Web Guidelines

To maintain consistency, accuracy, and overall quality of content and design, printed publications representing the University of Oklahoma are required to follow certain guidelines and be reviewed for adherence prior to publication. With the advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web, and the proliferation of electronic publications representing OU departments, units, and individuals, it is not feasible for each OU Web page to be reviewed.

Instead, OU Web page developers are encouraged to follow the Publications Policy, as it applies to Web pages, and to incorporate those guidelines into their pages.

These policies apply to OU Web pages representing university colleges, departments, programs and recognized student organizations. If you have questions about these guidelines, please call OU Public Affairs at (405) 325-1701.

	Either the words The University of Oklahoma, or the interlocking OU logo should always be prominently displayed on every Web document with a link back to the OU home page.
	The name of the institution is The University of Oklahoma. Please do not use the designation Oklahoma University. The initials OU (without periods) may be used on second reference.
	The university seal is reserved for official uses, as in the publications of the institution, its certificates, diplomas and legal documents, and printed materials used in conjunction with official functions of the University. In addition, the OU Seal may be used by the University and/or for commercial uses provided appropriate authorization is granted from OU's Licensing Department under the guidelines that the use thereof is not disparaging, does not constitute false representation as to sponsorship, affiliation or conventions and public morals and decency, and does not reflect unfavorably on the University. The University of Oklahoma Alumni Association is authorized to imprint the Seal on "OU chairs."
	The purpose of the Web page and audience for whom it is intended should be clear.
	All home pages are expected to use accurate, standardized information on enrollment, research funding, number of faculty, number of buildings, acreage, finances, etc., which is available from the What Do You Know Brochure, or Institutional Research.
	The home page should leave readers with a positive impact and the impression that warm and friendly people stand ready to serve their needs at the university.
	The home page should be attractive and well-designed. The page should convey information accurately, concisely, clearly and in a style that invites readership and avoids jargon. The home page should include instruction about how readers can obtain additional information.
	Each official university home page must have links to the Office of Equal Opportunity (http://www.ouhsc.edu/eoaa/), Disclaimer statement (http://www.ou.edu/disclaimer/) and Copyright statement (http://www.ou.edu/disclaimer/copyright.html). The shortened version of the Equal Opportunity Statement, which is appropriate for OU Web pages, states, "The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution."
	This line should appear in ALL home pages that promote campus events or programs: "Accommodations on the basis of disability are available by contacting (phone; name and address are desirable but optional) by (date, or as soon as possible)."
	Each OU Web page developer is responsible for posting information that is accurate and current. Each home page should indicate the date information was last posted.