Notice of Pending Updates: ACC Web Standards
Austin Community College District (ACC) is currently undertaking a comprehensive review and revision of its website requirements as part of the College’s Website Redesign Project and ongoing updates to its Web Governance Administrative Rule.
As part of this effort, the existing website requirements will be updated and formally established as the ACC Web Standards, providing a unified framework for the governance, development, management, and maintenance of ACC’s digital properties.
These revisions will include substantive updates to requirements governing:
- Content and Governance: Content ownership, publishing authority, quality, accuracy, maintenance, accessibility, and lifecycle management.
- Branding and User Experience: Institutional brand consistency, visual design, navigation, usability, and the application of approved design systems and components.
- Technology and Digital Platforms: Approved platforms, hosting environments, domains, third-party integrations, information security, and technical requirements.
- Accessibility and Compliance: Applicable federal and state accessibility requirements, ongoing compliance monitoring, remediation, and accountability.
The updated ACC Web Standards will apply to ACC digital properties as defined by the Administrative Rule, including public-facing websites, sub-sites, authenticated and internal web properties, and other applicable digital services, regardless of platform or hosting environment.
Current Requirements Remain in Effect
Until the revised ACC Web Standards are formally approved and published, existing website requirements and applicable District policies remain in effect. All ACC digital properties must continue to comply with applicable accessibility, information security, branding, and other institutional requirements.
This page will be updated as the revised standards are developed, approved, and implemented.
Virtually everything ACC does has an online component. Ensuring our online presence is consistent with brand standards is critical. Find information about branding and technical requirements for the web below.
Website Requirements
View Website Requirements for technical requirements and general information for developing your site. These requirements are derived from ACC’s Web Policy.
Accessibility
Accessible websites are necessary for people who are blind or have low vision, have photosensitive seizure disorders, or a mobility impairment that affects their ability to use a mouse. Entities that receive federal funding are required by law to have accessible websites.
Review TLED’s Accessibility webpage for information about accessibility standards and tools to check your website’s accessibility.
Branding and Style
Websites must follow ACC brand standards for colors, logos, and typography, photography, and graphic elements.
Content
Web content is any text, images, sounds and audio, or other items a user encounters on a webpage. Consistent content styling is essential to upholding the ACC brand and providing an intuitive, user-friendly experience.
Domain Names
Websites on ACC’s network must have a domain name that ends in austincc.edu. Sharing a common domain strengthens our digital brand.
Vanity URLs
Long URLs can be cumbersome to type, while a “vanity” URL is short, sweet, and easier to remember. You can request a vanity URL for printed materials or other communications where space is limited.
Building Your Website
The Office of College Relations & Marketing (OCRM) helps content editors and site owners build effective websites that reflect the ACC brand.
ACC uses WordPress to create and maintain database-driven websites. WordPress is used for:
- Academic departments
- Instructional websites (subject to review)
- Special topic websites (subject to review)
- Faculty websites (Subject to review; Google Sites is recommended for faculty websites.)
WordPress cannot be used for top-level, public-facing administrative content or internal administrative office websites. Content on these pages is integrated into the main content management system.
Contact ACC’s Web Team for Help
Submit the applicable form to get started:
Request editor access to an existing website
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