6.8 Social Media
The University respects the right of any employee to maintain a blog or web page or to participate in social networking, Twitter, or similar sites, including but not limited to Facebook and LinkedIn. However, to protect the University鈥檚 interests and ensure employees focus on their job duties, employees must adhere to the following rules:
Employees may not post on a blog or web page or participate on a social networking platform during work time or at any time with University equipment or property.
All rules regarding confidential and proprietary business information apply in full to blogs, web pages and social networking platforms. Any information that cannot be disclosed through a conversation, a note or an e-mail also cannot be disclosed in a blog, web page or social networking site.
Whether an employee is posting something on their own blog, web page, social networking, Twitter, or similar site or on someone else's, if the employee mentions the University and also expresses either a political opinion or an opinion regarding the University鈥檚 actions that could pose an actual or potential conflict of interest with the University, the poster must include a disclaimer. The poster should specifically state that the opinion expressed is his/her opinion and not the University's position.
Any conduct that is impermissible under the law if expressed in any other form or forum is impermissible if expressed through a blog, web page, social networking, or similar site. For example, posted material that is discriminatory, obscene, defamatory, libelous, or violent is forbidden. University policies apply equally to employee social media usage.
The University encourages all employees to keep in mind the speed and manner in which information posted on a blog, web page, and/or social networking site is received and often misunderstood by readers. Employees must use their best judgment. If you have any questions, you should review the guidelines above and/or consult with your manager. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in discipline, up to and including discharge.
University General Division employees: Refer to the University鈥檚 Social Media Guidelines (sponsored by Marketing and Communications) for additional details.
USA Health: Refer to for additional information specific to USA Health employees.