Stanford Sites is a free, self-service tool for building and managing websites for university work. It offers design flexibility, integration with Stanford systems, and substantial functionality through Drupal. Websites are hosted in the cloud on a system designed for fast performance and high availability.
Stanford Sites is built on the latest version of Drupal. SWS releases new features, integrations, theme updates, and bug fixes every 8-10 weeks. All websites hosted on Stanford Sites receive these updates at no cost. Visit the Release Notes page for information on recent and planned updates.
Interested in building your website on Stanford Sites? Follow these quick steps to get started.
Features
| Feature | Group Websites | Personal Websites |
|---|---|---|
| Simple web interface — knowledge of HTML is not required | ✓ | ✓ |
| Responsive themes that work well on all devices | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accessible themes that offer assistive technologies for people with disabilities | ✓ | ✓ |
| Drupal modules that offer added features | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integration with SAML 2.0 for access control *Note: Secure, access-limited intranets are available by request on a fee-for-service basis. See more about the intranet service. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Number of websites allowed | Unlimited | Limited to one |
| URL options | Choose a unique website name and vanity URL (website name must comply with the university's Name Assignment Policy) | URL includes SUNet ID username (e.g., sunetid.people.stanford.edu) |
| Yearly renewals (you will receive an email when the time comes) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Archiving and retirement of un-renewed sites | ✓ | ✓ |
Designed for
- Stanford groups, such as departments, centers, research groups, conferences, programs, labs, and student groups
- Individual faculty, students, and staff
Requirements
A full-service SUNet ID
Data security
According to Stanford data risk classifications, this service is for low and moderate risk data. It is not rated for high-risk data.
The Stanford Sites platform follows the minimal security standards for applications and platform of the service outlined here:
- Stanford Security Standards for Applications
- Stanford Security Standards for Softwares as a Service (SAAS)
Please refer to these policies for additional guidance:
Automated scanning tools
The use of automated scanning tools (Qualys, Accessibility Scanners, Link Checkers, etc.) are not permitted on production websites on Stanford Sites. If you are interested in utilizing these tools in a test/dev version of your site, please contact us for assistance.
Rates
Free of charge
Get started
Get help
If you need help setting up your site, request assistance from Stanford Web Services. This support is available at below-market rates.
Other options:
Learn more
Knowledge articles and user guide
Training opportunities
- Sign up for the introduction to Stanford Sites Drupal training (approx. monthly)
- Technology Training
- LinkedIn Learning
Community of Practice
See also
Not what you’re looking for? See all options for hosting and publishing a website at Stanford.
