What is Drupal?
Drupal is web content management software. It is used to make most major websites at Oregon State. A content management system such as Drupal helps developers create, edit, organize, and publish web content.
Why have we moved from Drupal 7 to Drupal 10?
The CEOAS website prior to August, 2024 used Drupal version 7, which was released 14 years ago. Security support for Drupal 7 will end January 5, 2025. That means Drupal 7 will no longer get feature updates, bug fixes, or security releases. We had to move before then to the latest version, Drupal 10. OSU will no longer host websites running Drupal 7 after that date.
When will the move to Drupal 10 be complete?
It's done now! We "flipped the switch" on August 1, 2024.
How was the migration to Drupal 10 implemented?
The new Drupal 10 version of the CEOAS website was built page-by-page, from "scratch." It is was not done with an automated tool. While this method is labor-intensive, it results in a cleaner, better new website. The general structure of the Drupal 10 website is similar to the old Drupal 7 version. The new version, however, takes advantage of some advanced features of Drupal and places much more emphasis on accessibility. It has a cleaner and more modern "look and feel" as well. Some migration stats: basic pages recreated = 410; profile pages created = 650; image files migrated = 770; PDFs and other files migrated = 80. Total = 1,910 files recreated on or moved to the new Drupal 10 site.
What should I do if I find a broken link or some other error on the new site?
We have tried to keep such mistakes to a minimum, but if you find something wrong, please submit a Website Update Request form or email web@ceoas.oregonstate.edu.
Will I still appear in the CEOAS directory?
Yes. The CEOAS Directory of People has similar functionality and includes everyone. In some ways, it will work and look better than before.
What changed with respect to content or architecture on the new site?
Very little changed at first with respect to content. We will soon be initiating a comprehensive review of the messages, content and architecture of the site. That process will prioritize consistency of messaging with our strategic plan, the university’s strategic plan, accessibility, and other guidelines.
Will I be able to edit my own CEOAS profile page in Drupal 10?
No. In Drupal 10 this functionality is not turned on by default for any user. Maintaining the accessibility of our website for visitors with disabilities is of paramount importance, and this becomes more difficult with potentially dozens of users editing their own profile pages. Having that many users logging in and updating pages also raises some security concerns. We are happy to make updates to your CEOAS profile page for you. Submit a Website Update Request form or email web@ceoas.oregonstate.edu with updates and corrections to your CEOAS profile page. We can also provide suggestions for creating your own personal website outside of CEOAS, which we can link to from your CEOAS profile.
Why don't links on the new site open in a new browser window?
Having links open in a new tab or window is usually considered inaccessible. It can be disorienting for people with low vision who are navigating via screen reader, especially when there is no warning. Also, users might not understand that they cannot use the "back" button in their browser to return to the previous page. For that reason, we have made links on the Drupal 10 site open in the same window by default. In rare cases, we may allow a link to open in a new tab, but that is the exception, not the rule. References: When to open links in a new tab and Opening new windows and tabs from a link only when necessary.
How can I be involved in review of the CEOAS website?
Stay tuned for more information about how we will go about accepting and addressing comments on the site. We will develop a method for all interested parties to contribute to that formal review, but we are always open to suggestions!
Thanks!
Thanks to the following folks who helped make this migration go smoother.
- Wayne Wood, who migrated the RACS pages
- Kelly Holcomb, who offered tips and techniques
- Matt Brabham, who answered hard questions
- Caleb Prime, who also answered questions and offered advice