Getting started with your academic profile site

Quick steps to make your academic profile site your own

When your new academic site is provisioned, it includes starter (sample) content to help you get started. This video shows how to replace the sample text and images, update the header and footer, and make the site your own. Your academic profile site uses the same components available to all HarvardSites users.

Watch the walkthrough

Watch this short video to see how to edit the Starter site content and update your basic site settings. You’ll learn how to make small changes that quickly give your new academic site its own identity.

What you’ll learn

Explore the site structure
Review how pages, menus, and headers are pre-configured for academic use.
Adjust site identity
Update your site name and footer information under Site settings in the Administration menu.
Edit text and images
Replace sample content in pages and card components.
Add publication references and use the Resource content type for your files
Highlight your own work.
Publish your updates
Save and publish your content.

Accessibility tips for using your new site

HarvardSites is built to meet Harvard’s digital accessibility standards. As you explore and begin editing your Starter site:

Use clear, descriptive link text. Phrases like “Learn more about our programs” are more helpful than “Click here.”
Add proper alternative text for images. Every image should describe its purpose or meaning for people using screen readers.
Use headings to structure content. Headings help all visitors scan and navigate pages more easily.

These practices help make your academic site usable by everyone in the Harvard community and beyond.