dotCMS
DotCMS is a Content Management System (CMS) through which CANR departments and units can edit and maintain their websites.
Logging into dotCMS
To access the website system, visit www.canr.msu.edu/admin and enter your MSU NetID and password. If you experience issues when attempting to log in, first ensure you are using the correct username and password. If the problem persists, contact ANR Information Technology for assistance at 517-355-3776 or send an email to anr.support@msu.edu.
Learning dotCMS
We recommend becoming familiar with the two most basic areas of the system first:
Advanced areas such as Templates and Widgets require additional system access. Please feel free to ask for those once you're comfortable. Profile Folders are also available for faculty with multi-page profiles.
If you've reviewed this documentation and still have questions, you can view the dotCMS training schedule and register for a session. Training sessions are offered on a recurring basis via Zoom. If you or a group of dotCMS users in your department/unit needs a different training date, then a Training Request Form can be completed.
Demo Website
In addition to our training materials, there is a Demo Website featuring examples of each content type, widget, template, etc. It's not as useful as our training materials, but it can be helpful if you need to take a look at what a particular feature can do, or if you're trying to figure out if dotCMS has a particular capability.
Website Change Request Form
Need help with making an update to your website or don't have access to specific content in dotCMS to be able to edit it yourself? Submit a request for help to our web students using the Website Change Request Form.
What do I manage on our website? What do professional communicators manage?
Extension staff |
Professional communicators |
|
When in doubt, email your Extension communicator. |
After reviewing the following Training Videos and Training Documentation content, if you have additional questions about using dotCMS, you can contact CANR's Web Platforms Trainer, Michelle Kryska at kryska@msu.edu. You may also speak with the trainer during office hours. For technical support, please contact ANR Technology Services at (517) 355-3776 or via email at anr.support@msu.edu.
Training Videos
Below are several recorded training and walk-though videos that cover topics from basic dotCMS training, including how to create and edit pages and content, add an image or file to a page, create events, edit person profiles, and more.
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dotCMS: How to Create Metadata
Published on January 6, 2020
Learn how to create metadata for your pages to help with SEO.
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dotCMS: How to Create Generic Content
Published on January 6, 2020
Learn how to add content to your web page using a container.
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dotCMS: Which Browser to Use
Published on January 6, 2020
Learn which browsers to use when creating content on your dotCMS website.
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dotCMS: How to Upload a File or Image
Published on January 6, 2020
Learn how to upload a file or image and add it to your content.
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dotCMS: How to Create a Category or Tags
Published on January 6, 2020
Learn how to create categories and/or tags for your content.
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dotCMS: How to Edit Generic Content
Published on January 6, 2020
Learn how to edit a container on a page.
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dotCMS: How to Create a Person Profile
Published on January 6, 2020
Learn how to create a person profile.
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dotCMS: How to Create an Event
Published on January 6, 2020
Learn how to create an event content type.
Training Documentation
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How to Create a Video in dotCMS
Published on June 30, 2021
Learn how to create a video entry in dotCMS. -
Homepage Templates
Published on June 10, 2021
The Homepage series of templates were created to allow for more featureful homepages. They have since been replaced by the newer Modern Template series. -
Profile Folders - Adding and Editing Subpages
Published on June 9, 2021
Profile Folders allow individuals and departments to access a folder which contains an individual’s Person and Role entries as well as subpages, page content, files, and images. -
Profile Folders - Editing your Person and Role entries
Published on June 9, 2021
Profile Folders allow individuals and departments to access a folder which contains an individual’s Person and Role entries as well as subpages, page content, files, and images. -
Using Course Entries in dotCMS
Published on February 26, 2021
Course entries are one of the types of content in the CANR website system. This guide will help you determine when and how to use a Course content entry. -
Tagging Recommendations
Published on February 25, 2021
Many CANR websites are now based on tagging. Here are some tips on how to tag your content effectively. -
Posting on the MSU Extension Events Calendar
Published on February 24, 2021
The MSU Extension events calendar serves as the primary resource for anyone looking for MSU Extension events and activities. -
How to locate a Vimeo embed URL
Published on December 8, 2020
Step-by-Step guide on locating a Vimeo embed URL. -
What is a banner image and how can it be used for articles and homepages
Published on December 3, 2020
Learn about banner images and how they can be used for articles and homepages.
Trainer Office Hours
Monday
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Join the Zoom Meeting
Tuesday
1:00 - 2:00 p.m
Join the Zoom Meeting
Wednesday
9:00 - 9:30 a.m. - Join the a.m. Zoom Meeting
OR
Virtual or in-person (on-campus) by appointment
Thursday
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Join the Zoom Meeting
NOTE: Office hours are subject to change.