Creating and Stewarding FAS Websites
Websites are an essential way FAS faculty and staff share teaching, research, and administrative work with the world. To keep our digital presence secure, accessible, and sustainable, FAS websites must follow Harvard’s standards and use approved platforms and domains.
In today’s highly dynamic and digital environment, maintaining an inclusive and engaging virtual presence is an increasingly mission-critical endeavor, as it serves as the primary touchpoint for members of the Harvard community and beyond. To ensure that the Faculty of Arts and Sciences’ (FAS) web presence, digital content, and branding reflects the FAS’s mission and values while also providing a positive user experience for both content creators and users, the guidance and recommendations below are designed to support the FAS community—which includes faculty students, students, and staff—in their creation and stewardship of digital content and branding.
These resources and guidelines were curated and are maintained in consultation with members of the Office of Communications, Administrative Operations, the FAS Dean’s Office, Faculty Affairs, and Harvard University Information Technology. For questions or comments regarding the content of this website, please contact FAS Communications at comms@fas.harvard.edu.
Why Standards Matter
When websites are built outside approved systems, they often create challenges:
- Security and Privacy: Sites must meet Harvard’s information security standards.
- Accessibility: All University digital content must be usable by everyone.
- Brand Integrity: Harvard websites represent the University. Off-brand sites or non-Harvard domains can cause confusion.
- Sustainability: Unsupported websites can quickly become outdated if the creator moves on.
- Cost Control: External development and hosting increase overall costs compared to supported options.
FAS Web Governance
To support a sustainable and transparent web governance structure for the benefit of internal and external members of the community, the FAS has an established URL request and modification process in place. There are also guidelines regarding the creation and stewardship of Harvard-owned websites. The FAS reserves the right to approve or deny any website or domain request.
The website fas.harvard.edu is the sole property of the FAS. While designated staff will have access to edit certain portions of the site, create new content, and remove old content, the site and all its subdomains remain the property of the School and must adhere to Harvard Web Publishing’s Terms of Use policy throughout its digital lifecycle. All sub-domains are similarly administered by designated Harvard faculty, staff, researchers, and currently enrolled degree-seeking students at the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and remain under the stewardship of these individuals until they are no longer a benefits-eligible employee or faculty or are no longer a degree-seeking student.
Per the Harvard Web Publishing Terms of Use, site creation is “available only to benefits-eligible faculty and staff employed by Harvard and currently enrolled, degree-seeking students.”
At FAS, term-appointed lecturers, teaching fellows/assistants, research support staff, administrators, and degree-seeking students from the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences are eligible to request and maintain a website, so long as the site will contribute to the teaching, research, and learning mission of their home department or center, and there is a co-owner for site stewardship who is a benefits-eligible employee or faculty member and will assume ownership once the term-appointed employee leaves Harvard. Term-appointed employees will have site privileges for the duration of their appointment, plus 3 months. Site privileges will be resumed upon appointment renewal. The FAS reserves the right to approve or deny any website or domain request.
Per Harvard Web Publishing’s Terms of Use, when staff leave Harvard, it is their responsibility to transfer site ownership to another individual with an active FAS full-time, benefits eligible position, i.e. faculty and staff. Faculty and student sites will be removed if the site owner leaves Harvard.
A site should only be kept and maintained if the site itself holds an intrinsic value to a department or center’s current educational mission and administrative function. Websites that are used purely as a repository for archived material, for record-keeping purposes, or as a historical record of static content should not be kept; other services are available at the University for file storage or archival purposes. Similarly, websites that are used purely as a directory or for contact information should be integrated into a department’s directorial page. Please note that departments assume the responsibility and liability for their respective web inventory, including ensuring that the websites meet the Terms of Use and Digital Accessibility Policy.
