Empowering Insights: President Armacost’s May 27 Video Message for the University Community

President Andrew Armacost recently sat down with Beth Valentine and Brian Urlacher to discuss a new initiative aimed at improving digital accessibility at the University of North Dakota (UND). In his message, he emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all students and staff.

This spring, Armacost officially charged a committee to ensure compliance with updated accessibility rules under the Americans with Disabilities Act. These rules, set to take effect in April 2026, will require all digital content—like websites, blogs, and course materials—to meet specific accessibility standards.

Valentine, who is the equity compliance and education manager, highlighted how these changes will encourage UND to be more proactive in making digital spaces accessible. This effort aims to support every student and employee in thriving within the university community.

Urlacher, a professor in Political Science & Public Administration, shared his experience in adapting content for various devices. He noted that while meeting these regulations will take effort, it’s crucial for supporting students effectively.

Armacost believes that these collective efforts will foster a stronger sense of belonging on campus. Addressing concerns about certain document types, Valentine clarified that PDFs are still permitted but must be formatted for accessibility. This approach ensures that all content remains usable for everyone.

To aid in this transition, the Teaching Transformation & Development Academy offers training sessions, both live and on-demand. Valentine mentioned that UND is collaborating with Deque University to provide an accessible, self-paced training platform for employees.

For additional resources, the Division of Marketing & Communications has templates available for Word and PowerPoint. More information can also be found on the Equal Opportunity & Title IX office’s digital accessibility page.

This initiative is part of a broader trend. Recent data indicates that as of 2022, nearly 98% of websites do not meet accessibility standards. With this new focus, UND is positioning itself to be a leader in ensuring that all digital content is accessible to everyone.

In a world where digital engagement is vital, making these changes can significantly impact the university community, enhancing learning experiences and promoting inclusivity. As we look to the future, these actions are essential not only for compliance but for building a stronger, more connected campus.

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