FAQs

Q. Why are we discontinuing graduate student sites on people.ua.edu?

The decision to discontinue the use of Weebly (the people.ua.edu platform) for graduate student websites is based on the following factors:

1. Security Concerns: Weebly, the platform used for People.ua.edu websites, has experienced increasing security issues, raising concerns about the safety of the websites hosted on it.

2. Accessibility Challenges: Weebly's platform has limitations in terms of accessibility, rendering some of its features unusable for individuals with disabilities. These accessibility concerns affect site visitors and owners and put any Weebly-based site out of compliance with UA technology accessibility policy and with federal requirements. As a result, we have explored alternative options that provide a higher level of accessibility and flexibility. See UA Web Resources Accessibility Policy for more details.

3. Enhanced Alternatives: UA offers two other website creation methods that are readily available to all students - Adobe Portfolio and MS Sway. Both options provide greater flexibility and creativity without requiring CIT staff intervention. 

Q. How do I access and learn about the alternative website platforms?

There are two alternatives that are readily available to UA users:

• Adobe Portfolio is part of Adobe Cloud which provides several apps and services.  There are tutorials available through Adobe and CIT workshops.  

• Microsoft Sway is part of Microsoft 365 Education which includes many applications for work essentials, collaboration, organization, and even apps for fun. Tutorials and training can be found at Microsoft's Sway Help & Learning website.