Statement from Leadership
At Auburn, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. That belief is rooted in our commitment to creating a campus where every member of our community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families—can thrive. As we look to the future, we are reaffirming a vital part of that commitment: ensuring that our digital spaces are accessible to all.
Digital accessibility means designing websites, applications, and online tools that are usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. However, this effort is about more than compliance—it’s about education, integrity and excellence. Whether it’s a student navigating course materials with a screen reader, or a parent accessing campus resources from afar, accessible digital content ensures that everyone has the same access to information.
In alignment with the Department of Justice’s Final Rule on Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, all large, public universities must meet international digital accessibility standards by April 24, 2026. Auburn is fully committed to meeting these standards. We are actively working to ensure that our digital content complies with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and reflects our values stated in our Code of Conduct and Ethics that include integrity, respect, and excellence.
This work is a shared responsibility. A dedicated working group—comprising representatives from the Office of Audit, Compliance, and Privacy, the Office of Information Technology, the Office of the General Counsel, The Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance, the Office of the Provost, and the Office of Communications and Marketing—are leading this effort. But we all have a role to play.
As members of the Auburn Family, we are guided by the Auburn Creed, which calls us to believe in “the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.” Digital accessibility is one of the most powerful ways we can live out that belief in today’s world.
This initiative also supports our 2035 Strategic Plan: Grounded & Groundbreaking—from delivering an exceptional student experience, to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, to ensuring that Auburn remains a distinctive leader in higher education. Please use this website as a resource for information and updates as we continue to implement new approaches to digital accessibility.
War Eagle,
Christopher B. Roberts, Auburn University President
Vini Nathan, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Kelli Shomaker, Senior Vice President for Business and Administration and CFO
Steve Taylor, Senior Vice President for Research & Economic Development
Rob Wellbaum, Senior Vice President for Advancement
Bobby Woodard, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
Kevin Robinson, Vice President, Institutional Compliance & Security
James O'Connor, Chief Information Officer