Fifth-level domain request: REQUEST.Department.fas.harvard.edu can be approved by the department’s discretion using the URL request criteria. (Authorized Requestor in department should be the one placing this request)
Fourth-level domain requests: (ie: REQUEST.fas.harvard.edu) or custom domains (ie: REQUEST.harvard.edu) should be submitted to FAS Communications for approval. Please consider the following guidelines when proposing a new URL:
- Avoid broad terminology or language. Be specific with your request, and avoid language that infers a broader University or FAS meaning.
- If possible, modify your URL request to a fifth-level domain request to associate your website with your home department, center, or unit.
- Use existing resources where possible. Check if your request warrants a new domain and website or if your request can be folded into an existing domain.
Please use the following FAS domain request form to submit a request. Approved requests should be submitted to HUIT via a helpdesk ticket with the department or FAS Communications approval attached. Requests sent to HUIT without approval will be sent to FAS Communications to start the approval process.
Third-level domain requests: Any third-level domain requests such as Request.Harvard.edu should be submitted directly to Trademark. Please use the following form to submit a request.
Approved Domains
All FAS websites must use Harvard-provided domains:
- *.fas.harvard.edu
- *.dept.fas.harvard.edu
- *.scholars.harvard.edu
Non-Harvard domains (e.g., *.org, *.com, .net) are not permitted for FAS or University Business without written approval from the Provost or relevant Dean. For more information, please see the Harvard Trademark Policy on Domains.
Recommended Platforms
Most FAS websites should be built on HarvardSites, a service offered through Harvard Web Publishing (HWP). HarvardSites provides:
- A secure, reliable, and fully supported platform.
- Built-in accessibility and compliance with University policies.
- Consistent branding that reflects Harvard’s identity.
- Cost savings compared to custom hosting and development.
Course Websites
To ensure a unified and accessible academic experience for all Harvard students, it is the official policy of the FAS that Canvas serve as the exclusive platform for all course-related content.
- All faculty must host instructional materials, including syllabi, assignments, readings, and multimedia, within their designated Canvas course sites.
- Requests for the creation or support of standalone websites intended to promote or house content for specific courses are not allowed.
- All official course information and materials not housed in Canvas must reside on the respective academic department's official website.
This policy centralizes academic resources, streamlines student access, and maintains the integrity of the University's digital ecosystem.
When Custom Development May Be Considered
In some cases, a project may need features that go beyond what HarvardSites offers. If you believe your site has unique requirements:
- Start by talking with Harvard Web Publishing (HWP). In many cases, HWP can recommend creative solutions within HarvardSites or other supported platforms.
- If your needs cannot be met with HarvardSites, the request will be reviewed by the FAS Web Governance group. The review looks at whether the project aligns with FAS priorities, how it will be supported over time, and whether it can comply with Harvard standards.
Custom development is the exception, not the rule — but HWP and governance partners will work with you to make sure the right solution is found.
Getting Started
If you’re considering a new website:
- Talk with your department or program administrator.
- Consult HWP to learn about available platforms and resources.
- Plan for stewardship — every site should have an identified owner and a plan for long-term care.
Moving Forward Together
FAS encourages the use of the web to advance teaching, research, and community engagement. By working within Harvard’s supported platforms and policies, you help ensure your site is secure, accessible, and sustainable — and that it reflects the strength of the Harvard brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Non-Harvard domains are not permitted for University Business without written approval from the Provost or relevant Dean. All FAS websites must use a Harvard-provided domain (e.g., *.fas.harvard.edu, *.dept.fas.harvard.edu, or .scholars.harvard.edu). See the Harvard Trademark Policy on Domains for details.
In most cases, yes. HarvardSites, supported by Harvard Web Publishing (HWP), is the primary platform for FAS websites. It provides security, accessibility, branding consistency, and cost savings.
Start by consulting HWP — often your needs can be met with creative use of HarvardSites tools. If truly unique functionality is required, your request will be reviewed by the FAS Web Governance group.
Not without review and approval. All FAS websites must comply with Harvard policies on security, accessibility, and branding. Custom development is only considered when supported platforms cannot meet legitimate business needs.
Begin with your department or program administrator. Visit Harvard Web Publishing for platform guidance and support.
