The University does allow a great degree of creativity in fashioning your own design. However, the degree of that creativity is not unlimited, and this site details the specific design codes that must be satisfied. This styleguide exists for reasons beyond the aesthetic, however - it also establishes important standards for accessibility.
The Internet Committee, a sub-committee of the University Marketing Council, has established the following Web style guidelines for Old Dominion University Web sites, and has published these guidelines to assist individuals who are involved in Web page development and maintenance.
As the University Web site increasingly becomes an important role in the University's efforts to communicate with the public, these guidelines should be considered standard and mandatory. It is important that we maintain a consistent navigational scheme, appropriate University brand, and comply with legal requirements for all Web pages.
These guidelines will address the following:
- Accessibility
- Branding
- Content
- Information architecture
- Navigation
- Proper HTML
- Usability
- Visual design
The Old Dominion community praises independence, initiative, and creativity. A large majority of departments and faculty members have established a Web site that they are proud of, and each Web content provider has his or her own priorities and objectives. But every university web site has one thing in common, no matter who maintains it -- it can perform more effectively if it reflects consistency and clarity in both its message and image of the University.
See the User Guide for more.