Skyline College website uses a Content Management System (CMS) called Modern Campus. This CMS allows users to make edits to content on your webpages.

Would like to edit your webpage?

Schedule a 20-30 minute training with the web programmer, or attend a group training/refresher when offered.

Checklist for a Semesterly Webpage Review

Everyone is super busy! If you can't commit much time to the website, MCPR requests that you just spend 15 minutes at the beginning and end of each semester to login and check for just a few things:

  • Contact Info:
    • Correct office hours, location, methods of contact
    • Accurate contact info on Meet the Team, Contact Us, and Overview pages
  • Program Info:
    • Class and Degree Information
    • Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
    • All relevant info: application process, programs, FAQ, events, etc.
  • Web Content:
    • Page information is clear, concise, and written for a web audience
    • Spelling and grammar check 
    • All links on the page are verified as working and accurate
    • Each page in the folder is in use -- ask the web programmer to archive/delete old pages
  • Imagery:
    • Images and photos are still timely / have accurate representation
  • Accessibility:
    • All link text is descriptive. No 'click here' or 'this link' type of text
    • All images have descriptive alt text
    • Headings are used for conveying meaning, not visual design

Writing Web Content

Writing web content is a lot like journalism and marketing. Three main points need to be addressed:

  1. What does a user need to know?
  2. How do we call our users to take action?
  3. Users came to the website for a reason -- how do we help them find what they're looking for?
two students use laptops on campus

Tips for Writing

  • Write clearly and directly, like a news article
    • Informational, brief sentences that avoid using jargon
    • Short paragraphs limited to one idea
    • Don't Repeat Yourself -- your info will be more concise, friendlier, and easier to maintain
  • Use bulleted lists instead of paragraphs when appropriate
    • A list is easier to scan and digest than a paragraph
    • Preface the list with an introductory sentence of explanation
  • Talk directly and actively to the user
    • Use first person to connect directly and personally with our visitors
      • Ex: "You can apply for this program" instead of "Students can apply for this program"
    • Use active voice when giving action items
      • Ex: "Pick up forms in Room 4125” instead of “Forms can be picked up in room Room 4125”
  • Provide a call to action
    • Usually you have something you want a user to do
      •  “Apply” , “Learn more” , “Explore” , “Register” , “Visit”, "Contact Us"

Tips for Design and Upkeep

  • Proofread your content
    • Check for writing errors and factual accuracy. The web editor has a spellcheck tool to assist you.
    • Click on links to make sure they are current and accurate
    • Review your content often; ideally at least twice a semester
  • Use meaningful headings and subheadings
    • Give readers (and search engines) a clear idea of the topic and page informational structure
  • Use Images
    • Break up your text & add visual interest with photos and relevant imagery.
    • MCPR can help you find photos and take new ones
  • Evergreen/reuse material when you can
    • Is the information already listed somewhere else? Link to it! 
    • Can you refer to a job title instead of a name, or link to a contact page?
    • Immediately set reminders for yourself to change time-sensitive information.

For individualized support, please contact

Hariklia "Aria" Frangos

Web Programmer Analyst
President's Office — Marketing, Communications and Public Relations

frangosh@smccd.edu

(650) 738-4450

BLDG 04-341

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