• Introduction
• Main University web site
• Global navigation elements
• University graphics
• Typography
• Color
• Templates and examples
• Interface technology
• Content and maintenance

Every Georgetown University web site contributes to the perception of the University. Each day, thousands of visitors view University web pages and take away with them an impression of the University and its departments. It is in the best interests of the University and its departments to maintain web sites that are consistently identifiable, attractive, and easy to use.

This style manual provides University web developers with the means to create web sites that have a unique identity while meeting minimum standards and best practices in design and technology. It is an outcome of the redesign of the main University web site by the GUide Committee. This style manual is maintained by the Committee and by the University departments that it represents.

The Committee recognizes that different design standards are appropriate for different University departments and different kinds of web sites. In some University activities consistent ease of use and service to the user are most important, while in other areas uniqueness and creativity are equally important. 

For that reason, each part of this style manual includes one or more of the following sections:

• Minimum standards. Certain best practices are so fundamental that the Committee considers them necessary for all University web sites. Failure to meet these minimum standards would result in web pages that are detrimental to users or to the University.
• Core recommendations. These are the Committee's basic recommendations intended for nearly all University web sites. Following these recommendations will improve most web sites and the University's overall web presence.
• Extended recommendations. Some areas of the University would benefit particularly from more consistent web design. The Committee's extended recommendations are intended to help Main Campus administrative offices and services provide more consistent and usable web sites for their constituencies.

In addition to this style manual, a variety of University policies on topics such as privacy and security are or will shortly become binding on University web developers. Please see the UIS web page on web development policies.

No part of this style manual is binding on personal web sites maintained by individuals.

The content of this document is subject to change by the GUide Committee. It was last revised on January 8, 2002.

The content of this style manual is copyrighted and owned by Georgetown University. If you wish to use refer to parts of this style manual in your own work, please contact webmaster@georgetown.edu.