Springshare Standards: Universal Standards

Written content should align with the following standards.

• headings are used to denote sections

• numbered lists are used for numbered sequences

• rich text bullets used for a list with two or more items

• no underlined text except for links

• color may not be the only way to emphasize text

• text has sufficient color contrast to background

• default font and link settings are not changed

• content is readable at 200% magnification

• external materials are cited appropriately

• meets Spelling, Grammar, and Usage standards

See also: Link Standards, Table Standards

Images and screenshots:

• are crisp and cropped appropriately

• have a border (screenshots only)

• are re-sized to the appropriate size before uploaded

• are highlighted neatly

• are indented when part of a numbered list

• are followed by a line break when part of a numbered list

• in close proximity are the same width

• thumbnails that link to larger images include a text-based link

• have alt-text as appropriate

• that include a link have alt-text that describes the linked resource

• that are charts or graphs have text alternatives

• with text have a contrast ratio of at least 4:5:1

• with text can be read at 200% magnification

• use logos and copyrighted images appropriately

Additional Resources

• i-Stock Photo

• Screenshot Best Practices

• Image help from Springshare

Links:

• do not have exposed URLs

• purpose can be determined from the link text alone

• with the same text don't go to different locations

• with the same URL have the same link text across a website

• to documents or files identify the file type in the link text

• do not have mouseover text

• open in the same window except for multi-step directions or moving from a secure to a non-secure site

• that open in the same window indicate that in the link text

• to an external site indicate that in the link text

Data Tables:

• have designated header row/column

• have a specified read order

•  have a caption

• avoid complexity​

Additional Resources

• Layout tables

• Table best practices

• Tables in MS Word

• Creating Accessible Tables at WebAim

Videos:

• have captions & transcripts

• are embedded or linked correctly

  • embedded video

  • text link to video

  • linked video thumbnails

• use the appropriate embed code, if using YouTube

  • individual Videos

  • playlists

Additional Resources

• Create captions

• Create transcripts

• WCAG standard

• Creating videos best practices

It is important to properly cite any outside resources (non-Walden/non-Laureate) used in online content.  Be sure to give credit to any sources of information that do not originate with Laureate or Walden. 

• Screenshots do not need a citation.  

• All citations must be in APA format.  

Examples of things that may need a citation:

• Links to books, articles, dissertations, etc.

• Links to non-Walden websites (for tech support, for example).

• Links to non-Walden videos (for tech support, for example.)

Before you re-use Walden proprietary information on a public site, you must obtain permission from the content owner.

Finding the line between what is and is not Walden proprietary information can be challenging.  Here are some general guidelines:

If the information—including images, screenshots, and media—is posted on any public Walden website, it can be used.  Some examples of public Walden websites are:

• waldenu.edu

• writingcenter.waldenu.edu

• library.waldenu.edu

Content from the myWalden portal and classroom is less clear.  Always check with the content owner before putting classroom or myWalden content in publicly accessible content.

Content Management can help you find the content owner.