File Naming Conventions

All files uploaded to UNA digital platforms must follow these rules:

• Lowercase only: a-z, 0-9, hyphens (-)
• No spaces: Use hyphens to separate words
• No special characters: No underscores, apostrophes, accents (á, ê, ï)
• No punctuation: Except hyphens
• Descriptive names: admissions-application-2026.pdf (not app.pdf)

Digital Documents & Downloads

All downloadable documents must meet the same accessibility, clarity, and usability standards required for web content. This ensures all users can read, navigate, and interact with documents regardless of device or ability.

Document Requirements

All documents must be:

• WCAG-compliant: Meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards
• Created with true text: No scanned or image-based PDFs
• Structured with tagged headings: Use proper headings, lists, and landmarks
• Designed with logical reading order: Ensure content flows naturally
• Labeled with descriptive hyperlinks: No "click here" or raw URLs
• Equipped with alt text: Describe all images and graphics

PDF Standards

Avoid PDFs when possible. HTML pages are more accessible, easier to maintain, better for SEO, and mobile-friendly.

When PDFs Are Necessary

• Must be tagged and accessible (WCAG 2.1 AA)
• Save as PDF/A format for archiving
• Include logical heading structure
• Provide descriptive alt text for images
• Test with screen readers and accessibility checkers
• Provide HTML alternative or summary when possible

Image Standards

• Format: JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics with transparency
• Optimization: Compress for web (aim for <200KB)
• Resolution: Minimum 1200px wide for full-width images
• Alt text: Required for all images (descriptive, not decorative phrases)
• File names: descriptive-image-name.jpg

Video Production Standards

Video Production Resources

The University has a dedicated in-house Video Producer (digitalcommunications@una.edu) in the Enrollment Marketing & Digital Communication department. The producer's role is to create and support any video production using the University of North Alabama brand.

In addition to the in-house resource, we maintain a pool of approved external video suppliers who work to the University's standards.

Request Video Production

All video created must meet the University's quality, branding and accessibility standards and be signed off by the Video Producer before being published.

To request new video content:

1. Submit a video production request form (contact digitalcommunications@una.edu for the form)
2. The Video Producer will assess the request and determine the best approach
3. Work will be completed either in-house or via an approved external supplier
4. For external production, the Video Producer provides feedback at the rough cut stage

Technical Requirements

• Format: MP4 (H.264 codec preferred, H.265 for 4K content)
• Resolution: Minimum 1080p (1920x1080), 4K for flagship content
• Frame rate: 24fps for cinematic, 30fps standard, 60fps for sports/action
• Aspect ratio: 16:9 for standard video, 1:1 or 9:16 for social media
• Bitrate: 5-10 Mbps for 1080p, 35-45 Mbps for 4K
• Audio: 48kHz sample rate, AAC codec, -6dB to -12dB levels

Accessibility Requirements

• Captions: Required for all videos (SRT or WebVTT format)
• Audio descriptions: Required for videos with important visual content
• Transcripts: Full text transcripts must be provided
• Color contrast: Text overlays must meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards
• No flashing content: Avoid content that flashes more than 3 times per second

Brand Standards

• Opening/closing: Use approved University intro and outro templates
• Logo placement: Follow brand guidelines for logo usage
• Color grading: Maintain consistent look aligned with UNA brand
• Typography: Use approved fonts for titles and lower thirds
• Music: Licensed tracks only, aligned with brand tone

Publishing Process

1. Pre-publication review: Send final cut to digitalcommunications@una.edu for approval
2. Quality check: Verify technical specs, accessibility, and brand compliance
3. Metadata preparation: Create SEO-optimized titles, descriptions, and tags
4. Platform upload: Use university YouTube channel or approved platforms
5. Launch coordination: Work with Digital Communications on promotion strategy

Approved Platforms

• YouTube: Primary platform (university channel)
• Vimeo: For embedded content requiring privacy controls
• Social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (coordinated with Social Media Manager)
• Website embedding: Via approved platforms only, never self-hosted

External Supplier Guidelines

External video suppliers working with the University must:

• Be pre-approved by Digital Communications
• Follow all technical and brand standards
• Submit rough cuts for feedback before final production
• Provide all source files and project files upon completion
• Transfer all rights and ownership to the University

Audio Standards

• Format: MP3 (320kbps) or WAV
• Settings: Stereo, 44.1kHz sample rate, 16-bit depth
• File size: MP3 required for files >10 minutes
• Transcripts: Required for all spoken content
• Sign-off: Creative Services approval required

Code & Development Standards

• Follow established coding style guides for the project
• Semantic HTML5 markup required
• Responsive design (mobile-first approach)
• Page load time under 3 seconds
• Cross-browser compatibility (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
• No inline CSS or JavaScript (except when necessary)