ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED

Soror Linda M. White, Supreme Basileus Soror Claire L. Carey, Technology Committee Chairman

Revision History

No. Date Author(s) Description 1 January

2002 2000-2002 Technology Committee,

Soror Claire L. Carey, Chair Soror Beverly Burks

Soror Brenda D. Ladipo Soror Lucretia Payton-Stewart

Soror Cynthia D. Howell, Deputy

Director Mr. Dewey Morris, Information

Technology Manager

Identified required information Compiled and wrote initial

document

2 December 2002

2003-2004 Technology Committee, Soror Claire L. Carey, Chair

Soror Linda M. Carter Soror Jacqueline M. Houston

Soror Brenda D. Ladipo Soror Avalyn W. Pace

Soror M. Denise Thomas

Soror Cynthia Howell, Deputy Director Mr. Dewey Morris, Information

Technology Manager

Created initial manual Incorporated graphics / visuals Converted to pdf format for posting

on AKA1908 website

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Table of Contents INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................. 4 PLANNING A WEB SITE: Considerations, Options............................................. 5

CONTENT .................................................................................................................................................... 5 APPROVAL................................................................................................................................................... 6 PRESENTATION ........................................................................................................................................... 6 LINKING EXISTING CONTENT ...................................................................................................................... 7 QUALITY CONTROL ..................................................................................................................................... 8 COPYRIGHTS, TRADEMARKS, PRIVACY AND OTHER LEGAL ISSUES......................................................... 8 NETIQUETTE: EMAIL, CHAT ROOMS, ETC. ................................................................................................. 9

DESIGNING FOR EXCELLENCE: Tips, Tools, Techniques .............................. 11 USERS....................................................................................................................................................... 11 BROWSERS ............................................................................................................................................... 13 TAGS ......................................................................................................................................................... 14 LINKS......................................................................................................................................................... 14 IN GENERAL .............................................................................................................................................. 15

PROTECTING WEB CONTENT: Security Tips................................................. 15 LIMIT SERVER ACCESS............................................................................................................................. 15 BACK UP FREQUENTLY ............................................................................................................................ 16 MONITOR SERVER ACTIVITY .................................................................................................................... 16 SAFEGUARD INTERNET CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................... 17

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ................................................................ 18

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INTRODUCTION

As the proliferation of Internet web sites continues, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority National Technology Committee considers it appropriate to establish some guidelines for individual, chapter, regional and national Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority web sites. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority National Technology Committee, in conjunction with the Technology Department staff in the Corporate Office, has coordinated the development and on-going maintenance of the national web site. Sorors are encouraged to create chapter and regional web sites that complement the national site, while showcasing local and regional Alpha Kappa Alpha programs and activities. The following guidelines were approved at the March 2002 Directorate meeting, and will take effect immediately. They are being publicized beginning at the 2002 regional conferences. This document is intended to serve as a resource for individual sorors and Alpha Kappa Alpha chapters who are preparing or re-evaluating their own web sites and looking for suggestions and guidelines on the appropriateness of web site content and design. There are many reasons why chapters may wish to create their own web sites. A web site can be an ideal mechanism for communicating with sorors and informing the public of Alpha Kappa Alpha activities and programs of interest – both at the local and national levels. The Internet is an interactive, dynamic, and rapidly changing communications medium that a good web site should reflect. Specifically, web sites should: Provide credible, original content in as many forms as possible. Provide valuable, timely information to users. Be interactive and well organized.

GUIDELINES

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PLANNING A WEB SITE: Considerations, Options

CONTENT Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. web sites should strive for high quality content – material that is accurate, current and suitable for public posting (hereinafter referred to as "Appropriate, Kurrent, Accurate" Appropriateness: Not all material is appropriate for posting on a public web site. There should be some legitimate reason, beyond showcasing work, for deploying material. The substance should be of a nature that is not embarrassing or offensive to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s constituencies. Kurrency: Some material may be of long-term interest, but other material may quickly become out of date. Time sensitive information should be posted promptly; however, embargoes applied to printed matter, like speeches, should not go live on public web sites prior to the embargo time. The retention period for each piece of content needs to be discussed with the content provider and agreed upon. Out-of-date information should be removed or updated promptly. Accuracy: Previously issued documents may contain errors of fact, or changed circumstances may have invalidated some portion of the documents. Any document to be deployed on the web should thus be reevaluated before placing it on the site. In addition, documents previously published on the web that require updating should reflect the necessary changes in a timely fashion. Web pages may include: Photographs and descriptions of chapter activities, service projects

and public events Chapter/regional histories Past and current chapter officers Links to the national web site Calendar of upcoming chapter/regional events Chapter/regional newsletters

