How to Set Up a New Lab Site

IRT's hosting and site development services are provided for free to all School of Medicine groups, including faculty labs. Many new labs are hosted here under http://med.stanford.edu/labs/

Although it is not required for hosting, we recommend use of the latest School of Medicine redesign format. Most new lab sites are self-developed or developed by a contractor hired by the lab, using IRTs technical and style specifications. If self-development or contracting is not practical for your lab, you can make a request to Richard Renn < >, Director, Web & New Media Services, for site development, subject to available staff time, from content you will provide. Regardless, after publication, maintenance always becomes the responsibility of the site's sponsors.

For SoM Web format lab sites, IRT will establish hosting, provide starter sites with templates and provide a server access account so that you or your designee can create the new site. If needed, IRT will recommend a qualified contractor to help you create your site. Note that all new SoM Web format sites MUST first be established by IRT. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CREATE YOUR OWN SOM WEB TEMPLATES OR REVERSE-ENGINEER THE FORMAT.

I want the standard SoM Web format | I just want simple hosting

How to request setup in the SoM Web format.

  1. Decide the following:
    • "Brand" identity: The exact, official name of your lab, typically "The Firstname Lastname Lab" or "The Lastname Lab"
    • Do you need a custom domain? We recommend the use of the labs URL, i.e. med.stanford.edu/labs/firstname_lastname/. If a custom domain is desired, let us know now; knowing the domain is important to the setup process
  2. Request your site setup: Use the form at http://webhelp.stanford.edu to request setup of your new lab site. Choose "I would like to request a new site, feature, or service" then "New SoM Web site." Please specify the following in the final text field:

    • That the setup is for self-development of a lab site

    • Preferred name of faculty (i.e. Joe Jones vs. Joseph Jones)

    • The name, email address and SUNet ID of the person or persons who will build and/or maintain the resulting site. Let us know if this is someone other than yourself. We can recommend a qualified contractor, if you need one.

    • Lab headers are generally set up without horizontal red tab navigation, however, if you have a detailed site map, you can request a header with tabs and menus; your site map must detail the exact wording and structure of the tabs and menus; mention your site map in the comments field and submit the form; you will receive an email confirmation; you can reply to this and attach your site map

  3. Get access to the development site: You (or your Web developer) won't be able to build your site or make changes until you have (or s/he has) server access. You will need to use either Dreamweaver or Contribute to develop your site. More information about this choice can be found under Site Publishing.

  4. Build out your site: Once your site hosting is established and you have your Luge account and server permissions to edit the site, you can proceed with construction. All initial construction will occur within the ProtoMed development area. Only static-file sites are permitted (no CGI, PERL, PHP, etc...talk to us if you think you need this). Some helpful resources are available:

    • Content help (pdf): Suggestions for site content .

    • Web Training: Several online training courses and in-person courses are available. Training for Dreamweaver and Contribute specific to the new format are coming soon.

    • Web Help: Have any questions? Let us know.

  5. Have the site promoted to live publication: Once you are satisfied with your site in ProtoMed, use the Web Help form to request live promotion. All new sites are subject to an initial review by IRT to ensure the site adheres to standards. We will advise you on any changes that are needed before publication. When everything is satisfactory, IRT will move the site to the live URL.

  6. Maintain the live site: Once promoted to live publication, all development and maintenance of the site should occur on the live site. IRT will set server permissions and provide you with connection information.

How to request simple hosting

This process assumes that you will not use the standard school format, and that you will do all site development yourself.

  1. Request hosting: Use the form at http://webhelp.stanford.edu to request setup of your new lab site. Choose "I would like to request a new site, feature, or service" then "New SoM Web site." Please specify the following in the final text field:

    • That the request is for simple hosting for a lab site you will develop

    • When we have your request, you will be prompted to provide the site files by emailing a .zip or other archive. Sites must be reviewed by IRT before installation. Code for use tracking by WebTrends will also be installed in the files.

  2. Wait until we signal completion of step 1 - We can't provide access until there is a site location for you to connect to

  3. Request server access: You (or your Web developer) won't be able to build your site or make changes until you have (or s/he has) are provided access.

    Access to our server is accomplished under WebDAV. Dreamweaver MX 2004 or newer is supported, although you can use any connection tool with WebDAV capability. You will need to request access.

  4. Build out and publish your site: Once your site hosting is established and you have server access, you can proceed with construction and/or maintenance. You or your group will be responsible for maintaining the site over time. You will need to ensure that all new pages contain the WebTrends code to ensure the site is tracked properly.

  5. Request Linking: When your site is completed to your satisfaction and ready for the public, use the form at http://webhelp.stanford.edu to request linking from appropriate school-level pages. You can also link to the lab site from your CAP profile.