{"id":130573,"date":"2026-03-16T02:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=130573"},"modified":"2026-03-15T18:40:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T23:40:57","slug":"130573","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2026\/03\/16\/130573\/","title":{"rendered":"UNMC leaders update digital accessibility efforts"},"content":{"rendered":"
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During the March 12 chancellor\u2019s forum, UNMC leaders shared updates on federal accessibility requirements, faculty mentoring and several campus initiatives, while also answering questions from faculty and staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical center employees can see a recording of the forum here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies opened the forum by recognizing 2026 Varner Educator Laureate Award recipient<\/a>, Abbey Fingeret, MD, PhD, and acknowledging the loss of longtime UNMC supporter Michael Yanney, whose philanthropy helped support major initiatives including the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and the Lauritzen Outpatient Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A major topic during the forum was the upcoming federal deadline for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II rule governing digital accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jane Meza, PhD, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs, said the new requirement applies to digital materials shared by the institution and is intended to ensure that documents, websites and course materials are accessible to all users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a federal guideline that we\u2019re all required to participate in as a public institution,\u201d Dr. Meza said. \u201cBut it\u2019s also about making our work accessible so that people don\u2019t have to ask for it; it\u2019s already there for them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The compliance deadline for institutions such as UNMC is April 24.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Meza acknowledged concerns associated with remediating digital content. She encouraged campus units to reach out for assistance, noting that the university has created resources and support systems to help departments meet the requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Davies emphasized that accessibility compliance is a shared responsibility across the institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Meza also provided an update on UNMC\u2019s new faculty mentoring program<\/a>, designed to help faculty connect with mentors beyond their own departments or colleges and urged faculty to consider signing up to be a mentor<\/a> or mentee<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other areas, Dr. Davies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n