Home > Social Media Tips & Guidelines

Social Media Tips & Guidelines

Social media has changed the way in which we connect with people and communicate information. Looking for some advice when using University and University affiliated accounts? We’ve got you covered.

For Social Media Takeovers

Taking over a University account? Check out some of these dos and don’ts to help you make the most of your experience.

Dos and Don’ts

Do:

• Begin with a short introduction. Let people know who you are, your College, your year and what you plan to show during the takeover.
• Post engaging, informative content that is relevant to the target audience.
• Keep video snippets short (less than one minute)
• Wrap-up your takeover with a final farewell and a shout out to NEOMED social media accounts. (Be sure to follow NEOMED on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok).

Don’t Post:

• Partying/Drinking
• Anything illegal
• Hate speech or bullying
• Political content
• Commercial content
• Anything in violation of HIPAA

For University Affiliated Accounts

If you run a social media account for your college/department/program, here are some tips to help you.

• Your strategy is important! Develop 2-3 goals each quarter that align with the main goals of your college/department/program. Consider not only what you want to post, but also what your audience wants to see. This will help you decide if an idea or post is relevant. If your idea or post doesn’t support your goals, reconsider if it should really be posted.
• Develop a content plan. Create a monthly content calendar by outlining the types of content you want to post, include the frequency of your posts.
• Don’t link Facebook and Twitter accounts together. Treat each social platform differently. If you have more than one platform for your college/department/program, each should have a different audience and goal. Tailor your messages and posts based on those parameters.
• Add photos or videos to your posts. Posts with photos or videos are more likely to be viewed and/or shared.
• Be accurate. Ensure your facts and information are correct. Review your posts for grammatical and spelling errors. If you do make a mistake, correct it as soon as possible.
• Don’t just post! Be responsive to posts by your audience by responding to or engaging with mentions and comments as quickly as possible. However, don’t feel you like have to respond to everything, particularly negative comments. If you are unable to contribute constructively to the conversation or solve a concern, don’t engage.
• Drive traffic to your website. When possible, include a link to your website in your post. Yes, you want to engage them where they are, but you also want them to engage with you where you are.
• Avoid opinionated statements. Remember, you are representing the University in some capacity so be aware groups you are associating with on social media. Take a look at a person’s or organizations’s social media history to see if it is appropriate to share their content or to engage with them.
• Refrain from posting in the event of a crisis or emergency. In the event of an emergency or crisis on campus, we ask that all University-affiliated accounts refrain from posting and refer their followers to @NEOMEDedu Twitter account for more information
• Protect confidential and proprietary information. Refrain from posting confidential or proprietary information about NEOMED students, faculty, staff, alumni or donors. You must follow all applicable federal requirements such as FERPA and HIPAA guidelines, even on social media.

For Student Groups & Organizations

Make sure your student group or organization is getting the most out of social media with these tips.

• Consider your audience! Are you trying to communicate with your members, or extend your reach and generate awareness for the general public? If it’s the former, consider creating a Facebook “group,” instead of a “business” page. A group allows all group members to see posts, add content, and communicate effectively.
• Involve your faculty advisor. Student groups and organizations are strongly encouraged to have their faculty advisor as an administrator on their social media page. If club leaders change or graduate, the advisor can still grant access to new officers and members.
• Don’t link Facebook and Twitter accounts together. Treat each social platform differently. If you have more than one platform for your college/department/program, each should have a different audience and goal. Tailor your messages and posts based on those parameters.
• Connect with the community! Showcase your philanthropy, volunteerism, etc. with many highly visual posts.
• Add photos or videos to your posts. Posts with photos or videos are more likely to be viewed and/or shared.
• Engage and acknowledge others. Shoutouts are a great way to build relationships with other people on campus and across social media.
• Refrain from posting in the event of a crisis or emergency. In the event of an emergency or crisis on campus, we ask that all University-affiliated and “unofficial” accounts refrain from posting and refer their followers to @NEOMEDedu Twitter account for more information
• Protect confidential and proprietary information. Refrain from posting confidential or proprietary information about NEOMED students, faculty, staff, alumni or donors. You must follow all applicable federal requirements such as FERPA and HIPPA guidelines, even on social media.
• Include a disclaimer statement. Student groups and organizations are considered “unofficial” social media pages and should not use the NEOMED logo. These sites are also encouraged to post a statement in their profile announcing that they are not an officially recognized NEOMED social media page and all postings reflect their own personal opinions or their organization’s opinions. An example of this statement is provided below:
  • The views expressed on this (Facebook page, Twitter feed, etc.) are those of the (Insert Club Name) and are not endorsed by Northeast Ohio Medical University nor do they constitute any official communication from Northeast Ohio Medical University.