Social Media can be a powerful tool – it can also result in legal action if not used properly. Please be especially careful when using social media and use common sense.

Things to keep in mind for personal and professional accounts:

  1. Everything is public and the internet lives forever. Don’t post something you’ll have to explain to a future employer or your parents.
  2. Use common sense. Don’t post illegal activities. If you wouldn't say something directly to your supervisor or the Chancellor, then don’t post it online.
  3. Keep your personal and professional accounts separate. And double check before you post that you’re using the right account.
  4. All material posted on the social media networks must be in compliance with copyright law. Network account owners have the responsibility of acquiring all necessary permissions to post copyrighted material (including photographs). Just because it's on the internet doesn't mean it's copyright-free.
  5. Don’t share university news before it has been made public.
  6. In the event of a university emergency, do not post until you've received official word to eliminate any confusion or misinformation.
  7. Videos, images, posts or comments should not include profanity, be defamatory, or voice your personal political views.
  8. Be familiar with the policies of the networks you are using and be aware that the policies and security features frequently change.
  9. University resources may not be used for personal business or personal gain.
  10. The selling of online advertising space to non-University entities on any web page hosted or sponsored by UMass Lowell is strictly forbidden.