Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

This page is a list of many frequently asked questions about the new website, our process in how it was built, and how to use the website.

This is a living document—updates will be added to this list from time to time. We recommend content editors review this list as part of the new website user on-boarding process as many common questions and answers are listed on this page.

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Why did we build a new website?

We built a new website for VCUarts for three specific reasons.

1. To build a site that strategically engaged with prospective students and external audiences.
2. To meet VCU Web Accessibility Standards as our old portfolio of websites was noncompliant. This new website meets university recommended WCAG 2.0 AA compliance.
3. To develop a website that we could import all department sub-sites into, which would create greater visual consistency across the school and make the user journey much easier for our audiences.

Is the new website on WordPress?

Yes, the new website is still on WordPress.

The editor looks much different from what I’m used to. Why?

This is because the latest version of WordPress uses a new editor system called “Gutenberg.” Gutenberg is different than the classic editor because it organizes all web content into block elements. These blocks can be arranged dynamically by page editors to build custom pages and layouts. WordPress has a great demo of Gutenberg that we would encourage you to explore:

https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/

Additionally, we would suggest viewing our training videos (under website tutorials) to see Gutenberg in action.

How were decisions made regarding the design and function of the website?

This website is the result of a collaborative process with multiple stakeholders within VCUarts and colleagues throughout the university, including an ad hoc web strategy committee within the School of the Arts, and colleagues within Tech Services and University Relations. Every phase of the project was presented for feedback through open forum presentations, small group listening sessions, surveys, and focus groups. We received valuable feedback that we incorporated into the final product from countless members of our community and we hope the VCUarts community will share our enthusiasm for the new website.

Why is the menu order different from the old website? Some pages aren't in the same place they used to be.

The information architecture and menu structure on the new website is different than the old website. We sought out to eliminate any “orphan page”, that is, pages that are not linked in a menu and cut down on the number of pages on the website (many of which received very little or low traffic). Decisions were made based on how to strategically engage with our audiences, best practices and data collected from our existing website.

I am a content editor for existing pages on the website. Will I still be able to access them?

Yes, while the website is different, roles for managing pages will be unchanged. You must contact the Web Team to request user access.

Why can’t I edit a “degree” page, as found on the program finder (https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/)?

The Communications Office maintains these pages in order to ensure they remain consistent in format. From the perspective of the prospective student, we want these pages to be consistent for external users who will be looking at multiple programs as they make the decision to apply to VCUarts. Content on these pages largely mirrors the viewbook, which is routed to Department Chairs annually. That being said, we are available to discuss edits to these pages, though we will strive to retain consistency in their format whenever possible. Please feel free to submit a ticket at https://arts.vcu.edu/newwebsite if you would like assistance with these pages.

Do you have training for website editors?

Yes, videos of training, guides and more are available on this site.

How do I get access to the website?

You may request access to the site using our intake form. Please specify the pages or areas of the site you are looking to edit. https://arts.vcu.edu/newwebsite The default login for our site is arts.vcu.edu/wp-admin. We recommend you add this link to your browser’s bookmarks bar for quick reference.

Note, you must complete the VCU mandated accessibility training before being granted access permission on the website. Instructions will be provided when a request is submitted. If you have previously completed this training you do not need to take the course again.

Is my login different on the website than for my email?

Yes, your VCU email, Google Drive, BlackBoard etc. all use the Central Authentication Service (CAS). Our website login is not managed by CAS so you will have a unique username and password for the website.

How do I edit my faculty or staff profile?

Please visit our faculty and staff profile guide for instructions.

I don’t have a headshot or I don’t like the photo I have?

The Communications Office periodically schedules opportunities for faculty and staff to get new pictures taken. Please look out for email updates for these photo sessions.

Can adjuncts have profiles on the website?

Yes, please connect with your Department Chair and send the Communications Office a request using our intake form: https://arts.vcu.edu/newwebsite. The Communications Office and Department Chairs (or their designee) must work together to maintain an accurate list of adjunct instructors on the website.

I think I’ve discovered a bug on the website. What do I do next?

The best thing to do is to log the issue and submit a report using our intake form: https://arts.vcu.edu/newwebsite

Please include screenshots and a URL if possible and a description for us so we can try to reproduce the issue.

I’d like to add a video in the header of a page. Is that possible?

This is a feature that we are currently exploring but at the moment this is not possible.

Can you change the styles of the site, such as colors, spacing between elements, the way blocks are laid out on a grid, etc.?

Generally speaking no. Making any of these changes is a significant undertaking because we must test between different screen resolutions and their interactions with other elements on the site. Seemingly small aspects of the website often have a lot of code running behind the scenes in order to make things work. We also have set up a design system with this new site and we must be careful not to break our standards as any change we make will globally affect every page on the site and every stakeholder who has their content hosted.

Can I put a "pop-up" alert on a page on the website?

No, the website does not support pop-ups.

On “events” pages, how is the text on the call-to-action button determined?

Text on the call-to-action button is determined by having a price or not. So if the event is free and has no price, the button will display "More information." If there is a cost, then the button will display "Tickets." These are hard-coded into the site. The events content type does not support custom language on this button.

Can we change the order of what appears in site search?

At the moment we have little control over what appears on an internal search. We are seeking ways to improve the effectiveness of our website search appliance. More information will be posted on this site as it becomes available.

I have an idea for something I’d like to see on the website or I’d like to share some feedback.

We appreciate your suggestions and notes and invite you to share your thoughts with us using the website intake form:

https://arts.vcu.edu/newwebsite

I've noticed something that looks wrong on Google Search or Google Maps. Can you fix it?

Feel free to submit a ticket and we will do our best to address the issue. Unfortunately, we have limited control over any information that appears on a 3rd party website such as Google Search but we will be glad to take a look.

What happened to the previous version of arts.vcu.edu? Has it been deleted?

No, it has been archived and will be temporarily available at dev.arts.vcu.edu until Fall of 2020. Please note you must be logged into the VCU virtual private network (VPN) in order to access the site archive. Instructions on how to setup your VPN are available at: ts.vcu.edu/software-center/security/vpn/

I need to recover content from the old site. What do I do?

You can access the old website at dev.arts.vcu.edu. Alternatively you may submit a ticket and the web team will work to assist you: https://arts.vcu.edu/newwebsite

What happened to the alumni directory (Where are they now?)

The directory has been archived. Keeping this list of profiles up-to-date was in short, impossible. Moving forward we will be including alumni stories in our news coverage and recommend departments to publish alumni updates as news stories as well. Using a news content type is an important distinction because all news stories are timestamped, so the end user can make a reasonable judgement as to how current the alumni update is, for example, if they are reading a story from this year or from four years ago. By following this format, you won’t have to update any alumni profiles.

What is the difference between a “website” and a “webpage”?

A webpage is an independent part of a website that contains the links to other web pages on the website. On the other hand, a website is a collection of relevant web pages that is addressed to a Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

We had other microsites such as “RVA All Day” or “In their words,” what happened to those?

Those sites had content that was outdated and did not have an owner in addition to being accessible noncompliant. We have sunset and archived those sites and will continue to tell stories about the VCUarts experience and our home in Richmond through our news stories, Studio Magazine, and social media accounts.

How can I set up the logo in my email signature?

Following VCU brand guidelines, we do not recommend using any images or logos in your email signature. See more information about how to match your email signature with the VCU standard at: https://brand.vcu.edu/content/index/guid/email_signature?parent=33

I have additional questions not answered on this page. Who do I contact?

Please submit your questions using the intake form and we will respond as soon as we are able:

https://arts.vcu.edu/newwebsite