External Site Requirements
Kent State University requires all departments and units to build content within the Drupal platform.
This ensures consistency, accessibility and compliance with web standards. However, we recognize that external solutions may be necessary in certain cases.
This policy outlines requirements and guidelines for using microsites, third-party vendors and commercial sponsorships on Kent State University websites. While external platforms can serve specific needs, we strongly encourage all content to be developed within Drupal to:
- Align with university-wide web standards.
- Maintain a consistent user experience across all web properties.
- Optimize accessibility and search engine performance.
If your project requires a microsite, third-party solution or commercial sponsorship, please for review and approval.
Microsites
A microsite is a smaller, self-contained website that supports specific events, campaigns or programs but exists outside the primary kent.edu structure. The following are allowances, required elements and recommendations for any site approved to be positioned as a microsite - which would be developed by Kent State and/or third-party vendor.
Approval of all microsites is required, to verify that the baseline requirements are met.
Third-Party Vendor Websites
Third-party vendors may provide web solutions that integrate with Kent State’s digital infrastructure, such as applications, portals or forms.
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Global Masthead Requirements
- ​Logo with link to www.kent.edu
- Optional Primary Navigation. Must follow appropriate styling and functionality as majority of Kent State websites if included.
- Required: 8 Utility Navigation links (starting with Flashline, ending with Give Now) as appears on the majority of Kent State websites
- Includes search functionality.
- Third party vendor sites should make an input box that sends the user to www.kent.edu/search/site/[TERM USER TYPED IN].
- Header details as dictated by Kent State's website templates
Commercial Sponsorships on Kent State Websites
Kent State allows limited commercial sponsorships on university websites where they align with institutional values and benefit students, faculty or the broader university community.