Web Services

Search me!

matthew.corks@mcgill.ca — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:33:04 +0000

The IT Web Services Group is excited to share that we've completed phase one of upgrading ɬ�﷬'s search engine, the backend tool used to power searches from the ɬ�﷬ homepage, the Course Catalogue, and the search box at the top of all WMS pages!

What's new

We are confident that the new search engine will result in:

Social media buzz in the WMS

joyce.peralta2@mcgill.ca — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:12:01 +0000

We’re excited to announce recent and upcoming changes to social media tools in the ɬ�﷬ Web Management System (WMS), based on your feedback.

What's changing? New icons for Bluesky and Threads

In January 2025, we added Bluesky and Threads to the options for the footer follow block. You can already see these new icons in site footers, making it easier for your audience to connect with you on these emerging social platforms, expanding your reach and engagement.

Accessible images make alt the difference

charly.blais@mcgill.ca — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:07:02 +0000

Everyone needs to be able to use ɬ�﷬ websites, including people with visual impairment. That means every image you use needs a text description—also known as alternative (or alt) text.

Why user data beats assumptions every time

daniel.zhang@mcgill.ca — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:25:21 +0000

User data closes that gap between what we think users do and what they actually do. By grounding decisions in data, you protect your work from blind spots, improve the user experience, and make sure your efforts are truly worthwhile.

Many of us support the people who use our sites every day, and we regularly hear feedback from them. Students may struggle to find key information, and faculty may worry their work isn’t easy to discover.

Give your webforms a signature ɬ�﷬ style

jaylen.gordon@mcgill.ca — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 18:26:25 +0000

With Microsoft Forms now being used as our platform for webforms, surveys, quizzes, and polls, we wanted to ensure that the ɬ�﷬ brand remains front and center. Thanks to the help of our talented friends at Graphic Design, you can now do just that! Ditch the generic teal background and choose from one of our four new ɬ�﷬-branded styles for your forms:

“Read More” about what? Why link context matters

daniel.zhang@mcgill.ca — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:14:59 +0000

Clarity is key when creating content for the web, yet vague link phrases such as “read more” or “learn more” remain common across websites and newsletters. While they may seem harmless, they create real barriers for accessibility.

Calling all undergraduate students!

joyce.peralta2@mcgill.ca — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 21:12:35 +0000

We're accepting applications for ɬ�﷬'s 2025/26 Undergraduate Student Usability Panel. Panel members will participate in activities to share feedback about their experiences using ɬ�﷬'s websites and services.

The expected time commitment will be 6-8 hours per semester. Participants will receive a $200 honorarium plus additional perks in exchange for their contributions. Read the full details, including how to apply, below.

How we can make our digital spaces more accessible: Advice from an expert

joyce.peralta2@mcgill.ca — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:26:27 +0000

We had the recent pleasure of welcoming Lucy Greco—renowned digital accessibility expert, advocate, and trailblazer—for an engaging session on creating accessible digital content. Co-hosted by the Digital Communications team and ɬ�﷬’s Equity team, the event offered a valuable opportunity to learn from Lucy’s expertise and explore practical ways to enhance digital accessibility across our platforms.

Accessing site archives post migration

daniel.zhang@mcgill.ca — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:37:11 +0000

As part of the transition to the new Web Management System (WMS), we are creating archives of all websites before they are migrated to the new platform.

Why are archives being created?

During the migration process, sites often undergo content revisions and layout changes. To preserve a snapshot of each site prior to migration, we are capturing full archives of all websites in their pre-migration state.

Requesting a site in the new WMS

daniel.zhang@mcgill.ca — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 18:58:05 +0000

Ready to Try the New WMS? Here's How to Get Started

Heard some rave reviews about ɬ�﷬’s new Web Management System (WMS) and want to experience it for yourself? Good news: new site requests now have the option to be created in the new platform!

The new WMS offers a refreshed, modern editing experience and enhanced flexibility through tools like the Layout Builder. To see these features in action, visit the UX Examples site for live demonstrations and inspiration.