IMPORTANT: The information on this page is relevant to only existing SiteMasonry CMS pages using Bb Orgs to store downloadable content. Those seeking new web hosting services should visit: https://its.gmu.edu/service/web-hosting/.
About WebDocs
Web-downloadable documents currently stored in Blackboard Organization spaces will be migrated to WebDocs, the new web document management solution for George Mason websites. WebDocs, will store and manage web-downloadable documents that meet both WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards and content purpose criteria. WebDocs features include:
- Continued Editing Access – Content editors will be able to update migrated files in the future, and new versions will retain the same URL.
- Adding New Files – Editors can upload new documents to WebDocs.
- Automatic URL Redirection – Existing Blackboard document links on SiteMasonry CMS pages will automatically resolve to the new WebDocs location—no manual updates required.
Prepare to Move to WebDocs
For each document in your Blackboard Org space, take one of the following actions based on its content and purpose:
- Delete: Remove outdated, redundant, or irrelevant documents.
- Relocate: Use the Solutions Matrix for Bb Orgs Transition to determine where a document should be moved, based on its purpose and content.
- Convert to Web Content: If the information is evergreen or frequently referenced, incorporate the content into webpage instead of keeping it in a downloadable file.
- Confirm Accessibility Compliance: The Assistive Technology Initiative office can confirm that documents for public download meet WCAG 2.1 digital accessibility criteria. Documents left in Blackboard Org spaces for migration must meet digital accessibility standards.
Transition Timeline
- Now–April 2025: Review files stored in BB Org spaces.
- Delete outdated or unused documents.
- Move documents that are not printable forms, policies, or reports.
- Confirm the web downloadable documents (printable forms, policies, or reports) meet WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards.
- May–June 2025: Migration process begins. If you have finished your cleanup early, let us know!
- July 2025: Blackboard file storage is decommissioned.
WebDocs FAQs
What is WebDocs?
WebDocs is a repository for storing and managing downloadable documents on public-facing websites. WebDocs is for documents that meet WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards and serve a specific content purpose— printable forms, official reports, and policies that must retain original formatting.
Why does WebDocs only store documents that meet both purpose and accessibility criteria?
Web usability best practices discourage the use of downloadable documents whenever possible. Content locked within a document is harder to access, navigate, and find compared to webpage content—especially for people using assistive technologies.
Storing only documents that meet both purpose and accessibility criteria:
- Supports digital accessibility by requiring WCAG 2.1–compliant files that are usable by all site visitors
- Aligns with legal standards and institutional accessibility commitments
- Improves performance and readability across all devices
- Increases visibility in search engine results
- Maintains a smoother, more consistent experience for site visitors
- Provides more accurate data through web analytics
- Simplifies long-term content upkeep and review
How do I know if a document belongs in WebDocs?
Documents should be stored in WebDocs only if they meet both of the following criteria:
- Purpose: The file is a printable form, report, or policy statement that must retain its formatting
- Accessibility: The file meets WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards
If a document doesn’t meet both criteria, it should either be removed, moved to a more appropriate location, or converted into webpage content.
How do I know if a document meets WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards?
All web-downloadable documents must be accessible to site visitors with disabilities, including those who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies.
Panorama, an accessibility scan and remediation tool, is available to faculty and staff with a Canvas account. Documents that scan “green” in Panorama meet WCAG 2.1 standards.
George Mason’s Assistive Technology Initiative (ATI) office is available to assist faculty and staff needing additional Panorama support or have questions about document accessibility.
What types of content should not be stored in WebDocs?
Content that should not be stored in WebDocs includes:
- Instructional or course-related materials
- Internal reference documents
- Event flyers or marketing materials
- Any document that does not meet WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards
These types of content should be shared through other approved platforms or the content added directly to a webpage. Please see the Solutions Matrix for guidance.
Will links to documents break after the migration to WebDocs?
No. Existing links to Blackboard Org documents on webpages will automatically redirect to their new location in WebDocs. There is no need to manually update links—redirects will preserve access without interruption.
Can a document be updated after it’s moved to WebDocs?
Yes. Content editors will be able to upload a new version of an existing document. The file will retain the same URL, so links on webpages will continue to work without needing updates.
How can webpages with links to Blackboard Org documents be identified?
The university provides Dubbot, a web quality assurance tool, to help web managers identify webpages that contain links to downloadable files stored in Blackboard Org spaces.