Social Media Guidelines
It is the policy of SWAG视频 that University-sanctioned and branded social media sites should adhere to accepted set of standards and guidelines to ensure consistency in content and institutional branding when University sanctioned and branded social media is used.
Overview
Before deciding if a separate social media presence for a college or department is necessary, SWAG视频鈥檚 primary social media presences, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, should be considered as venues. Those with information appropriate for posting through SWAG视频鈥檚 social media should email the Marketing Director or the Chief Communications Officer to have them added. By creating or engaging in a social media presence, SWAG视频 employees are making a commitment to maintaining it and keeping it updated. The existence of a 鈥渄ead鈥� Facebook page, or Twitter or Instagram feed affiliated with SWAG视频, reflects negatively on the University.
SWAG视频鈥檚 presences in social media are considered to be an extension of the University鈥檚 official publications and websites. Style and content guidelines that apply to the websites also apply to social media. For assistance, contact the Chief Communications Officer.
Content Guidelines
SWAG视频 makes a strong and consistent effort to engage its internal and external communities on a wide variety of topics through the use of social media. The following guidelines should be followed when using SWAG视频鈥檚 social media sites:
Be authentic 鈥� We are responsible for our thoughts and opinions, thus, all comments and content must be from named individuals. Do not post using an alias or an identity other than your own.
Be respectful – Comments should not defame, attack or otherwise disrespect. Profanity, obscene content and personal attacks will not be tolerated.
Encourage conversation – To keep dialogue going on a topic, comments that appear to be commercial or that could otherwise be viewed as spam should be deleted.
Your posts are public 鈥� Whatever you post on a social media site instantly becomes public. Anyone with access to the Internet can view your activity on social media sites. Be sure not to post personal information 鈥� yours or someone else鈥檚 鈥� on the web.
Additional Guidelines for Employees
Be transparent 鈥� It should be obvious that you work for SWAG视频 if you are posting as part of your job. If you are posting about SWAG视频 on your personal time, please identify your connection to the University. You need to be authentic and credible.
Keep confidential matters private 鈥� Do not post proprietary information about SWAG视频, including information about students, alumni or employees. All University and legal guidelines, such as FERPA and HIPAA, also apply to its social media presences.
Represent SWAG视频 properly 鈥� Make sure that your supervisor has authorized you to post about SWAG视频 on University-sponsored sites. If your post is responding to someone and you’re not sure about University policy, contact Public Affairs & Marketing. Verify information, links, images, etc. before posting. Be careful when choosing photos and other images to upload.
Additionally, it is essential that the University鈥檚 name and visual brand be represented correctly and with approved SWAG视频 verbiage and iconography. The University goes by one of two names: Either 鈥淲estern University of Health Sciences鈥� or 鈥淪WAG视频.鈥� These are the ONLY acceptable names to use when referencing the University. 鈥淲estern,鈥� 鈥淲estern University,鈥� 鈥淲U,鈥� 鈥淲UHS,鈥� or any other combination of names, or any acronyms, are not acceptable.
SWAG视频 also has a limited number of visual brands approved for use in social media. For access to these logos and icons, contact the Chief Communications Officer and/or the Marketing Director. The Chief Communications Officer or Marketing Director MUST APPROVE of the visual brand鈥檚 use before it is used.
Do not engage the news media through social media. If a media inquiry or question about the University comes through a social media site, please immediately refer it to Public Affairs & Marketing.
Be a respectful community member 鈥� Should you disagree with others posting to a site, and wish to respond, keep your comments appropriate and polite. Ask Public Affairs & Marketing for advice on handling sensitive issues and topics.
Know where to turn for help 鈥� If you encounter a question you cannot answer, or if you see incorrect information about SWAG视频, contact the Chief Communications Officer or a member of the Public Affairs & Marketing staff for assistance.