Building Accessible, Searchable and Consistent Citadel Webpages
The Citadel’s Web Standards establish clear guidelines for creating and maintaining webpages that are accessible, discoverable and consistent across the university’s website.
These standards apply to all faculty and staff who edit or manage web content and are designed to ensure that every page:
- Meets accessibility requirements
- Performs well in search results
- Works for all users, including those using assistive technology
- Reflects The Citadel’s brand and credibility
Following these standards helps protect the institution, improves the user experience and reduces the need for rework or corrections after content is published.
What These Standards Cover
- Accessibility (WCAG 2.2 Level AA): Ensures content is usable by people with disabilities, including screen reader users and those navigating by keyboard.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Helps prospective students, parents, alumni and staff find Citadel content through Google and other search engines.
- Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): Structures content so AI-powered tools (such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and search assistants) can accurately understand and summarize Citadel information.
- Content & Publishing Best Practices: Promotes clear writing, logical structure and consistent layouts across all Citadel webpages.
How These Standards Work Together
Accessibility, search visibility and accurate AI discovery are not separate efforts. They are achieved by structuring content correctly, using media intentionally and maintaining consistency across all Citadel webpages.
Page Content Standards
Define how page titles, headings, text, links and documents are structured so content is clear, accessible and easy for users and systems to understand.
Images and Media Standards
Ensure images, videos and graphics support content through proper file naming, alternative text, accessibility and brand consistency.
Yoast SEO Tool
Supports these standards by helping editors review page metadata and clarity before publishing, without replacing editorial judgment or accessibility requirements.
Who Must Follow These Standards
These standards apply to:
- All Citadel websites hosted under citadel.edu
- All WordPress subsites and pages
- Any faculty or staff member with web editing access
- Content created internally or by third-party vendors on behalf of The Citadel
If you have permission to edit a Citadel webpage, you are responsible for ensuring your content meets these standards before publishing.