Cascade Server is an enterprise-level web content management system, or CMS, used by units across campus. Michigan State University is running version 8.24.2, last upgraded May 1, 2024. Since then, the university has adopted Sitecore as the official enterprise-level web content management system for MSU.
Online training is delivered free of charge through MSU’s D2L website. This self-paced training provides instruction for how to access the CMS, manage content and administer user accounts/system access.
Please direct training questions to the University Communications and Marketing platforms group.
Visit the MSU Cascade Framework demo website for information.
The most recent upgrades installed on the MSU Cascade Server are listed below.
Version 8.24.2
Upgraded May 1, 2024
Hannon Hill Release Notes provides a short description and Release Notes for the most recent releases. Refer to the Hannon Hill Release Archives web page for older upgrades. Detailed information regarding Cascade Server is also available via the Hannon Hill website.
MSU is actively planning for the retirement of Cascade CMS. Please see the announcement for more information.
Cascade Server is hosted centrally through IT Services, but a website can be hosted at the location of a unit’s choice. Cascade Server is a “push” CMS system, meaning users manage content within the CMS and publish content to the web server where files are publicly accessed via the internet.
Cascade account setup fees and CMS storage space for up to 20GB of content have been subsidized by University Communications.
To use Cascade Server, units will need to register any domain names they intend to use for the website and provide web hosting services where the CMS will publish content. Web hosting services, including MSU IT Services central hosting, generally charge a modest monthly fee.
Online self-paced training modules are provided at no charge to the MSU community. Users must be registered to use the modules. To sign up, contact Comms.WebSupport@msu.edu or self-enroll as follows:
Learn more about the MSU Digital Experience Program initiatives to improve audience experiences and enhance communications workflows.
Best practices for website information architecture, navigation, page structure and mobile-first design.
Best practices and learning resources related to search engine optimization at the content level.
Best practices and learning resources for website analytics, key performance indicators, or KPIs, and performance measurement.
Documentation updated: June 30, 2026