Websites and Web Content Standard
As a general rule, content creators and curators are responsible for the accessibility of the websites and web content they create, publish, maintain, manage, or procure, with help and guidance provided by support teams. Use of templates, adherence to USU Brand Standards, or reliance on third-party services does not remove this responsibility.
Quality Standard
All websites and web content must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements.
Scope
This standard applies to all websites and web content owned, funded, or maintained by USU including public websites, intranet sites, web applications, and all web-based content, including text, images, forms, multimedia, navigation, and interactive elements regardless of hosting platform.
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:
Archived web content does not need to meet current accessibility standards. However, it should include a mechanism for requesting an accessible format.
University websites may be granted legacy status under limited circumstances and thereby become Legacy Websites. Legacy Websites are not required to meet current accessibility requirements unless they are materially updated, redesigned, or substantially modified. If such changes occur, the website must be brought into compliance with this standard prior to launch or redistribution (Section 2.8, Policy 5209: University Web Policy).
Compliance
To monitor compliance with these standards, regular (at least annual) audits will be run on known campus websites and web content. If an organization is out of compliance, a report will be shared with the unit’s Digital Accessibility Liaison. Issues should be resolved within 30 business days.
If issues are not resolved within 30 business days, 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, removal of inaccessible content, or other corrective action.
Best Practices and Recommendations
The following best practices are strongly recommended to meet accessibility requirements:
- Use the approved USU CMS templates when available.
- Publish content directly as web pages instead of uploading PDFs or other document types whenever possible.
- Use the WAVE accessibility tool when adding new content to verify that no accessibility errors are present.
- Review automated accessibility scan reports regularly.
USU provides institutional accessibility auditing tools and review support through Digital Accessibility Services and the IT Web Team.
Definitions
- Alternative Formats
- An alternative format is an accessible version of content provided in a different format so individuals with disabilities can access the same information. Examples may include accessible digital text, large print, Braille, or audio.
- Archived Web Content
- Archived web content must meet all of the following criteria:
- The content is maintained only for reference, research, or recordkeeping.
- The content was created prior to April 24, 2026 and is not altered or updated after being archived.
- The content is stored in a clearly identified archive area.
- The content is not needed to access current programs, services, or activities.
Resources
Accessibility Statements
Archived web content should include an accessibility statement informing users that the content may not meet current accessibility standards and provide a way to request an accessible version. The following statement can be used on any archived web content:
This content is maintained for archival purposes and may not meet current accessibility standards. If you need assistance accessing this material, please contact [department email] to request an accessible version.