CMS Training Program

The current CMS training is split into three sessions of increasing complexity. Each training session builds upon the previous with the ultimate goal of creating a finished web site that is managed and maintained by your department or unit. Managers, Deans and heads of departments might not want to go though all 3 training sessions, but it is recommended they at least attended the first fundamentals training. The training takes at least 2 weeks, with another few weeks of site development after the training is completed to finish the site. It can take additional time depending on additional advanced development needs from web developer/OIT or if there are complex data migration needs. Most sites take 3-5 weeks from start to finish, including training.

There is zero preparation needed for the first session other then a desire to learn how the systems works. Please read trough the different sessions, if you have any questions or want to discuss the process further please contact Jeremy Sievers, x2795.

Pre Training Planning

Before getting started please contact Jeremy Sievers, x2795 to do an initial consultation. Not all areas of campus are able to get their sites moved immediately, this is especially true if you site fall under a parent site that has not migrated yet. This is normally a short phone conversation and/or e-mail.

Formal Training Sessions

1) CMS Fundamentals Training

2-hour - Bi-monthy training - IT Instructional Technology
Training session gives an overview of how the CMS system works from a top down perspective, a prerequisite to CMS Site Planning. Sessions are located in the Carnegie Learning Lab and occur twice every month on Thursdays. If you need to schedule a special session or to view the calendar of training sessions please visit Instructional Technology.

Sign up with Peggy Steinbronn, x4510

2) CMS Site Planning Meeting

1-hour - Reservation Only - Director, Web Communications
Meeting will involve consulting about specific site, site map developed, users defined, and image graphic discussed. Any site special site needs will be discuss and plans/timelines created for additional development. Most persons attending meeting have spent 2-3 hours evaluating their current site:

  • evaluate old site (out of date content, competitor comparisons)
  • identify needed content
  • start to define left navigation
  • ideas for subheader graphic
  • list of users and idea of their roll
  • or if this is all just a little to confusing, come as you are and we can discuss

Sign up with Jeremy Sievers, x2795

3) CMS Advanced Training

1-day - Bi-monthly training - IT Instructional Technology
Advanced Training is an intensive day long session where you learn how to use the CMS on your own content. The session is dependent on Site Planning so administrators and template developers can have your site created, users added and plan developed. Training works closely with your individual site plan so after the session you can continue the development of your own site adding documents and creating more pages.

If you need to schedule a special session or to view the calendar of training sessions please visit Instructional Technology.

Sign up with Peggy Steinbronn, x4510

Next Steps

  1. Additional Training - Most people require a second, shorter, work session to answer questions and finish complicated layouts. These work sessions are organized as needed with Instructional Technology.
  2. I am ready to launch, what's next? - When you are ready to launch, Web Communications with do a readiness review or site and then coordinate the launch with OIT system administrators.
  3. Post launch evaluation - It is important to look at your site at see how users are getting their after the launch. Planning for this with take place during site planning, but gathering information from user on the live site is invaluable in the success of your site.