URL structure and guidelines

The VCUarts web team often receives questions about webpage URLs (uniform resource locator), also known as a web address. This page will highlight guidelines surrounding URLs, the differences between certain URL structures, and what options are available to customize them.

It is important to note in all cases, any URL or web address must take a user to a webpage. Or in other words, we can assist with setting up or customizing a new URL depending on the purposes of the project but ultimately we will need to know what page the URL points to.

URLs on the main website (arts.vcu.edu)

All pages on the main website must have a default URL that aligns with that page’s place in the overall information architecture and menu structure.

Take this page, for example: https://arts.vcu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/freshman-applicants/

The URL path represents the page’s place in the menu and designates the child/parent relationship between pages on the website.

So the child/parent structure is as follows:

• arts.vcu.edu
  • /admissions
    • /how-to-apply
      • /freshman-applicants

URL Redirects

A URL redirect is a short URL that may redirect a user to the longer default URL of a page. Frequently these are used for marketing or print purposes since they are shorter and easier to remember. The web team can assist with setting these up as long as they do not conflict with any other URL redirect in use and if a default URL has been set up first.

Please remember that any URL we create must have a destination.

It’s important to note the syntax in a URL redirect. All redirects must have the following structure:

arts.vcu.edu/redirect

For example:

• arts.vcu.edu/news
• arts.vcu.edu/apply
• arts.vcu.edu/fashion

Subdomains on vcu.edu

vcu.edu subdomains are URL addresses that have a prefix before vcu.edu. arts.vcu.edu, is in fact a subdomain. Subdomains are managed by VCU Tech Services, not the VCUarts Web Team.

Information about vcu.edu subdomains is at: https://webstandards.vcu.edu/requirements/domain/

For questions or requests regarding subdomains, please contact Tech Services at: itsupport.vcu.edu