Document Decision Tree

Deciding What to Do

Not sure what to do with some of your Documents? Follow this step-by-step decision-making guide to help you determine the best course of action.

Step 1 — Is This Document Owned by You/海角论坛?

  • No, it’s owned by a third party → Link to the original source. It should not be hosted on 海角论坛’s site.
  • Yes → Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2 — Is the Document public-facing and part of your active website content?

  • No (internal/behind login/non-public) → Treat under internal ADA/web accessibility requirements but not necessarily subject to public compliance deadlines. (Note: some internal content may still need accessible alternatives if requested.)
  • Yes → Proceed to Step 3.

Step 3 — Is the Document still needed for users to access services, programs, or critical information?

  • No → Delete the document and mark the status as “Retired” on your Document Tracking Spreadsheet. If it’s obsolete and not needed for users, removal eliminates accessibility risk and future remediation burden.
  • Yes/uncertain/hard to decide → Proceed to Step 4.

Step 4 — Is There a Non-Document Alternative (Such As a Web Page or Web Form) That Can Serve the Same Purpose?

  • Yes (an alternative exists or can be created) → Link to an existing alternative or convert the document to an alternative form, such as a web page or form. When done, remove the document from the website and update the status on your Document Tracking Spreadsheet.
    • 海角论坛 Information Services recommends Qualtrics or Microsoft Forms for most applications. 
  • No → Proceed to Step 5.

Step 5 — Eligible for an Archival Exception?

Archival exception (some ADA/web rules) applies if the document:

  1. Was created before the compliance date, April 24, 2026
  2. Is only for reference, research, or recordkeeping (magazines, minutes, other dated publications) 
  3. Is kept in a clearly labeled Archive section and hasn’t been changed
  4. Is not used to apply for or access current services or programs
  • Yes (meets archival criteria) → Archive the document 
    • Non-public facing documents get archived in the University Archives
    • Public-facing document get archived at TBD location.
    • Note: If someone requests an accessible version of an archived, public-facing document, you will need to provide one, which means it can still be a good idea to make documents bound for the archive accessible. 
  • No → Proceed to Step 6.

Step 6 — Must the Content Remain Publicly Accessible and Functional for Users?

  • Yes → Remediate the document to meet accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA / PDF/UA / Section 508) by the applicable deadline (April 24, 2026 for large public entities).
    • Use tools (Adobe Acrobat accessibility checker, PAC 2026, automated workflows, or manual remediation) to fix:
      • Tagged structure and reading order
      • Alt text for images
      • Proper headings
      • Accessible link text
      • Language definitions
      …and other WCAG criteria.
    • Be sure to update the status on your Document Tracking Spreadsheet after your document has been remediated.
    • Not sure how to remediate your Document?
      • Visit our Making Document Accessible page for additional information and tips.
      • Attend one of our Digital Accessibility Workshops.
      • Attend a Digital Accessibility Webinar hosted by MU’s accessibility specialist.
  • No (e.g., low-priority / limited audience but still public) → Either archive or remediate, but plan to make accessible if requested (because even exempt content might require accessible alternatives).

PDF Remediation

Learn how to remediate your PDFs or hire one of the UM System-approved PDF remediation service providers.