Fillable Printable Social Media Policy - Australian Catholic University

Social Media Policy - Australian Catholic University

Name of Policy

Social Media Policy

Description

of Policy

ACU encourages its staff, students and affiliates to participate in

social media in ways that demonstrate respect for the dignity of all

human beings; and do not bring ACU into disrepute or imply ACU

endorsement of personal views.

Policy applies to

 University-wide

☐ Specific (outline location, campus, organisational unit etc.)

______________________________________________________

☐ Staff Only ☐ Students Only  Staff and Students

Policy Status

 New Policy ☐ Revision of Existing Policy

Revision

1.1

Approval Authority

Vice-Chancellor

Governing Authority

Chief Operating Officer

Responsible Officers

Chief Operating Officer

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Students Learning and

Teaching

Director, Marketing and External Relations

Approval Date

July 2014

Effective Date

July 2014

Date of Last Revision

Date of Policy Review*

* Unless otherwise indicated, this policy will still apply beyond the review date.

Related Policies, Procedures,

Guidelines and Local

Protocols

 Social Media: Procedures and Guidelines

 Acceptable Use of IT Facilities

 Code of Conduct for All Staff

 Email Messaging Policy

 Intellectual Property

 Privacy Policy

 Statute 10 Student Conduct and Discipline

 Workplace Health and Safety Policy

 Workplace Bullying Policy

ACU Social Media Policy Page 2 of 3

1. Background Information

Social media are a group of online applications which are designed to allow information to

be created, shared, discussed and disseminated. Social media include the sites, tools,

channels and platforms used to publish user-generated content and promote social

connections and conversations. Social media provide opportunities to build communities

and to encourage dialogue through the exploration and consideration of diverse thoughts

and views.

Australian Catholic University (ACU) embraces the use of social media by staff, students

and affiliates to connect with each other and a broader community of researchers,

business partners, alumni, supporters and colleagues as an important tool of academic,

community and business engagement.

With the rapid growth and application of social media, ACU recognises the need to have a

policy and guidelines, which ensure that those who use social media, either as part of their

job, study, association with the University or in a personal capacity, have guidance on the

University's expectations where social media are used.

2. Policy Statement

Personal, academic and professional use of social media by ACU staff, students and

affiliates must not:

A. Bring ACU into disrepute;

B. Compromise the effectiveness of the University;

C. Defame individuals or organisations;

D. Imply ACU endorsement of personal views; or

E. Disclose, without authorisation, confidential information.

This policy applies to all social media.

3. Policy Purpose

The University expects that ACU staff, students and affiliates who contribute to social

media will familiarise themselves with this policy and related guidelines; and will act

responsibly in references to ACU in their social media and online activities.

This policy should be read in conjunction with all other ACU policies: including the Code of

Conduct for All Staff; Statute 10 Student Conduct and Discipline; Acceptable Use of IT

Facilities; Email Messaging Policy; and the Privacy Statement.

4. Principles

The following five principles apply to the use of social media for ACU staff, students and

affiliates:

A. Show respect for human dignity; and adhere to the ACU mission and values.

B. Do not use social media to bring ACU, staff, students or affiliates into disrepute.

C. Do not imply ACU endorsement of personal views.

D. Ensure confidentiality of information obtained through the University is maintained.

ACU Social Media Policy Page 3 of 3

E. Do not use Social Media to the detriment of ACU academic and professional

activities.

5. Application of Policy

This policy applies where a person is a staff member and/or student of ACU. This policy

also applies to affiliates which include: Student Organisations and Societies; Adjuncts;

Honoraries; Alumni; Graduates; Contractors; Consultants or any other persons who

participate in social media and who may be identified as having an association with ACU.

6. Consequences of Breach

Breach of this policy will be dealt with in accordance with the ACU Code of Conduct for All

Staff policy, and Statute 10 Student Conduct and Discipline; and may lead to disciplinary

action. Where inappropriate use under this policy constitutes a breach of any law, action

may also be taken in accordance with that law by ACU or concerned third parties.

7. Further Assistance

See ACU Social Media procedures and guidelines.