Social and Digital Media Guidelines
• Exercise good judgment and common sense . Always pause and think before posting . What you post online may be accessible to the general public , and may remain accessible for as long as computer networks exist . Ask yourself questions such as : Is this appropriate ? Am I adding value ? Is this the image I want friends , family , or current and future employers and colleagues to have of me ? Am I prepared to live with this image of myself for the rest of my life ?
• Prospective students , current students , current employers , colleagues and peers may be able to view what you post online . Consider this to ensure that your post will not alienate , harm or provoke any of these groups , or otherwise negatively impact your relationship with the GMercyU community .
• Before you create an account , be sure you are willing to keep it up-to-date with fresh and unique content .
• When engaging in social and digital activities and communications ( especially when disagreeing with others ’ opinions ), keep your communications civil , appropriate , and respectful .
• Follow the terms and conditions of any social media sites and software that you utilize and familiarize yourself with their privacy settings so that you may control who can view the content you publish online .
• People who either hide behind pseudonyms or create anonymous posts compromise the value of social networking . Identify yourself when posting in order to lend credibility to your online contributions .
• Stick to your area of expertise . Write about what you know and provide only your perspective .
• You are responsible for everything that you write or present online . Take ownership of your online content . If you make a mistake , admit it and correct it .
• GMercyU students who have a problem with a professor , staff member or other student should address those concerns directly with that party or ask for the assistance of a trusted advisor , counselor , professor or other member of the University community . Social media is rarely an appropriate means of airing your complaints or frustrations .
The computer information systems and network are the property of Gwynedd Mercy University . Just as the records , files and electronic communications contained in these systems and transmitted across the network are the property of Gwynedd Mercy University , likewise , all social networking activities in which you engage using Gwynedd Mercy University ’ s computer information systems or network are the property of Gwynedd Mercy University .
We reserve the right , without obtaining your permission first , to monitor , access , view , copy , modify and delete any information transmitted through and / or stored on our computer information systems and networks , whether for social networking purposes or otherwise . Also , without your permission , we may monitor access or view information published on the Internet using any form of social networking , without regard to the method , means or manner in which it is published . For example , we can monitor a Twitter feed that a Gwynedd Mercy University employee updates from inside that employee ’ s own home . Given that information published on the Internet may be freely accessible , it does not matter whether our computer systems or network are utilized in publishing this information . Further , Gwynedd Mercy University may use this information to the extent that it is required to do so by law , in connection with any legal proceedings or prospective legal proceedings , or in order to establish , exercise or defend its legal rights .
Violations of this Policy may result in discipline up to , and including , termination of employment or expulsion . In addition , the University will report any criminal offenses to the appropriate law enforcement authorities .
E-mail Policies E-mail is a business communication tool and users are obligated to use this tool in a responsible , effective and lawful manner . Although by its nature e-mail seems to be less formal than other written communication , the same rules apply .
The University communicates with students through the University e-mail system . Students should check their GMercyU e-mail consistently to stay abreast of important communications from university administrators , faculty and staff . Students will be held accountable for information communicated to them through the University e-mail system .
The following rules are required by Gwynedd Mercy University and are to be strictly adhered to :
• It is prohibited to send or forward e-mails containing libelous , defamatory , offensive , harassing , racist or obscene remarks or images . If you believe you have received an email of this nature from a Gwynedd Mercy University employee , faculty member or student , you should promptly notify your supervisor and ITS .
• Email should be used in a manner which is consistent with the Gwynedd Mercy University academic honesty policy .
• Broad distribution of copyrighted materials or dissemination of proprietary data or confidential information via e-mail is prohibited . Use of e-mail for confidential communication is done at the sender ' s risk .
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