Guidelines and Requirements
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Getting Started
Web Pages and Guidelines

Revised September 2008

UMKC recognizes using the World Wide Web is the most important communications tool available today. Many issues need to be considered when creating or updating a web site at UMKC. Use the links below to get started. First decide which category your web site falls under and choose the appropriate link for more detailed information and specific guidelines.

You can use this Web Checklist to make sure your web pages meet official UMKC Guidelines. 

University web pages are hosted on a Windows 2003 server running Microsoft Internet Information Server, supporting full Front Page extensions and Secure FTP access. The main web server supports Cold Fusion, ASP and ASP.net web pages. PHP and PERL files are not supported. Preferred databases are Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle.

For a list of web content owners on www.umkc.edu, click here.

What will your web site include? 

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All Official UMKC Web Pages

  • All pages must display an approved University of Missouri-Kansas City logo or alternate identifier linked to www.umkc.edu. The old UMKC logo (pre-summmer 2005) is not an approved logo. As part of the UMKC Branding process, a new logo was released in early 2005. The old logo cannot be used for any future communication purposes.
  • Please do not modify any existing University of Missouri-Kansas City logos or trademarks. The new logo does not allow schools or departments to place their name underneath the logo because the logo is a single entity. School/Division or dept. names can be placed with the UMKC logo by adhering to the safe space guidelines. (See UMKC Brand) Schools can use alternate identifier marks to identify themselves and UMKC. More information can be found at www.umkc.edu/brand/
  • All pages must follow the UMKC Standards and Style Guide.
  • Every HTML page must have a TITLE.
  • Use "alt" tags to provide a text description for images.
  • Use height and width tags for images to speed loading and to eliminate confusion for screen readers and text browsers.
  • All pages should include unique keywords and descriptions to aid search engines.
  • Pages should be designed for users who have monitors that show 800 pixels (width) X 600 pixels (height) in resolution. The actual width of your site content should fit in a viewable area of 770 pixels.
  • Web pages should be designed for both Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Internet Explorer browsers.
  • All pages must have a link to a text-only version of the web site.
  • Top-level pages must include complete contact information for the unit (address, phone, fax, and email) or a clearly visible link to that information.
  • Top-level pages of web sites must have the Standard UMKC Copyright statement (UMKC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution; Part of the University of Missouri System; Reporting Possible Copyright Infringement). An example can be found at the bottom of the http://www.umkc.edu home page.
  • All pages need to be regularly checked for out-dated and incorrect information, spelling or grammatical errors and accurate, working links.

    • *Personal pages and pages that are intended primarily for restricted, internal audiences are excluded from these requirements. However, all pages must conform to the Acceptable Use Policy for the University of Missouri.

Official University Web Page Guidelines

Official University web pages are web pages relating to the official business of the University such as the home page or generic sections controlled by University Communications. Some examples are:


The following guidelines apply to University web pages only:

  1. Publishing information electronically via a web page is no different from any other form of expression. Students and employees are advised that all University rules and regulations for student and employee conduct apply to electronic documents. See http://www.umsystem.edu/ums/departments/fa/management/business/manual/0902.shtml
  2. The standard University template must be used with the standard header and footer. Exceptions are approved on case by case basis with University Communications.
  3. The UMKC logo can be used. You can download authorized versions of the UMKC Logo for the web from the UMKC Web Guide. All logos should be linked back to the main University of Missouri-Kansas City web site. Be advised that simply having a pointer from the UMKC pages to your department or organizational pages does not constitute approval or sanction of their content by UMKC or University Communications and does not allow the use of the logo.
  4. Departments and individuals may not represent themselves as speaking for UMKC or the Curators of the University of Missouri System.
  5. Academic information (degree descriptions, requirements and emphasis areas as well as course descriptions) are already provided by University Communications and may not be duplicated by departments or academic units. This information is legally binding on the University and  approved by all the necessary academic and administrative bodies including Academic Affairs, the School of Graduate Studies, University Communications and others as required.  University Communications will post updates for these areas as necessary.
  6. Make sure your pages are compliant with WC3's  Web Accessibility Guidelines.

