The Web Developers Users' Group met on July 19, 2002, at 3:30 PM in the Parliamentary Room, PSU 313.

Web style guideline

Sara went over the proposed Missouri State Web Style Guide with the group. See the Web Style Guide for more information.

The group agreed that the Web Style Guide was a good idea, and proposed the following changes:

• The Request More Information bullet under the Recommendations for a prospective student audience section should provide a link to the generic request information form as soon as that page becomes available.
• In the Recommended Elements section, the Make sure each web page is individually understandable bullet should also mention frames usage as an example of something that reduces a page's individual understandability..
• Under the Official Missouri State Links section, add links to separate campuses' homepages.

Sara pointed out that the Web Style Guide would not be official until it is passed by IT Council. The IT council's next meeting is September 11, 2002.

Web Advisory Committee

Sara brought up the recent topics being discussed by the Web Advisory Committee. Those topics included the following:

• Modifying the Missouri State homepage to reduce clutter. This involves modifying the current logo usage and footer information on the homepage.
• Add an Apply Online page and a Request Information page to the Future Students' page.

These topics stem from both recent Web Advisory Committee brainstorming sessions and the Noel-Levitz review.

Staging server

Sara mentioned that Computer Services is currently working on providing Missouri State web developers with a staging server. This server currently in the process of being set up and may be ready as early as the middle of the fall semester.  This server would allow developers to develop their content in a non-live environment, which could then be published to the live site when the content is ready. She also noted that Missouri State is preparing to bring a new web server, Tholian, into use.

FrontPage 2002 server extensions

Sara also mentioned that Computer Services is currently evaluating the FrontPage 2002 server extensions for use on the web servers. These extensions would provide several new functions including fixing certain accessibility issues on sites created with FrontPage.

Photoshop classes

The group discussed the recent all day Photoshop classes that Human Resources provided for free to Missouri State staff and faculty through the Continuing Education department. Many thought the class skipped the introductive material for beginners and was too rushed in certain parts.

The group recommended that the classes be split into introductory and advanced classes. They also recommended the possibility of having a class aimed specifically at using Photoshop to create web content.

Forum

The WDUG forum is currently experiencing problems. Sara is trying to fix the problems and create a stable solution. If you receive an error while using the forum, try refreshing the page. Sara apologized for the problems.

Poll on suggested WDUG meeting times

Sara mentioned that she is planning on having a poll for the group to vote on when the best meeting times would be. The current meeting date is the third Friday of every month.

Next meeting

The next WDUG meeting will be held in the Parliamentary Room, PSU 313, on August 16, 2002, at 3:30 PM.