Understanding Profiles and Directories

Overview

The UMKC Global Framework separates person profiles from directory pages. This approach allows information about an individual to be maintained in one location while displaying that information across multiple pages and websites.

Rather than creating separate profile pages for each department or website, each individual should have a single primary profile. Directory pages automatically display profiles based on the criteria you configure.

How It Works

The relationship between profiles and directories is driven by three primary fields:

One Profile Per Person

Each individual should have one profile located within their primary appointment.

If an individual serves multiple departments, programs, or offices:

• Do not create additional profiles.
• Add each applicable AU/Division/Office.
• Add each applicable Sub-Directory.
• Select every applicable Profile Type.

This allows a single profile to appear in multiple locations throughout the Global Framework while keeping all information synchronized.

Automatic Directory Listings

Directory pages do not store profile information.

Instead, they automatically display profiles that match the configured directory criteria.

When a profile is updated and published, those changes become available to every directory that includes the profile.

Automatic “Appears in” Links

When one or more Sub-Directory values are entered on a profile, the framework attempts to locate a matching directory page within the current site.

If a matching directory page exists, the profile automatically displays an Appears in section linking visitors to that directory.

If no matching directory page is found, the Sub-Directory name is displayed as plain text without a hyperlink.

No additional configuration is required beyond maintaining consistent Sub-Directory names and creating the corresponding directory page.

Publishing Changes

Publishing requirements depend on the type of change being made.

• Changes to profile content (such as biographies, phone numbers, or headshots) require publishing the Profile page.
• Changes that affect directory organization (such as Profile Type, AU/Division/Office, or Sub-Directory assignments) require publishing both the Profile page and any affected Directory page(s).

Best Practices

• Maintain one profile per individual.
• Reuse existing Sub-Directory names whenever possible.
• Use consistent spelling and capitalization for Sub-Directory values.
• Assign all applicable organizational units rather than creating duplicate profiles.
• Publish all affected assets after making directory-related changes.