$(document).ready(function(){
    var dep_links = 0;
    var sec_links = 0;
    var index = 0;
    var index2 = 0;
    
    /* check to see if there are any list items in the #sidebar_nav1 ul*/
    $('#sidebar_nav1 li').each(function(index){
        dep_links++;
    });
    /* if no links hide the h3 element #department_links_title */
    if(dep_links == 0){
        $('#department_links_title').hide();
    };
    /* check to see if there are any list items in the #sidebar_nav2 ul*/
    $('#sidebar_nav2 li').each(function(index2){
        sec_links++;
    });
    /* if no links hide the h3 element #section_links_title */
    if(sec_links == 0){
        $('#section_links_title').hide();
    };
});