What is this?
Language evolves, and the way we describe our programs, our campus, and our people should reflect that growth. In Siteimprove, the Words to Review check flags language that may be outdated, biased, or potentially unclear to a modern audience. It also catches "high-probability misspellings"—words that aren't quite in the dictionary but appear often enough to warrant a second look from a human editor.
Why it matters
Digital accessibility isn't just about technical code; it’s about making everyone feel valued and included. Using outdated or exclusionary language creates invisible barriers for our visitors. By reviewing these flags, we ensure that content remains understandable.
What to do
- Context is king. Read the flagged word in the middle of the sentence. Siteimprove isn't a judge; it's a highlighter.
- Evaluate the "Why." If a word is flagged as biased or outdated, consider if there is a more inclusive, Straight Talk alternative.
- Check for "hidden" typos. If you see a flag like gymnasium spelled with an "n," it’s a quick fix. If you see laude flagged, it’s likely part of a Latin honor and can be approved.
- Make a judgment call. You are the subject-matter expert. If the word is accurate and necessary for your field, you have the power to "Dismiss" the flag in Siteimprove.
What to avoid
- Don't ignore the flag. Even if the word is correct, taking a moment to review ensures we aren't using "insider" jargon that might confuse a prospective student.
- Avoid "Academic-ese." If Siteimprove flags a complex word, ask yourself: "Would I say this out loud to a real person?" If not, swap it for an alternative.
- Don't panic over names. Proper nouns (like Lyceum or Lycius) will often be flagged. Simply mark them as "Approved" so they don't clutter your report.
How to do it in Cascade
- Log in to Siteimprove and navigate to your site dashboard.
- Under the Quality Assurance menu, select Spelling > Words to Review.
- Click on a flagged word to see it highlighted on your live page.
- If a change is needed, open the corresponding page in Cascade CMS.
- Edit the text, submit your changes, and publish to Production.
- Back in Siteimprove, the flag will clear on the next crawl, or you can manually "Recheck" the page.
Resources and next steps
- Cascade CMS
- Submit a Support Ticket
- Cascade Onboarding and Training
- Share Your Feedback