University Marketing & Communications
Info For:
Policies

Social Media

POLICY NUMBER: UMAC-3
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 25, 2013
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER: Senior Vice President, University Marketing & Communications

I. Purpose and Application

This Policy establishes the position for the University and its subsidiaries on the use of social media for the official business purposes of Drexel University, including the promotion of the University, colleges and schools, departments and offices, programming, faculty and staff of the University.

For the purpose of this policy, "social media" refers to, but is not limited to blogs (web-based journals) and microblogs (e.g. Tumblr), collaborative websites (e.g., Wikipedia, etc.), message boards, social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter), podcasts (multimedia distributed over the internet), video sharing (e.g., YouTube), and photo sharing (e.g. Instagram).

II. Scope

This policy applies to the University community, including—but not limited to—administrators, faculty (including non-compensated faculty), and staff.  The University respects your right to interact knowledgeably and socially, however interaction with social media can greatly impact you, our colleagues and our students. Therefore, the entire University community has a responsibility to maintain the integrity of the institution no matter where, when or how they interact with social media.The Office of University Communications is responsible for the enforcement of this policy and can be a resource to the University community for launching social media initiatives. Employees and departments within the College of Medicine seeking to engage in social media should contact the College of Medicine Marketing & Communications Department. Section A of this policy addresses social media policies specific to Health Sciences and Patient Care.

The University has the right to amend this policy at any time. Failure to comply with this policy will be considered actionable behavior by senior management and could result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or termination, and in some cases civil and/or criminal liability.

III. Implementation

Implementation of this policy is the responsibility of the Senior Vice President for University Marketing & Communications.  For inquiries regarding this Policy, please contact the Vice President of Marketing Communications at ne27@drexel.edu

IV. Statement of Policy and Procedure

Drexel University Official Facebook and Twitter Accounts

The University’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts will be maintained by the Office of University Marketing & Communications, which uses social media to supplement traditional media relations and marketing efforts.

Setting Up Social Media Accounts

  1. Before setting up any social media accounts to use for the official business purposes of the University, you must seek approval and guidance from University Marketing & Communications. Please fill out the Social Media Questionnaire.
  2. Usage of Drexel’s logo and name must be properly adhered to by following the University Identity Guidelines.
  3. It is the responsibility of the administrator of a social media account to actively monitor the social media site; content must be current and accurate.
  4. Posting on behalf of the University, in addition to its colleges and schools, departments and programs, is not a right; it can be rescinded at any time.
  5. Be responsible for your posts and remember, what you post is a reflection upon the University and you.

Protect Proprietary Information

Do not violate intellectual property rights of the University or any third parties, or disclose confidential or private information of the University or third parties.

Compliance with all University Policies

Communications on social media sites for University purposes must comply with all applicable University policies.

Media Interaction

Social media may generate interest from the press (print, television, radio, online). If you are contacted in any way by a member of the media about a University-related posting, you are required to immediately contact University Marketing & Communications before responding.

Posting on Personal Sites

Employees are encouraged to share University news and events that are a matter of public record, with their family and friends. We strongly advise linking straight to the information source as the most effective way to pass along news on personal sites and to avoid potential issues with copyright infringement.

  • Do not use the University logo on your personal site;
  • Do not use the University logo or name to promote or endorse any product, cause or political party or candidate; and
  • Make it clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of the University. A disclaimer, such as, "The views expressed on this [blog; website] are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer," may be appropriate.