Website Accessibility Policy

Incorporating Diversity into the DNA of GCECS 2009: Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

At GCECS 2009, we firmly believe that embracing diversity is a fundamental component of achieving excellence. Our Strategic Plan for GCECS 2009 underscores our unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of equity and inclusion. We recognize that diversity serves as a catalyst for unleashing our full potential, fostering creativity, fueling innovation, upholding educational excellence, and providing exceptional service to our communities.

We celebrate and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, encompassing differences in ideas, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, culture, nationality, age, disability, veteran status, and socioeconomic background. Our goal is to create welcoming and inclusive learning environments where everyone is treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

Accessibility Policy: Ensuring Equal Access to Online Content

Our commitment to diversity extends to the digital realm as well. We are dedicated to ensuring that our online presence is accessible to all, regardless of physical or developmental abilities. To uphold this commitment, GCECS 2009 websites are mandated to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Policy Statement

To promote accessibility and bridge equity gaps, all GCECS 2009 websites, regardless of their origin or purpose, must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). We require compliance with WCAG 2.1 at Conformance Level AA, a recognized international standard that sets accessibility benchmarks for web content, including text, images, sounds, and underlying code.

Applicability

This policy applies to all websites used for university programs, services, or activities, whether developed internally, acquired externally, or contracted with vendors. Please note that instructional materials and academic coursework offered online are subject to separate policies.

Web Page Requirements and Time Frames

To align with our commitment to accessibility, all new and revised web pages, templates, and themes created after the policy’s effective date must comply with WCAG 2.1, Conformance Level AA. Furthermore, web pages must provide a clear method for users to report accessibility issues.

For legacy content identified as high priority, units are expected to collaborate with the Associate Director of Student Web Experience to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.1, Conformance Level AA. High-priority pages encompass the most frequently visited, essential, and disability-related content.

Legacy Content

Units with legacy content not deemed high priority are encouraged to address accessibility issues and update their content to meet WCAG 2.1, Conformance Level AA standards.

Grievance Procedure and Reporting

Our Accessibility Grievance Process is in place to address concerns related to website accessibility. Individuals can report accessibility grievances through this established process.

Noncompliant Content

When content accessibility issues arise, web content editors are expected to respond within 30 calendar days by submitting a plan to rectify the issues. Failure to address accessibility concerns within this timeframe may result in the suspension of the affected website until compliance is achieved. Repeated violations may lead to additional training requirements or disciplinary actions, in accordance with university policy.