Digital Presence Solutions

Our Unified Digital Presence Framework: For a Stronger, More Consistent University of Alberta

In embracing the One University Master Brand strategy, and in working with Information Services and Technology (IST), we've developed a robust framework to govern our digital presence. By regulating our digital tools and domains, we're not just aligning with our brand identity, but also ensuring accuracy, security, and reputation management.

The University of Alberta is proud to present its comprehensive list of approved digital presence solutions. These tools have been carefully selected to create consistency, manage our valuable "ualberta.ca" domain name, and mitigate potential reputational risk arising from previously unmanaged content.

Moreover, our approved toolset will help us to reduce and eventually eliminate erroneous information on outdated web platforms. This guarantees that both our internal and external audiences will receive accurate, timely, and relevant information from all of our digital channels.

Framework

Externally accessible websites on (*).ualberta.ca are required to follow institutional security, branding, and website design standards.

Web content accessible from off-campus for departments, research groups, events/conferences, faculty members, and courses will not be permitted outside of the approved tooling for these use cases:

  • Faculties, Departments, Business units: Cascade
  • Faculty Profiles: Campus Directory or Google Site
  • Research groups: Cascade (Official U of A Centres & Institutes as determined by the office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation), Research Site (in Apps@), or Google Site
  • Courses: eClass or Google Site
  • Events / Conferences: Cascade
  • DNS Redirects: IST or Cascade Redirection Service
    DNS records for sites that have migrated from their current dedicated host to an approved service can be redirected through the IST Redirection Service or Cascade for a period of time.

Why?

  • The reputational impact of unmanaged content
  • Duplicated content lowers search visibility
  • Incorrect information on outdated systems

IST Directory

Commonly referred to as U of A “Find a Person”

  • URL format: apps.ualberta.ca/directory/person/<CCID>
  • Pros 
    • organic search visibility
    • uses the ualberta.ca domain name
    • commitment to continuous improvement & evolution of the tool
  • Cons - not suitable for groups

Research Site Tool (Apps@)

New tool for research groups

  • URL format: apps.ualberta.ca/research/{faculty}/{group name}
  • Pros
    • uses the ualberta.ca domain name
    • organic search visibility
    • centralized exposure to U of A Research - new ‘Research Hub’ powered by the U of A site search tool (Fall 2023)
    • multiple CCID’s associated with a shared ‘site’
    • commitment to continuous improvement & evolution of the tool
  • Cons - new tool, lack of awareness

Google Sites

  • URL format: https://sites.google.com/ualberta.ca/
  • Pros
    • security and reliability
    • user-friendly interface
    • integration with Google Services (ie. Google Drive, Calendar, Google Docs)
    • U of A templates, collaborative editing, responsive design, easy maintenance and updates, version history, and revision control 
    • access by individuals and groups with CCID access
  • Cons - limited customization, lack of advanced functionality

Cascade (www.ualberta.ca)

  • Faculties
  • Departments of Faculties
  • Business & Administration Units
  • Official U of A Centres & Institutes (as determined by the office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation)