The template files have been created with straight HTML, and you should be able to take a “fill in the blanks” approach with the template. However, it is in your best interest to attempt to understand the HTML structure of the template, as well as any cascading style sheets or JavaScript that it may reference. The main template file contains HTML with minimal inline JavaScript, but it may also reference external JavaScript, CSS, and images.

What is in the template folder?

Upon completion of the Web Presence Training Program, Web developers will be granted access to a Zip file that contains the Web page template files. The Zip file contains HTML Files that you can edit, documentation for you reference as you maintain your site, links to the style sheets that are used and links to example images .psd files.

What programs can I use to create a site in the new format?

The templates have been created via straight HTML coding. Upon completion of the Web Presence Training Program, all primary Web developers will receive, assigned to their department, a license for Macromedia Dreamweaver to use in creating their Web sites. All campus Web developers are  encouraged to use Dreamweaver as their primary Web development software; this will enable Information Technology Services and Marketing Communications to provide maximum support to developers if they require assistance in building their pages. Developers should consult with ITS if considering a Web development tool other than Dreamweaver; some tools, such as Microsoft FrontPage, are not compatible with UWF Web servers.

Please note that even though the templates are designed using HTML code, there are parts of the design that may require the creation of art elements specific to your site, such as photos and artwork. Some Web developers may need to have access to programs such as Photoshop or Macromedia FireWorks to be able to create customized files. If your department does not have image editing applications, University Marketing Communications may be able to supply you with art files. Contact webpresence@uwf.edu for more information.

How flexible is the template system?

The UWF Web Presence is designed to be a flexible system while maintaining a consistent university identity. There are certain elements in the design that must remain consistent to achieve the common look and feel. These elements include the university header and the style sheet. In addition to these design elements, there are a few navigation elements that must be consistent. These elements differ according to whether the site belongs to a university college, university school, academic division/department or non-academic department. Refer to the Web Template Standards for elements that pertain to your area. While these few items must retain their built in characteristics, the template system was created to be a starting point and a framework to build on; it is not meant to be a rigid mold that makes all pages exactly alike. The greatest amount of flexibility is available inside the content area.

What colors can I use?

There are standard colors built into the template based on the University of West Florida school colors of blue and green. The Web value of the primary colors are 003399 (Blue) and 006633 (Green). There are some color palette choices that you can choose from in developing your template. Visit the Visual Style Guide for additional details.

Why use the fixed-width format?

The template is targeted for a monitor with a resolution of at least 800 x 600. This sizing of the template should not be modified. Research shows that the vast majority of our users are visiting the UWF Web Presence using computers that are able to display (at least) this resolution. Ideally, a page’s content will resize along with the browser window, but using a fixed width provides much more positioning control. Because of the fixed-width format, you will see bands of white space to the right (and possibly to the bottom) on some screens set for a higher resolution. We have attempted to strike a balance between aesthetics and mainstream technology.

How does this system work for people with disabilities?

The UWF Web Presence template system incorporates four design features that facilitate easier access for persons with disabilities. First, the templates are written and validated in XHTML 1.0 Strict.  This means that they do not make use of any browser-specific features that might not be implemented or fully supported by the software that aids disabled users.  The templates do not require JavaScript or Flash and do not contain any quirky "Internet Explorer only" functionality. Because the templates make use of standards, the Web Team is confident that any standards-compliant software will work with them.

The layout and appearance of the templates is controlled by Cascading Style Sheets. This means that the content of a Web page is separate from its presentation. As an example, navigation elements are contained within HTML lists and preceded by HTML headers that describe the list. An ordinary Web browser does not display the header because it is turned off in the style sheet, but a screen reader for visually impaired users sees it and reads it aloud. So a user might hear, for example, "Local Navigation" followed by a list of links. This greatly increases the ability of a visually impaired user to remain oriented while perusing a page.

Third, the templates are fully compliant with Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act - form elements have corresponding labels, images have alternate text, etc. Of course, it is still possible that a web designer, creating a page from these templates, could add content that violates Section 508. For this reason, UWF is committed to the task of constantly reevaluating live Web pages and effecting changes where necessary to remain compliant.

Finally, every UWF Web page contains a convenient link to UsableNet's Lift Assistive Web page processor. Lift Assistive provides many useful features designed to make pages easier to read - features like enhanced contrast and increased font size. This allows users with disabilities to access UWF's Web site even when using a computer without special accessibility software.

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