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College/School Web Page Guidelines

What are College/School web pages? They are web pages relating to official university business for the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Henry W. Bloch School of Business and Public Administration, School of Computing and Engineering, Law School, Conservatory of Music, School of Dentistry, School of Education, School of Graduate Studies, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy.

The following guidelines apply to College/School web pages only:

  1. Grandfather Clause - Schools with an existing web design that does not meet the criteria specified below are grandfathered in. When a school initiates a redesign of its web site, they must meet the UMKC minimum acceptable criteria must be used.
  2. Minimum Acceptable Criteria

    • Prominent display of the UMKC Logo or Alternate Identifier Mark with, link back to http://www.umkc.edu. The logo/mark must be viewable without scrolling down in an 800 x 600 pixel window.
    • All pages must have a navigational scheme with links to University level web sites (About UMKC, Academics, Admissions, Athletics, Departments, Libraries, Research) and Quick Links.
    • Top-level pages of web sites must have contact information and the University copyright disclaimer. (Usually located in the footer)
    • University Communications encourages all schools to use the standard UMKC header, footer, sidebar template. Examples include the School of Education and School of Nursing.
    • An example not using the standard template but meeting most of the current Minimum Acceptable Criteria is the UMKC Conservatory of Music web site.
    • Minimum Acceptable Criteria Example(PDF)

  3. The UMKC logo can be used. You can download authorized versions of the UMKC Logo for the web from the UMKC Web Guide. All logos should be linked back to the main University of Missouri-Kansas City web site. Be advised that simply having a pointer from the UMKC pages to your department or organizational pages does not constitute approval or sanction of content by UMKC or University Communications, does not allow the use of the logo.
  4. College/School and individuals may not represent themselves as speaking for UMKC or the Curators of the University of Missouri System.
  5. Academic information (degree descriptions, requirements and emphasis areas as well as course descriptions) are already provided by University Communications and may not be duplicated by departments or academic units. This information is legally binding on the University and must be approved by all the necessary academic and administrative bodies, including Academic Affairs, the School of Graduate Studies, University Communications and others as required. University Communications will post updates for these areas as necessary.
  6. Publishing information electronically via a web page is no different from any other form of expression. Students and employees are advised that all University rules and regulations for student and employee conduct apply to electronic documents. See http://www.umsystem.edu/ums/departments/fa/management/business/manual/0902.shtml
  7. Make sure your pages are compliant with WC3's  Web Accessibility Guidelines.
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Official Department Web Page Guidelines

Department web pages are web pages relating to official university business of a unit or department.  In some cases these pages are maintained by University Communications; in other cases by staff within a department.   To request a departmental web page, please e-mail bytes@umkc.edu. The department web page must fall underneath the hierarchy of UMKC.

The following guidelines apply to department web pages only:

  1. Publishing information electronically via a web page is no different from any other form of expression. Students and employees are advised that all University rules and regulations for student and employee conduct apply to electronic documents. See http://www.umsystem.edu/ums/departments/fa/management/business/manual/0902.shtml
  2. The standard University template must be used with the standard header and footer. Exceptions are approved on case by case basis with University Communications.
  3. The UMKC logo can be used. You can download authorized versions of the UMKC Logo for the web from the UMKC Web Guide. All logos should be linked back to the main University of Missouri-Kansas City web site. Be advised that simply having a pointer from the UMKC pages to your department or organizational pages does not constitute approval or sanction of their content by UMKC or University Communications and does not allow the use of the logo.
  4. Departments and individuals may not represent themselves as speaking for UMKC or the Curators of the University of Missouri System.
  5. Academic information (degree descriptions, requirements and emphasis areas as well as course descriptions) are already provided by University Communications and may not be reproduced by departments or academic units. This information is legally binding on the University and can only be distributed once it has been approved by all the necessary academic and administrative bodies including Academic Affairs, the School of Graduate Studies, University Communications and others as required.
  6. Make sure your pages are compliant with WC3's  Web Accessibility Guidelines.
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Student Web Page Guidelines

Student web pages are web pages built and maintained by individual students for their own use or projects relating to University classes. 

