Delivering lasting and impactful web experiences to all users, regardless of ability and technology, is critical to maximizing user engagement with our content. Providing a positive and consistent experience that aligns with the overarching brand of Johns Hopkins University is key to delivering this promise across each website in the JHU.edu digital ecosystem.
To meet this goal, University Communications’ Digital Strategy team provides resources and guidance for website owners and managers planning and creating new websites and launching redesigns.
Website Requirements
We prioritize fostering a sense of unity across JHU’s web platforms. Whether the website is for an academic department, an administrative unit, or a research center, each contribution is essential to the JHU.edu digital ecosystem, as these web properties represent the university’s official business functions.
While each website may take a different path toward launch, all websites in the JHU.edu domain must meet the following minimum requirements. We reserve the right to correct and recommend changes that do not comply with these established standards.
Technical
- Meet or exceed Johns Hopkins University requirements for accessibility compliance, including color contrast;
- Utilize a system that supports strategic content management and governance;
- Be designed for mobile responsiveness;
- Clear all security scans and checks required by Johns Hopkins Information Technology.
Visual
- Use an official Johns Hopkins University logo on the first view and in the footer;
- Use official web typography,
- Adhere to the approved JHU color palette, reinforcing our brand identity and providing users with a consistent and accessible experience.
- Call on official graphic elements when possible;
- Use web icons from Font Awesome;
- Prominently display the formal name of the unit, acronyms are not sufficient.
JHU.edu URL Structure
For every web presence that supports Johns Hopkins University, it is essential to utilize a URL structure within the JHU.edu domain. Adopting the JHU.edu domain instantly connects your website with Johns Hopkins University, reinforcing the authenticity and reliability of your content. Subdomains of JHU.edu must be labeled based on the website or application’s content.
This shared domain approach strengthens our digital footprint and fosters cohesion among our various online platforms.
JHU.edu URL Guidelines
Using the universal wordpress theme
For websites that are approved by University Communications for a third-level subdomain of JHU.edu (i.e., [NAME].jhu.edu), the university provides a free website creation resource called the Johns Hopkins Universal WordPress Theme. This resource is an easy-to-use content management system (CMS) called WordPress, where website owners can manage content and maintain a website that is on-brand, accessible, mobile responsive, and meets security requirements set forth by IT.
Websites that require a more customized approach can explore alternate options with the approval of University Communications.
Accessibility
Johns Hopkins University is committed to providing equal access to websites, web-based content, and other electronic and information technology (EIT) for people with disabilities per applicable laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended.
The university uses Siteimprove, which audits websites and rates them for accessibility according to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standard. Siteimprove rates websites on a scale from 0 to 100 based on the conformance of the code and content of the site. The university requires all websites hosted on JHU.edu to maintain a minimum score of 80 on a Siteimprove audit.
To gain access to Siteimprove and receive an audit of your website, email [emailprotected] with the URL and JHED IDs for those who need access to the platform. For any questions related to this process, email [emailprotected].
Content Strategy
A coherent and well-organized content strategy enhances the user experience by making it easier for users to find relevant information. Before design and development begins, it is important to research and define the website’s content strategy to ensure that content successfully communicates the mission and achieves the website’s goals.
We have provided information about the basic steps website owners should take to make sure the website’s content approach is strategic and set up for success.
Baseline content strategy approach
Content Management System
A content management system (CMS) typically features user-friendly interfaces that allow website owners and managers to create, edit, and publish content without advanced technical or design skills. This democratizes content creation and management, enabling more team members to contribute to the website’s content management.
A well-structured CMS streamlines the creation and approval of website content, reducing the time and effort required to manage content. This level of content governance helps prevent bottlenecks by clearly defining roles and responsibilities, ensuring content moves smoothly from ideation to publication.
CMS selection at JHU is typically decided by the website’s owner or manager with support from IT and web designers and developers. Websites owned by University Communications use WordPress and Drupal. Most websites in the JHU.edu ecosystem are built in WordPress, including websites managed by the Universal WordPress Theme, while the others use Drupal.
Mobile Responsiveness
A significant portion of JHU.edu web traffic comes from mobile devices. Mobile responsiveness refers to the design and development approach that ensures a website adjusts smoothly to different screen sizes and device types. A mobile-responsive website automatically reconfigures its layout, images, and functionalities to provide an optimal viewing and interaction experience regardless of whether the user is on a desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone. Building your website to be mobile responsive is essential to reach and retain audiences effectively, improve search engine rankings, and enhance user experience.
Website Security
Before launching websites hosted by Johns Hopkins IT, a security scan will be conducted, and a member of the web hosting team will go over the results with the website owner. While security scans can sometimes be quick, please allow 1-2 weeks for the security scan process and any remediation that might be needed.
For any questions related to this process, email [emailprotected].
