Guidelines for publishing on the World Wide Web

1. Introduction

You are responsible for the content of any personal webpage to the school or directorate head who supervises your employment or relationship to the University. You must observe publication and other standards that project the appropriate image of the University.

The contents of all electronic pages on University servers must comply with the law and with University policies and regulations. This document outlines relevant information to guide you in the creation of your webpages.

2. Permitted Use

You should note especially that pages on University servers may not be used to promote personal business or to provide personal financial gain, except as may be permitted by University policy or regulation, or by contract.

3. Disclaimer

Personal pages should not give the impression that they are representing, giving opinions or otherwise making statements on behalf of the University, or any unit of the University, unless appropriately authorised to do so. Where appropriate, an explicit disclaimer should be included unless it is clear from the context that you are not representing the University. An appropriate disclaimer is:

"The views and opinions expressed within these pages are personal and should not be construed as reflecting the views and opinions of Oxford Brookes University."

4. Identification

All websites under University jurisdiction must display information on the ownership of sites, including a contact name (or job title, where appropriate) and the date of the last update. If the site consists of more than one page, the ownership information must appear on at least one page (preferably the first).

5. Relevant Law and University Policy

  1. Use of University Name, Logo and Corporate Colours
    The University name, official logo, design and colour scheme must not be used on personal Web pages. This regulation applies to Web pages resident on University or non-University servers. Links from an Oxford Brookes University page to any non-University site must not imply University endorsement of that site’s products or services, unless endorsement has been officially approved by the Vice Chancellor or the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Registrar. In the absence of such approval, a disclaimer should be displayed if non-endorsement is not evident from the context. An appropriate disclaimer is:

    "Links on these pages to commercial sites do not represent endorsement by Oxford Brookes University."

  2. Copyright
    Contents of all electronic publications must follow University standards regarding copyright, and the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and associated acts and regulations. You must secure permission when including copyright or trademark material, such as, text, photographic images, video, or graphic illustrations. You should be aware that publishing material on a Web page will put that material into the international domain. It would be prudent to include an assertion of any relevant intellectual property rights, such as a claim to copyright or moral rights. Further information on intellectual property rights is available on the Library webpages.
  3. Personal Information
    The collection, handling or disclosure of personal information about any individual(s) is must be done in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the University’s Data Protection Policy. Sensitive Personal data, that is information relating to health, race, religion, sexual life, criminal record and trade union or political affiliation, must not be collected or processed in any way without the consent of the individual. You may wish to refer to the University’s Information Compliance Officer for information or advice on handling personal data which are displayed or collected on a webpage.
  4. Computer Use
    Regulations for the Use of IT Facilities governs all University computing and networking activities.

Unlawful Activities

University webpages, both corporate and personal, shall not be used for unlawful activities, including:

  • the making of libellous or defamatory statements,
  • the display of pornographic material,
  • the incitement of racial hatred.
  1. Other Laws and University policies
    You must familiarise yourself with the relevant University policies, guidelines, and any laws which apply to electronic publishing.