Google Sites
Google Sites is an easy way to create web pages, for example for projects or societies. You can control what is public and what is private.
This service is part of Google Workspace.
Google Sites isn't intended to replace web pages on the University website (york.ac.uk). These are created using the Web Content Management System (CMS). The Web CMS is for public-facing web content related to core University activities such as information for prospective students, research, partnerships and corporate information.
Key features
- Sites are easy to create, and you don't need to know how to write HTML or other code.
- Accessed through your University Google account.
- Stored and shared as files in your Google Drive.
- Options to embed other kinds of Google items such as Docs, Forms, YouTube videos and files from Drive.
- Can be shared and collaborated on in the same manner as Google Workspace files.
- Sites can be shared publicly, to select individuals only, or to University of York members only.
- We don’t currently have a York-branded custom theme.
- Sites aren’t included in our site search results by default but can be added on request - contact communications-support
@york.ac.uk . - The URL will be 'sites.google.com/a/york.ac.uk/nameofsite'.
- If you require a subdomain eg, 'nameofsite.york.ac.uk' your Departmental Computing Officer can request this via itsupport
@york.ac.uk . This can be useful for a recognised conference, event, significant project or similar.
Access instructions
- Sign in with your University of York email address and password.
- There are some limitations to using this service in sanctioned countries.
Available to staff and students
All members of the University are automatically given a personal Google Workspace account, which includes access to this service. You can use this service on University-managed and personal devices.
Web-based
This service works in your web browser.
Funded by the University
There isn’t a cost to you for standard use.
Access instructions
- Sign in with your University of York email address and password.
- There are some limitations to using this service in sanctioned countries.
Guides and help
How-to guides and set up
- Google Sites Skills Guide (includes advice on how to set up your site and how to make it more accessible)
- Accessibility Skills Guide
- Google Sites help centre (support.google.com)
Training and best practice
Accessibility
Google Site creators are responsible for ensuring the accessibility within their control. Your site should contain an accessibility statement in the footer. View our guidance:
Contact for support
If you're expecting technical issues and need advice, please contact IT Services.
Service commitments
This service is part of Google Workspace. See Google Workspace: service commitments for related user responsibilities and policies.
We expect you to:
- place relevant information on your Google Site that complies with the University's Acceptable Use Policy
- ensure there are sufficient Owners/Editors for each of your sites, so that others can deal with enquiries or issues in your absence
- delete your Google Site when it is no longer needed
- let us know when a customised ".york.ac.uk" website name is no longer required so we can remove it
Your site should include an adapted accessibility statement, linked in the footer of your Google Site. View our guidance:
You will need also need to include:
- the University logo somewhere on your site (not distorted and in an appropriate size)
- links to the University's legal statements and privacy statement in the footer of your site.
Google Sites should only be used for public or internal information. They must not be used for confidential or secret information. Read more about the classification of information and the different levels of security required in the Information Classification Policy.
The following policies apply to all IT services provided by the University.
Availability
- This is a live service, available 24/7.
- Check the status of this service and any planned maintenance. (google.com)
Support
- This service is managed by a third party.
- They are responsible for monitoring, identifying and fixing faults. We provide advice and support for local issues during our opening hours.
- This service is part of Google Workspace. For full details of the support we provide, see Google Workspace: service commitments.
Standards
- Our service performance and standards have been produced in consultation with our customers. We regularly monitor the delivery, performance and availability of facilities and services.
We appreciate feedback as it helps us review and continually improve our service.
Page last reviewed: 9 September 2024