(1) Charles Darwin University (‘CDU’, ‘the University’) recognises the benefits and importance of social media as a tool to engage with staff, students, researchers, parents, alumni, donors, media, business partners and the University community. (2) Social media allows the University to interact and connect with online audiences through the dissemination of information, news, research findings, marketing and promotional messages. (3) This policy outlines how social media can be used by University staff, students, contractors, authorised visitors and volunteers. (4) The use of social media when representing the University is governed by the Media Policy, Information and Communication Technologies Acceptable Use Policy, Code of Conduct -Staff and Code of Conduct -Students. (5) This policy should be read in conjunction with the Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech Policy. (6) This policy applies to all University staff, students, contractors, authorised visitors and volunteers. (7) Social media is considered as being connected to the University in the following circumstances: (8) The policy does not apply to personal social media use. However, due to the public nature of social media and the potential social media use has to damage the reputation of the University and/or the individual, staff should ensure that any public comments made on social media clearly indicate that they are being made as a private individual and do not represent the University. (9) The University supports participation in social media technologies, recognising they are: (10) An official University social media account is an account that represents the opinions of the University. It must be authorised by the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and relevant member of the Senior Executive Team. (11) Official University accounts, groups, pages or networks must: (12) Account adminstrators are responsible for setting the privacy setting, monitoring and maintaining content and comments, and are required to respond immediately to any take-down requirement issued by the relevant member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Advisory Committee. (13) Content on official University social media accounts should be approved by a relevant member of the Vice-Chancellor's Advisory Committee, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, or the Marketing Manager - Marketing, Media and Communications. (14) University account adminstrators should only post material related to their area of expertise, in alignment with the Media Policy’s guidelines on expert comment. (15) Prior consent and permission must be obtained to post photographs, images, words, artwork, or video or audio recordings on social media. This permission can be captured through a signed Photographic/Permissions Talent Release form that authorises the University to use, reproduce and publish items in full or part without restriction. Copies of this form must be stored securely and be easily accessible. (16) Posting on official University social media is considered as providing public comment on the University. Any communication on social media on behalf of the University, in a manner that officially represents or appears to represent the University and/or its interests must be led and coordinated by the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. (17) Using social media in any capacity on behalf of the University is considered to be commenting on behalf of the University. Staff obligations for commenting on behalf of the University are set out in the Media Policy. (18) Academic staff of the University can post on social media to provide 'expert comment’ on their areas of expertise. Staff guidelines around expert comment are set out in the Media Policy and Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech policy. (19) Where an academic staff member makes a comment on a matter which is directly related to their area of expertise, the individual academic staff member can establish their credentials by using their title and link to their staff or research profile. Academic staff providing expert comment should include a disclaimer which states that the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of Charles Darwin University. (20) Unofficial University social media accounts (e.g. student clubs and interest groups) must not carry the University name or logo as they are not endorsed by the University. (21) Where a University staff member could be construed as representing the University, through a clear or intended connection with the University such as identifying the University as a current employer, or identifying as a current student of the University, users of social media are not permitted to: (22) Non-compliance with Governance Documents is considered a breach of the Code of Conduct – Staff or the Code of Conduct – Students, as applicable, and is treated seriously by the University. Reports of concerns about non-compliance will be managed in accordance with the applicable disciplinary procedures outlined in the Charles Darwin University and Union Enterprise Agreement 2022 and the Code of Conduct – Students. (23) Complaints may be raised in accordance with the Code of Conduct – Staff and Code of Conduct - Students. (24) All staff members have an individual responsibility to raise any suspicion, allegation or report of fraud or corruption in accordance with the Fraud and Corruption Control Policy and Whistleblower Reporting (Improper Conduct) Procedure.Social Media Policy
Section 1 - Preamble
Section 2 - Purpose
Section 3 - Scope
Section 4 - Policy
Official university accounts
Content on official university social media accounts
Expectations of university spokespersons
Expert comment
Unofficial university social media accounts
Unacceptable use
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Section 5 - Non-Compliance
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