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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UVM Publishing System?

First deployed in 1998, and based on the PHP Web scripting language, the UVM Publishing System is an Internet-based computer application that assembles Web pages with UVM's current Web design and menuing systems to create UVM websites. The publishing system is developed, maintained and supported by the UVM Web Team.

What are the best ways to get involved in building a website?

• Get a zoo account and look through the Web Guide's Beginner's Guide for tips on how to get started.
• Attend our walk-in help hours (This semester's hours)
• Sign up for a class through the university's Training and Development Office. If you've never built a website before, "What Makes a Good UVM Website" is often a great place to start. If you have skills, but want more, consider our "Writing/Editing Web Pages with XHTML" class, or another that interests you. The offerings vary by semester.

These seem to be FAQs about the Web Team and general Web topics at UVM. What are the concerns people most often have when working in the publishing system?

There is actually a Frequently Asked Questions covering the publishing system that is located in the Web Guide. Visit the UVM Web Template Frequently Asked Questions.

What if I don't want to build the website myself?

Many UVM departments/organizations designate a person to manage their Web needs. If it isn't you, it might be someone else who's interested in expanding their Web skills. If you want to retain the services of the Web Team to build your site, understand that the team's availability depends on other projects. Letting us know that you're interested in our services is the first step. Visit our "Starting Your Website Project" page and fill out the "Getting Started" form.

How do I know when I should contact the Web Team or the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) for my Web needs?

The general rule of thumb when considering who should work on your website follows: The CTL works on websites that include an academic/teaching bend (which often includes learning modules). The Web Team projects are usually more focused on the departmental/administrative side of academics. When in doubt, drop us a line.

What if I can't make any of the help hours?

So many people on campus request our help that aside from a bit of support via e–mail, we ask that people come to help hours. If you are unable to make the currently scheduled times, keep in mind that they change by semester.

What are some technologies I could use to build my website?

Our Web Guide briefly describes and gives suggestions from three categories of Web development technologies:

• HTML editors
• WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editors
• Text editors

Does the Web Team support every UVM website — even if it wasn't built in the publishing system?

Actually, no. About 90% of the university builds their websites in the publishing system. Reflective of that large number, we've had to draw a figurative line in the sand when offering help. We're always happy, however, to explain the virtues of working in the publishing system, and to help you learn how to bring your site into the fold.

How can I see my site's traffic/monitor site statistics?

We no longer fully support Access Watch and are currently recommending Google's Analytics. We feel this product is much more intutitive, interactive and provides easier to evaluate reports than Access Watch. You can sign up for a Google Analytics account on their website.

Last modified April 29 2008 01:39 PM