Social Media Policy
Overview
Social media has transformed the way we communicate, both as individuals and organizations. While print and traditional media remain cornerstones of Loyola’s communications, social media has grown into one of the largest touchpoints for our brand. We reach and engage an audience of over a million each month on our main Loyola University Chicago channels.
At Loyola, we consider social media a comprehensive marketing communications tool—a platform for branding, storytelling, public relations, advertising, community relations, crisis management, and more.
This policy covers three aspects of social media:
- Brand Channels: Define the role of the Loyola University Chicago brand social media accounts;
- Loyola-sponsored accounts: Set forth policies for all Loyola-sponsored social media accounts;
- Personal use: Outline the policies for the personal use of social media while employed at Loyola.
1. Loyola University Chicago Brand Social Media Accounts
The official Loyola University Chicago brand social media accounts are managed by the Division of University Marketing and Communication (UMC). These include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Other departments, divisions, schools, areas, and offices at the University also have social media presences. In fact, the University has more than 500 social media accounts, and that number is growing.
The role of the brand social media accounts is to engage the Loyola community; celebrate outcomes; and boost the reputation of and affinity to Loyola. Only University-wide information deemed relevant to various Loyola audiences is shared via the brand social media channels. Content from other areas of the University is welcome and encouraged, but is vetted through an editorial process and posted at the discretion of UMC staff. In addition to engagement, the University brand accounts are also an integral means of reaching the general community and public during times of crisis.
While UMC manages only the brand accounts, the division is available to offer strategic counsel, particularly as it relates to best practices for content within social media channels and the reputation of the larger University.
2. Loyola-Sponsored Social Media Accounts
The policies below apply to all Loyola-sponsored social media accounts and those employees and students who manage the social media content, including those for departments, divisions, schools, areas, and offices at the University.
- Any published content or accounts are subject to the policies of the University. The University can remove or change any content or accounts at the discretion of the Vice President of University Marketing and Communication and in coordination with other officers of the University.
- Administrative access and passwords for Loyola-sponsored social media accounts should be available to multiple staff members in each department. Credentials must be maintained and surrendered to a University leader at the dean or vice president level in the event that the current social media manager, whether a student or employee, leaves the department/division/University.
- All laws under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) must be followed. In the case of a health-related issue, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) must be followed.
- Any student employee assigned to, or responsible for, social media as part of their on-campus job is required to abide by departmental policies and the Student Worker Employment Guide.
- Loyola departments and organizations interested in starting a new social media channel are encouraged to reach out to UMC. Our social media manager can make strategic recommendations based on audience, content, goals, and resources.
3. Personal Use of Social Media
Everyone in the Loyola community should be aware that social media presents distinct considerations as it relates to representing the University. All University policies must be adhered to, with special attention to the:
If you are part of Loyola’s Health Sciences Campus, also please note the Loyola University Health System’s e-mail, internet, and other social media service usage policy.
Note: In the event that any of the above policies are not being adhered to, please contact University Marketing and Communication at umcsocialmedia@luc.edu or 312.915.7295.