Web pages may NOT include: Any copyrighted material without permission Ritual ceremonies (narratives nor photography) Membership Intake activities (narratives nor photography)

PLAN

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Sorority crest Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Membership Intake Manual

(graduate nor undergraduate, complete nor excerpts) Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Constitution and Bylaws or

Manual of Standard Procedures (complete nor excerpts) REGISTRATION AND APPROVAL In undergraduate chapters, the graduate advisor approves and is responsible for the web site. The basileus or her designee approves and is responsible for the web site in graduate chapters. In regions, the regional director or her designee approves and is responsible for the web site. The Supreme Basileus of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. or her designee approves and is responsible for the national web site, www.aka1908.com. When chapters are ready to go live with their website, they must register their url (universal resource locator) address with their regional director or regional designee. It will be reviewed for clarity, accuracy, adherence to guidelines, content, and overall presentation. When regions are ready to go live with their website, they must register their url with the Corporate Office to the attention of the Deputy Director. Include the following information:

Region Name Webmaster/Web Coordinator Name

Webmaster/Web Coordinator Phone Number Webmaster/Web Coordinator e-mail address

After review, the url will be linked to the national website. PRESENTATION Web sites should strive for high quality presentation, which means that the content represents Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, conforms to good language and design principles, and is easy to find and to use. Good representation: Editorial control should be exercised not

only in terms of judgment about content but also with regard to, spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors. For printed material, the web version should conform to the languages used in the print version, although it will typically be different in appearance (for example, if it is formatted in HTML).

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Conformity to good language and design principles: The Web

is a publication medium as well as an interactive and transactional medium. The standards for quality publishing that apply to printed Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. publications also apply to web pages. However, any mistakes in text or in graphics that the original documents contain should not be perpetuated.

A format that is easy to find and to use: It is important to be

aware of the way that the audience uses the content. Content categories may be derived from the official Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (www.aka1908.com) home page. See TIPS FOR EXCELLENCE IN SITE DESIGN for template recommendations. Recommended content categories should be used on home pages and as searchable categories. By this method, members can experience similarly organized content when moving from one Alpha Kappa Alpha site to another. Web developers should have a test group of members to assess the effectiveness of site design and navigation and determine what changes, if any are needed. Web developers should ascertain that the structure of the site continues to be appropriate with the addition of new material.

Webmaster contact: In an obvious location, include the date of

the last update and an e-mail address. This lets visitors know how old the page is and allows them to contact someone with their feedback on the content.

LINKING EXISTING CONTENT To foster coordination and minimize duplication of web site content among individual, chapter, regional and national Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. sites, it is important to maintain attention to existing overlap while clarifying ambiguous areas of apparent duplication of content. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.: Chapter and Regional Sites

should offer a short synopsis of the role of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and link to the fuller descriptions at the national Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. site. This would include information about the sorority’s leadership, organization (including directorate and national committees), history, programs, regions, national meetings/conferences, policies, partnerships, national news, publications, and forms, etc.

Reports/Forms: To avoid ambiguity as well as redundancy, all

sites should link to the national site for copies of all corporate office

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forms. Policies: The national site will be the source for public

consumption of each of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority policies. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Constitution and Bylaws and Manual of Standards and Procedures MAY NOT be published on any web site.

Publications and Supplies: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

chapter and regional sites should link to the national site to request publications and supplies or to access archived copies of publications.

