SSU Web Standards support the University's efforts to improve the usability, accessibility, and accuracy of SSU's websites. The information on these pages include policy, procedures and technical documentation to support the design and implementation of SSU websites.
Web Standards define the practices and procedures, instructions, guidelines and criteria for building, publishing and maintaining SSU websites. They incorporate examples of best practices and effective design elements as they apply to successfully defining Sonoma State University.
Web Standards work in conjunction with Sonoma State University’s Web policy and Brand Guide.
Sonoma State University’s websites present an image to the world, and University websites must undergo the same professional scrutiny and careful preparation given to any other business or organization creating a signature look, logo or brand, image or reputation.
Compliance with SSU Web Standards ensures efficient and effective usability, navigation, communication, and access to the widest audience.
When adhering to Web Standards, academic and administrative departments can quickly develop, deploy and update websites using provided templates and styles.
Incorporating Web Standards promotes efficiency, speed and quality for all parties, designers, editors and content managers. Formatting decisions are already made and implemented by use of style sheets and approved templates, not the individual page editor; editors don’t need to spend time learning HTML and CSS, creating design, formatting, figuring out colors schemes and working at making the pages accessible.
Accessibility
Deploying and adhering to SSU Web Standards fulfills the requirements of the CSU Accessible Technology Initiative. SSU web sites must conform to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as mandated by California Government Code 11135 and CSU Executive Order 926.
Promoting accessibility benefits all users, including those:
- who maintain websites
- who use mobile devices
- who are new to using web
- who use older technologies or a slower Internet connection
- who are not fluent in the language of the site or have low literacy
- who have changing abilities due to aging
- who have temporary disabilities (such as a broken arm)
- who have disabilities related to seeing, hearing, moving, or processing information
Web Standards Apply to the Following Websites
Websites that represent Sonoma State University divisions, schools, departments and programs, whether displaying public-facing, internal or “employee only” content, regardless who created them, fall under the mandates of SSU’s Web Standards. Sites created by off-campus developers or volunteers, or are part of a web-based tool or service hosted on or off-campus must conform to SSU’s Web Standards just as those pages created by SSU employees.
Standards Will Change
Over time, SSU's web standards will evolve to reflect changes in technology, law and the University's branding. When building or redesigning a website, use the most recent SSU web standards.
School, Division or Department Standards
A school, division, department, program, or other administrative entity may allow the development of additional web standards requirements for their sites, as long as they do not conflict with University web standards.
Exemptions
Schools, division, department and programs may apply for an exemption from compliance with SSU's design. Note: Accessibility exemptions are no longer available, per direction by the CSU Accessible Technology Initiative.
- Design Exemption Procedure