Columbia Sites Platform Consolidation

The Columbia Sites team has consolidated the Research, Administrative, and Academic models into a single, unified platform model.

RESEARCH, ADMINISTRATIVE, ACADEMIC on top with an arrow pointing down to a unified model.

This change simplifies the Columbia Sites platform by removing minor differences in functionality and design between the existing models. Going forward, all sites will have access to the same features and capabilities, eliminating the need to select a model based on available modules or functionality.

Maintaining a single platform model also allows our team to deliver bug fixes, security updates, and new features more efficiently, resulting in a more consistent experience for all Columbia Sites users.

What This Means for Your Site

Your existing functionality will remain unchanged. The content, features, and capabilities you rely on today will continue to be available after your site transitions to the unified model.

In addition, you'll benefit from:

  • Access to all platform functionality – Features previously available only on specific models will now be available to all sites.
  • Improved visual styling – The unified model includes updated styling for a more modern and consistent appearance.
  • Expanded content creation options – Additional options will be available when adding content to your site.
  • Enhanced Views Displays – More display options will be available when configuring Views Displays.

Visual Changes

The unified model adopts the look and feel of the current Administrative model. As a result, you may notice some visual styling changes on the front end of your site after the transition.

These changes are cosmetic only. They will not affect your:

  • Content
  • Site structure
  • URLs
  • Existing functionality

Why We're Making This Change

Moving to a single platform model provides several long-term benefits:

  • A more consistent experience across all Columbia Sites websites
  • Simpler platform maintenance and support
  • Faster delivery of bug fixes and security updates
  • More efficient development of new features and enhancements

By consolidating to one unified model, we can focus on improving the platform as a whole while ensuring every site benefits from future enhancements.