UWM has established a web governance framework to support the goals of Student-centric Web, address issues and ensure the long-term sustainability of the UWM.edu website.
What is Web Governance?
Web governance is a framework designed to enable teams across UWM to collaboratively manage a unified website in support of a common goal: providing students with an excellent experience.
It includes guiding principles, standards, learning and support services, procedures, policies, and defined roles and responsibilities. The purpose of web governance is to ensure that the website effectively serves UWM’s strategic goals, provides a high-quality visitor experience and remains well-maintained over time.
Guiding Principles
UWM’s web governance is built on five key principles to ensure consistency, usability and effectiveness:
- Single Site Approach: UWM’s website functions as a unified whole, even though it consists of many subsites managed by teams across the university.
- User-centered Approach: The UWM website prioritizes visitor needs—particularly those of future and current students—by delivering an intuitive and user-friendly experience.
- Brand Consistency: A cohesive visual and messaging identity strengthens the university’s reputation across all points of online interaction.
- Strategic Alignment: The website and web initiatives align with UWM’s mission, vision, values and strategic goals to ensure a unified online presence.
- Continuous Improvement: The website evolves based on data, user feedback and changing university priorities to remain effective and user-friendly.
Web Governance Rollout
Web governance at UWM will be implemented in a phased approach to ensure a smooth transition:
- May 2025
- UWM’s web governance policy takes effect.
- Training is available for staff who manage content on the UWM website.
- January 2026
- Campus units that manage content on the UWM website are aligned with policy.
Review the web governance frequently asked questions for more information on how web governance may impact your work or the work of others in your unit.
Questions
If you have questions about web governance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to:
Student-centric Web Lead: Mark Jacobson, markj@uwm.edu
Director of Web – Marketing, Communications & University Relations
Student-centric Web Co-lead: Regan Jacobson, jacobsr@uwm.edu
Web Creative Director – Marketing, Communications & University Relations