001-065 VWC Catalog '16 Front-bsh yes white.qxd

VWU 2018-19 Catalog

VWC 3c--flame25%k.eps

001-062 VWC Catalog '13 Front-bsh

VWU_NegWhiteVert

VWU-2024-2025.pdf

VWC Catalog IFC/Calendar 2011-12

001-063 VWC Catalog '15 Front-bsh web

VWU_CMYK_Horiz2C

2236a_10.qxd8_2236a_10

PDF documents must be tagged to ensure accessibility and compliance with digital standards.

## What this means

Tagging in a PDF involves adding hidden metadata that outlines the structure and content of the document. These tags function similarly to HTML tags, describing elements like headings, paragraphs, lists, and tables. They are crucial for screen readers and other assistive technologies to interpret the content correctly.

## Why it matters

1. **Accessibility**: Tagging makes PDFs accessible to individuals with disabilities, allowing assistive technologies to read and navigate the document effectively.
2. **Legal Compliance**: Various laws and regulations require digital content, including PDFs, to be accessible. Failure to comply can lead to legal complications.
3. **Usability**: Tagged PDFs are more user-friendly, providing better navigation and search capabilities for all users.

## How to fix

1. **Use Tag-enabled PDF Creators**: Create or convert documents using software that supports tagging, like Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Word.
2. **Manually Add Tags**: If your PDF isn't tagged, use a PDF editor's accessibility tools to add tags. This includes setting a logical reading order and adding alternative text for images.
3. **Consult Guidelines**: Follow best practices outlined in WCAG or similar guidelines for effective tagging.

## Testing Methodology

Silktide looks at the PDF and flags it if it doesn't contain tags.

## Further Reading

- [Adobe's Guide to PDF Accessibility](https://www.adobe.com/accessibility/pdf/pdf-accessibility-overview.html)

pdf-must-be-tagged

November 2025

October 2025

Virginia Wesleyan University

	Title / URL	Issues
	001-065 VWC Catalog '16 Front-bsh yes white.qxdwww.vwu.edu/academics/pdfs/VWC-2015-2016.pdf	1
	VWU 2018-19 Catalogwww.vwu.edu/academics/pdfs/VWU-2018-2019.pdf	1
	VWC 3c--flame25%k.epswww.vwu.edu/academics/pdfs/VWC-2016-2017.pdf	1
	001-062 VWC Catalog '13 Front-bshwww.vwu.edu/academics/pdfs/VWC-2012-2013.pdf	1
	VWU_NegWhiteVertwww.vwu.edu/academics/majors/pdfs/brochures/history.pdf	1
	VWU-2024-2025.pdfwww.vwu.edu/academics/pdfs/VWU-2024-2025.pdf	1
	VWC Catalog IFC/Calendar 2011-12www.vwu.edu/academics/pdfs/catalog_11-12_whole.pdf	1
	001-063 VWC Catalog '15 Front-bsh webwww.vwu.edu/academics/pdfs/VWC-2014-2015.pdf	1
	VWU_CMYK_Horiz2Cwww.vwu.edu/about/pdfs/map.pdf	1
	2236a_10.qxd8_2236a_10www.vwu.edu/academics/pdfs/catalog_10-11_whole.pdf	1

Tag all PDFs

Virginia Wesleyan University

Where this issue has occurred