Web Standards & Guidelines
  1. Web Standards & Guidelines
  2. Requirements
  3. Content Management

6. Content Management

  1. CMS Platform
  2. Direct Edit Link
  3. Navigation Tags
  4. Configurable Global Header & Footer

Go to requirement category in checklist

6.1 CMS Platform

Websites requiring a content management system (CMS) must use the approved content management platform for VCU, TerminalFour.

Requesting a CMS Managed Website

If a new website needs to be set up in TerminalFour, please complete and submit a Web Request form. Make sure to fill out the appropriate options regarding CMS usage.

6.2 Direct Edit Link

Websites must contain a link to the TerminalFour “Direct Edit” mode of the site in the footer of every page.

The Importance of the Direct Edit Link

By including the direct edit link in the footer of a website, it ensures users with valid access though TerminalFour can easily edit the page as soon as they see an issue on the site. It also gives VCU Technology Services a clear indication to whether the site is using TerminalFour or managed manually, making technical support much easier.

How to Implement a Direct Edit Link

TerminalFour has a built-in tag to use with a site’s HTML to generate a direct edit link:

<t4 type="edit-page" action="direct-edit" text="Edit" />

6.3 Navigation Tags

Websites must use appropriate TerminalFour navigation tags to generate links used to navigate the site.

The Importance of Navigation Tags

Using navigation tags to generate links used to navigate a website ensures it can be properly navigated within the TerminalFour “Preview” or “Direct Edit” modes. In addition, it also ensures a link will automatically be updated in case a section is renamed or moved.

Best Practices

Only links to external websites or resources should be hardcoded.

6.4 Configurable Global Header & Footer

Websites must provide configurable global header and footer sections within their TerminalFour page layout(s).

The Importance of Configurable Global Header & Footer Sections

Providing configurable global header and footer sections in a website’s page layout(s) during development ensures a user can easily modify and manage things like styling, scripts, and the use of plugins.