If you’re launching a social media profile bearing the Springfield College name, you’re required to follow the guidelines below.
Contact the Office of Communications to create your account.
We can help get you set up with best practices, and we also like to know which accounts exist.
Student-run clubs or organizations do not need to alert the Office of Communications of their accounts.
Take responsibility for the account(s).
Your office or department will be responsible for the maintenance, monitoring, and posting on your account. This includes responding to any messages or other notifications that your account receives in a timely manner (no more than 48 hours). A member of the Office of Communications will contact administrators of accounts that are not maintaining this standard to assess if the account is still a viable resource. If your account(s) become dormant, the Office of Communications reserves the right to delete the page.
Be mindful of your posts, which represent Springfield College.
Just as you wouldn’t use objectionable language or discuss internal politics in the workplace, you also should avoid sharing these things on your Springfield College-affiliated accounts. All Springfield College profiles will be considered an extension of the official College website, and most guidelines that apply to the website will also apply to social media. Student and employee codes of conduct will apply.
Use proper spelling and grammar.
It’s important to use proper spelling and grammar as well and, when possible, follow the Springfield College editorial guidelines.
Be active.
We ask that social media accounts remain active all year around, including in the summer. Here are our recommendations for posting during the academic year.
- Facebook: 2-5 times per week
- Twitter: 1-3 times per day
- Instagram: 2-5 times per week
- Instagram Stories: No more than 10 stories per day
Here are our recommendations for posting during the summer.
- Facebook: 1-3 times per week
- Twitter: 1-2 times per day
- Instagram: 1-3 times per week
- Instagram Stories: No more than 10 stories per day
Do not post personal information.
Do not post proprietary information about Springfield College, including information about students, alumni, or employees. Be aware that all College and legal guidelines, such as FERPA, are also applicable on social media.
However, sharing basic information about your office or department, such as the main phone number or office location, is encouraged.
Do not post photos of children under the age of 18 unless you have written consent.
Please note that this includes photos taken in schools and otherwise. If you share the photo from another page, or if you’ve found the photos in the official Springfield College asset management system or on the official Springfield College Flickr page, that’s OK to post.
Exercise common courtesy in regards to the content—photos and videos especially—that is shared.
We know it’s not always possible to get permission from students on campus before photos are shared, but in general, if you can ask, please do.
Additionally, we ask that you be mindful of sharing photos from events that may be deemed sensitive or private. For example, if you are volunteering at a homeless shelter, please refrain from taking and posting photos of the individuals who are utilizing these services. In general, be kind and be mindful.
Full-time employee members that are connected to the office or department in which the page represents should be an administrator on every account.
This helps make sure we have access to the account at all times. If the individual who was on the page leaves the College, it is the responsibility of the office or department to find and add another person to the page. (If you have any questions, email social@waki-aiai.net.)
Keep comments positive.
Official Springfield College profiles are not to be used as forums in which to post negative or critical comments towards the College, its administrators, its employees, or its students.
Content should be related to Springfield College.
Feel free to promote official College activities. However, you may not fundraise, advertise, or sell products or services that are not part of official Springfield College-approved activities and business.
