Requirements for Websites Last Updated March 2026 College policy requires discussing web project with the Director of Communications, especially if funding is needed. The goal is to help ensure consistency with institutional branding, security standards, accessibility requirements and governance. The Web team members are not experts on the laws or policies and do not enforce them. You are responsible for the content on your website. Included below are links to many documents and sources of relevant requirements that we are currently aware of. A list of UT website policies is included in the footer on most University of Texas at Austin websites with the link Site Policies. Notable for websites are the Web Privacy Policy and Digital Accessibility Policy. These policies protect confidential information and ensure that users with disabilities can participate in all university programs, services, and activities through digital materials, including websites. On this site we provide instruction meant to help content creators meet the standards required by the Digital Accessibility Policy which uses the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Version 2.1, Level AA Conformance (WCAG 2.1, Level AA) for websites and web-based applications and services. We also provide some information about records retention specifically for web content. Please find links to the other policies and guidelines below. If you are aware of any additional requirements, not listed below, please bring them to our attention. Branding University of Texas at Austin Brand Guide which includes the list of requirements specifically for websites. Copyright The websites include a copyright with the link to the university homepage and current year. It goes without saying but copyright materials, trademarks and other intellectual property may not be used without permission. See the Office of Brand, Trademarks and Licensing for more information. Media & Photography Guidelines If using student images or information, contact the public relations staff in your department for a student release form or use UT’s talent release form. Qualtrics can be used to create accessible online forms. UT’s Filming & Photography Guidelines are on the University Communications site. Security, Privacy and Data Information Security Office (ISO) Policies: Data Classification Standard used to measure the sensitive nature of the data or information being shared. Information Resources Use and Security Policy applicable to all university information and the individuals in-charge of that information and includes the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Minimum Security Standards for Data Stewardship guidelines for handling data. Minimum Security Standards for Application Development and Administration applicable to websites, mobile applications and forms. Cloud Services are those provided by third party vendors that store your content on servers outside of university control. The ISO tracks hidden costs and risks of using these service. Other Notable Policies Purchasing from vendors, including cloud services Web Linking Policy Campus Enterprise Technology also provides a list of Campus IT Policies Additional Department and College Check with your department communication staff. College of Fine Arts Branding Guidelines can be found on the Dean’s Office Operations website. Learn More We recommend taking The Copyright Crash Course and visiting the university’s Compliance Services References and Resources list. Read FAQs on Photos and Videos under FERPA from the U.S. Department of Education.
