Welcome to the Florida Atlantic University Content Placement Guide. This document defines the structural blueprint for all 10 colleges, the Division of Research, and administrative units across the university ecosystem.

To deliver an exceptional user experience, Florida Atlantic is shifting from a fragmented, decentralized web structure to a unified enterprise architecture. Every college property now follows a consistent layout, standardized URL taxonomies, and strict single-source content rules. Before diving into specific section components, keep these four strategic principles at the forefront of all page creation:

  • Consistent Architecture Across Units: Every college, division, and administrative site utilizes identical top-level navigation, directory hierarchies, and component models. This consistency eliminates user confusion as prospective students, researchers, and community members navigate across different university properties.

  • Standardized Naming & Plain-English URLs: All degree levels and academic tracks must use standardized naming conventions (e.g., Undergraduate, Graduate, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates). URL slugs must be written in simple, plain English—avoiding internal administrative acronyms, jargon, or vague codes.

  • Comprehensive, Scrollable Pages over Page Sprawl: Short, multi-click stub pages disrupt user flow and perform poorly on mobile devices. Pages should contain comprehensive, full-length content. When migrating legacy content, multiple micro-pages have often been merged into a single, well-structured, scrollable page using clear headings.

  • Zero Content Duplication: Never create duplicate pages for content that already exists elsewhere on the platform. Whether managing faculty bios, FAQs, degree details, or events, publish the item once in its central directory and use metadata tags or links to surface it across sub-sites.

Core Taxonomy Definitions

To ensure content is placed in the correct location across the site, rely on these foundational definitions:

  • /programs/

    Dedicated strictly to the learning programs and credentials offered by the university. Content is organized credential-first by degree level (Undergraduate, Graduate, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates) and delivery mode (Online, On-Campus, Hybrid).

  • /resources/

    A functional hub strictly dedicated to current, enrolled students, faculty, and staff. Contains advising tools, forms, policies, and internal support—with zero prospective student recruitment content.

  • /research/

    Encompasses all scholarly work, active labs, institutes, centers, publications, and initiatives that directly support Florida Atlantic’s Carnegie R1 Highest Research Activity status and strategic mission.

Division Of University Communications

The Division of University Communications functions as an internal agency that works to enhance the University's public image, strengthen the FAU brand, and help our colleagues tell the story of their individual units in a professional and impactful manner.