QUALITY CONTROL Quality control of any Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – related web site is important to the sorority as a whole. These web sites are accessible to anyone and reflect on everyone connected to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Each region or chapter choosing to host and maintain a web site must take full responsibility for its maintenance. Proper maintenance includes collecting the necessary information on a regular basis, editing for accuracy and suitability, and ensuring that all listings and links on the web site are current and accurate. COPYRIGHTS, TRADEMARKS, PRIVACY AND OTHER LEGAL ISSUES Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. trademarks must be used

correctly. Article XI, Section 11 of the Constitution and Bylaws lists all of our registered trademarks. Additionally, it states that the badge and coat of arms must not be reproduced without the permission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

A privacy policy should be posted to the site and reviewed

periodically. Legal guidance at each chapter or region should be sought and followed in regard to the wording of disclaimers and notices (e.g., privacy). As content and technology change and more users information is requested via the browser or captured automatically by the application, it becomes increasingly important that a current privacy policy exist.

Inappropriate use of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. trademarks

by other sites should be reported to the corporate office.

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Public web site developers should check other organizations’ web sites that we cite or to which we link in order to determine appropriate use of their trademarks, trade names and logos.

Web developers are responsible for checking individual licenses to

determine permissible use of copyrighted material, such as text, clip art, special fonts, graphics, video, and sounds. They must not use copyrighted material for which appropriate permission has not been authorized. Use must be determined to be within the scope of the permission.

Legal guidance should be consulted before adopting a new name

for a service program or social activity so as not to infringe on someone else’s trademark.

The site should be reviewed to ascertain if it is in compliance with

the Americans with Disabilities Act. No person's name, address(es), phone number(s) or e-mail

address(es) should be listed without his or her express written consent

The home page must have a disclaimer which states “Alpha Kappa

Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. is not responsible for the design and content of these web pages. They are the sole property and responsibility of the __________Region or the ___________Chapter who hosts and maintains this web site.”

NETIQUETTE: EMAIL, CHAT ROOMS, ETC. Sorors are expected to follow the "Alpha Kappa Alpha Code of Conduct" in all that they do - including when visiting chat rooms, web sites and sending e-mail. The term “netiquette” refers to etiquette on the Internet. Etiquette refers to more than where to place the dinner fork; it relates to ethics because it, like ethics, involves the relationship of trust between people. Most of the rules of netiquette were developed as behavioral guidelines for e-mail and newsgroup postings, where writers sometimes forget how to be considerate. These rules may be useful to sorors who use the web because they may wish to write the creators of some of the web sites and to visit chat rooms. Netiquette includes the following principles: Take extra care to be polite, since you are generally addressing a

stranger when you write to a web site creator. Generally, the less

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you know someone, the more formal you should be in your e-mail correspondence, to avoid giving offense unintentionally.

Be very careful of humor, sarcasm, irony or criticism. In face-to-

face conversation our tone of voice, gestures and facial expressions all provide contexts of interpretation for our words and these contexts help reveal our humorous or calm or gentle AKAtude. Because these contexts are missing in an e-mail, many comments are subject to misinterpretation.

Do not send e-mails repeatedly if you do not get a reply. A second

e-mail is all right, because the first may not have arrived. After that, assume that your correspondent is either not interested or is on vacation.

Always sign your e-mail with your full name, and preferably a

description of who you are. Use a signature that contains your name, major/department/subject and educational institution if you are an undergraduate soror or educator; your name, business area and corporation if you are at your employer; your name and sorority affiliation if you are at home. This will make you more human to your correspondent.

Do not use e-mail as a weapon to harass someone, to forward

chain letters or hoaxes, to send hate letters or to generate/perpetuate negative rumors and false information about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. or its members.

Remember, anyone with access to the Internet can view your web site. Your web site must reflect the standards of your chapter/region and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Always protect the integrity of our organization.

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DESIGNING FOR EXCELLENCE: Tips, Tools, Techniques

In order to maintain high and consistent standards for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. public web sites, the following design strategies should be utilized. Generally, web development should be consistent with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. standards and guidelines, recognizing that public web sites might adopt new technologies well in advance of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's use of the web for transactional purposes. Sharing of information and expertise is important to enable Alpha Kappa Alpha information technology professionals to maintain a broad awareness of usage practices. USERS Unrestricted public web sites have a global audience even if web developers identify a local target audience. It should not be assumed the user has prior knowledge of the services or structure of a particular site's organization. The following practices will facilitate global usage: Avoid acronyms. Display dates in complete format (e.g., January 1, 2003) versus a

simplified format such as 1/1/03. Adequately describe content and services. Include traditional contact information, such as mailing address,

phone and fax numbers, that is easy to find. Not all users of a web site will be able to take advantage of graphical navigation elements. Make sure pages are viewable and logical for users without graphic capabilities: Always include "alt" tags in the source code for images. Include a text-based alternate menu if deploying a graphic menu

system. Include a text version of a graphical site map. If providing a link permitting downloading of the Adobe Acrobat

Reader, provide information about Adobe System, Inc.'s accessibility plug-ins and a link to its web site at:

www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html Inform users of the availability of alternative formats for the

information, e.g., large print or audio materials, if available. Ensure the site is compatible with text-based browsers, such as the

Lynx browser.

