Decision Tiers

Routine Decisions (EMDC Authority)

Low-risk updates with no structural impact. EMDC has full authority to review and approve.

• Grammar, punctuation, minor text edits
• Image swaps (not affecting brand/accessibility)
• Date updates, small factual corrections

Moderate-Impact Decisions (EMDC + Consultation)

Unit-specific changes affecting structure. EMDC provides final approval for structure, IA, branding, and compliance. May consult with SMEs or unit leadership.

• Adding pages within existing sections
• Adjusting department/college sub-navigation
• Vanity URL requests
• Component or layout changes requiring review

High-Impact Decisions (EMDC Leadership + Divisional)

Cross-unit changes affecting architecture. Require SME review, EMDC leadership approval, and—when affecting institutional structure, compliance, or systemwide functionality—divisional leadership approval (Provost, CIO).

• Changes to primary navigation
• Creation of new top-level pages
• Information architecture changes affecting multiple units
• Major design or branding updates
• Introduction of new sitewide tools or functionality

Enforcement

To maintain standards, EMDC may:

• Remove CMS access for repeated violations
• Require retraining before access restoration
• Escalate persistent issues to unit leadership
• Audit content regularly for compliance

Common Violations

• Publishing inaccessible content
• Bypassing approval workflow
• Creating duplicate/conflicting pages
• Ignoring brand/template requirements