Present: Dr. Bob Badgett, Dr. John Olson, Elaine Demps, Dr. Leo Maxwell, Bonnie O'Connor, Dr. Jim Legler, Dr. Mellick Sykes, Jim Peak, Dr. Jim Waldron, Anna Maloy, Jim Barrett
Chairman Badgett opened the meeting, and received approval of the minutes from Nov. 17. Badgett said he would like the committee to discuss concepts for training and communication with "peripheral webmasters" at the committee's next meeting. Badgett opened discussion on an old business item dealing with web page banners, the official university seal, and discussion about an institutional logo. Through its listserve, the committee had traded opinions about the need and importance of using the university seal as required on selected web pages. Many members have acknowledged that the image of the seal reproduces poorly on web pages. Sykes suggested simplifying the university seal image so that it was legible even at smaller sizes. He cited how Princeton University had preserved its seal, but in a simpler format. Olson said the seal needs to be used as an identifying element on web sites but that it doesn't contribute much to the visual appeal of the page. He endorsed Sykes' suggestion about a simplified seal. Barrett displayed a mock-up of a banner showing a lone white star against a blue background. He said the Office of Public Affairs is considering such a logo. Badgett discussed modifying existing policy to allow web sites to use either the seal or the logo, but committee members noted that no logo has been adopted. Maxwell said a logo, such as the star, could be used as a navigational tool because it is readily recognizable and could be reproduced in varying sizes and still be legible. Waldron introduced a motion that the committee encourage the university to adopt a logo because of reproduction constraints on the net. His motion was adopted. Badgett introduced a motion that the webmaster create a site to show various banners that would be flexible for layout and come in different sizes and shapes. His motion was adopted. Barrett asked if the committee favored either orange or blue as a predominant color. Several members said they preferred blue. Badgett asked Barrett to give the webmaster's report. The items were:- Response to the state about proposed changes in the Texas Administrative Code on web sites. Maxwell said the state's proposal to ban use of cookies on certain pages was vague because it did not specify whether the ban affected server- or client-side cookies. Badgett said he thought a JavaScript script on individual pages could block cookies from being set, and therefore resolve the state's pending requirement to selectively set cookies. Barrett said he knew of no way to selectively set cookies, but that a member of the state Department of Information Resources promised to find out if there is a way. Badgett moved to adopt a draft letter to the state commenting on the proposals. Waldron seconded the motion, and it was adopted.
- Changes made in December on the main institutional page have made it adhere to state accessibility guidelines and HSC regulations, Barrett said.
- Barrett said installation of the Phantom search spider has been delayed, and the spider probably would not be operating until January.
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Barrett described his discussion with South Texas Health Research Center about its web pages supporting the I Don't Smoke campaign. The main page contained a button for "advertising" and a display about Pappa John's Pizza. STHRC has agreed to modify its terminology and display to accurately reflect that it seeks sponsors, not advertisers, and that the pizza company is a program sponsor.
- Barrett noted the resignation of Brian Neuenschwander, web support coordinator for Graphics Services, who has accepted a web position with the School of Allied Health Sciences.
-- Approved Jan. 19, 2001