Policy Number: 029282022
Effective Date: October 28, 2022
Last Reviewed Date: October 28, 2022
Owner: Marketing and Social Media Director

Summary:
This policy establishes guidelines for the use of social media platforms by individuals associated with South Geauga Theology University (SGTU) to ensure the accurate representation and protection of the institution.

Policy Statement:
SGTU recognizes the significance of social media in fostering communication among students, faculty, staff, volunteers, alumni, and others. However, it also acknowledges the potential impact of social media on professional and organizational reputations. This policy aims to maintain the integrity of SGTU’s online presence and mitigate liability arising from inappropriate or unauthorized content.

Policy Details:

Scope:

This policy applies to staff, students, faculty, and volunteers engaged in online conversations related to SGTU.

It provides rules and guidelines for the use of social media platforms by individual academic and administrative units of the University.

Definitions:

Online Ambassador: Individual responsible for coordinating and distributing content provided by the Communications Department and creating new content in collaboration with the Department.

Social Media: Platforms enabling social interaction and dialogue via web-based and mobile technologies.

Social Media Account: Profile on a blog, blog website, or social media platform.

Social Media Best Practices: Guidelines demonstrating effective execution of social media goals.

Social Media Platform: Online forum or tool used by social media users.

Terms of Use: Rules governing the use of websites and social media platforms.

SGTU Social Media Accounts:

SGTU maintains official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and YouTube, identifiable via the University’s website.
The University is not responsible for third-party content posted on its websites or social media accounts.

Endorsement of Outside Platforms:

SGTU does not officially endorse external social media platforms or groups and has not granted its name or logo for such purposes.
Content on unofficial sites reflects the views of owners/administrators and does not represent SGTU.

Role of Online Ambassadors:

Online ambassadors, appointed by the Communications Department, coordinate and distribute content provided by the Department.
They ensure content accuracy, confidentiality, consent, compliance with policies, and social media best practices.

Posting Requirements:

Users affiliated with SGTU must adhere to the Social Media Policy and the SGTU Student Code of Conduct.
Posts and comments must be respectful, relevant, non-harassing, legal, non-political, and aligned with SGTU’s mission and values.

Best Practices:

The Communications Department provides social media best practices to all online ambassadors, staff, students, faculty, and volunteers.
Practices include listening, understanding the audience, brevity, brand consistency, discretion, accuracy, respect, copyright compliance, and alerting authorities to concerning content.

Content Monitoring:

The Communications Department and online ambassadors monitor and respond to inaccuracies and inappropriate content related to SGTU.
Users must be mindful that all content is permanent and can be shared publicly.

Representation Clarification:

Users must not represent themselves as official University spokespersons unless authorized.
Any compensation offered by third parties for online participation must be approved by the University.

Media Interactions:

Faculty or staff contacted by the media regarding SGTU-related online content should consult the Communications Department for consistent messaging.

Contact:
For inquiries regarding SGTU’s social media policies, contact the Communications Department at support@southgeauga.com.

End of Policy