Ball State was among the first universities in the nation to adopt a web-based
content management system (CMS) to maintain its website. A widespread rollout of the Vignette CMS began in 1999. In fall 2007, the university began implementation of a new CMS called Sitecore. The new system offers more up-to-date tools for web editors, is easier to use, and offers better compatibility with the university’s existing technology infrastructure and planned development.
A CMS allows large numbers of web editors (Ball State has more than 800) to maintain sites and provide a consistent look and feel throughout the site. Ball State's website is maintained for the most part by individual departments in coordination with University Marketing and Communications. At least one person within a department is assigned to update the department's web content.
Although Ball State currently uses two CMS programs, Vignette is the CMS being gradually phased out. Sitecore is the new CMS that most academic and administrative websites are required to use. While much work has been done on Ball State's site redesign and the Sitecore CMS, there are still a few features in Vignette that must still be incorporated into the new design and CMS. Until then, many users continue to update some aspects of their sites with Vignette.
In addition to information about our content management systems, you will find information here about:
Still have questions about using the content management system (CMS) or need further technical assistance? Please contact the HelpDesk at 765-285-1517.