DESIGN

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A user may be unable to navigate back up a site's hierarchy via its pages if those pages do not contain a link back to the home page or local menu. Without a link to a home page, a user may not realize the scope of a site. Do not allow dead-end pages: include at least one link to another

page in a site. Consider prominently linking to a site map.

Avoid posting large downloadable files without providing information for the user: Label large files in kilobytes or megabytes so the user knows the

file size before downloading. Describe the content of large files. Indicate the file type and any necessary software required to read

the file. The downloadable file should identify the Alpha Kappa Alpha

Sorority, Inc. source for content questions. Provide for the needs of users should be a goal of each site: Do not expect users to conform to a specific version or type of

browser, but consider stating the minimum browser for which the site is designed (avoid telling the user they must download a specific browser to view the site).

Avoid elaborate, confusing or browser-specific interface design. Design pages that work for both experienced users and novices

(avoid overly simplistic or overly complex page design). While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance is not

required of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the legal community recommends coding web pages such that they are sensitive to users with visual disabilities.

Consider various platforms and screen resolutions when designing web pages.

Make the order and logic of the site understandable to the user: Maximize user understanding and navigation of the web site by

using logical and consistent content naming techniques - use the National Technology Committee's recommended categories on the home page if possible.

Provide users with the information they want in the fewest possible steps.

Design an efficient hierarchy of information to minimize the number of steps through menu pages.

Analyze web statistics/data to find out how the audience uses the web content, and restructure the site with this information in mind.

Include a site map.

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Use clear, consistent graphic or text-based identifiers. Always provide clear signals that the user on your site is still within

the site. If a link goes to another Alpha Kappa Alpha site or other site, state

the destination. Consider these template recommendations: A banner (or tabs) should be provided across the top that links to

the main areas. The left navigation area or column should contain the list of

categories of information - ideally, this should be the same from one Alpha Kappa Alpha web site to another.

The center area should contain the content. The right sidebar (or navigation area) should contain the

supplemental material such as key contacts, helpful links, link to the national web site, etc.

The bottom footer should contain the same links to the main areas as the banner.

The official pantone colors to use are pink #183 and green #354. Facilitate and respond to user feedback: Provide a mechanism for users to provide feedback via the web

site. Plan adequate resources to handle user questions and requests.

BROWSERS Optimize web pages, as deemed appropriate, to work with select browsers: Test scripted web pages within the most popular browsers before

publishing them. Scripted web pages should include a client-side read on the user's

browser. Scripted pages should be coded to automatically launch the

appropriate version of the page rather than require user choice. Offer traditional methods of submitting information and orders for

users unable to take advantage of scripted forms and e-mail submission.

Offer traditional menus for users unable to view drop-down boxes and mouse-over activated elements.

When inserting language into graphics "alt" tags, consider the visually impaired users who rely on text-speaking browser software.

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Minimize the use of frames and use care when designing pages with frames: Avoid using valuable screen space on scroll bars or other elements

that don't add value to the content. Consider that typical navigation bars automatically loaded by

commercial browsers may decrease available screen space for the user.

Do not frame another site's content. TAGS Include a site overview in a short paragraph on a page linked to from the home page. This information will help new users of a site quickly understand its content. Web site developers at other sites can use the description when describing a link to the Alpha Kappa Alpha site. Write a concise and informative paragraph describing the site and

make it easily accessible to users. Incorporate the descriptive paragraph into the meta name tag of

the home page to generate a useful search engine description of the site.

