Code of Practice for the use of World Wide Web systems in the University
September 2004 rev May 2008 (v5)
1. Publishing via the World Wide Web
World Wide Web (WWW) information servers provide a structured means of displaying multi-media information which may be accessed locally and also world-wide over the Internet. It therefore offers an excellent opportunity for promoting the University. However, when used in this way, WWW provides a world-wide window on the University and so it is important that the image so portrayed is a positive one.
This document defines a simple code which must be followed when using WWW systems in the University. More general aspects of electronic publication are dealt with in the Code of Practice for the Publishing of Information in Electronic Format, but there are a number of issues relating to the WWW in particular which need to be addressed.
2. Related codes and conditions
All users of computers within the University of St Andrews must abide by the Conditions for Use of Computers in the University (the Conditions), some of which are the subject of Acts of Parliament. It is important that the Conditions be read in conjunction with this Code of Practice.
All users of computers within the University must also abide by the Code of Conduct for Use of Software and Datasets.
Of particular relevance is information found in Electronic Copyright and the Code of Practice for the Publishing of Information in Electronic Format.
All these related documents have been (or will be) authorised by the University Court.
All users of University computer systems must also abide by the conditions for Acceptable Use of the JANET Network. These have been defined by the Joint Information Systems Committee of the Funding Councils and apply to all JANET connected sites. See the JANET Acceptable Use Policy.
3. Guidelines for publishing material on WWW
The use of WWW offers the opportunity to make good progress towards the routine and widespread publication of University and other information both for use within the University and elsewhere. However some care has to be taken to avoid pitfalls and misuse.
3.1 Schools and Units
Any published information is considered to be the responsibility of the School or Unit and appropriate steps must be taken by the Head to ensure adherence to this code of practice, the codes and conditions referenced in section 2 above and to the law of Scotland.
- There is now in place a Content management System (CMS) for use with School and Unit pages, and you should seek guidance and training as appropriate from the University's webmaster (email webmaster).
An overall requirement is that members of the University should seek advice of their Head of School or Unit (or their nominated deputy) about publication of material relating to their School or Unit.
In some cases you should contact the Press Office or the Publications Officer for guidance before publishing information in the University's name; the matter may need to be referred to the Vice-Principal (External Relations).
It should be noted, however, that doing this does in no way remove any legal or University requirement from individual members of the University.
3.2 Personal pages
Staff and students of the University may set up their own personal web pages, which are normally held in their own file space on the main web server; you may apply via the IT Service Desk(e-mail itservicedesk).
You should in any case be mindful of the conditions and guidelines detailed above.
4. Home Page
There are guidelines (under review) on the content and format of the home pages of School and Units within the University. See above regarding use of the Content Management System (CMS).
School and Unit pages will be mainly concerned with information about their own departments and areas of interest; however a School or Unit Home Page should include a link back to the University home page (University) and use of the CMS provides this automatically.
5. Breach of the Code
The final version of this Code of Practice will in due course be authorised by the University Court and failure to observe the code may invoke appropriate disciplinary measures.