Website Standards Compliance

Our websites use modern design and implementation practices to be accessible to the widest possible audience. Below are some of the things we consider when building a website:

Web Standards

Our websites are validated against the W3C standards HTML and CSS. This helps ensure consistent rendering across different devices, operating systems, and web browsers. We also test our websites using recent versions of Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome.

Accessibility

In order to ensure our websites are available to the widest possible audience, we adhere to MSU's Web Accessibility policy. This helps our sites to be accessible via screen readers and other accessibility devices, as well as improving overall usability and search engine optimization. The MSU Accessibility Policy currently requires WCAG 2.0 AA compliance.

Branding

Our websites follow the MSU Web Standards set by University Communications in order to maintain a consistent MSU brand. We also follow related guidance from the MSU Brand Studio.

Logos

MSU forbids the use of individual unit logos, and units are directed to use MSU Logos and Marks instead. This helps units to leverage MSU's world-class brand.

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

We comply with the PCI DSS standard for handling any credit card transactions. This includes the use of approved payment processors such as MSU Cashnet.

Sensitive Data

In order to comply with MSU's Institutional Data Policy, we will not store any data of a sensitive nature on our content management system.

Student Education Records

We comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) when posting student information on our websites. Students may receive notifications when a student directory is created, and will be provided with an opportunity to opt out.

Children's Online Privacy

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Usability and Best Practices

In order to provide the most usable websites possible, we also check each site against an internal list of usability guidelines and other best practices.

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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).