Dear Colleagues,
As we continue to strengthen our commitment to inclusive education, I want to remind faculty that we are now six months away from the federal compliance deadline for the ADA Title II digital accessibility requirements, set for April 24, 2026.
In April 2024, the Department of Justice issued a new rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, mandating that all web and digital content — including course materials, mobile apps, and third-party tools — must conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level A and AA. These standards ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of public life, including higher education.
This regulation applies to:
- University websites and online learning platforms (e.g., Pilot)
- Course content such as PDFs, videos, images, graphs, and websites
- Assignments, exams, projects, and interactions
- External tools and resources linked or embedded in courses
To support faculty in meeting these requirements, we are offering resources for course reviews and online accessibility. These include guidance on accessible course design, tools for evaluating digital content, and consultations to help ensure your materials meet compliance standards.
We encourage all instructors to continue reviewing their course materials now and take advantage of the support available. Together, we will ensure that our digital learning environments are accessible to all students.
Raiders First Celebration Week
Wright State will host its inaugural Raiders First Celebration Week, honoring our first-year and first-generation students from November 3 to 7. With more than 1,900 first-year students and over 30% of our students identifying as first-generation, this week celebrates the resilience and pioneering spirit of our Wright State community.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to share these events with students and participate when possible:
Monday, November 3
- Pumpkin Decorating with the Raj Soin College of Business: noon–2 p.m., Rike Hall Lobby
- Raiders First Party Deck at Men’s Basketball: 7 p.m., Nutter Center
Tuesday, November 4
- Periodic Bingo with the College of Science and Mathematics: noon–2 p.m., 152 Mathematical and Microbiological Sciences
- FAFSA and Scholarship Workshop: 4–6 p.m., 014 Student Success Center. Students are encouraged to register to ensure that adequate staffing is available.
Wednesday, November 5
- Lakers First Social Mixer: 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Laker Lounge, Lake Campus
- College of Liberal Arts Café: noon–2 p.m., Allyn Hall Lounge
- Take Flight Abroad: 3–5 p.m., 101 Student Success Center
Thursday, November 6
- Frame Your Future with the College of Health, Education, and Human Services: 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Millett Hall Atrium
- Campus-Wide Celebration: 1–3 p.m., Dixon Hearth Lounge (near the Student Union Market)
Friday, November 7
- Legos with the College of Engineering and Computer Science: noon–2 p.m., Russ Engineering Center Lobby
Let’s celebrate our students as they take bold steps toward building futures that uplift their families and communities.
Exploring Microcredentials in Higher Education with Coursera
Faculty are invited to join an interactive virtual session hosted by Coursera on November 19 at 2 p.m., featuring faculty from the University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Texas at El Paso. The session will highlight their Microcredentials Summer Institute, designed to help faculty intentionally integrate industry-recognized microcredentials into course and curriculum design.
Presenters will share their experiences launching these initiatives, discuss key lessons learned, and offer practical strategies for engaging faculty and sustaining momentum. This free event will also provide an opportunity for discussion and networking with peers from across higher education. Faculty and staff are encouraged to register and explore how similar approaches could be adapted to their own programs.
Register for our Fall Commencement Ceremonies
Commencement is an event that marks a significant moment in the lives of our students and their families. The granting of a degree and the admission to the “rights and privileges” associated with a given degree are extraordinarily important events for those receiving degrees.
The presence of faculty is especially important to graduates and their families. All faculty should prioritize their attendance, and bargaining unit faculty are reminded of their responsibility under Article 7.4.8.
All faculty are encouraged to attend one or both fall commencement ceremonies in the Wright State Nutter Center. Registration is required and is open now through November 25. Register online.
Graduate Ceremony: Friday, December 12, 7 p.m.
Undergraduate Ceremony: Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m.
Information about renting regalia from the Wright State Bookstore was emailed earlier this month, with a deadline of November 15. You can also find this information on the commencement website. If you have questions about regalia rental, please contact merchteam@ecampus.com.
When a Student Needs Support
Wright.edu/help is a great resource for helping students or making referrals. This site contains contact information for emergency or essential departments that can assist your students all in one location.
The Student Success Navigator showcases the wide range of resources available to support our students. Whether students are interested in joining a student organization, looking for access to mental health services, playing a sport, or finding a job, all information is available in one central location.
