The University of North Georgia recognizes the value of social media as a significant tool for the creation and dissemination of news and information about the university.
UNG has assembled the guidelines on this page to help you use social media platforms effectively. The university expects everyone participating in social media on behalf of the university to understand and follow these guidelines. These guidelines evolve as social media evolves.
These guidelines (which are summarized in the video above) are designed for UNG students and employees participating in social media usage as an official job function or on behalf of the university, but also are good tips to remember with personal accounts or when commenting as an individual on non-UNG accounts.
Be smart. Think before you post and remember there is no such thing as a "private" social media site. It's best to avoid sharing personal information.
Be responsible. Do not post sensitive, confidential or proprietary information about UNG. Be sure to follow UNG and USG policies regarding privacy and confidentiality.
Be aware. You should restrict personal social media usage to your own time; the UNG Information Technology Acceptable Use Policyoutlines that UNG computers and networks are to be used for university-related business only.
Be transparent. Whether you intend to do so or not, if you identify yourself with UNG, you become a de facto spokesperson of the university. On personal pages, you may identify your connection with UNG, but be clear you are sharing your views as an individual, not as a representative of UNG. Example disclaimer: "The postings on this site are my own and do not represent the views, positions, or opinions of the University of North Georgia." You MAY NOT use any UNG logos or branded marks on a personal site or social media page.
Be respectful. Do not post unauthorized commercial solicitations (such as spam); bully, intimidate, or harass any user; post content that is hateful, threatening, pornographic, or that contains nudity or graphic or gratuitous violence; or do anything unlawful, misleading, malicious, or discriminatory. If the content of your message would not be acceptable for face-to-face conversation, over the telephone, or in another medium, it will not be acceptable for a social media site.
Be accurate. All content published by the university must be accurate and consistent. If you make an error, correct it quickly and visibly.
Be active. If you do not have the time or resources to check in on these sites frequently, and to post fresh content several times a week, reconsider jumping into social media at this time.
Be original. Maintain copyright and fair use laws and cite sources when possible. Don't plagiarize.
Be responsive. Refer news media (newspapers, radio stations, television reporters, etc.) inquiries to University Relations. If someone asks a question on a matter that is not handled by your department or unit or is outside of your expertise, refer them to the proper unit or person.
Be a cheerleader for UNG. Show your Nighthawk pride! As with everything we do, remember that our goal is to share something good about UNG. Keep the institutional mission in mind—and think about how you can creatively share UNG's best stories. Content should link back to the University of North Georgia website, ung.edu, as often as is reasonable.
Be concise. Most social media platforms are built to be brief and more informal.
Emergency Communications on Social Media
All crisis and/or emergency communications will be generated by the Office of University Relations in conjunction with the UNG Department of Public Safety and be posted on the main UNG - University of North Georgia Facebook page and @UofNorthGeorgia Twitter feed (both managed by University Relations) with links back to additional information on ung.edu. Departmental and unit social media sites should not speculate or freelance emergency information without central coordination – this can result in the distribution of incorrect information.