Cascade CMS: Web Editor

Cascade is an online content management system (CMS) that enables approved users to design and maintain their Valdosta State University departmental webpages. It is also the CMS that Web Services uses to maintain the overall university website, including the home page, colleges' splash pages, the campus directory, and more.

Cascade uses a WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) editor; so you don't need to know HTML coding to use it. It's accessible from any computer with an internet access and no special software is required.

Learn More about Cascade

NEW USERS: To gain editing rights to your departmental site, you must first attend a Cascade Training. Typically, at least one session is offered each month. Experienced Cascade users are welcome to attend trainings as refresher courses any time. Once you have successfully completed training, Web Services will create your account based on the information you provide:

  • Name and Username
  • Department, Division, or College site
  • Publisher or Author Rights - What's the difference?
    An Author and a Publisher can create and edit content. However, those who have Author rights cannot directly publish content without generating a Workflow. A Publisher must first review and approve the content generated by the Author before it can be published (go live). A Publisher can also bypass the 'Start Workflow' prompt and approve his/her own work.

LOG IN TO CASCADE

Cascade CMS is available from any computer with internet access.

  1. Open your preferred web browser
  2. Navigate to https://link.valdosta.edu
  3. Enter your VSU Username only and Password, click Login

cascade-login
Tip: A link to Cascade CMS is also listed on the MyVSU login screen below the Sign In button.

Classes are free to VSU employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, who are responsible for editing departmental websites. 15 participants max; 3 participants minimum to conduct training; otherwise canceled one day prior. Dates, times, and location subject to change. Additional training may be offered throughout the semester.

CASCADE PART 1 & CASCADE PART 2

Instructor: Roberto Leal, Graduate Assistant
Location: Odum 2633

Cascade Part 1 and Part 2 are required for those who edit their departmental website. Cascade account access is granted upon training completion. Part 1 training topics include: creating and editing assets, inserting page components, publishing, and managing site. Part 2 topics include: editing departmental _info page, department team directory, modules, and forms.

Date

Time

Class

Room

Aug. 27

Tue. 1pm-3pm

Cascade Pt 1

Odum 2633

Aug. 28

Wed. 1pm-3pm

Cascade Pt 2

Odum 2633

Sept. 3

Tues. 10am-12pm

Cascade Pt 1

Odum 2633

Sept. 4

Wed. 10am-12pm

Cascade Pt 2

Odum 3270

Sept. 17

Wed. 1pm-3pm

Cascade Pt 1

Odum 3270

Sept. 18

Thur. 1pm-3pm

Cascade Pt 2

Odum 3270

Oct. 14

Mon. 1pm-3pm

Cascade Pt 1

Odum 2633

Oct. 17

Thur. 10am-12pm

Cascade Pt 2

Odum 2633

Nov. 4

Mon. 1pm-3pm

Cascade Pt 1

Odum 2633

Nov. 6

Wed. 10am-12pm

Cascade Pt 2

Odum 2633

MODERN INTERFACE:  a new look with larger fonts, a new color scheme, and a different layout

Cascade 8 Dashboard

ADD CONTENT MENU:  the New menu has been replaced by the Add Content menu. To add new assets to your site, click the pink circle with a plus sign.

Add Content Menu

ICON COLORS:  icons for pages, blocks, files and links are now grayish black instead of blue and green; folder icons are still yellow.

Several icons in the CMS

ASSET NAME: the System Name field is now called Page Name (or File Name or Link Name). The name in this field also appears in the URL address.

Page Name field outlined in red

UPDATED EDITOR: the WYSIWYG editor has a new look with formatting options located in different places.

Full WYSIWYG toolbar

PREVIEW FEATURE: This feature shows a live preview of each edit you make; it refreshes automatically each time you make a change in the edit screen.
  • To resize the preview: Drag the divider between the preview and the edit screen.
  • To hide the preview: Click Hide Edit Preview.
  • To hide the edit screen: Click Preview Draft to view a full-page version of the preview.

HannonHill Instruction Video (No audio):

previewfeature.png

IMAGE ALIGNMENT: align an image inline with your text by selecting align-right from the Class dropdown instead of using the Advanced tab within the Insert/Edit Image editor.
Class align-right outlined in red; Advanced tab crossed out in red

 

CHECK CONTENT & SUBMIT: use the new Check Content & Submit button to check for broken links and spelling before submitting an asset.

Arrow pointing to three dots; red outline around Check Content & Submit button


SUCCESS MESSAGES: notifications that an action was completed successfully now appear at the bottom of the screen instead of at the top.

 

TRASH: formerly named the Recycle Bin, Trash is now located in the Site Content Menu and contains deleted assets. Assets can still be restored for 30 days from the Trash.

Trash can in site content menu

Visual Identity Guide- A distinctive visual identity program is critical for Valdosta State University to maintain a clear, consistent image before its various constituencies. This guide is designed to assist everyone in proper use of the institution’s identity marks.

NEED HELP? Contact Web Services at webservices@valdosta.edu or submit a ticket at solutions.valdosta.edu

Division of Information Technology
  • 1500 N. Patterson St. Valdosta, Georgia 31698
  • Mailing Address
    1500 N. Patterson St.
    Valdosta, GA 31698
  • Solutions Center
  • Phone: 229.245.4357
  • Fax
  • Fax: 229.245.4349
  • Sun: ClosedMon - Thurs: 8am to 6pmFri: 8am to 5pmSat: Closed