Using Social Media at Work

The University acknowledges that the use of social media and related platforms is a viable means of connectivity both inside and outside of the work place. This policy recognizes that employees may occasionally desire to use social media for personal activities at the office or by means of the University’s computers, networks, and other Information Services (I.S.) infrastructure, resources and communications systems.

This policy is not meant to cover the use of social media for official university purposes or as it specifically pertains to job related responsibility. In such instances, the use of social media should conform with appropriate, professional practices as outlined and managed by the Office of University Communications. 

Employees should manage their personal social media and related platform accounts on their own time and not during the normal hours of business operations at the university unless during designated break time or lunch hours.  Circulating or posting commercial, personal, religious or political solicitations, chain letters, spam or promotion of outside organizations unrelated to University business is also prohibited unless otherwise protected or required by law. Unless specifically authorized in writing by the President of the University, employees may not speak on behalf of, or claim to represent, the University in an official capacity on a blog, message board, or other social media website. Further, employees are prohibited from using social media to engage in unlawful harassment or discrimination or to violate any other University policies. This policy is not intended to preclude or dissuade discussions among employees about wages, terms and conditions of employment, or other legally protected or required activities.

Employee use of social media accessed through the University’s computers, networks, other I.S. infrastructure resources, and communications systems may be monitored at any time. Employees should not expect privacy with respect to any of their activities using University computers, networks, other I.S. resources and communications systems. The University reserves the right to review any files, messages, or communications stored on, created, received, or sent using the University’s computers, networks, other I.S. resources, and communications systems. The university further reserves the right to limit or to bar specific social media platforms on the campus network and on all campus supplied devices. Employees should not use the University’s information services resources and communications systems for any matter that they desire to be kept private or confidential from the University.

The I.S. infrastructure, computer systems, facilities and accounts are owned and operated by the University. The University reserves all rights, including termination of service without notice, to the computing resources which it owns and operates. This policy shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of the University, nor shall they conflict with applicable law.

Anyone who uses University resources illegally or improperly, as prescribed in the Acceptable Use of Technology policy or other applicable university policies, may be subject to disciplinary actions, revocation of access to the University network, and possible legal action. Failure to abide by these guidelines will result in revocation of privileges to use the computer systems. Students, faculty and staff may also be subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including dismissal from the institution.