Social Media Guidelines

WNE Social Media Accounts, encompassing University offices, departments, programs, or organizations, should be created only with prior authorization.

Creating a University Social Media Account

Begin the process of creating an official WNE Social Media Account by completing our Social Media Account Request Form for review and approval. 

All requests will be overseen by the Division of Marketing & External Affairs based on the proposed content of the account and how it relates to the overall strategic goals of the University.

Expanding to Additional Platforms

A formal request must be made to expand to an additional platform(s). The requestor will receive written approval or denial of their request within thirty (30) days of submission. Official WNE Social Media Accounts created after the effective date of this policy without prior authorization will be subject to review, amendment, and/or removal of account(s).

When setting up new WNE Social Media Accounts, the account manager(s) is required to follow the Social Media Policies and Guidelines.

Account Manager/Contact Person 

When creating an account, individuals must designate at least one (1) full-time University faculty or staff member as the account manager. WNE Social Media Accounts can be co-managed by University students as long as a faculty or staff member supervises them.

Personal or faculty/staff/student University email addresses should only be used when necessary or as a secondary contact on an account. When possible, WNE Social Media Accounts should be associated with a generic University email address (example: social@wne.edu), which can be obtained through OIT. If this is not possible, more than one individual must have access to said account, even when attached to a personal University email address.

By registering accounts with the Division of Marketing & External Affairs, we can ensure that necessary communications, such as emergency alerts and changes to social media procedures, can be communicated to account managers. The Division must be notified when a new administrator takes over and must follow all policies listed in our overarching Social Media Policy. 

Additional staff members or students may assist with social media management, ensuring they are fully versed in the Social Media Guidelines and Policies. Social media account managers are responsible for adding employees and students linked to the account.

Account Naming 

All accounts created for WNE should either begin or end with "WNE," followed or preceded by the specific name of the division, department, etc. For example, the primary account for Western New England University is @wneuniversity. This naming convention strengthens University branding and aids users in effortlessly locating our pages and accounts.

When setting up a WNE Social Media Account, graphics aligning with the WNE brand are essential. When selecting a club, department, or college logo as the profile image, ensure it has received approval from the Division of Marketing & External Affairs. Profile pictures, icons, and other visual elements should also reflect the WNE brand. While using the University logo is not obligatory, any created artwork should complement and reinforce the brand essence. For access to specific WNE brand assets tailored for social media, please contact the Division of Marketing & External Affairs. Use of the University profile image is prohibited so as not to confuse audiences.

Review and adhere to the terms of service for each social media platform and the Community Guidelines for WNE accounts. Pay special attention to policies regarding images, music, and promotions. Be aware that social media platforms may restrict or remove an account if it is found to violate these terms.

As a representative of WNE, meticulously review and verify the accuracy and grammar of content before sharing on social media. Remember, posts are publicly visible and may be widely published or broadcast. In case of errors, promptly acknowledge and rectify them. Avoid oversimplifying or sensationalizing matters. Content that could be interpreted as representing the University's stance or viewpoint must be pre-approved by the Division of Marketing & External Affairs.

When managing WNE Social Media Accounts, it is crucial to comply with established institutional, state, and national policies. Refer to the WNE Employee Policy Manual and the Official Social Media Policy. Confidential information about WNE or its community members should not be posted. Exercise sound judgment and follow University policies and federal regulations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

WNE values and respects the principles of free speech and expression. Our social media platforms may facilitate public forums where comments and participation are encouraged. While constitutionally protected speech is upheld, the University reserves the discretionary right to remove content or request removal of content from WNE-affiliated accounts that infringe upon community standards or entail elements such as obscenity, harassment, or illegal activities.

Individual social media platforms follow community standards that may drive the platform to remove a comment or post unilaterally. WNE Social Media Accounts will have to uphold these standards as well.

The University welcomes and values constructive feedback regarding University endeavors. We encourage respectful and insightful discussions. Please avoid using posts to harass, threaten, or disseminate false or misleading information about other users or aspects related to the University.

Posts subject to removal requests include those that:

• Promote inaccurate information.
• Violate the policies of the respective social media platform.
• Unlawfully disclose confidential information.
• Promote immediate illegal actions.
• Infringe on intellectual property rights or are repetitively duplicated by a single user.