UDTS: Information Session on Accessibility Regarding UDTS Guidelines and Templates

In an effort to ensure all websites, digital platforms, documents, audio/video content, and third-party applications adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) by April 26, 2027, the Assistive Technology Initiative (ATI) at George Mason University has developed the Digital Content Accessibility Action Plan (DCAAP). 

Because our Theses and Dissertations have been electronic documents since 2013, we at UDTS have been working with our colleagues in ATI to remediate our Word and LaTeX templates so that they are in compliance with WCAG. 

In this informational session, which will be offered throughout the Fall 2026 Semester, we will explain upcoming changes to UDTS guidelines and templates, and we will answer questions and address concerns from our students and faculty. 

Please note: This session will not teach you to use the new Accessible templates; this session is for informational purposes only. We have attached the new Word templates here, and you are welcome to view and download them. We will be happy to answer questions about them during this informational session. However, again: this session is informational ONLY. It is NOT INSTRUCTIONAL. 

We will begin offering instructional sessions for the new Accessible templates in late September 2026. Furthermore, you can set up one-on-one appointments with us anytime to receive help with the new Accessible templates:

• Online appointments with UDTS Coordinator Sally R. Evans: https://gmu.libcal.com/appointments?u=6908 
• Online or in-person appointments with UDTS Staff Member Hannah M. Thompson: https://gmu.libcal.com/appointments/UDTS_Hannah

We hope you will be able to join us for this information session, and we appreciate your understanding and patience as we make this shift to more accessible and inclusive materials and resources.

Please note that this workshop is NOT eligible for TRIP credit.