MarCom Studio

Purpose

Clear, practical guidance for responsible, professional use of social media across our university community.

Use of Social Media

Be aware that your online conduct may impact you personally and professionally. You are strongly encouraged to keep your personal social media accounts private. Professional platforms identifying your affiliation with our institution and university warrant extra diligence as it relates to sharing of personal opinions or reposting of others’ opinions or comments. All social media accounts related to or managed by the institution must adhere to policy and procedures outlined in this memo and conform to institutional guidelines and professional standards.

Helpful Guidance

Whichever the social media platform, you are encouraged to review the following guidance—as a form of best practice and to be aware of (and to avoid where appropriate) the potential for confusion between personal and professional viewpoints and to protect the institution and its reputation and brand.

Whether you’re posting to a university-owned social media account or a personal account, remember that social media is a public forum, regardless of your privacy settings. Consider and set your personal privacy settings intentionally. Remember, though, that even if you post to just your friends or family on a social platform, that post can be captured (e.g., via a screenshot) and reshared, possibly even becoming public. Additionally, even posts you consider personal or private may be viewed in the context of your university role and affiliation and interpreted through that lens. Please be mindful of this potential interplay.

For all the benefits of social media, there are potential downsides, too. Posts you make may be taken out of context, misinterpreted, or read by individuals who do not know you or understand your intent. Nuance can be lost or, for that matter, willfully ignored. As a general guideline, avoid posting anything online that you would not be comfortable saying to someone in person or would not want overheard if you did. When in doubt, pause. Revisit your potential post after a few hours, or even a day, to see if it is something you still wish to communicate over the Internet.

Some additional considerations when using networking and social media tools as a member of the University community: 

• The practice of social media preserves the integrity of the university learning environment
• You are responsible for upholding the core values of the institution and a level of professionalism and personal accountability.
• Your viewpoints are your own; you should be clear, if necessary, that you are speaking in an individual capacity and not on behalf of the university.
• Social media is a public space, regardless of your privacy settings. Always assume that anything you share could become widely visible.
• Review and set your privacy settings intentionally, understanding what they do and do not protect.
• Posts shared with friends or family can still be captured and redistributed, such as through screenshots, and may ultimately reach a broader audience.
• Personal or private posts may be interpreted through the lens of your professional role and affiliation. Be mindful of how your content may be perceived in that context.
• Anything shared online may remain accessible indefinitely, even if you attempt to delete or modify it.
• Exercise caution when sharing online. Many platforms are not secure, and information may be accessible to anyone with internet access.
• Be mindful that your name and profile image are often displayed alongside your posts and may be associated with you personally or with the university.
• Your views are your own. Clarify that you are speaking in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the university.

References:

• UTSA Handbook of Operating Procedures
• UTSA Student Code of Conduct
• Health Science Center/UT Health San Antonio: Institutional Handbook of Operating Policies
• Health Science Center/UT Health San Antonio: Student Conduct and Discipline Policy