·¬ÇÑÉçÇø

Most UVic websites are managed using a content management system (CMS) called Cascade.

A content management system allows users to create and edit web content without knowing web programming languages. If you've ever updated a blog using something like WordPress, you've used a CMS.

Using your web browser, Cascade lets you edit content (text, photos and video) using a text editor, like Microsoft Word.

Explore the main content types you can use on your web pages.

UVic web template

The redesigned uvic.ca look and feel (aka "Template 4") represents extensive user interviews, testing and best practices in accessible and mobile-optimized web design.

The design and development team works hard to align with industry best practices. We continue to implement tools, processes and training as we roll out the new template to ensure the sites remain accessible, searchable and responsive.

The design and development work have both been audited by external agencies, and we’re confident this website will continue to meet the needs of UVic's primary web audiences.

Key features

Accessible

In April 2022, the BC Government announced , which includes removing barriers in digital environments. Our new website includes more white space and larger font sizes to make it more accessible to all users. We continue to review our content and implement accessibility best practices. 

Mobile-first

The uvic.ca website was designed to be responsive. This means it works on a mobile device (our students’ primary tool), tablet and desktop. The display and image size adapt to the screen you’re using. As you swap devices, you might see tiles move or images crop to fit your screen.

Searchable

Google is now the primary tool people use to find information on our websites. Google only considers the mobile experience in its rankings. Our mobile-first design is built with search engine optimization (SEO) at its core.

Lightweight

We have reduced the amount of content on our new sites so that Google can find the right results for our users. Pages load much faster so less data is used.

Cross-device compatible

The new uvic.ca template works with all modern browsers, including:

• Edge 12+
• Firefox 28+
• Chrome 21+
• Safari 6+
• Opera 12+

UVic brand on the web

The UVic brand is reflected on the website in a number of key ways:

Typography

Headers

• Font family: Poppins bold

Body copy

• OpenSans regular

Buttons and navigation elements

• OpenSans semi-bold

Colour palette

The website uses the core UVic colour palette with some modifications:

• de-emphasize UVic red (#C63527)
• increase use of UVic green (#008538)

Wordmark

The UVic wordmark appears in the header of the new look & feel, with the crest/logo in the footer.

Photo & video

High-quality, dynamic photography is preferred on the website, particularly for hero and feature images. For best performance, images should be cropped to size and compressed before uploading to the website.

• avoid use of PNG files where possible, as they are often quite large and slow down page load time
• use WebP images where possible, particularly for large hero and feature images

Customization & special requests

Please do not change the UVic web template. If you have specific customization needs, please contact the Senior Web Officer to discuss how we can help.

Non-Cascade sites

Official UVic units are required to use Cascade and the branded template. This creates a consistent, unified experience for our audiences. Users need to trust that any website speaking on behalf of the university is who they say they are.

Exceptions

• research groups, labs or personal projects
• conferences and events
• blogs & portfolios (consider UVic's , powered by WordPress)
• sub-brands (e.g. Bookstore, PICS, Vikes)
• student groups or course unions