{"id":34,"date":"2015-08-26T19:51:26","date_gmt":"2015-08-26T19:51:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.eastcentral.edu\/communications\/?page_id=34"},"modified":"2025-06-04T12:22:45","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T17:22:45","slug":"social-media","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eastcentral.edu\/communications\/social-media\/","title":{"rendered":"Social Media"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Social media sites offer a valuable way to engage and communicate with students, alumni and the public in the life of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. However, it is critical that we ensure a united presence so that users have a clear understanding of who we are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below you\u2019ll find social media guidelines and best practices for social media sites. The Office of Communications and Marketing can provide guidance if you\u2019re unsure about how to properly use a logo or have other questions about branding issues in these platforms. In most cases, it may be best for a group to use existing official College-level channels to broadcast their message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintain ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Confidentiality<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do not post confidential or proprietary information about ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, its students, its alumni, or your fellow employees. Use good ethical judgment and follow the College\u2019s policies and federal requirements, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintain Privacy<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do not discuss a situation involving named or pictured East Central community members on a social media site without their permission. As a guideline, do not post anything that you would not present in any public forum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Thoughtful<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before composing a message that might act as the \u201cvoice\u201d or position of the College, please discuss the content with the Communications and Marketing department. If you have any questions about the appropriateness of a message you’re crafting in your role as an East Central employee, contact the Communications and Marketing department before you post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respect College Time and Property<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Posting at work is appropriate when your comments are directly related to work goals, such as seeking sources for information or working with others to resolve a problem. You should participate in personal social media conversations on your own time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Responsible<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What you write is ultimately your responsibility. Participation in social networking on behalf of East Central is not a right but an opportunity, so please treat it seriously and with respect. Keep in mind that if you are posting with a College username, other users do not know you personally. They view what you post as coming from the College. What you say directly reflects on the College. Discuss with the Communications and Marketing department the circumstances in which you are empowered to respond directly to users and when you may need approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Accurate<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that you have all the facts before you post. It\u2019s better to verify information with a source first than to have to post a correction or retraction later. Cite and link to your sources whenever possible\u2013\u2013that\u2019s how you build community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequency<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • Assign an administrator <\/strong>who regularly monitors postings and content.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Create a content calendar<\/strong> with pre-planned content for slow periods. Aim for standard times for postings and updates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The recommended frequency to post to social media varies between platforms. Best practices for account activity include:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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    • Facebook \u2013 three times per week and a maximum of three times per day (exceptions include major events, such as commencement)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Instagram \u2013 at least three times a week<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • X (formerly Twitter) and Threads \u2013 at least twice per week<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • TikTok \u2013 at least once per week<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • YouTube \u2013 Specific playlists can be created for programs and departments on the main ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø YouTube account. Contact the Director of Communications and Marketing for assistance and guidance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Stagnant Accounts<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Social media accounts are recommended not to become dormant (no posts, no activity) for more than one semester<\/strong>, because inactivity reflects poorly on the College. Accounts that do not have new posts for more than a semester will be considered inactive and the account administrator will be contacted by the Director of Communications and Marketing to discuss restoring compliance or deactivating the account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Contact the Communications and Marketing department with any questions or concerns you may have regarding social media platform representing ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Social Media Directory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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