Introduction

In line with King Abdulaziz University’s commitment to advancing digital transformation and enhancing beneficiary experience, the University is dedicated to providing easy, reliable, and equitable access to digital information and services across various digital channels and platforms, supporting transparency, inclusiveness, and the enhancement of digital service quality.

This policy aims to establish the principles and controls governing access to government digital information and services, ensuring that beneficiaries can efficiently and conveniently access digital content and services while considering digital accessibility requirements and accessibility for all beneficiary groups.

The policy also supports national directions, the requirements of the Digital Government Authority (DGA), and relevant standards and practices related to digital accessibility, ease of access, beneficiary experience, and digital services, including applicable digital accessibility guidelines and standards.

Policy Objectives

This policy aims to:

• Regulate access to the University’s digital information and services.
• Improve ease of access and usability of digital services and channels.
• Promote transparency and the availability of digital information to beneficiaries.
• Support inclusiveness and accessibility for all beneficiary groups.
• Enhance beneficiary experience across digital channels and platforms.
• Increase the efficiency of accessing digital services while reducing effort and time.
• Support integration and interoperability among digital services and channels.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

• All websites, digital platforms, and applications affiliated with the University.
• All digital services, information, and content published through digital channels.
• All internal and external beneficiaries.
• Entities responsible for owning, operating, and developing digital services and platforms.

Target Beneficiary Groups

The digital services and information provided through the University’s digital channels and platforms serve various beneficiary groups, including:

• Students.
• Faculty members.
• Employees.
• Researchers.
• Alumni.
• Visitors and partners.
• Beneficiaries of community services.

Core Principles of Digital Accessibility

The University’s approach to supporting digital accessibility is based on the following principles:

• Ease of Access and Usability: The University is committed to providing digital information and services that are easy to access and use across various digital channels and platforms.
• Inclusiveness and Accessibility: The University works to support accessibility for all beneficiary groups, including persons with disabilities and the elderly, in accordance with relevant digital accessibility standards and practices.
• Clarity and Understandability: The University strives to ensure that digital content and services are clear, easy to understand, and easy to interact with, in a manner that supports enhancing beneficiary experience.
• Integration and Continuity of Experience: The University promotes integration and interoperability among digital services, platforms, and channels to support ease of access and continuity of beneficiaries’ digital journeys.
• Continuous Improvement and Sustainability: The University is committed to continuously developing and improving digital accessibility to support the sustainability of digital services and their alignment with technological developments and beneficiary needs.

Access to Digital Information

The University is committed to:

• Providing digital information and services through approved official channels.
• Regularly updating digital content and information.
• Organizing digital content in a clear and accessible manner.
• Supporting search and navigation capabilities across websites and digital platforms.
• Providing clear information regarding services, procedures, and requirements.
• Improving the quality, clarity, and readability of digital content.

Access to Digital Services

The University is committed to:

• Providing digital services that are easily accessible across various devices and digital channels.
• Simplifying procedures and reducing the steps required to obtain services.
• Enhancing user experience and beneficiaries’ digital journeys.
• Supporting integration among digital services and platforms.
• Expanding digital and proactive services.
• Improving the continuity and reliability of digital services.

Accessibility

The University is committed to implementing approved accessibility requirements and standards to support easy access to digital information and services for all beneficiary groups.

• Considering relevant accessibility standards and practices.
• Supporting screen-reader technologies and accessibility tools.
• Supporting the use of services across different devices and browsers.
• Enhancing the clarity and design of user interfaces.
• Considering the needs of persons with disabilities and the elderly.
• Supporting multilingual access and ensuring content clarity.
• Continuously developing and improving digital channels and services.
• Conducting periodic reviews and improvements to support digital accessibility.

Controls for Access to Digital Information and Services

The University is committed to:

• Providing official and approved digital channels for accessing information and services.
• Protecting information and data in accordance with approved laws and policies.
• Ensuring the reliability and continuity of digital channels and services.
• Periodically reviewing and updating digital content and services.
• Improving ease of access and navigation across digital platforms.
• Monitoring feedback and observations related to accessibility and user experience.

Privacy and Data Protection

The University is committed to protecting the privacy and data of beneficiaries while using digital channels and services and handling data and information in accordance with approved laws, policies, and controls related to data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity.

Review and Approval

This policy shall be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with strategic directions and relevant regulatory requirements and to support the continuous improvement of access to digital information and services and beneficiary experience.