The following guidelines apply to student web pages only:

  1. Individuals are solely responsible for their own content and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the opinions of UMKC or the Curators of the University of Missouri System, nor are these sites reviewed or censored.
  2. The University logo cannot be used on personal web pages.
  3. All University rules and regulations apply to electronic documents including web pages. See http://www.umsystem.edu/ums/departments/fa/management/business/manual/0902.shtml
  4. Disk space provided is limited to the space allocated for a student account.
  5. Student web sites are for your private non-commercial use only. They may not be used as advertisement for a business or to buy, sell, or trade anything, whether for-profit or not -for-profit.
  6. Make sure your pages are compliant with WC3's  Web Accessibility Guidelines.

To get started visit http://students.umkc.edu/

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Student Organization Web Page Guidelines

Student Organization web sites can be found at http://www.umkc.edu/studo.

These web pages are built and maintained by faculty or students relating to and providing information about a student organization.  If the organization is not officially recognized by the University, they cannot use University web space.   To request an Organizational web page, please email the Student Life Office for approval at stulife@umkc.edu.

The following guidelines apply to organization web pages only:

  1. The web page editor (or faculty sponsor) is solely responsible for content and views expressed do not necessarily represent the opinions of UMKC or the Curators of the University of Missouri System. These sites are not reviewed or censored unless complaints are received.
  2. The University logo cannot be used on organization web pages without the approval of University Communications.
  3. All University rules and regulations apply to electronic documents, including web pages. See http://www.umkc.edu/is/oa/guidelines/.
  4. Web space for organizations is provided under the following conditions:
    •Organizations are responsible for backing up their own web pages for safety, recovery, or restores. Individual web pages are NOT backed up by Computing Services, only total system volumes. This allows for recovery of entire volumes only, not individual files or pages.
    •Disk space provided is limited to 10 MB per organization.
    •Information Services staff support or assistance will be on an as time allows basis.   If you have questions as you start the process, please contact the Call Center at 816/235-2000 or by e-mail at CallCenter@umkc.edu.
    Organization web sites are for your private non-commercial use only. They may not be used as advertisement for a business or to buy, sell, or trade anything whether for profit or not for profit.
  5. The pages should be compliant with WC3's  Web Accessibility Guidelines.
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Affiliated & Constituent Organization Web Page Guidelines

These web pages are built and maintained by affiliated and constituent organizations relating to UMKC.  If the organization is not officially recognized by the University, they cannot use University web space.   To request an affiliated organization web page, please contact Information Services. Information Services may charge a setup fee for web space and a monthly hosting fee.

The following guidelines apply to Affiliated & Constituent Organization web pages only:

  1. The web page editor (or faculty sponsor) is solely responsible for content and views expressed and these do not necessarily represent the opinions of UMKC or the Curators of the University of Missouri System. These sites are not reviewed or censored unless complaints are received.
  2. The top level page must display an approved University of Missouri-Kansas City logo or linked to www.umkc.edu. The old UMKC logo (pre-summmer 2005) is not an approved logo. As part of the UMKC Branding process, a new logo was released in early 2005. The old logo cannot be used for any future communication purposes. Affiliates and Constituent organizations may use an approved secondary logo. This logo when used correctly serves as an identifier for the organization and connects it to the UMKC as the parent of the organization.
  3. Web space for organizations is provided under the following conditions:
    +Organizations are responsible for backing up their own web pages for safety, recovery, or restores. Individual web pages are NOT backed up by Computing Services, only total system volumes. This allows for recovery of entire volumes only, not individual files or pages.
    +Disk space provided is limited to 200 MB per organization.
    +Information Services staff support or assistance will be on an as time allows basis.   If you have questions as you start the process, please contact the Call Center at 816/235-2000 or by e-mail at CallCenter@umkc.edu.
  4. The pages should be compliant with WC3's  Web Accessibility Guidelines.
  5. Examples of Affiliated Organization web sites include: http://www.umkc.edu/whmckc , and http://www.umkc.edu/emed
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Personal Web Page Guidelines

