#  Getting started with your academic profile site 

 



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## 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 

1. **Explore the site structure**  
    Review how pages, menus, and headers are pre-configured for academic use.
2. **Adjust site identity**  
    Update your site name and footer information under **Site settings** in the Administration menu.
3. **Edit text and images**  
    Replace sample content in pages and card components.
4. **Add publication references and use the Resource content type for your files**  
    Highlight your own work.
5. **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:

1. **Use clear, descriptive link text.** Phrases like “Learn more about our programs” are more helpful than “Click here.”
2. **Add proper alternative text for images.** Every image should describe its purpose or meaning for people using screen readers.
3. **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.



 

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##  Related how-tos 

Now that your site is set up, consult the following pages for instructions on how to add content, menus, and prepare your site for launch.

 

 



  [### Logging in to your site

 ](/logging-in-to-your-site)Learn how to log in to your site.



 

 

   ![Closeup of filigree on a gate with columns and a plaza beyond.](/sites/g/files/omnuum1651/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-11/thumb_logging_in.jpg?itok=UThRONxd) 

 



 

 

   [### Creating a new page

 ](/creating-new-page)How to add a new page to your website.



 

 

   ![A yellow exterior wall with a window with the frame and glass painted white](/sites/g/files/omnuum1651/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-03/thumb_create_new_page.jpg?itok=Tc0mTMEE) 

 



 

 

   [### Adding a component

 ](/adding-component)How to add a component to add content to your site.



 

 

   ![Bicycle and cropped view of the rider casting a long shadow on the sidewalk](/sites/g/files/omnuum1651/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-03/thumb_add_component.jpg?itok=Y-phSwmp) 

 



 

 

   [### Managing menus

 ](/managing-menus)How to add menu items to the main navigation, utility navigation, and footer navigation.



 

 

   ![View of Widener Library in winter from outside an open gate.](/sites/g/files/omnuum1651/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-10/thumb_manage_menus.jpg?itok=eYiQSWQv) 

 



 

 

   [### Managing site visibility

 ](/managing-site-visibility)How to understand and manage site visibility settings to control who can view your site.



 

 

   ![A person sitting at a table in a large room, backlit by sunlight streaming through windows showing a snowy outdoor scene.](/sites/g/files/omnuum1651/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-10/thumb_site_visibility_0.jpg?itok=F_FHGjNA) 

 



 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ How-tos ](/content-structure/how-tos)
- [ Site Settings ](/topics/site-settings)