Social Media Policy

Social network communities (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) are used by faculty, staff, and students to communicate with the campus community to post events and to communicate with each other.

These online communities have helped students and other universities connect in many positive ways. At the same time, there are some cautionary lessons that have emerged from participating in online communities. Please take the time to read and understand this policy.

The University Social Media Policy only applies to social media accounts created to represent SAU groups, departments, programs, etc. and does not apply to private individual accounts.

As part of SAU's commitment to building community and supporting the educational mission of the institute we are also expected to act with honesty, integrity and respect for the rights, privileges, privacy, and property of others.

SAU Social Networking Policy

Social media has introduced a new means of communication, collaboration and engagement. St. Ambrose University supports the open exchange of ideas-among students, faculty, staff, alumni, community, and the broader world. As technology is influencing the speed, means, and audience for this exchange of ideas, it is incumbent upon all St. Ambrose employees to use social media responsibly.

The purpose of this policy is not to restrict the flow of useful and appropriate information, but to protect the legitimate business rights of St. Ambrose University. St. Ambrose University recognizes that its employees will likely utilize social media in their personal time when they are off work. "Social media," as used within this policy, is a term used to describe online tools employees may use to communicate, including, but not limited to:

· Blogs;
· Social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.);
· Message boards;
· Wikis (collaborative web sites such as Wikipedia);
· Video sharing (such as YouTube);
· Tweets; and
· Podcasts (multimedia files distributed over the internet).

Nothing in this policy should be construed to prevent the lawful free flow of information between employees. In addition, nothing in this policy shall be interpreted or applied as limiting an employee's right to engage in concerted activity as provided by the National Labor Relations Act. St. Ambrose University recognizes the right of its employees to use social media during the time they are off work in a manner that does not conflict with this policy. This policy is narrowly tailored to protect the interests of St. Ambrose University.

Pursuant to this policy, the following activities are prohibited:

· Using social media in a manner that constitutes a violation of St. Ambrose University's policies prohibiting harassment and/or discrimination.
· Using social media in a manner that constitutes a violation of federal, state, or local laws including, but not limited to, those governing privacy, copyright and trademark.
· Social media postings or exchanges that include threats of violence or unlawful conduct.
· Engaging in social media activity on St. Ambrose University work time, unless it is specifically related to your job duties and authorized by your supervisor.

While some departments at St. Ambrose University use social media as a professional and educational tool, St. Ambrose University reserves the right to limit or disallow the use of social media in instances when it is not relevant to an employee's work.

· Using St. Ambrose's name or trademark for personal or non-official use.
· Using or disclosing St. Ambrose's proprietary, confidential, copyright material, student or trade secret information through social media.
· Drafting, creating or accessing any blog on any St. Ambrose University computer at any time, unless work related and authorized by your supervisor.
· Representing that you are speaking or acting on behalf of St. Ambrose University, or that you are representing or presenting St. Ambrose University's view, unless specifically authorized in advance and in writing by an appropriate St. Ambrose University Cabinet level officer.

In addition, the following apply to use of social media:

· When employees are using social media for personal reasons, you may identify your affiliation with St. Ambrose University, but you must make it clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of St. Ambrose University. A disclaimer should be used such as "The views expressed are mine and mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer, St. Ambrose University."
· You should use your personal email address, not your St. Ambrose University address, in any personal social media uses. In addition, St. Ambrose University telephone numbers, email addresses and images are not to be posted on personal social media profiles.
· The use of any social media on St. Ambrose University equipment is not private. Although St. Ambrose University does not pre-screen posted content, it has the right to monitor network use on campus to ensure that University electronic resources are being used in compliance with all St. Ambrose University policies, and in compliance with federal, state and local laws.

Any violation of this policy will result in discipline up to and including immediate termination of employment.