Service overview

SharePoint hub site streamlines our intranet by connecting multiple team sites and communication sites. It provides a unified navigation experience, centralized document libraries, a consistent visual design, and improved search functionality across all associated sites.

SharePoint hub offers the following featurres:

• Unified Navigation Bar
  • A consistent top navigation menu visible across all associated sites.
• Shared Branding and Themes
  • A cohesive look and feel applied to all associated sites, ensuring visual uniformity.
• Aggregated News and Events
  • A consolidated view of news, events, and updates from all associated sites displayed on the hub's homepage.
• Cross-Site Search
  • A centralized search experience that retrieves content from all associated sites.
• Content Rollups
  • Highlighted site activity, documents, and announcements from associated sites.
• Flexible Site Associations
  • Sites can dynamically associate with or disassociate from the hub without disrupting their structure or content.

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Who can use it

This service is available to active McGill students, faculty, and staff.

People external to McGill may be given permission by the site owner to access the site.

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Use hub sites when you need:

• Consistent branding across a collection of associated sites.
• Increased visibility to collections of related content.
• Enhanced search and navigation capabilities for content relevant to specific groups of people.

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How to request access the service

Before requesting the creation of a SharePoint hub site, we strongly recommend you take an introductory training course. Register for training here: SharePoint training.

Once you have completed the training, submit the Request a new SharePoint site form.

After validation of the form, you will be contacted within 7 days by a member of the Collaboration Solutions team to create your site.

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Cost

There is no cost associated with this service.

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Availability

The service is available 24 X 7, except during planned maintenance or outages. Check the home page of the IT Support site for announcements.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I know which sites are part of a hub site?
You can identify sites associated with a hub site by the shared navigation bar at the top of the page. This navigation is consistent across all sites within the hub.

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How can I search for content across all sites in a hub?
Use the search bar on the hub site. It allows you to search for content across all associated sites, making it easier to find what you need.

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How do I navigate between different sites in a hub?
Use the shared navigation bar at the top of the hub site. It provides links to all associated sites, making it easy to move between them.

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Will I have access to all content on the hub site?
Your access to content depends on the permissions set by the site owners. You will only see content that you have permission to view.

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What should I do if I cannot access a site within the hub?
Contact the site owner or our IT Service Desk for assistance

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Best practices & policies

• Make sure to follow hub sites that are relevant to you. This way, you will receive updates and notifications about news and activities, keeping you informed about important changes and events.
• Take advantage of the shared navigation bar at the top of the hub site. It provides easy access to all associated sites, helping you quickly find the resources and information you need.
• If you encounter any issues or have suggestions for improvement, use the feedback or support link provided on the hub site. Your input can help improve the overall user experience for everyone.
• If you are responsible for any content, ensure it is regularly reviewed and updated. This keeps the information relevant and useful for all users.

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Training & documentation

Find how-tos and other documents at: Microsoft SharePoint Hub Walkthrough.

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Support

•    For access/authentication issues, and basic assistance using SharePoint Online, contact the IT Service Desk.
•    Meet with a SharePoint expert for specific questions about setting up or using a SharePoint site. Attend a general Q&A session. Reserve your spot.