What is website governance?

Our website governance framework encompasses a comprehensive set of policies, procedures, and guidelines that govern content creation, publication, and maintenance, as well as technical standards for accessibility, security, and performance to ensure that our online presence aligns with the values and mission of Messiah University.

By adhering to these principles, we strive to foster trust among our visitors, safeguard our esteemed reputation, and effectively communicate the values and mission of Messiah University.

Introduction

The Messiah University website serves as the digital gateway to our institution, often providing the first interaction with prospective students, parents, alumni, and community members. It is essential that our online presence not only informs but also welcomes and engages, reflecting the same spirit of inclusivity, hospitality, and service that characterizes our institution. 

Our web presence, including messiah.edu and its associated subdomains, is a primary platform for promoting the university’s academic programs, research, services, and accomplishments.

Our goal is to ensure that every visitor leaves our site with a positive, meaningful experience, feeling connected to the university’s mission.

The website should:

• Reflect Messiah University’s unique identity, emphasizing its core values and Christ-centered approach to education.
• Align with and support the university’s strategic objectives and mission statement―to develop students’ “maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith.” 
• Ensure a seamless, inclusive, and user-friendly experience that allows users to easily access the information they need, regardless of device or platform.

The web governance guidelines are designed to empower university departments and stakeholders to manage and maintain content that is engaging, consistent, and aligned with Messiah University's brand. These guidelines ensure the ongoing maintenance of a high-quality digital environment, where the university’s strategic goals and the needs of its users are consistently prioritized.

Our web properties are a collective asset, belonging to the university as a whole. Departments serve as stewards of their respective web pages, collaborating with the Office of Marketing and Communications to uphold the quality and security of the website. These guidelines will evolve over time to address new challenges and opportunities, with input from various university entities.

Please direct questions or feedback regarding these guidelines to Web Services Manager, Jen Romanchak at jromanchak@messiah.edu.

Vision

Our vision is for the Messiah University website to serve as a trusted resource that meets the needs of all audiences, enabling easy access to information, services, and stories that highlight the vibrant life of the university. Through proactive management and collaboration, we aim to maintain a website that evolves with technology while upholding the highest standards of security, usability, and relevance. Above all, our website should embody and drive forward the university’s mission and strategic objectives.

Audiences

The Messiah University website serves a diverse and broad range of audiences, each with unique needs and expectations. Our web presence is designed to meet the specific requirements of these groups while maintaining a consistent and welcoming experience. The primary audiences we serve include:

• Prospective Students: The website is a key touchpoint for individuals considering Messiah University for their education. It provides information on academic programs, campus life, admissions processes, and financial aid, ensuring that prospective students and their families have the resources they need to make informed decisions.
• Current Students: The website serves as a hub for current students, providing easy access to academic resources, campus services, student life information, and important announcements to support their educational journey.
• Faculty and Staff: As a resource for the Messiah University community, the website offers tools, information, and updates that assist faculty and staff in their teaching, research, administrative tasks, and professional development.
• Alumni: The site fosters continued engagement with Messiah University alumni, offering news, events, opportunities to connect with the university, and ways to give back through donations or mentorship.
• Parents and Families: Parents and families of current and prospective students use the website to access information on campus resources, events, and support services, helping them stay connected and informed about their student’s experience.
• Community Members: Messiah University is committed to serving the wider community. Our website highlights community programs, cultural events, and opportunities for collaboration with local and global partners.
• Partners and Donors: The website also serves potential and current donors, foundations, and corporate partners, showcasing the impact of their support and offering clear paths to engagement with the university’s mission.

Goals and objectives

The goals and objectives of Messiah University’s website governance structure are rooted in ensuring a seamless, user-friendly experience that reflects the university’s mission and strategic vision. The following goals guide our efforts in maintaining and improving our web presence:

Goals

1. Enhance User Experience: Ensure that every visitor to Messiah University’s website has a positive and rewarding experience, with easy access to relevant information and services.
2. Consistency in Branding and Messaging: Maintain a cohesive, on-brand digital presence that aligns with Messiah University’s values, mission, and visual identity, providing clarity and consistency across all web properties.
3. Improve Accessibility and Inclusion: Adhere to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.0) to make the website usable for all visitors, regardless of ability or device, reinforcing Messiah’s commitment to inclusivity.
4. Foster Engagement and Connection: Create a dynamic web environment that engages users, encourages participation, and fosters lasting relationships with the university, whether they are prospective students, current students, alumni, or partners.
5. Support University Goals: Ensure that the website advances Messiah University’s strategic priorities in recruitment, retention, fundraising, and community engagement.

Objectives

1. User-Centered Design: Continuously refine the design and navigation of the website to meet the needs of all audiences, making information easily accessible and reducing barriers to finding important content.
2. Mobile Optimization: Ensure that all web pages are optimized for mobile devices, providing a seamless experience across all platforms.
3. Content Quality & Relevance: Maintain high standards for content accuracy, relevance, and timeliness, ensuring that the website reflects the latest developments in academic programs, student life, and campus services.
4. Continuous Improvement: Implement a system of ongoing evaluation and enhancement, using data-driven insights and analytics to improve the website’s performance and align with user needs and expectations.
5. Security & Compliance: Protect the privacy and security of all users by maintaining strong data protection measures and complying with legal regulations, including those related to accessibility and personal data protection.