Content Type: Department
The department content type is very similar to the “pattern page” content type, in that it uses all of the same blocks. For image specs and specific requirements for these blocks, please view the index on the pattern page guide. Please note that the department content type refers to the single landing page of an academic department, so https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/art-education/ is a department content type while https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/art-education/teacher-licensure/ is a pattern page content type.
Despite the similarities in available blocks and look and feel, the department content type has some significant differences from a pattern page. Departments are published on our program finder and associated with degree content types. For example, the Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising (https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/fashion/) is associated with the Fashion Design BFA degree page (https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/fashion/fashion-design-bfa/) and both are listed on the program finder together.
In addition, the department content type is used to organize faculty and staff listings in our directory. https://arts.vcu.edu/community/vcuarts-faculty-and-staff/directory/
Each academic department has unique needs and offerings and we encourage departments to build a homepage that showcases their unique messages and connects with their target audiences. That being said we encourage departments to include the following standard elements on their homepage:
- Overview/about the department
- Listing of academic offerings
- News/events feed
- Information about the student experience
- Links to social media accounts and contact information
Department chairs are the default editor for each department’s content but this responsibility can be designated to others, for example, an administrative assistant. This editor access includes all sub-pages, and profiles on our faculty and staff directory.
This does not include degree pages, which are edited and managed by the Communications Office. More information about this distinction is available on our FAQ page.