Website Updates & Additions
New Web Request System
Please note, we have retired the previous system of submitting Website Requests through email. All requests must be submitted through the ticketing link below.
General Guidelines
Have web content that needs to be created or updated? We can work with you from concept to launch! Follow the relevant link below to get started.
Please note: to create or update a certificate page, degree program page, or calendar event, select "Update a Webpage." For all other new webpage requests, select "New Project Consultation."
Quick Links
- Please review the following table for estimated timelines. The timeline begins when we received all content from you. We can only work with completed content/requests. Keep in mind that these are estimates, and during high volume periods, the timeline may be extended (such as the beginning and end of the semester)
Request Type |
Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|
| Update an existing page | 3-5 business days |
| Update content on multiple webpages | 5-10 business days |
| Create a new webpage on an existing site (using an existing page layout) | 1-3 weeks |
| Create a new webpage on an existing site (designing a new page layout) | 2-5 weeks |
| Create a new website (GSE IT design and build) | 2-5 months |
| Integrate a new website built by a vendor | 2-3 months (please note, if you want GSE IT to support a vendor-built website, we must be included in the build process with the vendor) |
- For simple edits to a single page, submit your request at least one week in advance of when you would like to see the changes made. Allow more time for more complicated or extensive requests.
- Both the Web Team and the Communications Team will review your request. Within two business days, we will inform you of the status of your request. This will include any questions we may have and/or an expected timeline for completion.
- For more complicated requests, like building a new website, you may be asked to review and complete a User Services Agreement
- All GSE websites are required to follow Penn's Web Accessibility Standards. We may suggest changes to your request to fit the standards. You may be asked to alter PDFs, images, videos, and other materials to comply with these requirements. Read more about Web Accessibility at Penn: For Content Creators.
Making Accessible PDFs
We discourage the use of PDFs and encourage you to use the body of your webpage whenever possible. PDFs are not indexed in web searches, are often not Penn GSE branded, and are often out of compliance with accessibility guidelines.
If you want a PDF on your webpage, please use the accessibility resources below when creating your document. If you are working with an outside graphic designer, be sure to ask them to design their materials using accessibility guidelines.
- Make your Excel document accessible
- Make your PowerPoint document accessible
- Make your Word document accessible
- Make your PDF accessible
Please email us your content before you save it as a PDF. We will need to review it for Penn GSE style and Section 504 compliance.
Making Accessible Videos
If you are planning a video for your webpage, social media, or any other distribution, be sure to talk with your videographer about accessibility before you start the project. You will need to provide captioning, audio descriptions, and transcripts.
Requests that Include Images
All images used in a website update must meet the following requirements:
- You have permission from the rightsholder to use the images
- You include alt-text for all images in your request
- Images meet Penns Web Accessibility standards
Need a ready and approved image for your webpage? Check out our image repository!
Working with Vendors
If you are engaging an external 3rd party to design and build your web content and plan to eventually transfer support of that content to the GSE Web Services team, you MUST include our team as early as possible. We are happy to work with you and the vendor to ensure an ideal final product that can easily be maintained and supported for the long run. Contact us now to get started.
