Frequently Asked Questions
We are interested in any questions you may have about our system of Web development. It is possible that your inquiry matches well with one listed below. Feel free to contact us if you do not find a corresponding inquiry.
General Information About the Web Site
How is the SPC Web site constructed?
The SPC Web site is constructed with much of the latest in Web technology, Web tools and in accord with current Web standards.
The templates for our public entry points were all created with valid XHTML code.
To ensure consistency and ease of maintenance and updating, master pages were developed using ASP.NET 2.0 technology. We are able to control the presentation of the content through the use of Cascading Style Sheets.
Web authors employed some of the popular HTML editors, such as Microsoft FrontPage and Adobe Dreamweaver, for creating and updating their Web documents.
However, our Web documents are also being updated and created using Microsoft Visual Web Developer and Notepad.
How large is the SPC Web team?
The SPC Web team really consists of our entire campus family. We have taken on the responsibility as a college to establish the best Web presence possible.
Specifically, the SPC Web Site Committee has been privileged to spearhead this wonderful project with the blessing of SPC administration.
What served as a model for the current SPC Web site?
SPC Web masters and Web Site Committee members spent countless hours attending meetings, technology conferences, workshops, teleconferences, and participating in general online research in attempts to gain guidance and inspiration for a solid Web presence.
Using the knowledge and suggestions of our Web team, we were able to piece together a design scheme that laid the foundation for building an effective Web product that will hopefully serve us well into the future.
Who can I contact for additional information about the SPC Web site?
For general questions concerning the SPC Web site, you may contact any one of our nine Web Site Committee members.
Their contact information can be found on our SPC Web Site Committee page.
For technical questions concerning the Web site, please contact Rodney Toliver at 531-4631.
Resources & Tools
How can I find the necessary resources to improve my Web development skills?
Please visit our SPC Web Toolkit Training page to take advantage of development opportunities and resources provided by our institution or links to other valuable resources and tools available on the Web.
What valuable tools did the SPC Web team utilize that could be helpful for me?
There are many tools that you can use for the development of your Web documents. Software programs used by the SPC Web team includes Microsoft Visual Web Developer, Adobe Dreamweaver, Windows Notepad, Notepad++, and Microsoft FrontPage.
If you are an ACCD employee and want to purchase Microsoft FrontPage for either office or home use, feel free to visit the ACCD IT Licensing page. To access information on the other software programs, you may visit our SPC Web Toolkit Training page, which contains links to their various Web sites.
SPC Web Authors
What software programs can I use to update my Web documents?
You may use any of the popular HTML editors or text editors available. Our current SPC Web authors use Adobe Dreamweaver, Microsoft FrontPage, and even Windows Notepad.
Why can't I copy and paste content from my Word document or from old Web documents to my new templates?
Actually, you may copy and paste your old content (text) into the new templates. The only difference is that you should not paste your content directly into the templates after copying.
Copying and pasting directly into the SPC Web templates will bring old formatting and styling into the new templates.
The extra formatting and styling may interfere with or distort the arrangement of the Web templates, which are controlled externally by style sheets, and cause many other technical problems.
If you truly desire to transfer content into the new Web templates, copy and paste the material into a regular text file, using Notepad only. Then, from Notepad, you may copy and paste your content into the Web templates. This process strips the text of any formatting and styling it might have had.
Can I make my own style sheets?
Please do not make your own style sheets. The official style sheets for the SPC Web site have already been provided.
Can I change the font style and/or color of the text on my Web document?
Whether you use Microsoft FrontPage, Adobe Dreamweaver or any other WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) HTML editor, you will more than likely have menu options and toolbar buttons for formatting text.
Please do not use these to adjust the font style or color of the text in your Web document.
Keep in mind that the external style sheets provided determine the font style of every Web document within the SPC Web environment. If you want to emphasize keywords or phrases, you may make use of the Bold button or menu option in your HTML editor.
I don't want a headline image at the top of my Web document. Can I remove it?
