CPS External Website Guidelines
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Guidelines for Site Creation
Schools
Schools are allowed to get hosting and domain names on their own. Free domain names are provided by CPS (schoolname.cps.edu). Some schools use Edlio, Educational Networks, Blackboard, and WebSiteings to build their sites. We are not recommending Weebly at this time.
Schools should confirm with the hosting vendor what SSL Certificates communication they use. Unfortunately, CPS cannot secure *cps domains with a hosting vendor that utilizes Let’s Encrypt Certificate Authority.
If a school is paying for hosting their own site they should make sure at least two CPS school contacts have access to the administrative section of the site. If a school wants to purchase a Domain (schoolname.edu or schoolname.org) they should make sure it is registered to the school (not the vendor) and there are at least two CPS school contacts associated with the domain:
This setup allows the School to own the domain; update records in case of personnel changes; and have flexibility to transfer the domain at a later date. It also allows the vendor/contractor to support the school in securing the site, adding new services, and making sure that the domain records are in good standing (e.g. domains are renewed and not allowed to expire.) The school is responsible for payment of all domain and hosting fees.
Departments
All departments that develop websites outside of Web Services’ purview should make sure at least two CPS contacts have access to the administrative section of the site. Information gathered should include:
If a domain name was purchased, the department head should be listed as the Main Contact and at least one other person in the department named Administrative Contact.
- Site must be secure (HTTPS)
- Site must be responsive and mobile friendly (Bootstrap)
- Site must adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG AA 2.1)
- Site must display the CPS logo linked to cps.edu (CPS branding guidelines)
- Site must include the Non-Discrimination Statement link in the footer on all pages.
- Site must include the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources link in the footer on all pages.
- Site must include Google Analytics for tracking
- Site must include UptimeRobot (or similar monitoring) with email or SMS notifications
- Site information must be updated in ODA by the principal (school sites only - instructions)
- Site must conform to AUP and SOPPA guidelines.
Schools
Schools are allowed to get hosting and domain names on their own. Free domain names are provided by CPS (schoolname.cps.edu). Some schools use Edlio, Educational Networks, Blackboard, and WebSiteings to build their sites. We are not recommending Weebly at this time.
Schools should confirm with the hosting vendor what SSL Certificates communication they use. Unfortunately, CPS cannot secure *cps domains with a hosting vendor that utilizes Let’s Encrypt Certificate Authority.
If a school is paying for hosting their own site they should make sure at least two CPS school contacts have access to the administrative section of the site. If a school wants to purchase a Domain (schoolname.edu or schoolname.org) they should make sure it is registered to the school (not the vendor) and there are at least two CPS school contacts associated with the domain:
- The principal can be the Domain Registrant Contact.
- The tech coordinator can be the Administrative Contact.
- Contractor technical/system administrator can be the Technical Contact.
- Contractor can be the Billing Contact.
This setup allows the School to own the domain; update records in case of personnel changes; and have flexibility to transfer the domain at a later date. It also allows the vendor/contractor to support the school in securing the site, adding new services, and making sure that the domain records are in good standing (e.g. domains are renewed and not allowed to expire.) The school is responsible for payment of all domain and hosting fees.
Departments
All departments that develop websites outside of Web Services’ purview should make sure at least two CPS contacts have access to the administrative section of the site. Information gathered should include:
- URL
- Username
- Password
- Hosting Provider
- IP Address
If a domain name was purchased, the department head should be listed as the Main Contact and at least one other person in the department named Administrative Contact.