Digital Communications Standard

As a general rule, content creators and curators are responsible for the accessibility of the digital communications they create, publish, maintain, manage, distribute, or procure, with help and guidance provided by support teams.

Quality Standard

All digital communications must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements.

Scope

This standard applies to all digital communications created, published, or distributed by the USU, including emails, social media posts, digital marketing materials, and other digital content used in the delivery of university programs, services, or activities.

Requests for Exceptions

Requests for exceptions to this standard will be reviewed individually by the Digital Accessibility Steering Committee through the Accessibility Exception Request process.

Lack of sufficient funding for any unit, department, or college of the university as the sole reason for an exception will not be considered.

Pre-Approved Exceptions

The following exceptions have been granted. An Accessibility Exception Request does not need to be submitted: 

Content posted prior to April 24, 2026 are exempt from proactive remediation. 

Content published on third‑party platforms, including social media, must be made accessible to the maximum extent permitted by the platform. An exception to full WCAG compliance applies when a platform’s technical limitations prevent full conformance. However, content creators must provide alternative access or assistance upon request.

Compliance

Periodically, a sample of randomized social media accounts will be audited for accessibility. If an account is out of compliance, a report will be shared with the account owner. The owner will be responsible for documenting the steps they will take to meet accessibility standards moving forward. 

If an account continues to be out of compliance, a report will be shared with the unit’s Digital Accessibility Liaison. If issues are not resolved, they will be referred to the Office of the Executive Vice President & Provost.

Failure to address identified accessibility barriers may result in required remediation plans or removal of inaccessible digital communications from public access.

Best Practices and Recommendations

The following practices are strongly recommended:

• Use structured headings and simple formatting in emails and newsletters.
• Add alternative text to all images and graphics.
• Use descriptive links instead of “click here.”
• Avoid conveying information using color alone.
• Caption videos before posting to social media.
• Use university-approved communication templates when available.
• Avoid uploading inaccessible PDFs in email communications when content can be included directly in the message or on a web page.

Definitions

Digital Communications

Emails, social media posts, digital marketing materials, and other content created, published, or distributed by USU in the delivery of university programs, services, or activities.

Social Media Accounts

Accounts or profiles created on social media platforms that represent USU.

Resources

• Social Media Accessibility
• Accessibility Checklist
• Canva Accessibility

For questions about accessibility in digital communications, please contact accessibility@usu.edu.