WordPress FAQ
General Questions
How do I make one of my pages or posts my site’s “Home Page”?
Assuming you have site administrator rights, go to Settings > Reading at bottom-left in the WordPress editor.
Change the option for “Front page displays” to A static page. Then, use the drop-down box to select the page you wish to have appear as the initial home page.
Can I put php code into my WordPress editor on my pages and posts?
No. WordPress will ignore and/or reject any php code you attempt to place within the editing screens.
What HTML code can I insert into the WordPress HTML editor?
The following are HTML tags allowed within WordPress:
address, a, abbr, acronym, area, b, big, blockquote, br, caption, cite, class, code, col, del, dd, div, dl, dt, em, h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6, hr, i, img, ins, kbd, li, map, ol, p, pre, q, s, span, strike, strong, sub, sup, table, tbody, td, tfoot, tr, tt, ul, var
Other tags are not allowed. You can, however, add CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) code in the HTML editor view.
Do we have to use WordPress?
Our answer is, “Why would you not want to use WordPress?” WordPress has the capability to do just about anything you need for University websites. If you have a special need you don’t think WordPress can provide, contact the OIT Help Desk.
How can I get a WordPress account?
Request an account via the OIT Account Request process.
How do I learn to use WordPress?
The website you’re currently viewing has information about getting started with WordPress. If you have additional questions about using WordPress, please contact the OIT Help Desk.
How do I move my current University website to WordPress?
You can copy each existing website page into a WordPress page or post, and then upload any images individually. See our web page re: moving content for more info.
How do I grant access to others to edit a WordPress site?
See our information on assigning rights to other WordPress users.
How can I use tables in WordPress?
If at all possible, tables should be used for displaying data in a tabular format. Tables should not be used to arrange text, images, or other elements on screen. This is because tables used for arranging elements (such as aligning images and blocks of text) don’t scale well across devices, resulting in potential problems when your site is viewed on a smartphone, screen-reader, or other types of computers.
If you want to insert tabular data, select Tools > WP-Table Reloaded from the left-side of the WordPress editor:
To use the WP-Table Reloaded plugin, create or import a table, choose your options and save the table, and then copy the plugin shortcode and paste it into a WordPress page.
How does Boise State’s implementation of WordPress differ from other implementations?
Boise State University’s implementation of WordPress provides the ability to update content online from anywhere at any time using an easy to understand interface that does not require any software to be installed or purchased by departments.
Boise State’s WordPress environment is designed to ensure compliance with University Branding Standards. Therefore, customized WordPress themes are not available for use.
How do I install and use a WordPress plugin with my site?
Boise State offers a handful of plugins for your use. If you require a plugin not currently implemented for your site, please contact the OIT Help Desk to submit your request.
How can I password-protect a WordPress page or post?
At the upper-right of a page or post, in the Publish area, click Edit next to “Visibility.”
Click the button for “Password protected,” and type a password of your choice. Then click the OK button at bottom-left.
Of course, the OIT Help Desk is available for any WordPress questions you may have. We’re open 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday – Friday, and you can reach us at 426-4357, or via e-mail at helpdesk@boisestate.edu.