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Rutgers Core Component Library

Save time and money with your next website project using the Rutgers Core Component Library (RCCL). 

What Is the RCCL

The Rutgers Core Component Library (RCCL) is a no-code-required platform for building websites at Rutgers University. The RCCL was created to strengthen the Rutgers brand on the web and enhance user experiences across Rutgers websites.

The flagship version of the RCCL is built on the Drupal framework. A WordPress version of the RCCL is also available, though it does not have feature parity with the Drupal version.

Using the RCCL

University Communications and Marketing (UCM) makes the RCCL platform available to the Rutgers community at no cost. The RCCL offers savings on website projects, absorbing a majority of the costs typically spent on design and development work. 

Using the RCCL is required for school units associated with Rutgers–New Brunswick. Otherwise, its use is not mandatory but encouraged. 

  • The RCCL is maintained by UCM and the RCCL Core Working Group, which includes members from the Office of Information Technology-Web Consulting Services (WCS). RCCL updates are released quarterly and include new features, bug fixes, quality of life improvements, component enhancements, etc.  

    The RCCL uses responsive design for a good user experience on mobile devices, and it adheres to current web accessibility standards.

  • The Drupal RCCL comes with 17 preconfigured Content Types that can be used to create standard website pages, including a homepage, informational pages, news articles, staff directory, events, and more. The WordPress version of the RCCL attempts to mirror the Drupal version, but there may not be feature parity. 

    Color choices, fonts, and point sizes are all preset.

    Content Types are pre-configured with a variety of hero options and Drupal “Paragraphs” -- modular components that can be stacked and arranged to display site content in a variety of ways.  

    The flagship RCCL product makes use of Drupal Core and a collection of approved contributed modules.

  • WCS provides RCCL website hosting, setup and maintenance. All RCCL sites must be set up through WCS, even if they will be transferred to a vendor for development or content production.

    RCCL sites are required to be hosted on Pantheon using the custom RCCL upstream managed by WCS. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted on a limited basis.

    WCS may be contracted for an annual RCCL maintenance agreement, wherein they would apply any RCCL updates, Drupal version updates, security updates, and provide consulting and technical support.  WCS charges a one-time RCCL setup fee that includes Pantheon setup and Shibboleth/NetID login integration. WCS also charges annual administrative and maintenance fees for RCCL sites.

    More about RCCL pricing with WCS: https://wcs.oit.rutgers.edu/pricing/#rccl

  • The RCCL core code base may not be modified. Customization of the RCCL should be done using a Drupal subtheme or WordPress child theme to avoid conflicts as the RCCL core codebase evolves. 

  • Rutgers units using the RCCL for a website project should expect to invest mostly in content-related items. While some web design and development may be needed to achieve project goals, in most cases an RCCL project does not need to be a web development project or carry the costs associated with one.

    Review RCCL Web Project Request for Quote Guidelines

    Customizations to the RCCL are not considered to be a part of the RCCL. Maintaining and supporting customizations is the responsibility of the unit. Units may contribute their customizations back the RCCL core codebase, with approval from the RCCL Core Working Group.

    Should your RCCL project necessitate a custom feature, component or component extension, this must be reported to the RCCL Core Working Group (rccltechteam@rutgers.edu). 

  • Because the RCCL is intended to reduce the investment and effort in website design and development, ACE vendors should familiarize themselves with the RCCL components and determine how existing components can be used or extended to meet the content needs of clients. This perspective is essential to providing a meaningful and effective SOW. 

    Custom components are not necessary in many cases. 

    Wireframes are not necessary when using the RCCL out of the box. A wireframe is acceptable to include on a SOW if it demonstrates a new feature or component.  

    The WCS RCCL setup fee includes Pantheon setup and Shibboleth/NetID login integration – this should not be included in a vendor SOW. 

    Google Analytics can be set up via Google Tag Manager using the included feature on the RCCL. An out-of-the box GA4 set up with no custom configuration takes under 15 minutes and should be scoped accordingly in an SOW.  

    ACE Vendors providing SOWs on RCCL projects should primarily focus their deliverables on: 

    • Discovery 
    • Content audit 
    • Information architecture 
    • Content production 
    • Content population 
    • Custom design and development work that cannot be achieved with the RCCL out of the box 

Drupal or WordPress?

RCCL users can select a Drupal or WordPress framework for content management. This choice should be informed by the scope and needs of your website project, and by your team's familiarity with these content management systems.

Drupal RCCL

Drupal logo
  • Established user group and legacy RCCL Platform
  • Full RCCL feature set; content syndication, Program Finder functionality, Drupal views and taxonomy
  • Dedicated UCM development team
  • Required Pantheon hosting through OIT-Web Consulting Services (WCS)
  • Customization allowed, but maintenance is the responsibility of the unit
  • Sharing of new features and functionality back to enterprise code base is encouraged
  • Feature development to sync with WordPress

WordPress RCCL

Wordpress logo
  • v1.0.0 Released January 2024
  • Native WordPress features, including dynamic page builder, RSS functionality
  • Developed to leverage the RCCL appearance but preserve the WordPress platform experience 
  • Required Patheon hosting through WCS
  • Plug-in governance
  • No customization allowed except through a WCS development project
  • New features and functionality will be contributed back to the enterprise code base
  • Feature development to sync with Drupal
  • Best suited medium-sized and lower complexity sites
     

RCCL Governance

The Rutgers Core Component Library initiative is managed by the department of University Communications and Marketing in partnership with Rutgers Office of Information Technology, Rutgers Communications (R-Comm) and the Office for Research. The component library is governed and maintained by members of the Component Library Working Group.