JSU WEB STYLE GUIDE

Web identity standards

Minimum requirements for the look, feel, and functionality of every official Jackson State University website. Written for anyone who creates or maintains a site within the jsums domain.

Accessibility Standards Contact Us
Introduction

About these standards

Web identity standards define minimum requirements for the look, feel, and functionality of all official Jackson State University® websites. These standards fall under the umbrella of the Jackson State University® overall publications’ standards, with which all websites must comply. This web guide is for anyone who creates or maintains official Jackson State University® websites. Visit www.jsums.edu/webguide for the most recent version of these standards and requirements.

By simplifying the user experience, JSU web standards create a welcoming and attractive environment on the web while improving the usability and user-friendliness of Jackson State University® websites. With standardization, users are not required to learn new locations of major web elements every time they visit a different site within JSU’s web domain.

Standards also streamline web design and development, shifting the focus of JSU faculty and staff members to the most important part of the university’s web presence: the content.

Applies To
All official Jackson State University® websites
Audience
Anyone who creates or maintains an official JSU site
Authority
JSU overall publications’ standards
Current Version
www.jsums.edu/webguide
Fax
(601) 979-8246
Mission

Professional standards in content, usability, and accessibility

Jackson State University® websites must meet professional standards in content, usability, and accessibility. These standards of uniformity offer a consistent, user-friendly experience to the JSU community and to everyone who uses the university’s websites.

Improved usability
Makes pages within the “jsums” domain more welcoming and appealing to a wide variety of users
Accessibility conformance
Conforms to international standards for accessibility
Efficiency
Maximizes efficiency in design, development, maintenance, and collaboration
Adaptability
Makes the University more able to quickly adapt to and apply improving technologies
Guide contents

Sections of the web guide

Each section sets the requirements for one area of an official JSU website.

Structure
JSU Homepage
Standards governing the university homepage and how sites relate to it.
Read this section →
Compliance
Accessibility
Conformance with international standards for accessibility across all JSU sites.
Read this section →
Brand
Identity Elements
The identity marks and elements every official JSU site is required to carry.
Read this section →
Design
Required Design Elements
Design components that must appear on pages within the jsums domain.
Read this section →
Brand
UO Signature Use Standards
Standards for correct use of the official university signature.
Read this section →
Design
Typography Standards
Approved typefaces and how type is to be applied across JSU websites.
Read this section →
Usability
Navigation
Consistent placement of major web elements so users need not relearn each site.
Read this section →
Development
Style Sheets
Style sheet requirements supporting uniform design and easier maintenance.
Read this section →
Design
Color Palette
The official color palette for Jackson State University websites.
Read this section →
Content
Required Content Elements
Content elements that must be present on official university pages.
Read this section →
Development
Browser Compatibility & Use of Flash
Browser support expectations and guidance on the use of Flash.
Read this section →
Content
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Practices that help JSU pages be found and indexed effectively.
Read this section →
Content
Writing for the Web
Guidance for writing clear, usable copy for a web audience.
Read this section →
Channels
JSU Social Media
Standards for official Jackson State University social media presence.
Read this section →
Structure
JSU Centers and Institutes
Requirements for the websites of JSU centers and institutes.
Read this section →
Related
JSU Style Guide
The university-wide editorial style guide, maintained separately from this web guide.
Read this section →

Building or maintaining a JSU site?

Start with the accessibility and required design element standards before you publish.

Accessibility Required Design Elements
Get in Touch

Contact the JSU Web Guide

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 17199
Jackson, MS 39217
Fax
(601) 979-8246
Campus Address
Jackson State University
1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS 39217
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