Please do not remove the headline images at the top of every SPC Web template. These images are essential to the design, add to the visual appeal of our Web site and give people a glimpse into our college campus.
I want to improve my Web development skills. How may I do that?
Here, in the SPC Web Toolkit, we have many resources that you may take advantage of to help you improve your Web development skills. Access our SPC Web Toolkit Training page and look at our various tutorials and links. You may also want to take advantage of the Web-related training provided by the Instructional Innovation Center. For more information, visit the IIC Training page.
What are the steps to get started with developing Web documents for the SPC Web site?
First, an SPC Web author must request Web space from ACCD. Read about how to make a Web space request in the ACCD IT's Frequently Asked Questions section.
Next, upon receipt of your login information, contact Rodney Toliver at 531-4631 to schedule Web Author training and to receive your Web templates.
Do I need to have a Web design background or know how to "code" to be an SPC Web author?
Of course, it would help a great deal to have prior training or experience with Web design and XHTML but this is not a requirement. A willingness to learn, explore and receive training is much more useful.
How do I download an image from the image library?
You may download an image from the image library in easy steps.
- Click on the image of your choice. This will display the actual image in a new window.
- In the new window, right-click on this full-size image to bring up menu options.
- Within your pop-up menu, select "Save Picture As" (Internet Explorer) or "Save Image As" (Gecko-based Browsers)
- Find the location you want to save the image in, name the image, and click the "Save" button.
SPC Web Content Managers
What is my responsibility as a Web content manager?
It is the responsibility of the Web content manager to make sure that the content on their department's Web site stays up-to-date and of professional quality. The Web content manager of the department will work closely with designated Web author to keep all Web documents in compliance with SPC Web standards.
For more specific details on the role and responsibility of SPC Web content managers, refer to the SPC Web Requirements & Standards under Item 7 in the SPC Web Standards Manual.
Are there any more templates that can be used other than the ones provided?
Currently, the templates that are provided are the only ones available for official SPC Web documents. The SPC Web team is constantly developing new templates in anticipation of SPC departmental needs. Continue to check the SPC Web Toolkit for the updated collection of available Web templates.
What if my department's Web author has moved?
If the Web author for your department has moved or no longer works there, please be sure to select a new Web author for your department as soon as possible.
What assistance is available to help me care for my responsibility?
Periodically, meetings arranged for the benefit of SPC Web content managers will be scheduled. Please be sure to check your e-mail inbox for announcements of upcoming meetings.
I need my Web site reviewed to make sure it is of the best quality. Who can I get to review my Web site?
If you wish to have your Website reviewed, feel free to contact an SPC Web Site Committee Member. You may find their contact information on the SPC Web Site Committee page.
Standards & Guidelines
Why should I be concerned with Web accessibility?
A college or university Web site is an invaluable public information and campus resource tool for its prospective and registered students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Some individuals among these groups have disabilities and impairments.
By being conscious of this fact when designing Web documents for the SPC Web site, we can make sure that we are accommodating all people indiscriminately. This is our ethical, moral and legal obligation as an institution of higher learning.
How does creating "accessible" Web documents benefit people with disabilities?
People with disabilities, especially visual impairments, use assistive technology tools, such as screen readers. If we create accessible Web documents that work well with assistive technology devices, students and visitors will be able to attain an education and also access any resource provided by St. Philip's College.
What is the benefit of having Web standards for all SPC Web documents?
Our Web standards serve as a guide for effective design. Additionally, SPC Web standards also serve to solidify our visual identity and keep it consistent. An institution's visual identity on the Web is very important. As a respected, historical member of the Alamo Community Colleges, we desire to project the professionalism and pride of our college.
Is it mandatory that I follow these standards and guidelines when creating a Web document for the SPC Web site?
Yes. It is mandatory for all associated with the creation of SPC Web documents to follow the standards and guidelines, as expressed in the SPC Web Standards Manual, closely. These standards and guidelines have been set to achieve both visual consistency and compliance with relevant legislative federal and state policies.