Spring 2026 Web Editors Newsletter: New process for adding editors, skip the "read more's", and Drupal 11 is coming
New Process for Adding/Removing Website Editors
Currently, Site Managers can add website editors (Contributors and Site Managers) directly through the website's Users page.
What's changing
Starting May 6th, when you need to add a new Site Manager or Contributor, just email hswebsupport [at] stanford.edu (hswebsupport[at]stanford[dot]edu). We'll process requests within 2 business days after the new user completes accessibility training.
To streamline your access requests, please include the following:
- New user’s name and SUNet ID
- Website(s) they need access to
- Permission level needed (Contributor or Site Manager)
What's NOT changing
Your current editors keep their existing access. You will also still be able to grant or remove other permissions directly through the website (Preparer, Reviewer, Intranet Viewer, Author - see the full list of user roles).
Why the change
We’ve learned that new editors often don’t get connected with the onboarding resources that help them succeed in their web editing responsibilities. Additionally, new editors might not receive permissions to all associated systems, and they might not complete the necessary accessibility training.
Better Link Text: Skip “Read more” and make each link text unique
Best practices for link text
You already know that descriptive hyperlinks are essential for accessibility compliance. When link text is vague, users of assistive technology have insufficient information to determine whether or not to follow a link.
Examples of good link text:
- Be sure to read about the Stanford Honor Code.
- Learn more about color accessibility for evaluating contrast and understanding WCAG 2 color requirements.
Examples of problematic link text:
Unique link text, including in Carousels
Additionally, when multiple links on a page use the same link text, users are confused - particularly users of screen readers. This includes carousels with links, where the link text must be unique across all slides.
Your carousel links should not say: "Read the Announcement" / "Read the Announcement" or "RSVP" / "RSVP". Instead, each link text must be unique, for e.g. “Meet our recent alum Anna”, or "Register for the Doe lecture”.
Take action: Review your carousels now and ensure each slide's link text is unique and descriptive.
A Fresh Look for the Editorial Dashboard
The Editorial Dashboard (Shortcuts > Dashboard) is chockful of valuable information - from the importers running behind the scenes on your site to broken links, duplicate profiles, active editors, and more. It also includes recent announcements from the Web Team.
We have recently added the following new features to the dashboard: Pages with Broken Links, Reordering of Profiles and Other Listings, and Design Settings.
Since the page can get quite long, we’ve introduced a 2-column layout. In late March, jump links will allow you to quickly view the section you’re after. Learn more about your site’s Dashboard.
To access the jump links, navigate to the Dashboard,
Click Dashboard Menu,
Then click the Dashboard item you wish to view.
Ahead: Drupal 11 Coming Your Way
We’re working on upgrading the backend of your sites to Drupal 11. Many of you have been on the H&S Drupal Platform since Drupal 7 – we’ve come a long way!
No action is needed from you. Even though you won’t notice any difference to the visual aspect of your site, this upgrade ensures its longevity.
Web Editor announcements are sent to the hswebeditors mailing list. Feel free to click this link to unsubscribe if you no longer edit an H&S website, or conversely, encourage a new web editor colleague to subscribe.