Personal web pages are web pages built and maintained by individual faculty or staff that have nothing to do with official business of a unit, department, or the University. Anything relating to "Official University Business" should be maintained either on an official University department page or the official University web pages maintained by University Communications.
See : http://webadmin.umkc.edu for information on official University web pages.

The following guidelines apply to personal web pages only:

  1. Individuals are solely responsible for their own content and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the opinions of UMKC or the Curators of the University of Missouri System nor are these sites reviewed or censored
  2. The University logo can not be used on personal web pages.
  3. All University rules and regulations apply to electronic documents including web pages. See http://www.umkc.edu/is/oa/guidelines/
  4. Personal web space is provided with the following conditions:
    • Personal web pages may be deleted at any time without warning or notice if disk space or other resources are needed for official university business.
    • Users are responsible for backing up their own personal web pages for safety, recovery, or restoration. Individual personal web pages are NOT backed up by Computing Services, only total system volumes. This allows for recovery of entire volumes only, not individual files or pages.
    • Disk space provided is limited to 10 MB per user.
    • Staff support or assistance with personal web pages will be on an as time allows basis.
  5. Personal web sites are for your private non-commercial use only. They may not be used as advertisement for a business or to buy, sell, or trade anything whether for-profit or not-for-profit.
  6. Make sure your pages are compliant with WC3's  Web Accessibility Guidelines.
  7. To get started, please visit:  http://faculty.umkc.edu/ , http://staff.umkc.edu/ , or http://students.umkc.edu/  

General Disclaimer for All Web Sites

If your web site does not reflect the UMKC look and feel or have proper content as determined by University Communications, University Communications and/or Information Services reserves the right to disable any university related web site.

Currentness - pages which have not been updated or documented as accurate and current in the past three years may be removed fom the umkc.edu web site.

University of Missouri-Kansas City Privacy Statement

It is the policy of The Curators of the University of Missouri that individually identifiable information obtained from Internet credit card transactions will not be sold, traded or rented to third parties. Aggregate or summary information that does not contain personally identifying information may be shared, however.

E-mail Policy Information

Click here for more information.

Application Security

Application owners, developers and system administrators must register their custom and vended applications and ensure such systems meet the security requirements of Information Access and Information Security and Research. Your divisional/departmental IT liasion must be consulted before developing or procuring Web based applications.

Deans, Directors and other University administrators must be aware of application and information security policies and provide the resources necessary to ensure the departments they oversee develop and procure applications in a manner consistent with this policy.

The Division of Information Services and Information Access is responsible for the enforcement of this policy and has the authority to audit systems as required and to prohibit the use of insecure applications. The Division of Information Services and Information Access is also responsible for providing policy clarification, and technical information to assist departments in meeting this policy. Auditing costs may be passed on to the application owners.

Applications or databases containing student information/records, personally identifiable information such as social security numbers or credit card numbers, and other categories of data that are protected by federal or state laws or regulations. All applications must be secured regardless of the type of information they utilize.

UMKC encourages the use of CAPTCHA technology on all publicly accessible form pages. An example can be obtained from the Information Access Division. (http://www.umkc.edu/ia)

All web applications need to be tested for SQL Injection , (XSS) Cross Site Scripting and Buffer Overflow problems.

All e-commerce projects must be presented to the Information Access division for review and notification to the UM Auditor's office.

UMKC encourages the use of code testing analyzers to verify the security of code and encouragement of "best coding" practices.