Social Media and Social Networking Policy
The University understands the importance of social media. However, use of social media also presents certain risks and carries with it certain responsibilities. The University has established the following guidelines for appropriate use of social media. This policy applies to all University employees.
Guidelines
Social media includes all means of communicating or posting information or content of any sort on the Internet, including to your own or someone else’s blog, personal website, or social networking site, photo sharing sites, professional social networks, and discussion forums, whether or not associated or affiliated with the University, as well as any other form of electronic communication.
Ultimately, you are solely responsible for what you post online. Before creating online content, consider some of the risks and rewards that are involved. Keep in mind that any of your conduct that adversely affects your job performance, the performance of fellow employees or otherwise adversely affects customers, suppliers, or the University’s legitimate business interests may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
Inappropriate postings, including discriminatory remarks, harassment, threats of violence, or similar inappropriate or unlawful conduct, will not be tolerated and may subject employees to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
Employees are expected to be respectful to customers and suppliers. Also, keep in mind that you are more likely to resolve work-related complaints by speaking directly with your coworkers or by utilizing our Open Door Policy than by posting complaints to a social media outlet. Nevertheless, if you decide to post complaints or criticism, avoid using statements or other content that reasonably could be viewed as unlawful or as a violation of University policy.
Make sure you are always honest and accurate when posting information or news, and if you make a mistake, correct it quickly. Be open about any previous posts you have altered. Remember that the Internet archives almost everything; therefore, even deleted postings can be searched. Never post any information or rumors that you know to be false about the University, fellow employees, customers, suppliers, people working on behalf of the University, or competitors.
Using Social Media at Work Employees should refrain from using social media while on work time or on University equipment, unless it is work-related as authorized by your supervisor or consistent with the University Electronic Communications policy. Employees may not use University email addresses to register on social networks or other online tools utilized for personal use.
The University social media accounts must only be created and used by authorized individuals for the purpose of meeting defined University goals, although we encourage all employees to think about new ways to use University accounts. The primary goals of our University social media accounts are to engage customers and end-users and promote our products. Again, use of the University’s social media accounts is limited to authorized employees in order to ensure our social media voice and approach is consistent and consistent with our marketing and customer service objectives.
Retaliation is Prohibited The University prohibits taking negative action against any employee for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation. Any employee who retaliates against another employee for reporting a possible deviation from this policy or for cooperating in an investigation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Any employee who believes they have been subject to retaliation should contact their supervisor or Human Resources.
Discipline Employees who violate this social media policy are subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment. The University reserves the rights to monitor how social networks are used and accessed through University Internet resources, including computers and mobile devices that are provided for business use.
If you have questions or need further guidance, please contact Human Resources.
Solicitations, Distributions and Posting of Materials Greenville University prohibits the solicitation, distribution, and posting of materials on or at University property by any employee or nonemployee, except as may be permitted by this policy. The sole exceptions to this policy are charitable and community activities supported by Greenville University management and University-sponsored programs related to Greenville University.
Provisions:
• Nonemployees may not solicit employees or distribute literature of any kind on University premises at any time.
• Employees may not solicit other employees during work times, except in connection with a University-approved or sponsored event.
• Employees may not distribute literature of any kind during work times or in any work area at any time, except in connection with a University-sponsored event
• The posting of materials or electronic announcements are permitted with approval from Human Resources.
Violations of this policy should be reported to Human Resources.