Every page on UNA.edu must meet three foundational requirements:
1. Universally Accessible
Full compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA and Title II. Accessibility is both a federal requirement and a core institutional responsibility.
Requirements
- Plain language writing appropriate for the general public
- Accurate, descriptive alt text for all images
- Screen reader compatibility
- Proper, sequential heading hierarchy (H1→H2→H3)
2. User-Centered Design
Content must prioritize the needs of its primary audience. For student-facing pages, this means applying student-centered best practices.
Effective Student-First Content
- Anticipates common questions
- Uses direct, approachable language
- Makes key tasks easy (apply, visit, request info, explore costs)
- Provides clear next steps
- Supports program comparison and decision-making
3. Unified Brand Identity
All UNA web content must reflect a cohesive institutional identity through consistent voice, tone, structure, and layout.
Brand Consistency Requires
- Standardized templates and layouts
- Predictable, clearly labeled section headings
- Uniform program page structures
- Voice that is confident, warm, clear, and student-centered
- Tone that supports accessibility and trust
Why These Standards Matter: UNA's website is a mission-critical communication and recruitment tool. These three standards ensure every visitor can access information, make informed decisions, and experience a professional, trustworthy institution.