Scope
These web accessibility procedures support Michigan Technological University's Accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy. The procedures apply to publicly available University webpages and content on the mtu.edu domain and associated subdomains and include web-based content from third-party services purchased for core business and academic activities.
Technical Standard
Michigan Tech has adopted the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 (AA conformance level) to measure, coordinate and implement compliance with the University accessible ICT policy.
Procedure Conformance
Michigan Tech has assigned web accessibility coordinator responsibilities and the coordination, implementation of, and compliance with the University accessible ICT policy to the ICT Accessibility Coordinator, IT Communication and Accessibility Manager, and their respective designees.
Training
Web accessibility training will be required for any faculty, staff, administrators, and student employees who are responsible for the creation and distribution of online content housed in official University websites or third party sites used in core academic and business activities. This content includes webpages, documents, and multimedia resources. The training will provide information on how to create accessible content or remediate existing content to make it accessible.
Identifying Issues via Audits
A web accessibility audit will be conducted on a periodic basis. The audit will measure online content against the technical standard adopted in these web accessibility procedures. A sampling of representative University URLs will be used during the audit based on technical criteria, including template designs, content type, and other accessibility-related criteria. Web pages and content contained therein determined inaccessible will be documented. This content will be required to be made accessible (where feasible), removed, or replaced with accessible versions within a defined, reasonable timeframe.
When evaluating third-party content or services, it is advisable to adopt the most accessible option. In situations where the content or service does not fully meet accessibility requirements, those responsible for the adoption will be required to have in place an approved, Equally Effective Alternative Access Plan (EEAAP) until full accessibility can be met.
The ICT Accessibility Coordinator, IT Communication and Accessibility Manager or designated individual(s) will review websites for accessibility issues using available tools. If issues are found, they will contact the responsible party for that site. Sites within the University's content management system (Modern Campus CMS) are required to run the built-in accessibility check before publishing.
Correcting Issues
This procedure explicitly grants the ICT Accessibility Coordinator, IT Communication and Accessibility Manager or designated individual the authority to take corrective actions.
In-House Created Content and Systems
Content and systems created by Michigan Tech must be corrected.
- An initial notice of policy violation will be submitted to the web liaison or responsible party by the Accessible Technology Coordinator, IT Communication and Accessibility Manager or designated individual, including a due date for correction not sooner than 30 days from the date of notice.
- If not corrected by the notice due date, a second notice of policy violation will be submitted to the responsible party and their supervisor including a due date for correction not sooner than 30 days from the date of notice.
- If not corrected by the second notice due date, a third notice of policy violation will be submitted to the responsible party and their supervisor, with notice of the date when corrective action will be taken not sooner than 30 days from the date of notice.
- If a corrective action is not taken during the outlined timeline, removal of the content in question or unpublishing of the page or site may occur.
Purchased Content and Systems
Content and systems purchased by Michigan Tech must adhere to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Procurement Procedures. This includes new website, software, and other ICT purchases and contract renewals.
Content and systems on Michigan Tech machines or servers must be corrected. Any costs associated with remediation efforts to meet web accessibility guidelines are the responsibility of the Michigan Tech person or group that manages the website.
- An initial notice of policy violation will be submitted to the web liaison or responsible party by the Accessible Technology Coordinator, IT Communication and Accessibility Manager or designated individual, including a due date for correction not sooner than 60 days from the date of notice.
- If not corrected by the notice due date, a second notice of policy violation will be submitted to the responsible party and their supervisor including a due date for correction not sooner than 60 days from the date of notice.
- If not corrected by the second notice due date, a third notice of policy violation will be submitted to the responsible party and their supervisor, with notice of the date when corrective action will be taken not sooner than 60 days from the date of notice.
- If a corrective action is not taken during the outlined timeline, removal of the content in question or unpublishing of the page or site may occur.
Correction Appeals
Formal appeals must be submitted using the Accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Correction Appeal Form. Upon receipt, the correction process will be put on hold while the appeal is evaluated. The ICT Accessibility Coordinator and IT Communication and Accessibility Manager will manage the appeal process with final authority residing with Equal Opportunity Compliance. All appeal decisions will be made within 30 days.