Web Accessibility Policy

University Policy and Procedure Statements

Section 05.03: Accessibility

Accessibility – Access to information and electronic technology for persons with disabilities is an essential component of Texas State’s commitment to provide a barrier-free learning environment. To that end, all Texas State websites and the services provided via those websites shall satisfy the standards for website accessibility recorded in the following, which are incorporated into this policy by reference:

The Texas State website exists for the benefit of the entire university community: students, faculty, staff, and guests. Texas State is committed to an inclusive education and work environment that provides equal opportunity and access to all qualified persons. Texas State, to the extent not in conflict with federal or state law, prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Technology and our interaction with it continually evolves and, as a result, the way web content is accessed and consumed changes rapidly. Following the concepts of Universal Design (creating spaces and tools usable by the widest range of people possible) ensures the accessibility and usefulness of university websites for both current and future users. See the Web Style Guide for best practices related to Universal Design.

Website Administration Procedures

Section 7.4

Website owners are responsible for managing the content of their websites, including legal and ethical assimilation of content materials; web-compatible and brand-conscious presentation of those materials; and compliance with all the standards and provisions of this policy in developing and operating their sites.

Section 7.5

Web Governance Committee – The Web Governance committee ensures that Texas State websites comply with the brand, usability, and best practice standards outlined in this policy and has the authority to enforce these standards.

The committee includes:

  • Head – assistant vice president for University Marketing;
  • chief Information Security officer;
  • director, Mobile/Web Systems; and
  • Electronic Information Resources Accessibility Coordinator.

Third-party companies hired to work on websites in the CMS must be approved by the committee. Third-party companies must follow all guidelines outlined in this policy.

Websites in violation of standards may be shut down for noncompliance. The committee will notify the associate vice president or dean of the department that owns the website about noncompliance issues. The content provider has 30 days to make progress on bringing their site into compliance. If no progress has been made after 30 days, the website will be shut down until all issues are resolved.