Social Media Guidelines

UMR Social Media Policy

Be smart. Be respectful. Be human.

Guidelines for functioning in an electronic world are the same as the values, ethics, and confidentiality policies employees are expected to live every day, whether you’re tweeting, talking with customers, or chatting with your neighbor. Remember, your responsibility to UMR doesn’t end when you are off the clock. For that reason, this policy applies to both company sponsored social media and personal use as it relates to UMR. 

What You Should Do:

• Stay Focused: Stick to your area of expertise and provide unique, individual perspectives on what's going on at UMR and in the world. Strive to add value to your conversations.
• State That It’s YOUR Opinion: When stating an opinion. Unless authorized to speak on behalf of UMR, you must state that the views expressed are your own.
• Protect Yourself: Be careful about what personal information you share online.
• Act responsibly and ethically: When participating in online communities, do not misrepresent yourself. Post meaningful and respectful comments.
• Honor Our Differences: Live the values. UMR will not tolerate discrimination (including age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, or marital status or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws, regulations or ordinances).
• Always pause: Think before posting. That said, reply to comments in a timely manner, when a response is appropriate.
• If you make a mistake: Admit it. Be upfront and be quick with your correction. If you're posting to a blog, you may choose to modify an earlier post—just make it clear that you have done so.

What You Should Never Disclose:

• The Numbers: Non-public financial or operational information. This includes strategies, forecasts and most anything with a dollar-figure attached to it. If it’s not already public information or your area of expertise, it’s not your job to make it so.
• Promotions: Internal communication regarding promotions or student recruitment strategies.
• Personal Information: Never share personal information about the students, staff, faculty members, alumni or donors
• Legal Information: Anything to do with a legal issue, legal case, or attorneys without first checking with the Office of General Counsel.
• Anything that belongs to someone else: Let them post their stuff; you stick to posting your own creations.
• Confidential Information: Do not publish, post, or release information that is considered confidential or top secret. 

Basically, if you find yourself wondering if you can talk about something regarding UMR— don’t. Follow UMR guidelines and live the values and philosophies. They’re there for a reason. 

Remember: protect the brand, protect yourself.

If you still have questions, ask Sarah Oslund, Director of Communications and Public Relations.