SiteMasonry was developed by the Office of University Branding to provide an optimal platform for showcasing George Mason’s digital presence. The goal is to consistently offer a welcoming, engaging experience, whether it’s a visitor’s first time on the site or their 100th.
A SiteMasonry collaboration is a partnership between OUB and a Campus Partner. OUB contributes branding expertise, best-practice web strategy guidance, and the SiteMasonry content management platform. The Campus Partner provides content, a qualified Web Manager/Site Owner to manage and maintain the site, and additional content editors as needed.
OUB's SiteMasonry Collaboration Contributions:
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Expertise: The OUB Digital Communications team partners with each campus unit to create a customized web and content strategy guide. These guides incorporate industry best practices in digital strategy, Mason’s brand strategy, and unit-specific data analytics to ensure a tailored approach to web development and content creation.
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SiteMasonry Platform: Designed specifically to showcase George Mason, the SiteMasonry content management system simplifies 'on-brand' web management.
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Fiscal and Technological Relief: Offered at no cost, SiteMasonry helps campus partners significantly reduce expenses related to digital marketing, web hosting, and code maintenance.
The Campus Partner Collaboration Contributions:
- Follow University Brand and Digital Strategy Standards: Create and develop content using the custom web and content strategy guide provided by the Office of University Branding (OUB).
- Build and Populate Pages: Use reviewed content to build and populate pages within the SiteMasonry site shell.
- Designate a Web Manager: One or two qualified, hands-on Web Managers/Site Owners are needed to oversee the site’s content maintenance and support site Content Editors.
- Utilize Training and Support: The SiteMasonry knowledge base offers self-guided training and support resources.
- Ensure Compliance: Campus Partners must maintain website content in accordance with all relevant regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines. These are set by Federal and Virginia authorities, George Mason University, Information Technology Services (ITS), and the Office of University Branding. Compliance includes areas such as digital accessibility, data security, data use, brand standards, and IT project management.
*OUB is transition from the using term 'Site Owner' to 'Web Manager,' as it better reflects the role's focus and responsibilities.