college policies

Social Media Policy

Administrative

Social Media Policy

I. Policy Statement

The use of social media websites is increasingly common for Macomb Community College (“College”) departments, students and employees, and these communications tools have the potential to create a significant impact on organizational, professional and personal reputations. In response to those concerns, the College has developed this Policy and Social Media Unit Guidelines and Directives (“Guidelines”) to assure that all College entities, including student organizations and groups, properly portray, promote and protect the institution, and to assist College entities in creating and managing their social media accounts. The Policy and Guidelines will assure that:

  • Officially recognized College social media accounts and web pages are reviewed and approved in advance through an application process.
  • Each social media account will have responsible administrators assigned.
  • Each officially approved account includes a disclaimer statement, in the prescribed form, regarding content and opinions contained on the site.
  • Prohibited content is removed by College employees identified as account administrators or at the direction of College Advancement and Community Relations.
II. Application of Policy

This Policy and Guidelines will apply to social media accounts created by College employees for the official business purposes of the College, including College employees, groups, departments, programs, entities, student organizations, and to the users of such accounts. Media covered by this policy include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, and YouTube.

Student organizations that wish to create social media accounts that will be officially recognized by the
College must be registered through the Marketing & Communications Department.

III. Exemptions

This policy will apply only to social media accounts created by the College, including College groups, departments, programs, entities, etc. and will not apply to private social media accounts.

IV. Content Regulations

  1. College employees must adhere to same standards of conduct online as they would in the workplace. Laws and policies respecting contracting and conflicts of interest, as well as applicable policies and guidelines for interacting with students, parents, alumni, donors, media and other College constituents apply online and in the social media context just as they do in personal interactions. Employees are fully responsible for what they post to social media sites.
  2. A user shall not represent or lead another to believe that the user’s personal opinions are endorsed by the College or any of its organizations, and the use of the College’s name or marks in connection with the expression of personal opinions is prohibited.
  3. Content on college sites that: (a) violates copyright law; (b) is defamatory, obscene, or threatening; (c) constitutes stalking or unlawful harassment; (d) violates federal, state or local law, or (e) violates College policy, including the  Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources Policy or the Equal Opportunity/Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, Title IX, Disability Accommodation, Anti-Fraud and Non-Retaliation/Whistleblower Policy, is expressly prohibited.
  4. When using or posting online material that includes direct or paraphrased quotes, thoughts, ideas, photos, or videos, always include citations. Provide a link to the original material if applicable.
  5. Content shall not disclose confidential information concerning current or former College employees or students
  6. Content shall not include proprietary information of the College.
  7. Content on college sites shall not support or advocate for or against any political issue, cause, party or candidate.
  8. Content on college sites shall not market, advertise, promote, endorse or sell any personal business, product, service or benefit.
  9. Any substantive error shall be transparently corrected as soon as possible after the error has been recognized.
  10. Administrators may contact the College’s Marketing & Communications Department or the Office of General Counsel at any time for consultation.

V. Violations of Policy

The College shall have the right to review content posted to any site maintained in the name of the College, and may remove or cause the removal of any content that violates the Policy or Guidelines, or federal, state or local laws.

The College may block posts of users that violate this Policy or Guidelines, or restrict or deny a violator’s access to College sites. College students or employees who violate this Policy or Guidelines may also be subject to additional College discipline.

Approved by Presidents Council
2/20/13
Revised 12/8/14