Getting Started with Cascade CMS

Getting Started with Cascade CMS

Become a Rowan web contributor: Cascade CMS training

Welcome! This page outlines the complete path to becoming a certified web contributor for Rowan University's digital presence using the Cascade Content Management System (CMS). Follow these steps to gain the knowledge and tools required to manage your official university web content.

Register for live training

What is Cascade CMS?

Cascade CMS is the main tool we use to manage and post the official information on the Rowan University websites in a no-code or low-code environment. We host over 150 websites in Cascade! 

Content Ambassadors

Every website in Cascade CMS has one or more ambassadors who maintain the website's content integrity and contributor access. Ambassadors must review or approve a request to become a content editor in Cascade.

Your Role as a Rowan Contributor

Being a contributor is more than just editing your department's pages. It is a commitment to shared governance—a stake in the health and reputation of all Rowan websites. Every contributor is expected to:

  • Uphold Accessibility (ADA) Standards
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date content
  • Follow University Branding and Editorial Guidelines
  • Participate in a collaborative web community that respects Rowan's web reputation as an trusted authority on subject-matters
prof mascot standing in front of owl statue

Contributor Stewardship Course (Prerequisite)

This required, self-paced course provides the essential knowledge and best practices necessary for creating high-quality, responsible university web content. You must complete this course before attending the live Cascade CMS training. We are all a single unified Rowan on the internet.

This 35-40 minute self-paced Canvas course covers Rowan University Web Policy, web content goals, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), digital accessibility, and how to create and maintain content for use on the Internet. 

Join the Stewardship community (Canvas)

Your two Cascade training paths

Live Cascade Training

This is where you apply the theoretical knowledge from the stewardship course! This hands-on, instructor-led session will teach you the technical aspects of using the Cascade platform. There will be a minimum of two live Cascade trainings every month.

Trainings dates will be advertised through Rowan Announcers.

Hands-On CMS Mastery

The live training is a crucial 2-hour session that moves beyond theory into the practical application of Cascade. We cover everything from logging in to publishing your first piece of content. Whether you're a new contributor or Cascade veteran, the live trainings are designed for everyone.

Stay tuned to Rowan Announcers from Web Services about future web trainings, workshops, and office hours. All Web Services trainings are held at https://go.rowan.edu/WebServicesZoom. 

 

Self-Paced Cascade Training (Canvas)

Need to learn the fundamentals of Cascade but can't make it to a live session? We understand that attending live training sessions is not always feasible with busy schedules. We've got you covered!

Our self-paced Cascade Training course in Canvas is still available as an asynchronous pathway to help you get started with the system at https://go.rowan.edu/SelfPacedTraining. Please obtain permission from your website's ambassador to access and edit the website prior to registering for the self-paced course. 

 What You'll Find:

  • Interactive Video Guidance: An interactive video where you can follow along at your own pace.
  • Hands-on Practice: You will work in your own Cascade training playground, where you'll mimic steps shown in the video and apply what you learn (e.g., creating new folders and pages, linking to other pages, building the navigation, and publishing).
  • Learn the basics: This training covers the essential fundamentals you'll need to know to navigate and use Cascade.

Enroll in the self-paced training (Canvas)

Important: The content and interface may reflect a slightly older version of the system. While the core concepts remain the same, some visuals might look different than the current live system.

Cascade CMS

Ready to get started? Log into Cascade using your Rowan credentials and start editing today!

Contact Web Services Support

Need help? Complete the form and the web team will contact you shortly.

Content Ambassadors

Need content help? Content ambassadors are your one-stop subject-matter experts to assist you.
  • Cascade hosts most Rowan websites and there are over 150 websites and counting!
  • Pages (and folders) have strict naming requirements necessary for creating our website URLs.
  • Web trainings also include deep dive into other templates and page models
  • Follow best and recommended practices to ensure your website is easy to maintain for years to come.
  • Live trainings mean live questions and we'll dive into any topic that matters to you!