Setting up a website and hosting options
Find out who can have web space on the Sussex domain and how to get it.
Do you need a website?
The Digital team can advise on best practices and solutions for creating an online digital presence, including hosting options.
If you think you need a website, blog, app or other online system to support your work at the University, contact us.
University website hosting policy
All websites use the central University templates and branding. This is to ensure consistency and good web practices. The design of the University templates have been agreed with University management and are regularly tested by the Digital team for good web standards including accessibility. It is a legal requirement to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
All University websites should use the sussex.ac.uk domain name. This domain name is established and trusted with search engines and users, meaning you rank higher when people search for you and visitors can be confident it’s a genuine University of Sussex web presence. It also forms part of the University brand.
The only exemption to the above is when there is an affiliation with another organisation, where use of the University brand could be adapted. See below for more information about affiliated websites. If you need advice, contact us.
Who can ask for a website
University-hosted websites can only be owned by current Sussex staff.
Schools, departments and research activities
All core University unit website sections (including departments, schools and research centres) are managed using a website content management system (called the WCM system). Other research programs, labs and projects are also managed using the WCM system.
Professional services
All Professional Services web pages are managed using the WCM website system. In most cases, this content is organised according to the needs of users (both students and staff) rather than organisational structure.
USSU societies
University of Sussex Student Union Societies are entitled to a sub-section of the Students’ Union web presence. Email m.j.riley@sussex.ac.uk from your Sussex email account for details.
Contact
You can contact us if you have any other queries about website hosting or developments (including blog use).