Website Content Guidelines

These content guidelines are designed to ensure that all content published on official university, college, department, unit, office, research lab and other UIC-affiliated websites aligns with the institution’s mission, values and branding. The primary goal is to maintain an inclusive, professional, engaging and informative tone while adhering to the university’s policies and guidelines.

1. Relevance: All content should directly relate to the university’s official business, including academic programs, events, research, news and institutional announcements.
2. Professional tone: Maintain a professional and respectful tone in all communications. Do not share personal opinions or commentary. Be aware of diverse audiences and perspectives, and take care that content unites the university community.
3. Authority: Website content should reflect the appropriate level of authority to the unit it represents. Care should be taken to ensure content does not inaccurately represent or make statements on behalf of other university units or the university.
4. Adherence to university policies and guidelines: All content should adhere to UIC policies and guidelines and University of Illinois System policies and guidelines. Some relevant policies include:
   • Ethics, Political Activity and Gifts. 
   • Endorsement of Commercial Services or Products by UIC Employees.
   • Ensuring the Accuracy of Public Information for Current and Prospective Students.
   • Information and Communications Technology Accessibility Policy.
   • Advocacy guidelines
   • Social media guidelines.
   • IT Security Policy.
   • HR Policies and Procedures.
   • Nondiscrimination.
   • Student Handbook.
   • University Code of Conduct.
   • Web privacy.
   • University of Illinois Policy for Publishing on the Internet.

1. Image and multimedia sources: Ensure that all images and multimedia files used in university-related content are obtained legally and conform to copyright laws. Use images and multimedia that are either created by university personnel, licensed for use or legally obtained from reputable sources.
2. Attribution: When using images or multimedia from external sources, always provide proper attribution as per the source’s guidelines or licensing terms. Include credits when necessary, giving credit to the original creator or source.
3. Images and multimedia licensing: Use images and multimedia that are either in the public domain or have appropriate licenses for the intended use. Keep records of licenses and permissions for images used, especially for promotional and marketing materials.
4. Consent: Media consent guidelines for students and patients.

Avoid copying and pasting digital content from another university site, such as today.uic.edu or uic.edu. If you wish to share a story or other content, link to the original content rather than copying the content to your site. Copying and pasting content can create challenges with maintaining content accuracy and can also impact SEO.

1. Content ownership: Clearly define roles and responsibilities within your team for content creation, review and approval. Assign individuals or teams responsible for maintaining compliance with these guidelines. In the UIC Red multisite platform, you can assign permissions based on roles. Revisit roles and responsibilities on a regular basis to account for changes in staffing.
2. Content review: It is important to establish a review process for all content within your content ownership structure to ensure that content aligns with the university’s content guidelines, goals and messaging, and is accurate and up to date.

1. Visual identity: Adhere to the university’s branding guidelines for logos, colors, fonts and visual elements in all content. Consistency in branding enhances recognition and trust.
2. Editorial style: Follow UIC’s editorial style guide for written content, including grammar, punctuation and formatting. Ensure clarity and professionalism in all university communications.
3. Inclusive Language Guide: This guide aims to ensure that inclusive language is consistently used in all university communications and to uphold the university’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

1. Any individual, whether associated with the university or not, may notify university leadership of suspected infringement of content guidelines. This can be done by emailing smcs@uic.edu.
2. As needed, the appropriate college dean, vice chancellor and provost will be notified when individuals or departments do not adhere to content guidelines for responsible and ethical content and distribution. Individuals may be asked to change and/or remove content in adherence with the guidelines within a specified time period.

Each content ownership team should periodically review guidelines to check for updates and ensure team members are aware of any changes and that they are appropriately guiding university content creation.

By following these content guidelines, the university can maintain a consistent, professional image, effectively communicate its mission and values, and ensure compliance with copyright laws and inclusive and ethical content practices. These guidelines should be disseminated widely among university stakeholders and integrated into content creation workflows to promote a unified and responsible approach to communications on all university-affiliated channels.