Getting Started

University Marketing and Communications (UMC) is responsible for coordinating and consulting with departments as they maintain and update sites within the CMS. To assist editors in managing university Web site content, as well as provide consistency in organization and appearance of the Ball State website, the university uses a Web content management system (CMS) for official university websites.

Pages within the CMS are designed to be compatible with a variety of popular Web browsers and devices, accessible for persons with disabilities, and adherent to industry Web design standards, as well as Ball State-specific standards. Editors using the CMS are then free to concentrate on developing content and features for their audiences, rather than get bogged down with the technical aspects of Web site construction.

When extensive updates or brand new sites need to be made, UMC has identified five phases of the website development process. After an initial client intake meeting, UMC will provide varying level of support (depending on available resources) to units for the development of sites.

Web Site Development Process
Below are the five key steps for all new sites to the university’s CMS as well as those existing sites within the CMS needing a major overhaul:

Phase 1: Discovery 
Unit leaders will meet with an assigned team from UMC to discuss goals and objectives for the Web site, review existing content, look at competitors, and other important aspects impacting the development and maintenance of the site.

Phase 2: Planning
UMC will work with the units to develop an information architecture, Web strategy, and production schedule.

Phase 3: Creating 
Content and design will be created for the site. 

Phase 4: Building and Launching
This step involves building the site, training Web site managers, testing, and review.

Phase 5: Maintaining 
While individual units are responsible for keeping their sites up-to-date, UMC will continue to review Web sites and offer ongoing information and advice to assist Web site managers.If you have any questions, contact Julie Tuttle Davis, associate director of Web development or your assigned marketing and communications manager.

If you do not currently have a Ball State Web site
If you are an official unit of the university and do not currently have a Web site and would like to start developing one, contact Julie Tuttle Davis, associate director of Web development.