Guidelines for Web Accessibility
Purpose
Seton Hall University (“University”) seeks to provide equal access to all University programs and activities. The purpose of this Plan is to promote access for all newly added or modified web and online content and functionality by persons with disabilities in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (“WCAG”) 2.0 AA, developed by the Web Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium (the “Standards”).
Scope
University Policy
Definitions
This Plan establishes accessibility requirements for the acquisition, development, and modification of University domain websites and web applications that provide online content and functionality and deliver University services, programs or activities. It applies to University faculty, administrators, staff, and employees who develop, modify, or procure University Websites.
Policy
New University content providing University services, programs, or activities through University Websites must comply with WCAG 2.0 AA standards. Contracts with third-party vendors that provide website templates or services shall be contractually required to meet WCAG 2.0 AA Standards. Where website accessibility compliance is not technically feasible or creates an undue hardship by fundamentally altering the site, any request for an exception must be reviewed and approved by the Web Accessibility Coordinator (“Coordinator”). Requests must be supported by an accommodation plan detailing how equally effective access to such information will be made available in an alternative format. On an ongoing basis, the Coordinator shall seek input on website accessibility from members of the University community.
Accessibility training shall be overseen by the Coordinator and shall be provided on an ongoing basis to members of the University community with website responsibility. Such training shall address the Standards, the contents of this Plan, and how best to achieve compliance.
The Coordinator, with the support of the Digital Communications Advisory Committee, shall administer this Plan. All University personnel are expected to cooperate with, and assist, the Coordinator. The Coordinator is authorized to initiate budget requests and seek additional funds as necessary to accomplish the goals of this Plan.
- Office of the Web Accessibility Coordinator
- Digital Communications Advisory Committee
Support
Units seeking an exception to this policy must submit a written request to the Coordinator, detailing why compliance is not feasible and how the department will make information from its Web pages available to individuals with a disability in an equally effective manner.
Complaints
Persons encountering difficulties in accessing Web pages should contact the Website Accessibility Coordinator Michael Hyland, Executive Director, Digital Communications and Marketing, who will attempt to resolve the issue on an expeditious basis. He can be reached at (973) 761-9099 and at michael.hyland@shu.edu.
Questions or concerns regarding compliance with the policy or standards, or complaints of discrimination, should be directed to Toni Hindsman, M.A., Director of EEO Compliance, Title IX Coordinator who is responsible for investigating complaints of non-compliance. She can be reached at (973) 275-2513 or via e-mail at toni.hindsman@shu.edu.
Related Policies
Responsible Offices
- Department of Information Technology
Approval
Approved
Approved by Dr. Mary J. Meehan, Interim President, on the recommendation of the Executive Cabinet on April 1, 2018.
Effective Date
April 1st, 2018