FAQs: Migrating to CMS

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I am ready to move my website to CMS. When can I start?

The migration of websites into the CMS will occur in a systematic process by division and college, in an order determined by the Internet Presence Committee. CMS Analysts will contact you when it is time begin the migration process. The Analysts will guide you in analyzing your current content, discuss your department's web development needs, help you plan out a timetable for migration and training, and provide the necessary permissions for identified departmental users. However, there are several things you can do now to prepare for your meeting with the CMS Analyst. Review the Understanding CMS Presentationsto learn more.
How long will it take to migrate my site into CMS?

The length of time that it will take to migrate a site depends on several factors: size and complexity of site content; extensiveness of site review, re-organization, and clean-up; graphic design needs; custom development needs for existing advanced site functionality; personnel and resources able to assist with migration; etc.
What does it take to successfully migrate to CMS?
Successful site migration can be greatly helped by several factors:
1. Appointing a point person with the authority to make decisions to manage the migration process for your department
2. Appointing enthusiastic, detail-oriented staff who are familiar with site content to assist with the migration
3. Having a well-organized site structure
4. Limiting your editors(preferably a primary and a back-up)
Review the Understanding CMS Presentations to learn more.
What can I expect during migration?

See the Understanding CMS Presentations.
What can I do now to get ready?

See the Getting Ready for CMS presentation.
Can I keep my site’s current template and design?

Template code for the UNF website will be maintained by the CMS web development team. Multiple UNF-branded templates have already been designed, coded, and validated for accessibility compliance. Within these templates, there are several dynamic regions that allow for individuality and flexibility. While the overall brand will be "UNF", departments will be able to implement their preference of layout and design using a combination of the pre-built CMS features with their custom created images and graphics. A comparable solution can likely be achieved using existing CMS templates. However, if during the analysis phase of migration it is discovered that the existing template lacks functionality necessary for your site, the Internet Presence Committee is willing to listen to and consider alternative solutions.
My site contains special elements such as forms? How will I migrate those?

Part of the analysis phase will be the identification of special or complex content on your site that does not migrate easily into a simple content block. The CMS Analyst will help determine what solution is most appropriate and how it can be implemented.
May I enhance my site with new features that did not exist on it before?

Maybe, depending on anaysis discussion. Unfortunately, due to the time constraints of migrating other patiently waiting departments, the first priority will be to migrate existing content and features. If special features have already been developed for the UNF web presences as a whole, you may benefit from them right away. However, if the special request is time-intensive and beyond the scope of simple migration, we cannot promise development time unless existing functionality will be lost during the translation into the CMS.
What type of files can I upload to CMS?

Most of the common image (jpg, gif, png, etc) and document formats (PDF, Microsoft Office) are accepted for upload to CMS. For the comprehensive list, see the CMS manual. Due to file storage reasons, certain multimedia video and audio formats will not be accepted for upload to CMS. An alternative solution is available on UNF's digital media streaming server. Ask your CMS analyst for details.
Can I put photos on my site?

Yes. For sites in CMS, departments will have access to a global image library of approved images already cropped and sized for use on the template. Departments are welcome to use their own images, with the understanding that photographs of people should be accompanied by a signed photo release. Please read our photo usage page for guidelines and instructions.
Must I obtain permission to use a person’s photo or a company’s logo on my site?

Yes. Web policy mandates that webpages comply with all federal copyright laws. This means that you should obtain written approval to use photos of recognizable people or corporate logos and trademarks. You should obtain the reprint/copyright permission language by contacting the company or person directly. Liability of non-compliance will fall on the site owner, as identified on the stakeholder form during migration.
Can I track the number of hits to my site?

All CMS webpages include analytics tracking which provide CMS Administrators with detailed information on site traffic. Public-facing counters are not available. Contact webmaster for details.
How often should I update my Web site?

The content on your site will dictate how often you update. The key is to update when content becomes out of date or irrelevant to your audience. Continually be aware of what message you are communicating to your site viewers. Keeping the content fresh and current will encourage repeat visits. Similarly, "last updated" is not appropriate terminology on a UNF webpage. A visitor should always trust that the content they are viewing is the most up-to-date.
What happens if I do not keep my site up-to-date?

Internet Presence Committee reserves the right to take action on websites that are out of date or in violation of the UNF web publishing policy. This will likely begin with a courtesy email requesting that the site be updated within a reasonable timeframe.
What browser must I use to access the CMS?

The UNF website can be viewed on any browser, however editors may only use Internet Explorer and Firefox to log into the CMS and make edits.
May I use either a PC or Mac?

The CMS is browser-based and will work on both PC and Mac platforms using either Internet Explorer and Firefox. Keyboard shortcuts may vary between the two systems.
Why does my site look different on another computer?

The appearance of a site on the Web is affected by many factors, including browsers and monitor resolution. Unfortunately, these are beyond your control. Sites will always display slightly differently on different computers. However, the UNF web template has been designed and tested for compatibility across multiple browsers and platforms (IE 6, IE 7, IE 8, Firefox 2, and Safari) in order to support the greatest number of customers, as determined by web usage statistics. It is a good idea for you as a web manager to also test your site on as many browsers {best practices} as possible. If you encounter a serious flaw in the display of your page, please check out the {troubleshooting} help section.
Why must I wait one hour before my content appears on www.unf.edu?

No edits ever occur directly on the production system. Edits occur in a “staging” environment that is replicated to production (www.unf.edu) on the hour. This is the shortest interval possible at the moment. Pages may be previewed and continually altered in the staging environment.
Can I update my webpage from off campus?

Yes, but first you must access the UNF network via VPN. See the ITS webpage for instructions.
I want to build a page, but am not ready to publish it. Can I say “Under Construction”?

In striving to maintain a professional appearance, UNF discourages the use of "Under Construction" or "Coming Soon" placeholder pages. The template is designed to accommodate ever growing and changing content. Pages can be built in the CMS workarea and “withheld” until they are ready to be incorporated into the live site.
I know HTML. Can I use source view to handwrite code to customize the look of my page?

This is not recommended or supported. First, the source code view in the CMS workarea is not user-friendly or intuitive. Second, the template was designed and tested for browser compatibility. Working in source view to overwrite the intended layout of the page may have negative affects on how it displays in various browsers. Third, consider the limitations of additional or future page editors. The intent of the CMS at UNF is to enable non-technical to easily edit their content. By straying from the official template design, you would be causing a disservice to your departmental editors in terms of maintainence, training, and support.