Authors - Chaitra Sai Chakravarthi Ganapaneni, Rishik Reddy Cheruku, Venkata Karthik Chamarthi, Venkata Sasidhar Kommu, Malathi P Abstract - Academic websites function as institutional interfaces connecting universi-ties with multiple stakeholder groups. Many institutions face challenges in developing web presences that address usability, accessibility, and stakeholder needs simultaneously. Existing frameworks address isolated dimensions without providing integrated guidance. This research proposes a conceptual design framework for academic websites that integrates Web Con-tent Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards with Nor-man's design principles. The framework consists of four core segments (In-terface Design, Content Accessibility, Technical Performance, User Experience) and four modular add-ons categories (Career and Job Opportunities, Student Projects Showcase, Alumni Community, Industry Collaboration). Framework validation employed dual evaluation methods to ensure both conceptual soundness and stakeholder relevance. Expert judgment assessment (n=5) achieved complete agreement on conceptual soundness. Quantitative user assessment (n=450) across six stakeholder groups showed that framework components achieved good performance levels (mean scores 3.58 to 3.70) and add-ons features received high priority classifications (mean scores 3.62 to 3.80). The framework contributes systematic integration of accessibility standards with design principles and provides guidance for institutions developing academic websites.
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