University Web Services

Web Publishing Policy

Site Maintenance

1. Do not put anything other than currently active or actively tested webpages and associated files in your web directory.

Web space is limited. If space runs out on the server, any updates posted will erase the files being updated. The space provided for your website is to be used only for current websites and those being actively tested. It is not for file storage. You should periodically check for orphaned files (those files in your directory that are not linked to any page) and remove them.

2. Check your links and keep them current.

Routinely check the links within your site for validity. This can be done with FrontPage and Dreamweaver if you maintain your sites with these programs. Other options are available in the form of downloadable programs and websites like http://www.netmechanic.com . The most frequent reason for broken links is changing between .htm and .html as the extension on your files.


3. Link to general information (e.g., course catalog , class schedule ) rather than duplicating it.

Periodically review all pages within your site to ensure that the information provided is current. For information you wish to provide within your site for which your department/school/org. etc. is not the author, it is preferable to link to the page containing the information provided by the author of the information instead of creating a duplicate. This makes efficient use of space and ensures that the information stays current. If you do decide to duplicate information, provide a link to the original author's page and indicate the date on which you created the duplicate.
Ex : This information is accurate as of mm/dd/yyyy but may no longer be current. For up-to-date information see :

4. Changes to access lists for website maintenance must be coordinated through webmaster@utdallas.edu

For the UNIX systems, the person who has access to a web directory for maintenance is determined by membership in the web group for that site. Membership in the webgroup should be determined by the needs of the department/school/research group etc. Changes should be requested by the leader of the web group and directed to the webmaster staff.

5. Requests for additions or changes to the web hierarchy (address/directory name) must be coordinated through the Web Development Group at webdeveloper@utdallas.edu .

In order to keep the UTD website structure consistent and logical, all changes or additions to website locations or (directory) names, including virtual servers (someweb.utdallas.edu), must be coordinated through the Web Development Group. The current site structure of the UTD web is under review with the goal of moving to an updated site structure in the near future. In order to facilitate this transition, the WDG must be involved in any requests for additions or changes to the current structure.