Search engines look at title tags for key words. Browser bookmarks also use title tags to generate a link description. Web site developers may use unedited bookmarks to generate links to a site: Include relevant key words in title tags. Make sure title tags on web pages provide an adequate description

of content for use in bookmarks. Make each title tag appropriate for use as a link title on another

site. LINKS Good web site design is inherently interactive and should contain links to related information: Regularly check links within the site and to external sites to make

sure they work correctly. Ensure links to other web sites are appropriate and do not contain

potentially embarrassing information. Avoid linking to commercial sites where content may change

dramatically or that may appear to benefit other organizations vis-à-vis the perceived Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. endorsement that is inherent in a link.

Do not frame another site's content. Do not endorse or guarantee other sites, software or products in

the text surrounding a link.

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Links to other sites (Alpha Kappa Alpha or other) should note the destination sites.

IN GENERAL Avoid "Under Construction" pages: Publish completed, approved information and add content later. All web pages on a site should contain substantive information.

Give visual cues to the type of information to which the user will be led rather than text links: Provide short descriptions of linked information to tell users of the

content being linked to. Make content of interest to the national organization and less chapter and region specific: Limit the use of chapter or region specific graphics and references

on web pages designed for organization-wide use. Communicate with the Technology Team and the Deputy Director

on finished projects that may be of interest to other regions.

PROTECTING WEB CONTENT: Security Tips

While information on Alpha Kappa Alpha public web sites is in the public domain, ensuring security of public web sites is vitally important because, unlike print information, information published via the web is vulnerable to alteration and subsequent quick mass dissemination. In addition, it is vulnerable to service unavailability due to user authorized or unauthorized activity. While content can be corrected or restored quickly and cheaply, preventive measures as well as alert mechanisms are important to maintain Alpha Kappa Alpha's public reputation for integrity. The following guidelines support this objective. LIMIT SERVER ACCESS Restrict server access to a limited number of staff to prevent unauthorized modification, deletion or addition of content to the web server: Control access to the web server using log-ins. Password-protect the web server from unauthorized use. Keep a record of the passwords in a secure location. Limit the number of staff who know the web server passwords.

PROTECT

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Change passwords frequently. Don't use dictionary-based words for passwords. Include at least one number or punctuation mark in a password. Use password-protected screen savers. Always log-off from the web server when leaving the server to

enable password protection. BACK UP FREQUENTLY Safeguard existing content and ensure efficient restoration of service in the event of a disruption of service: Back up web server files at regular, predetermined intervals (back-

ups should be performed at least weekly). Store back-up files in a secure location. Determine a retention schedule for back-up files. Consider storing a copy of the back-up files in a secure location off

premises. MONITOR INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS (ISP) HOSTING SORORITY CONTENT Maintain the security and integrity of Alpha Kappa Alpha data on outside servers: Encrypt all passwords on a secure server. Password-protect web server and ftp access. Duplicate all files on the provider's server onto another secure

server. Frequently back up all files on the provider's server. Make sure the Internet service provider has a secondary server for

back-up. Before outsourcing content on a non-AKA server, perform a risk

assessment. MONITOR SERVER ACTIVITY Minimize the risk of intrusion by practicing regular intrusion detection and continuous monitoring of service availability and content integrity: Monitor server activity to determine whether files have been

accessed and altered without permission. Implement software to determine whether files have been

accessed and altered without permission. Scan files to detect unauthorized access and alterations. Set file permissions to prevent unauthorized access to server files. Monitor sites for denial of service and other attacks that

compromise or shut down the web service.

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SAFEGUARD INTERNET CONNECTIONS Safeguard Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., connections to the Internet: Follow local security procedures, which should be documented. Disconnect the user machine (used for web site maintenance) from

the chapter, regional or corporate office LAN by either not loading network drivers or physical disconnection. "Logging out" of the LAN is not sufficient.

Ensure the stand-alone system is properly secured, based on the technologies being used.

Use proper virus protection techniques if files are transferred to the PC.

Physically disconnect a publicly accessible Internet service (such as a web server) from the chapter, regional or corporate office LAN.

Take necessary precautions to minimize the potential monetary and productivity loss as well as embarrassment to Alpha Kappa Alpha in the event of a security compromise. Have a set of standby statements (covering different scenarios)

ready to use for member inquiries in case of a disruption.

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FAQs FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Who is responsible for the appropriateness of the content of Alpha

Kappa Alpha web sites?

