A-057 LMS and Course Content Accessibility Concerns Notification Process
Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) ensures compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Title II). SMSU strives to meet the currently released version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), as its accessibility standard for web-based systems, including learning management systems (LMS) and online course content.
To support compliance with WCAG, this process allows people with disabilities to alert the University to LMS- or other online course content-related accessibility concerns. SMSU has established the following protocols for prompt responses and remediation that consider the pace of the online course(s) for which the barriers have been reported. Students are encouraged to enroll with the University’s Accessibility Services Office.
Posting
A notice is prominently posted on the LMS landing page describing how people with disabilities can inform the University of any technology-based barriers they have encountered and request access to LMS or course content posted on the LMS.
Process for Students Needing Access
Students with a disability enroll with the Accessibility Services Office and identify their disability.
When enrolled students are unable to access LMS or course content provided in an online format, they can report the concern to the faculty member or class instructor.
Faculty should respond within two (2) instructional days with either a solution or a description of their problem-solving process. If it is appropriate, the faculty should offer an extension or a resubmission of coursework affected by the accommodation. If the student does not receive communication from the faculty within two (2) instructional days, the student should contact the Accessibility Services Office directly.
Within one (1) instructional day, the Accessibility Services Office will contact the faculty member to seek to address the student’s concerns.
Should the issue remain unaddressed within three (3) instructional days after the student’s approach to Accessibility Services, the Accessibility Services Office will contact the supervising Academic Dean on the matter.
In such instances, the Academic Dean will work with all parties, including the Accessibility Services Office, to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of all parties.
Policy History
Date of Adoption: January 22, 2026
Date of Last Review:
Date and Subject of Amendments
1/22/2026 – Creation of policy