Blogs (Institutional and Personal)

Blogs and e-publications are dynamic platforms utilized by the University of Arkansas to share timely, engaging content beyond traditional informational websites. They serve various purposes, from highlighting research and events to fostering community engagement.

Understanding Blogs

A blog is a type of website characterized by a conversational, narrative style and regular updates. Blog posts often include photos, videos, personal narratives, essays, or profiles, providing content that complements the basic information found on standard websites. The landing page typically features the most recent post, with navigation through reverse-chronological order or categorized archives.

Blogs vs. Websites

Blogs:

  • Offer engaging content beyond basic organizational information.
  • Employ a conversational tone.
  • List authors and may feature guest contributors.
  • Updated regularly.
  • Created in WordPress using "Posts."

Websites:

  • Contain essential information like contact details and organizational purpose.
  • Maintain an accessible yet authoritative tone.
  • Typically do not list authors.
  • Content remains relatively static between redesigns.
  • Can be created in Modern Campus or WordPress using "Pages."

Types of Blogs


Institutional Blogs

Created by university faculty and staff as part of their professional duties, institutional blogs represent the university's voice. While they may adopt an informal tone, content should adhere to the university's brand, style, and messaging guidelines. A "statement of responsibility" should indicate the originating department or unit. For example: "Research Frontiers magazine is produced by the Office of University Relations in the Division of University Advancement." Institutional blogs should be hosted on the wordpressua.uark.edu platform.

Personal Blogs

Faculty, staff, and students may create personal blogs through sites.uark.edu. These blogs should include a disclaimer: "These materials are not endorsed, approved, sponsored, or provided by or on behalf of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville." Personal blogs reflect the author's views and should link to official university sites when referencing university information to ensure accuracy.

E-Publications

E-publications are digital publications designed to achieve specific communication goals beyond traditional departmental websites. They may complement printed materials and other marketing initiatives with unique styles. Examples include Newswire, Research Frontiers, Inquiry, and The Colleague.

Visual Design

Designs are flexible and may deviate from standard university web design standards, except for the inclusion of the university logo. All designs must be device agnostic, ensuring accessibility across various devices.

Required Elements

  • University of Arkansas logo.
  • Copyright statement.
  • Statement of responsibility (e.g., "Newswire is a publication of University Relations").

Moderated Comments

If offering moderated comments, include the following statement above the comment section: Editor-selected comments will be published below. No abusive material, personal attacks, profanity, spam or material of a similar nature will be considered for publication.

  • PDF version of the publication with full metadata headers.
  • Archive organized by issue.
  • Use of a DOI number if possible (see www.doi.org).