Consistency in menu and navigation terminology ensures a clear, accessible experience for all users. To support this, UIS has developed a standard set of menu labels.

• Academic units should follow the recommended categories and order shown in the table.
• Nonacademic units should also use this terminology if applying these categories to their menus.
• Labeling for colleges vs. units: Colleges may label the combined Degrees & Programs and Departments content as “Academics.” Unit- and department-level sites should use “Academic Programs” to support campus-wide site tracking.
• Limit menu items: Best practice is no more than seven primary menu items. Not every term needs to be used.
• Combine when helpful: For example, merge News and Events, or place Contact under About.
• Follow the table: Always use the “approved” terminology listed in the left column. Avoid variations from the “do not use” column to maintain consistency across UIS websites.

Using this shared nomenclature strengthens usability, improves accessibility, and ensures that visitors encounter familiar labels and structure across different UIS sites.

• Sub-navigation: If your sub-navigation categories align with the areas listed in the table, use designated terminology.
• Avoid duplication: If a term already appears in the footer or feature links (e.g., Give, Contact), omit it from the top-level navigation.
• Official names: When an office, report, or legal requirement must be identified by its formal name (e.g., Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), use that name instead of the recommended shorthand (e.g., Diversity).
• Flexibility: Units may add additional menu categories beyond those listed when necessary.