Phase 5: Build

To turn our blueprints and content into a functional, live website. This is where your Unit and CMD/SLTS work together to configure your site’s theme, build your pages, and ensure all technical elements are running perfectly.

By the time this phase is done, your site will be fully functional in a Sandbox environment. This allows us to test every button, form, and link to ensure a smooth experience for your users before the public ever sees it.

SLTS sets up your site theme and makes sure all the components from our Design System are ready to use.

While SLTS is building the bones of your site, your team will begin your WordPress journey!

• Training Session: We will host a hands-on training session to show you how to use our Component Library.
• Co-Building: You’ll be given access to the Sandbox site to begin entering your approved content. This ensures you feel 100% confident managing your site before we launch.

Unit staff will take that 98% Finalized Content from the previous phase and manually build the pages, applying the templates we agreed upon.

We don’t just build for looks; we build for everyone. We run technical scans (like WAVE reports) to ensure the site is accessible to students with disabilities and optimized so search engines can find you easily.

We run through a rigorous checklist—checking every form, testing every search bar, and making sure your links don’t lead to dead ends.

This is your big moment! Once you have access to the Sandbox site, you’re able to test the utility of the site and ensure the technical build meets your Unit’s needs.

Once we start the build, any major changes to content or structure should be held for post-launch updates. This keeps the technical team on track for your launch date.

When you are invited to the Sandbox for review, try to navigate the site as a brand-new user. Don’t just look for typos—look for ease of use!

To keep our sites accessible and secure, all Unit editors must complete a brief training certification before receiving their login credentials.

Typically 4–6 weeks.

• The Sandbox Site
• Quality Control Report
• Final Sign-Off