Content Editor Responsibilities

It is important for all content editors to understand the rules governing web accessibility, security and branding when updating the content on their site. Not only are there industry and university rules to follow, but any public-facing online content now has state and federal rules governing how it is displayed. There is a lot of skill and knowledge required of those who manage content online, and College of Engineering and TEES websites are no exception.

Site editors and the centers and initiatives they work for should understand the risks and responsibilities that come with placing content online in a public place. If content isn’t meant for a public audience, it is safer not to put it online.

Engineering Communications offers several resources to site editors, but at the end of the day, it is the responsibility of those editing and maintaining the site to understand compliance.

Each site must designate a primary content editor that serves as the point of contact. This person is the main liaison for accountability and questions, and is responsible for managing additional content editors on their team.

The primary content editor must be a full-time employee hired by the center or initiative to manage, maintain and update content. This primary content editor can also train up to two employees (full, part-time or student) to assist them; however it is up to the primary content editor to train them, not Engineering Communications. This means that each site can have up to three content editors assisting with the site at all times.

Locate a site content editor

• Receive monthly Siteimprove reports and address issues

• Manage user access to site by requesting new users and removing old users

• Serve as the initial contact for any and all site updates

• Train additional site users who help edit the site

• Approve of all edits needing to be made by these additional site users

• Serve as the liasion with central college web, content and strategy teams

• Manage GA account setup by requesting reports and needs

Before gaining access to edit the site, all content editors must complete a web accessibility course provided through Siteimprove as well as complete the LiveWhale calendar training through the university’s digital experience team. Since accessibility rules are always changing and new web best practices are continually being adopted, new trainings may be required over time.

All web users (Cascade and WordPress) must complete the university’s accessibility training through Siteimprove before they will be given access to edit content or manage updates on their site or pages. All those who complete the Accessibility Fundamentals for the Web course will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate should be emailed to [email protected] prior to web access being given. Siteimprove also offers additional accessibility courses that are available to you at any time.

Each primary content editor will receive two monthly Siteimprove content reports—one focused on Quality Assurance (QA) and the other on Accessibility—that highlight a range of issues such as broken links, missing image alt text, and misspellings. These reports are designed to help editors ensure their site content remains accurate, accessible, and user-friendly. It is the responsibility of the site editors to regularly review these reports and address any identified issues to maintain the overall quality and usability of their websites.

Primary content editors can work with Engineering Communications to receive analytic reports for their site(s). In addition, Engineering Communications can provide consultation and answer any questions related to data and metrics. Email [email protected] for help with understanding and using Google Analytics and their reports.