Memorandum

In 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) published a rule updating Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and clarifying that digital materials must be accessible. The ruling mandates that public universities, Texas Tech University included, make its digital materials accessible.

Texas Tech will convene an Accessibility Committee, led by Vice Provost for Texas Tech Online, Brian Still. This committee is charged with directing strategies, enforcing policy reviews, and mandating improvements to strengthen accessibility across all areas of our campus—including facilities, technology, programs, and services.

Responsibilities will include:

• Identifying opportunities to elevate accessibility in alignment with federal and state mandates—particularly the new DOJ rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—and current best practices.
• Reviewing and providing input on proposed policies, procedures and initiatives to ensure they are fully accessible.
• Promoting awareness, training and resources to foster accessibility for all members of the Texas Tech community.
• Serving as liaisons between the committee and their respective departments or units to drive inclusive practices campus‑wide.

This regulation significantly expands the university’s legal obligations and underscores the urgent need to ensure all digital and physical content is accessible. We face an April 2026 deadline and must work diligently to ensure that our facilities, technology, programs and communications are fully accessible for all students, faculty and staff.

The committee will meet regularly during the academic year and will convene subcommittees as needed. The goal is to move proactively to meet the DOJ deadline and ensure Texas Tech University remains an example of accessibility in higher education.

To stay informed about the committee and our accessibility initiatives, please visit the Office of the Provost’s Strategic Initiatives page.

CC: Lawrence Schovanec, President