To set forth procedures for the use of links to commercial or profit-making Web sites from University Web pages or other media, or to Penn State pages from other sites.
The University uses the World Wide Web and other Internet technologies to communicate with a diverse audience. This mode of communication is growing in importance as the University’s administration, parents, students, faculty and staff, and other key constituencies find new ways to conduct necessary business over this medium. It is necessary to protect the integrity of this communication from outside influences, which may solicit University Web sites to accept paid advertising in order to reach these audiences.
At the same time, the University is engaged in many partnerships and joint projects with companies across the width and breadth of the academic enterprise, and finds it advantageous on occasion to recognize contributions from its partners by placing links to the partner’s sites.
The University also recognizes the importance of protecting its trademarks and reputation by not allowing links from other sites to Penn State Web pages without the University’s approval.
" Link" as used in this document, means any text or graphic device that enables a user to "point" to any other web document, anywhere in the world, and open it.
Unless authorized by the Executive Director of University Relations (who will consult with the University Licensing Committee on trademark issues when necessary), no company or organization may place a link on its site to any Penn State web page. Links from government and educational (e.g., other university) web pages are permitted.
It is the policy of the University to limit commercial links to those sites that have a direct connection to the functions of the University, and to prohibit commercial links that are unrelated to the operations of the University.
Links from Penn State pages to other sites are permitted within the following general categories: government sites; other university or educational sites.
Certain types of links have been granted blanket exemptions by the Executive Director of University Relations. A current listing is available.
Links to any other sites require the approval of the Executive Director of University Relations. Requests for approval must identify the website and each link, and provide an explanation/justification of the use of each link.
Other policies in this manual should also be referenced, especially the following:
AD07 - Use of University Name, Symbols, and/or Graphic Devices,
AD08 - Purchase of advertising,
AD15 - Fees and charges for Facilities and Services,
AD 20 - Computer and Network Security,
AD27 - Commercial Sales Activities at University Locations
AD61 - University Communications Through Advertising, Publications and Media Relations,
FN11 - Contracts and Leases,
FN14 - Use of Tangible Assets, Equipment, Supplies and Services, and
HR33 - Help Wanted Advertising
Effective Date: January 28, 2000
Date Approved: January 26, 2000
Date Published: January 28, 2000 (editorial changes August 18, 2005)
Most recent changes:
Revision History (and effective dates):
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