ANSWER: In undergraduate chapters, the graduate advisor approves and is responsible for the web site. The basileus or her designee approves and is responsible for the web site in graduate chapters. In the regions, the regional director or her designee approves and is responsible for the web site. The Supreme Basileus of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. or her designee approves and is responsible for the national web site, www.aka1908.com

2. Are Alpha Kappa Alpha web sites allowed to provide job opening information?

ANSWER: Yes. Sites should list and describe all open jobs at the local site; links to all jobs throughout the chapter and regional web sites by using the Online Career Center; and offer a simple reply form or mail-to address to receive responses.

3. What additional things can the various Alpha Kappa Alpha entities do to minimize costs and duplication of effort?

ANSWER: Collaborative development of content across the Alpha Kappa Alpha organization fosters coherence from a user's perspective and represents a cost-effective use of resources. As web technology moves forward with enhanced opportunities for interactive web surfing and multimedia applications, site development is becoming increasingly more complex and expensive. Given that sites redesign fairly often, there exists significant opportunity to collaborate. Individuals,

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chapters, regions and the Corporate Office are strongly urged to share expertise and allocate resources efficiently by linking to each other's sites and working together on development projects when feasible. Web site developers should communicate among themselves regarding new developments on their site. These would include new content offerings that others may want to link to, URL changes, and significant changes to or removal of key content. Good, timely communications can reduce the number of URL forwarding addresses required on the host server to properly direct web requests and can minimize the overlap of content duplication on multiple sites. Coordinators should work with the National Technology Committee Chair and the Deputy Director to identify the most effective communications channels, such as e-mail distribution lists and/or the web site(s).

4. What guidelines specific to each Alpha Kappa Alpha entity are

needed?

ANSWER: Chapters, regions and the Corporate Office should each develop its own documented guidelines and procedures to ensure web site quality, tailored to the needs and structure of each group. At a minimum, guidelines should address procedures for: Approving new and updated content for posting. Ensuring accuracy of content. Keeping content current, including the establishment of retention

periods and procedures for removal of dated material. Backing up the site. Ensuring material adheres to copyright and trademark law and to

emerging legal requirements such as those resulting from the Americans with Disabilities Act. Developing an online "standby statement" to publish in the event the

site is hacked.

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In addition: Before any new material is deployed on a public web site, it should go

through an appropriate clearing process to ensure that it has good content and presentation. Each undergraduate chapter's graduate advisor, each graduate

chapter's basileus, the regional director and the Supreme Basileus are ultimately responsibility for the chapter, region and Corporate Office web sites, respectively, and should issue authorization memos delegating responsibility for content management. The Web Coordinator or Webmaster at each site should procure

authorization for new and updated content before it is published on the web site. Annually, authorization should be reviewed (and renewed) to ensure accuracy as well as in response to any changes. Content that does not have clear ownership should become the

responsibility of the Web Coordinator or Webmaster. The Web Coordinator or Webmaster should inform content providers of quality expectations and design issues related to the web site. The Web Coordinator or Webmaster should monitor submissions to

ensure content meets quality measures and meets Alpha Kappa Alpha standards. If the content fails to meet Alpha Kappa Alpha standards, the Web Coordinator or Webmaster should work with the content providers to generate content that is suitable.

5. How do I decide what is appropriate for publishing?

ANSWER: If the material has been reviewed for print by the graduate advisor, basileus, regional director or deputy director, then it is probably suitable for the web. However, as discussed above, each site should have a formal procedure for placing new material on the web site.

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6. How long should material be retained on the web site?

ANSWER: As new material is added, its retention period should be determined. Archiving information is important for material not available elsewhere in a printed format.

7. Are there any rules for Alpha Kappa Alpha chat rooms and e-mail between sorors and web site contacts or soror to soror(s) e-mail?

ANSWER: We strongly discourage chat rooms because they have been the mechanism for sharing information that is not "Appropriate, Kurrent or Accurate" but recognize that we cannot prevent their existence. We ask sorors who see bad information being shared to contact the site owners and the Deputy Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sorors are expected to follow the Alpha Kappa Alpha Code of Conduct in all that they do - including visiting chat rooms and sending e-mail. See the section on Netiquette in the guidelines for more guidance.