A Content Management System (CMS) is a system for keeping big web sites organized. Think about it like a filing cabinet. Inside the filing cabinet are file folders, some contain memos, some have photographs, etc. Without the filing system, you just have a big unusable pile of stuff. The CMS gives you a way to manage all that information so you can keep it organized and useful. And, it does it in such a way that people can do their own filing without having to ask for help from IT.

Right now, IT handles all the filing requests (and there are a lot of them). With the CMS in place, you will have more control over adding and removing information from your section of the web site.

Will the web site look different?

No. It will look and act exactly the same. The CMS is a back-end organizational tool, not a graphic design tool.

Why do we need a CMS?

We need a CMS to be able to continue to grow the Bowdoin web site. Right now, the site is over 50,000 pages with constant edits and additions. With the CMS in place, users gain the ability to manage their own sections ñ adding information, making links, creating new pages, etc. The CMS will give Bowdoin a web publishing platform for at least the next five years.

Will I still use Sitemanager?

No. For most users, the CMS will replace the use of Bowdoinís Site Manager.

Will I be able to update my content during the CMS rollout?

No. The Site Manager tool that is used to update the site will be taken offline from July 2 through August 6 while we convert to the new system. We ask that you get as much information as possible uploaded to the site prior to July 2. IT is hiring additional staff to assist in updating the site during the conversion period. If you need something uploaded between July 2 and August 6, please contact webmaster@bowdoin.edu.

Do I need to install software to use the CMS?

No. All edits can be made through a standard web browser.

Can I see what the CMS looks like?

Yes! Hannon Hill, the makers of Cascade Server, have an excellent web-based demo specifically designed for the end user. See the link below.

• View CMS end-user demo

How does this affect me?

It depends on who you are and how you use the Bowdoin web site. The Content Management System will mean that you can update the information on the pages that you control, submitting content to other areas of the site will require approval but you will know exactly who needs to approve your content. The CMS will give you a greater ability to get information published on the web site.

Can I post information and links anywhere I want?

Users will only be able to post and approve content to their area of the Bowdoin web site. A workflow mechanism will be in place to allow users to submit files (pdfs, word docs, video, audio, etcÖ) to specific "depots/directory" points outside of their site.

Can I double check a userís content before it is published?

Yes, Cascade Serverís offers a fully functional workflow engine with email alerts and a dashboard ensuring content is created efficiently and on time.

How do I update my web site?

There will be a very simple editor, a little bit like Microsoft Word, that will allow you to update pages on the site. See "Can I see what the CMS looks like?" above.

How do I keep track of how my site has been updated?

The CMS will allow you to keep track of different versions of pages, so you donít have to do it manually. You can also set times for information to publish or expire, so it will disappear when itís no longer relevant or will publish itself automatically.

How do I get trained to use the CMS?

IT will be providing full training for anyone interested. Training will be required for some Bowdoin staff.

Will I be able to change how the site navigates?

No. The site navigation will be standardized throughout the entire site. You will be able to create links within text, but you wonít be able to change the overall site navigation.

Will I be able to change the colors/fonts/look of my site?

No. Itís important that we retain graphic standards throughout the site. One of the biggest benefits to a CMS is that users can add information to a site without having to worry about formatting.

Can I add a link to the Bowdoin navigation bar using the CMS?

No. The CMS will only give you access to the areas of the site you control. The home page will be managed by the Communications and IT Departments. Adding links to other areas of a web site is a process that need to be controlled very carefully or you end up with thousands of links with no rhyme or reason. If you think you have something that needs to be included elsewhere in the site, you will need to request that IT take a look at how to integrate it into the site.

I want to add a new section to my area of the site with a link in the left hand navigation bar, can I do that?

Yes. Navigation elements will be created automatically when you create new content. In most cases, you will be able to link to sections of your site from a local right-navigation menu. Time sensitive material can be uploaded, and then marked to expire at a specified date.

Can I add audio and/or video to my site?

Yes. You will have the option to submit content and tag it for use as streaming video/audio, as a podcast, or have it placed in Bowdoinís iTunes U portal in Appleís iTunes Music Store. Contact the Media & Design team (via webmaster@bowdoin.edu) for information on how to format your video and audio for the web.

Can I add files such as a PDF or Microsoft Office documents to my site?

Yes. You will be able to add a documents and downloads to your site. You will also have the option to list your documents in the global Bowdoin document repository on the web.

Can I post to the front page?

Yes. You will be able to submit official announcements and departmental news to the Bowdoin front page. However, submitted items will need to be approved before they are posted.

Can I post an announcement to a gateway?

Yes, any official college announcement may be submitted to the announcements area of any gateway. All announcements will require approval via Communications and/or the Bowdoin webmaster.

Can I have a web site that has a custom application?

Yes. There will be a system in place to propose larger web projects. All large web projects (something that requires more than 8 hours to complete) will be reviewed by a cross-departmental team of people. There will be an announcement about this new system in the coming months.

For general questions and assistance, please send an email to webmaster@bowdoin.edu.