George Mason University’s Web Content Standards and Guidelines establish clear expectations for creating accessible, consistent, and brand-aligned digital web content. Adhering to these standards helps protect the university’s reputation, improve the user experience, and meet federal accessibility requirements.
Web content includes all text, images, documents, videos, and other materials published on a George Mason University website.
Content on a George Mason University website must be accurate, accessible, and appropriate for a university audience. To maintain the integrity, security, and legal compliance of George Mason’s digital presence, all published web content must adhere to relevant university policies and applicable laws.
Content that violates University Computing Policy 1301, Rule 4 is prohibited on any George Mason University website. This list includes, but is not limited to content that (is):
- Violates any university policy or federal, state, or local law.
- Copyrighted or licensed without necessary permissions and attributions.
- Sexually explicit.
- Engages in commercial activities not sanctioned by George Mason University.
- May interfere with network resources.
- Course Information.
Related Regulations and Policies
Commonwealth of Virginia Regulations
Commonwealth of Virginia DHRM Policy 1.60: Standards of Conduct
Commonwealth of Virginia DHRM Policy 1.75: Use of Internet and Electronic Communication SystemsCode of Virginia § 2.2-2827: Restrictions on state employee access to information infrastructure
Code of Virginia § 2.2-5514.1: Prohibited applications and websitesUniversity Policies
1301 - Responsible Use of Computing
1104 – Use and Reproduction of Copyrighted Materials
1114 – Data StewardshipInformation Technology Services Security Standards
George Mason Information Technology Security Standards - Version 2.0.6