Social Media Policy for Malone Students

Policy Statement

Social media is a growing form of communication that takes various forms including, but not limited to, social networking websites, blogs, microblogging websites, text messaging, video, and photo-sharing sites. Social media enables community members to share information, foster learning, collaboration, and research as well as promote thoughtful dialogue on appropriate matters. 

Social media content also has the potential to impact the reputation of the University or its members. It is the policy of the University that a social media site, such as those listed, is consistent with academic freedom and Malone University’s values. This policy applies to social media used on behalf of the University, content created or posted on University-sponsored sites, and content created or posted by members of the University community in a personal capacity, if that content incorrectly creates an appearance of an endorsement by the university or violates law or university policies. 

Therefore, all data and files, including social media content, on owned or operated University computer systems may be subject to appropriate action by the University under applicable local, state or federal law or Malone policies. The University is committed to promoting, regulating, and protecting the integrity of its identity and trademarked names. The University may pursue all available recourse to block, remove, or delete social media communication that incorrectly creates an appearance of endorsement by the university. 

In order to promote effective and innovative use of social media as part of the University’s activities, the following guidelines have been developed. It is the responsibility of students to read and act in accordance with the guidelines set out in this policy.

• If you are creating or posting social media content on behalf of the University or an official Malone student organization with a social networking site/group, this should be approved by Student Senate, Student Development, and University Relations.
• Notify University Relations: Departments that have a social media page or would like to start one should contact the Manager of University Marketing to ensure that all institutional social media sites align with other Malone sites and their content—and that the sites are updated. All institutional pages must have a full-time appointed employee who is identified as being responsible for content.
• Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and University policies: this includes, but is not limited to, those addressing harassment, bullying, student privacy, confidentiality, trademark, or information security. Sites should not be used to attack members of the Malone community. Cyberbullying, defined as an intentional act to hurt, abuse, threaten, annoy, blackmail or target another individual or group, is not permitted. Content must not be obscene or create a hostile learning environment. Posts on social media sites should protect Malone University’s institutional voice by remaining professional, courteous, and in good taste. No individual University department or individual should construe its social media site as representing the University on the whole.
• Protect confidential information: when posting, be mindful to not post confidential, restricted, sensitive or proprietary information. Take effective precautions to ensure your own personal safety and protect against identity theft. Also, this includes, but is not limited to, information about Malone University students, employees, or alumni. Students should adhere to all applicable University privacy and confidentiality policies. Students who share confidential information do so at the risk of disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Please also observe if posting as an individual.
• Respect copyright and fair use: When posting, be mindful of the copyright and intellectual property rights of others and of Malone University. For guidance, consult the Guidelines for Copyright Compliance.
• Respect University time and property: University computers owned or provided by Malone are reserved for Malone-related business as approved by supervisors and in accordance with the University Computer Usage Policy. 

Violations

Suspected violations of this policy should be reported to University Relations, who will notify the Office of Student Development in order to coordinate or investigate the possible violation. Retaliation against a member of the University community for making a report of potential University-related legal or policy violation is prohibited. 

If you feel you have been a target of cyberbullying, our counseling department is available to assist you.