Administrative Policies
University Policy Number 1308
Subject: University Information Technology Accessibility
Responsible Parties: Vice President of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer
I. SCOPE
Policy Number 1308 applies to all colleges, departments, auxiliaries, research, and administrative entities with the Information Technology Unit supporting the programs or services of the university.
II. POLICY STATEMENT
This policy is established to support the university community in promoting equal access opportunity to information technology by the application of accessibility standards, guidelines, training, tools and methods consistent with higher education. The aim is to provide this opportunity in a setting that fosters independence and meets the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This policy sets forth accessibility standards and guidelines that reflect best practices for achieving the accessibility of information technology for use by persons with disabilities.
Accessibility standards are designed to evolve and change, as newer technologies are introduced and user needs change. At the same time, the standards maintain a consistent framework for accessibility training and support services. University information technology development, maintenance, training and support personnel who are responsible for information technology procurement, programs and services will possess an appropriate level of technical knowledge related to accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.
An overview of the university accessibility standards, guidelines, training, tools, and methods is available at http://www.gmu.edu/accessibility. Information on Internet accessibility standards and resources is located at http://webdev.gmu.edu/Web_Accessibility.
III. DEFINITIONS
Accessibility: Refers to the University objective that everyone within the University community, regardless of physical disability, will have the opportunity for appropriate access to information technology.
IV. RESPONSIBILITIES
The Vice President of Information Technology and CIO or designee will ensure that personnel responsible for information technology procurement, programs and services will possess an appropriate level of technical knowledge related to accessibility standards.
V. OTHER INFORMATION
The Commonwealth of Virginia Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act of 2005 grants institutions additional authority over financial and administrative operations, on condition that certain commitments to the Commonwealth are met. Furthermore, HB1390, effective July 1, 2008, allows institutions of higher education to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the appropriate Cabinet Secretary or Secretaries, for additional operating authority in two of the following three areas: information technology, procurement, and capital projects (Higher Education Restructuring Level II).
The university’s memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth provides full delegated responsibility for management of the institution’s information technology infrastructure, architecture and ongoing operations. This delegation includes the authority to conduct these activities in accordance with industry best practices appropriately tailored for the specific circumstances of the University, in lieu of following Commonwealth-determined specifications. This policy documents the industry best practices with which the university will align its IT accessibility activities.
VI. COMPLIANCE
The procurement, development, and/or maintenance of information technology and user support services for persons with disabilities will be aligned with accessibility standards specified in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and in "Web Content Accessibility Guidelines" from the World Wide Web Consortium, appropriately tailored to the specific circumstances of the University.
VII. EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPROVAL
The policies herein are effective October 20, 2008. This Administrative Policy shall be reviewed and revised, if necessary, annually to become effective at the beginning of the University's fiscal year, unless otherwise noted.
Approved:
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Maurice W. Scherrens
Senior Vice President
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Peter N. Stearns
Provost
Date approved: October 31, 2008