Release Notes

New features

Anchor widget

The anchor widget allows editors to create “single page websites” by using an in-page anchor navigation system. By placing an anchor widget before each major content section of your page, a vertical anchor menu is generated in the side column. The anchor widget can also be used to easily add anchors without generating a menu. This feature request originally came from CU Online but will benefit anyone needing to build content heavy pillar pages in Sitefinity.

Customizable global header links

The global header links are those that appear in the top right corner of our sites next to quick links and search. These appear as icons when viewing our website on mobile devices. Since the current global header links are primarily focused on our internal audiences, a requirement surfaced to be able to customize this links to reach other audiences (such as prospective students). Upon making a request, the Transition Team will work with you to determine a set of links and corresponding icons to replace the default links on your site. Contact websitehelp@ucdenver.edu to make a request to customize your site’s global header links in Sitefinity.

Improvements

SearchBlox search and results

The search functionality has been rewritten to improve both the quality of search results and the functionality of the search box itself.  There is an ongoing effort to improve the internal university search. Want to ensure your site comes up in appropriate search results? Request a best bet (featured result).

H1 headlines in hero image/video widgets

We have added an option to make your hero image and video widget headlines into H1 tags. Using this option improves SEO without the need for a redundant page headline in the main content area of your page.  Learn more about SEO best practices.

Hero form (RFI form with image) campus theming

Campus theme colors have been adjusted on the hero form to match the appropriate campus template for your site. Learn how to set up a hero form.

Parent/sponsor helper text

Helper text for the parent or sponsor field has been added to give guidance and context for use. The parent/sponsor field can be updated in page properties and the settings will cascade down to any child pages. Read about how to add this second line of text to your site name in the local header.

Updated Font Awesome library

The Font Awesome library has been updated to version 5.2. You will find additional icon options with this upgrade. 

Starter pages for Centers

A template site to assist Centers in transitioning to Sitefinity has been developed and is available on request for any Center’s website transition. This will reduce the time it takes to build a new Center website as well as transition an existing Center site. A plan for a set of Office starter pages is underway. 

Accessibility improvements

WAI-ARIA tags have been adjusted according to best practices to improve the site’s accessibility. Maintaining accessibility in Sitefinity is a top priority and improvements will be an ongoing effort to strive to exceed the minimum standards.

Improved deployment practices

A change to Sitefinity’s configuration has been made to improve the quality and speed of deployments across multiple servers.  While this primarily effects our internal team, these additional efficiencies allow for quicker iterations and more flexibility when needed.

Fixed

CTA content type/widget

We found that users were able to select multiple pages when setting up a CTA link. We have fixed this by limiting selection to one page when setting up a link for a reusable CTA button. Learn how to set up reusable CTA buttons.

Image widget

Styling has been added to allow image widgets to be used in the full-width content area at the top of a page.  

Page templates

A recent code update introduced an error for administrators editing page templates. The code has been repaired and normal editing functionality has been restored.  

Groundwork for future releases and improvements

cuanschutz.edu and other domains

Server and network configuration is underway to allow us to serve websites on cuanschutz.edu, cuonline.edu and various subdomains.  

Performance improvement

A vendor has been engaged to assist us with performance monitoring and improvement. Efforts will begin in September. Server configurations have been adjusted to allow for easier resolution of SSL certificates. 

Version 11 upgrade

Extensive work is being done on upgrading to Version 11, our current goal is to release version 11 to production on September 26.  

Edit menu design improvements

We are prototyping an update to the appearance of the “Pencil” menu. Work on this will continue into September.