for creating and sustaining our websites

Web governance also enhances the value of the University as a whole by improving quality, usability, user experiences, and operational efficiencies of our websites, as well as mitigates legal and reputational risk.

Meliora crest on the side of Cutler Union at the University of Rochester's Memorial Art Gallery

Our vision & mission

Our vision is to support the University of Rochester’s efforts to create and maintain a web presence of the highest quality that is guided by our values and exemplifies Meliora (ever better).

Our mission is to establish, oversee, and support the implementation of a University-wide web governance program. This will include the creation of policies, guidelines, and standards, as well as providing input and recommendations to University leadership regarding web strategic priorities, risk exposure, and resource needs.

Explore our Charter for more details (Net-ID required)

Guiding principles for the web

The following principles guide strategic decision-making undertaken by the Council. These principles reflect the University’s values and our community’s commitment to the ideal of Meliora.


The web presence belongs to the University

Website stakeholders, managers, editors, contributors, and publishers are stewards, not owners, of the University’s websites.


The web is the University’s primary marketing channel

The University’s web presence serves many external audiences, and should prioritize presenting information in a manner that engages and converts them.


The website is mission critical

The University’s web presence is a valuable strategic asset that must be adequately supported, resourced, maintained, and governed.


The website is strategic

Web strategy must support the University’s strategic goals, provide business value, and be informed by input from stakeholders and the University’s web professionals.


The website reflects the ideal of “One University”

All official University web pages must be consistent with the University brand and comply with brand standards.


The website is accessible

University web pages and content on those pages must be accessible to ensure equity and openness.


The website is user-focused

Web pages and web content must have a clear target audience as well as metrics for measuring usability and outcomes.


The website reflects data-based decisions

Web stewards and professionals will rely on data and input from users to assess effectiveness of web pages and to make continual improvements.

Learn more about us