UW Theme 2.0 is now available!
Welcome the UW Theme! The kitchen sink page is your guide to all the visual page elements currently available through the theme. If you prefer to print out your options, please download the current component key (pdf). This WordPress theme is for anyone on a wisc.edu domain who wishes to use it. Don’t forget the…
UW Theme 2.0 is now available to use inWiscWebfor new sites, or existing WiscWeb sites that want tobuild from scratchrather than migrate. If you manage your site outside of WiscWeb and wish to continue doing so, you may alsodownload the theme. Visit theUW Theme 2.0 siteto learn about blocks, patterns, and features of the new theme.
UW Theme 2.0is now available todownloador use in WiscWeb. UW Theme Classic andUW Theme Liteare still available but no longer recommended for new projects. VisitMigrate to 2.0to learn more about the transition.
You can still download UW Theme Classic, but support will end at the end of the 2026 calendar year.
Explore a few examples of sites that are built using the UW Theme on theWiscWeb WordPressservice, a free campus service for creating and maintaining UW branded websites.
The Office of Strategic Communication recommends using the UW Theme on WiscWeb for most university websites to meet UW Brand’sminimum web standards. Sites on WiscWeb range from labs, research projects, resource websites, blogs, events/conferences, and more.
Over 16 mobile-friendlypage components, andfive flexible columnoptions for designing rich page layouts.
Integrations with Google Analytics, Custom Search, Tag Manager and Search Console
Browser tested across devices, including assistive technologies to meet campus web accessibility standards and policies.
Ongoing support by theOffice of Strategic CommunicationandWiscWebwith regular testing and updates.
Built-in UW–Madison identity, colors, and type, plus a basic header, menus, and footer.
Browser compatible with Microsoft Edge, FireFox, Chrome, and Safari.
While customization is an option, to ensure continued compliance with campus web standards and accessibility policies, using the UW Theme onWiscWebis recommended for most websites.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
If you plan to develop, use custom code, or are working with a third-party vendor, you can use the UW Theme to create achild themeand build your website. TheUW Theme Liteis helpful for those who want a more simple version of the theme to start with.
DoIT Shared Hostingis recommended if your department’s IT does not provide hosting services. While some hosting options have a monthly cost, DoIT Web Hosting provides database and Secure FTP access and allows you to fully customize CSS and install plugins.
For custom sites on campus, the unit that develops a custom design is responsible for maintaining it from that point forward, as well as ensuring continued compliance with the university’sminimum web standards.
Visit theWebsite Publishing Optionsguide to compare the differences between WiscWeb and DoIT Web Hosting.
Email our team with questions, comments, ideas, or feedback. We’d love to hear from you.
Executive Summary
The University of Wisconsin has released UW Theme 2.0, a new website theme designed to meet the university's minimum web standards and provide a consistent brand identity. The theme is available for use in WiscWeb, a free campus service for creating and maintaining UW-branded websites, and can also be downloaded for external use. UW Theme 2.0 offers various features, including mobile-friendly page components, flexible column options, and integrations with Google Analytics and other tools.
Key Points
- ▸ UW Theme 2.0 is now available for use in WiscWeb and for download
- ▸ The theme meets the university's minimum web standards and provides a consistent brand identity
- ▸ UW Theme 2.0 offers various features, including mobile-friendly page components and integrations with Google Analytics
Merits
Improved Brand Consistency
UW Theme 2.0 provides a consistent brand identity across university websites, enhancing the university's overall online presence
Enhanced Accessibility
The theme is designed to meet campus web accessibility standards and policies, ensuring that university websites are accessible to all users
Demerits
Limited Customization Options
While customization is an option, using the UW Theme on WiscWeb is recommended to ensure continued compliance with campus web standards and accessibility policies, which may limit flexibility for some users
Expert Commentary
The release of UW Theme 2.0 demonstrates the university's commitment to providing a consistent and accessible online presence. The theme's features, such as mobile-friendly page components and integrations with Google Analytics, will enhance the user experience and provide valuable insights for website administrators. However, the limited customization options may pose challenges for some users, highlighting the need for ongoing support and training. Overall, UW Theme 2.0 is a significant step forward in enhancing the university's online presence and ensuring that its websites meet the needs of all users.
Recommendations
- ✓ University departments and units should prioritize using UW Theme 2.0 for new website projects to ensure consistency and accessibility
- ✓ The university should provide ongoing support and training for website administrators to ensure they can effectively use the new theme and its features
