In response to the University’s closure these recommended updates and changes will ensure that your website visitors can easily find the information they are likely searching for during the coronavirus crisis.

We recommend reviewing your site for any reference to campus visits and updating the language to make it clear that campus visits are unavailable. Likewise, update any links to point to either a local visit page or the relevant University visit page.  Additionally, where possible provide an easily accessed landing page summarizing any COVID-19 virus related resources specific to your school or college and a link to the University's central resource page.

We are recommending that these changes remain in place until the end of summer quarter and should be re-evaluated as new information becomes available.

Campus Visit Pages

Many colleges and schools already have dedicated campus visit pages. Below are the recommended updates and additions for those pages. If you don’t already have a campus visit page we recommend creating one using the guidelines below.

Elements to include in your page:

• A virtual tour button that links to the University’s virtual tour.
• Updated visit information including a COVID statement making it clear that on-campus options are not available and explaining virtual alternatives. Include any college specific virtual options as well as the following links for the university: 

  • https://drexel.edu/visit (General) 

  • https://drexel.edu/undergrad/visit/campus-visits (Undergrad) 

  • https://drexel.edu/grad/events/virtual-experience (Grad)

• Links to any college-specific virtual tour events or alternative online events.
• Links to a college/school specific COVID-19 response page, interactive college virtual tour pages, and any other relevant resources.

Dedicated COVID-19 Resource Pages

Please use the following guidelines when creating a resource landing page for COVID-19.

The page should be easily accessible, so users don’t have to dig through your website for information. It’s recommended that a link to this page be featured somewhere on your college/school homepage.

The University’s central response page can be used as a model for your college/school specific information page but duplication of content should be avoided wherever possible.

Elements to include in your page:

• A link to the University’s central response page (More Information about resource links)
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for different audiences (prospective or admitted undergrad, graduate, current undergrad, faculty and staff, corporate partners, Alumni, donors, etc.)
• A clear call-to-action to contact undergraduate and graduate admissions that includes a direct email address and/or phone number; if possible, offer one-on-one Q&A sessions with a direct contact.

  Note: If providing zoom meetings follow the best practices provided by IT for Zoom meetings and do not provide zoom links on publicly available pages or social media.

• Any special considerations your college or school is making during COVID-19:
  • Exam waivers and assignment deadline extensions
  • Student assistance programs
  • Visa and immigration process questions
  • One-on-one academic advising changes
  • Research projects
  • Updates for the Fall 2020 term or 2020-2021 academic year.
  • Status of co-ops and internships for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020
  • Student activity or club updates
  • Zoom Online Meeting Platform and additional remote learning resources
  • Graduation, hooding and commencement ceremonies
  • Training for TA and teaching responsibilities
  • Pass/Fail option for Spring 2020 term
  • Relevant news and stories that your college or school has on COVID-19

COVID-19 Resource Pages

Guidelines when linking to COVID-19 Resource pages:

• If no page exists specific to your college/school/department then link to Drexel's central response page.
• If a local response page exists on your site, link to that page primarily but include a link to Drexel's central response page on your local resource page.

Resource Page Link Locations

We recommend that your link be featured prominently on your homepage and be added to your site utility links.

The University Communications Marketing team has developed a design standard for COVID-19 utility links.

Please contact: websupport@drexel.edu to request this design treatment for your site.

Associated Press Style Guide Recommendations for COVID-19

For additional information about writing about the new coronavirus disease called COVID-19 on your webpage, please visit the AP Style Guide recommendations.

This guide can be used to write passages or stories about the science of the disease that require sharper distinctions. Additional terms and their correct usage or distinctions (i.e., epidemic, pandemic, social distancing, socially distancing) are also listed.

COVID-19, which stands for "coronavirus disease 2019," is caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. When referring specifically to the virus, the COVID-19 virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 are acceptable. But, because COVID-19 is the name of the disease, not the virus, it is not accurate to write a new virus called COVID-19.

Referring to simply the coronavirus is acceptable on first reference in stories about COVID-19. While the phrasing incorrectly implies there is only one coronavirus, it is clear in this context. Also acceptable on first reference: the new coronavirus; the new virus; COVID-19.

In stories, do not refer simply to “coronavirus” without the article “the.” Not: She is concerned about coronavirus. Omitting “the” is acceptable in headlines and in uses such as: He said coronavirus concerns are increasing.