Technology

Updating Official Web Pages

There are several ways to update content on Simmons' various websites. Please review the information below to determine which applies to you. As always, we are happy to answer your questions. All official email correspondence to the web team should be directed to webmaster@simmons.edu.

Please note that all official pages are maintained by Content or Information Providers. While the web team advises on what constitutes effective online communication, content on Simmons' websites is the responsibility of its author, not the Web Design department.

Content Management System
The Web Design department is rolling out a content management system (CMS) called RedDot for many parts of the Simmons website. We are targeting use of this tool at those who update their pages most frequently, or where workflow, approval chains, versioning and other advanced features are warranted. As "power user's" needs are met, and as we refine our implementation to support a wider roll-out, more and more of Simmons' web presence will be managed directly by content owners with this tool. It requires no special technical knowledge and can be accessed with any web browser. For now, the web team will get in touch with you if we think you are a good candidate for use of this tool.

Guide to CMS Version 6 for RedDot Users


If you are not yet updating your web pages with the CMS, you will use one of these methods:

Updating: Content Providers
Content Providers review their pages several times each semester and send updates via email to webmaster@simmons.edu. The Web Design department will design and code these pages. When updating, indicate the URL (e.g. www.simmons.edu/stuff.html) of the page being updated; for extensive text changes, please attach a Word document to your email so that we can copy and paste. Unless otherwise noted, updates will be completed within 3 business days.

Updating: Information Providers
After demonstrating proficiency in HTML, FTP and Dreamweaver, Information Providers will be given access to a mirror, password-protected version of the official web site. The Web Design department will review your edits to ensure they meet design and programming standards; changes will be made as warranted to ensure design, layout and graphics conform to technical, identity and communications standards. Unless otherwise noted, updates will be reviewed and uploaded to the live server within 3 business days.

New Pages & Special Projects
If you need to create a new section of the official Simmons web site or have a special web project, please contact us. Web projects are completed according to their own schedule. We will work out the timeline with you when we meet to discuss the project.

Note that many web projects have marketing components. The Web Design department works very closely with central marketing and may refer you to a marketing Project Manager or may recommend that your project take advantage of a cross-functional team approach. We can discuss the details when we meet.