Academic Department Content Guidelines

Your department page is one of the most important parts of your website. It acts as a front door to your programs, research, and community, welcoming visitors while helping them find what they need quickly.

These pages attract some of the highest traffic on the Georgia Southern website, so clarity, structure, and purpose are key. Follow these best practices to ensure your visitors, especially prospective students, can explore, learn, and take action with ease.

Suggested Content

Every department is unique, but all should include a few essential elements.

Department Overview

Start with a brief paragraph describing your department’s role at Georgia Southern. Focus on how your work benefits students, connects to the university mission, and supports our “large-scale, small-feel” experience.

Department Highlights

Use bullet points to showcase what makes your department stand out:

• Innovative research or creative projects
• State-of-the-art facilities and technology
• Community or industry partnerships
• Faculty expertise and achievements

Keep this section scannable and visual. Make it easy for readers to find your department’s strengths at a glance.

Know Your Audience

Before writing, think about who’s visiting your page and what they need. Common audiences include:

• Prospective students exploring majors
• Current students looking for resources
• Parents helping with research
• Faculty and staff seeking department updates
• Employers and partners interested in collaboration

Write for your visitors, not for internal audiences. For more guidance, see Writing for the Web.

Keep the Body Clear & Engaging

Avoid lengthy introductions, formal mission statements, and administrator letters. Instead, use your main content area to showcase your department’s value:

• What students learn and experience
• How your programs prepare them for success
• Opportunities for research, internships, and community engagement

Remember: web users scan, not read. Use headings, short paragraphs, and bullet points to make your content inviting and accessible.

Voice & Tone

Write like you’re speaking to real people. Use plain, active, and friendly language that reflects Georgia Southern’s approachable, student-first voice.

Keep your writing conversational yet professional. Avoid jargon, acronyms, or overly formal phrasing.

Keep It Simple. Keep It Fresh.

The best department pages are simple, current, and easy to navigate.
Your website is never “done.” It’s a living resource that reflects your department’s ongoing activity.

Regularly Check

• Is your content up to date?
• Are your links and dates current?
• Is your layout clear and balanced (pass the “squint test”)?
• Are your photos and graphics recent?
• Is your page still serving your visitors’ needs?

Ask students, parents, or colleagues for feedback, and use analytics reports from Marketing & Communications to guide updates.