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University websites

Cascade and the UVic web template

Cascade CMS

Most UVic websites are managed using a content management system (CMS) called Cascade.

A content management system allows users to create and edit web content without knowing web programming languages. If you've ever updated a blog using something like WordPress, you've used a CMS.

Using your web browser, Cascade lets you edit content (text, photos and video) using a text editor, like Microsoft Word.

Explore the main content types (components) you can use on your web pages.

Enrol in Cascade training Login to Cascade CMS

UVic web template

The redesigned uvic.ca look and feel (aka "template 4") represents extensive user interviews, testing and best practices in accessible and mobile-optimized web design.

Please do not modify the UVic web template. If you have specific customization needs, please contact the to discuss how we can help.

Key features

In April 2022, the BC Government announced accessibility legislation, which includes removing barriers in digital environments.

Our web template includes more white space and larger font sizes to make it more accessible to all users. We continue to review and implement accessibility best practices.

The UVic website was designed to be responsive. This means it works across all screen sizes, from mobile devices, tablets, desktop and larger digital screens.

The display and image sizes adapt to the screen you’re using. As you swap devices with different screen sizes, you might see tiles move or images crop to fit your screen.

Both traditional search engines (Google, Bing, etc), generative and agentic search engines (such as Gemini, Chat GPT, Co-pilot, etc) have become the primary tool people use to find information on our websites.

Google only considers the mobile experience in its search result rankings. Our mobile-first design is built with search engine optimization (SEO) and generative-engine optimization (GEO) at its core.

We have reduced the amount of content on our central sites so that search engines can find the right results for our users.

Smaller file sizes for images and documents mean pages load much faster (and use less data for mobile users).

The new uvic.ca template works with all modern browsers, including:

  • Edge 12+
  • Firefox 28+
  • Chrome 21+
  • Safari 6+
  • Opera 12+

Note: We no longer fully support Internet Explorer, which had its last major release in 2013 (IE v11). Microsoft recommends that you use their Edge browser instead, which may already be installed on your UVic PC.

UVic brand on the web

The UVic website reflects the UVic brand in many ways, including typography, colours, photography style and other visual elements.

Ensuring a cohesive, consistent brand identity creates trust with our users, helps us ensure our website is accessible and delivers a positive user experience.

Brand guidelines for UVic websites

Non-Cascade sites

Official UVic units are required to use Cascade and the branded template. This creates a consistent, unified experience for our audiences. Users need to trust that any website speaking on behalf of the university is who they say they are.

Exceptions

  • research groups, labs or personal projects
  • conferences and events
  • blogs & portfolios (consider UVic's Online Academic Community service, powered by WordPress)
  • sub-brands (e.g. Bookstore, PICS, Vikes)
  • student groups or course unions