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What is WordPress

WordPress is a tool used to create and manage websites. It is often called a content management system, or CMS.

A content management system lets you add, edit, organize, and publish content on a website without needing to build the site from scratch or write code. In WordPress, that content might include webpages, blog posts, images, documents, links, forms, or other website materials.

Many colleges and universities use WordPress because it gives faculty, staff, and students a relatively easy way to update website content.

What Can You Use WordPress For?

WordPress can be used for many types of websites, including:

  • Department or office websites
  • Course or project websites
  • Faculty or student portfolios
  • Blogs or news sites
  • Event or program pages
  • Digital scholarship projects

Do I Need to Know Code to Use WordPress?

For most basic editing tasks, no. WordPress is designed so that users can create and update content through an editing interface.

You may still need help from your campus web, communications, or instructional technology team for more advanced tasks, such as changing site design, adding plugins, adjusting permissions, or troubleshooting theme-related issues.

Things That May Vary by Site

WordPress does not look or behave exactly the same on every campus site. Your experience may vary depending on:

  • Your user role or permissions
  • The theme your site uses
  • The plugins installed on your site
  • Whether your site uses the Block Editor or Classic Editor
  • Campus web policies and accessibility requirements
  • Institutional security settings

If something in WordPress looks different from a guide or tutorial, it may be because your site has been customized for your college or department.

In Short

WordPress is a website editing and publishing tool. It allows users to create and manage web content without needing advanced technical skills. For many college websites, WordPress provides a flexible way for faculty, staff, and students to keep information accurate, organized, and available online.