Michigan State University Web Accessibility Policy

Type: Policy

Status: Adopted

Source File: http://www.webaccess.msu.edu/policies-and-guidelines/web-accessibility-policy.html

Text:

Article I. Purpose
Michigan State University is committed to facilitating access to University instruction, communication, research, and business processes, while enhancing community building for the broadest possible audience. The University strives to employ principles of Universal Design¹ and use the Web Accessibility Technical Guidelines (WA Technical Guidelines) and standards in the design, implementation, enhancement, and replacement of Web content and services. In doing so, MSU aims to improve access to both current and emerging technologies.

Article II. Scope
This policy applies to all University Web pages² used to conduct core university business or academic activities³. This policy does not apply to Web pages published by students, employees, or non-university organizations that are hosted by the University but are not used to conduct core University business or academic activities.

Article III. Policy
All new and redesigned University Web pages published after May 15, 2009 must be in compliance with Section I of the WA Technical Guidelines, unless granted an exception under Article IV of this policy. University Web pages published before May 15, 2009 must assess compliance with Section I of the WA Technical Guidelines and submit a review summary and remediation plan to address any areas of non-compliance to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator in the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives by May 15, 2009. Voluntary adoption of Section I of the WA Technical Guidelines is encouraged for all other Web pages not covered by this policy.

Article IV. Exceptions
Units seeking an exception to this policy must submit a written request to the ADA Coordinator in the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives, detailing why compliance is not feasible and how the unit will make information from its Web pages available to individuals with a disability in an equally effective manner.

Article V. Complaints
Complaints regarding accessibility of University Web pages should be directed to the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives. The Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives is responsible for investigating complaints of non-compliance and for referring non-compliant websites to the Office of the Vice Provost for Libraries, Computing & Technology.

Article IV. Violations
University Web pages in violation of this policy will be referred by the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives to the Office of the Vice Provost for Libraries, Computing & Technology for remediation. Remediation efforts may include removal of the site from the Internet until the Web page is in compliance with this policy.

¹ "Universal Design" refers to the design of products in such a way that they are useable by all regardless of ability. Universal Design supports the use of emerging technologies, use in different environments, use by people with different learning styles or literacy levels, and multi-lingual usage.

² Reference to “Web pages” in this policy covers both Web pages and Web sites, including their design and any Web-delivered content or service.

³ Web pages that conduct core University business and academic activities include those Web pages that students, employees, or visitors must access in order to effectively participate in a program, service, or activity offered by the University. Examples of core academic activities include admissions, registration, advising, and academic course work. Examples of core business activities include business services or personnel activities of Human Resources, Controllers Office, Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Wharton Center, or other University services frequently used by employees or visitors.