Guidelines for students, faculty and staff managing Marquette-sponsored social media

Accuracy

• Make sure you have all the facts before you post.
• Check your post. Spelling matters. Remember: You’re representing Marquette.
• If you make an error, correct it quickly.

Confidentiality

• Be aware of FERPA, HIPAA, and other federal and state laws and university procedures restricting the release of personal information.
• Do not post confidential information about Marquette, students, faculty, staff or alumni.
• As a guideline, don’t post anything you would not say at a public forum.

Copyright

• Follow the university and host guidelines.
• For reference, see the Stanford Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines and creativecommons.org.

Content

• Social media is designed to be two-way communication tool. Know your audience, and listen. Respond to posts as appropriate.
• Post items you think will be of interest to your audience.
• Content should be specific to the unit.
• If you have questions about whether material is appropriate for posting, consult your supervisor or contact OMC.
• Keep your personal views separate.
• Balance your own content with Marquette- or unit-related content from others.
• Content should not overlap with university content. The primary sources for general university content are the marquetteu accounts.

Privacy

• The Internet is not anonymous, and it does not forget. Search engines can pick up posts years later, and posts can be easily copied and forwarded.
• If posting photos, ask the permission of those involved. If someone objects to photography, avoid using it as a matter of common courtesy.

Resources

• Social media users are subject to the university’s acceptable use policy. Successful use of social media requires a dedicated person and time.

Respect

• Treat those with whom you engage online with respect.
• Deal with problem posters through direct messages.
• Think before you post.

Timeliness

• Social media presumes 24/7 interaction.
• Try to post updates regularly — and at least several times a week.
• Check posts about your unit daily — and respond as appropriate.

Transparency

• Clearly state your role and goals if posting in an official capacity.

Why we use social media:

• To build online awareness of the Marquette brand
• To build a sense of community among Marquette’s audiences
• To foster word-of-mouth promotion among Marquette audiences and audiences outside Marquette