Social media channels or networks are web-based and mobile platforms that allow the use of online social connections to broadcast communication. With social media, user-generated content is highly accessible online, and is also a powerful digital equivalent of "word-of-mouth." Examples of online social media channels include but are not limited to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine uses selected social media channels to disseminate messages that consistently communicate the mission and values of the College. With this objective in mind, and the understanding that social media have a substantial effect on the organizational and professional reputation of the College, these guidelines must be followed by employees appointed to broadcast and monitor social media messages on the College's behalf and by faculty, staff, and students posting in personal social media venues.
Students, staff, and faculty should practice good judgment and professionalism when representing PVM through social media channels by complying with the following guidelines.
All information posted on PVM social media sites will comply with Purdue University's policy
"University-Sponsored Social Media Outlets (VII.C.2)." Members of the PVM Communications Team are the only individuals authorized to post on PVM social media sites.
Students, staff, and faculty should practice good judgment and professionalism when representing PVM through social media channels by complying with the following guidelines.
Do not post confidential, health, proprietary or protected information about about students, employees, clients, patients or other members of the Purdue University community. Personal contact information must be protected from others.
Because of the participatory nature of social media, it is extremely important that other user-generated content posted to the site is closely monitored. Watch for off-topic or abusive comments and promptly remove them. If possible, develop a comments policy and encourage respectful use.
When your page/group mentions PVM, users who read your posts may perceive that you are representing the College, even if you state that the views are your own and do not represent your affiliation with the College. Therefore, do not post anything that you would not be comfortable saying in a public setting, at a conference, or to a member of the media.
If you identify yourself as a PVM faculty or staff member online, make a clear statement that the views expressed in your personal site are not those of the institution.
Images online are easily appropriated by other users. Photos and videos must comply with PVM's Policy on Use of Photography, Videography, and Diagnostic Images.
Posts should protect Purdue University's institutional voice. Your page should always have its own identity and should not be misconstrued as representing the College or University as a whole. Name your social media page or group accordingly.
