Mandate
The website manager's mandate is to maintain the OFTP website, as well as links to it, in the following ways:
- updating existing web content and/or code as needed
- uploading new content as requested by the executive, an administrator, a supplier, etc.
- uploading new content sought out or created by the website manager as approved by the executive
- requesting updates to OFTP information on other websites that link to ours
Updates may include the following:
- changes of contact information for resource suppliers, support groups, area reps, OFTP administrators, etc.
- removal of broken links
- removal of outdated information, e.g. relating to conferences and other time-sensitive events
- redesigning and recoding as needed to comply with current web standards and other guidelines (see Guidelines)
New content requests may include the following:
- resources such as websites, books, curriculum suppliers, etc.
- upcoming conferences and other events
- newsletter articles to be made available online
- OFTP announcements or official positions
- new OFTP policies
New content chosen by the website manager
New content may also be sought out or created by the website manager to improve the website's usefulness or appeal. The website manager should seek executive approval for new content in the following decision-making circumstances:
- when planning major changes to the look of the website
- when planning major additions that would extend what the website/OFTP has to offer members and/or the public
- when composing text that introduces/describes/presents an aspect of OFTP and therefore has the potential to impact OFTP's image (the impression made on members or the public)
- when composing text that expresses an opinion, since it could be taken to be an official position of OFTP if it is not attributed to a specific author
Guidelines
Visual appearance
- The website should display a consistent look from one page to another. All pages of the main OFTP website should be based on the same format/style. If a new section is added that could constitute a separate website and for which another look is more appropriate, the entire separate section should display its own consistent format. The rest of the guidelines should still be applied to this separate section.
- The logo should be the basis of the look of the website: the colour scheme should include the colours of the logo and the image of the logo should "belong" within the overall design.
Organization and navigation
- The website should be organized into main headings displayed on each page as a main menu. Additional aids to organization and navigation are optional but encouraged (submenus, search form).
- Each page of the site should be, at most, only a few links away from any other page of the site.
Coding
Coding should comply with current web standards. As these can change, the website manager should keep up to date with current practices. Current coding standards include the following:
- There should be no deprecated html tags or attributes. The html should validate with W3C.
- A doctype and language should be specified.
- Style and content should be separated by means of cascading style sheets. The css should validate with W3C.
- Html and css should fail gracefully in older browsers.
Accessibility
Coding should comply with current accessibility standards. As coding options can change, the website manager should keep up to date with current practices. At this time current accessibility standards include the following:
- Javascript or plugins such as Flash can be used to add effects as long as the content is still accessible to users who don't have the plugins or javascript enabled. Rapid looping animations should be avoided for the sake of those with visual problems or epilepsy.
- Font sizes should be defined in relative units (%, ems) so that they can work in tandem with the accessibility settings of users. Exceptions can be made for portions of text where a pixel-perfect alignment is necessary, as long as the set font-size is large enough or there is an alternative way to access the same information.
- Alternative text "alt" tags should be used for images.
- Html tags should be used to make structural function explicit and not for the tag's default styling properties. (Example: headers should follow in order -- h1, h2, h3 -- rather than choosing a header according to its default font-size. Font-size should be defined in the stylesheet if it differs from the default.)
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Coding and content should be optimized for current practices of search engine indexing. As these can change, the website manager should keep up to date with current practices. At this time search engine optimization practices include the following:
- Metatags should be used for keywords and description.
- The first section of text should be suitable for use as a description of the page's content and should contain keywords.
- The rest of the content should also contain keywords according to current keyword density recommendations.
- A link to the menu should be placed early in the html for accessibility purposes while the menu itself should not be placed too early in the text for SEO purposes.
- Links and headers should contain keywords when possible.
Other considerations
- Our sponsor Flora's logo and link must be placed on at least the homepage.
- Copyright or Creative Commons notices should be indicated where they apply.
- Copyrighted material should not be published on the website without the copyright holder's permission.
