Policy and Purpose
York College of Pennsylvania (YCP) recognizes that the rapid growth of social media technologies has made communications faster, easier, and more convenient than ever before. However, along with opportunities these technologies present risks to individuals and to the College.
These guidelines are to ensure that the College protects itself from unauthorized disclosure of information and to reduce other risks inherent with social media. They serve to extend existing YCP policies and regulations including but not limited to
General Provisions
Social media technologies addressed by these guidelines continue to evolve. Currently they include tools such as
The guidelines cover access to these tools from personal and College-issued devices by YCP employees.
Use of Social Media on Work Time
Unless the written job duties specifically include the use of social media, employees should limit their use of social media technologies during work hours. Employees should understand that there is no expectation of privacy when utilizing the YCP devices or network. The College reserves the right to monitor electronic communications, connected devices, and to review and potentially block or remove social media postings that violate YCP policies and guidelines.
Authorized Social Media Posting
An official online presence is the sole responsibility of the College, which will coordinate posting of information on the College’s website as well as on social networking sites appropriate to achieve strategic and marketing objectives. The College will strive to ensure that use of these communications maintains our brand identity, integrity, and reputation while minimizing actual or potential legal risks, whether used inside or outside the workplace.
Personal Use of Social Media
The College respects the right of employees to use social media and does not want to discourage employees from self-expression. However, YCP employees are expected to follow these guidelines.
Individuals are personally responsible for their commentary. They can be held personally liable for commentary that is defamatory, obscene, proprietary or libelous to any offended party, not just the College.
Staff are prohibited from using social media to harass, threaten, or discriminate against employees or anyone associated with, or doing business with, the College. Postings should not violate the College’s policies.
If employees choose to identify themselves as employees of the College, they should understand that some readers may view them as spokespersons for the College. Employees must ensure that the social media account and/or posting clearly states that they are not speaking on behalf of the College or any person or organization affiliated or doing business with the College, and that their views are their own.
Employees should carefully consider decisions to “friend” or “follow” or accept request from another person where the potential for misinterpretation, favoritism, retaliation or harassment exist. This includes friend or follow request involving faculty and students or supervisors and subordinates.
Employees cannot post on personal social media any of the following:
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Pre-announcement of information not yet released to the press or any confidential, proprietary, or non-public information.
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Any trademark or logo of the College or any business with a connection to the College.
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Photographs or videos of persons engaged in business with the College or photos or videos from College events without specific approval.
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Advertisements of the College or any of its affiliated entities.
Employees should never share information that is privacy protected under HIPPA, FERPA or other privacy statutes or regulations.
Social media posts may generate inquiries from the press. Any employee who is contacted about a social media post should immediately contact the office of Public Relations before responding.
Employee Recommendations
Some professional networking sites allow members to “recommend” current or former coworkers. It is the College’s policy that all requests for employment references should be directed to Human Resources department. With this in mind, employees may not make statements on social media that may be construed as employment references on behalf of the College for a current or former employee.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Do not post confidential or proprietary information about YCP or its students, alumni, or employees. Do not discuss or post information about individuals without their permission.
Personal Responsibility
Employees are personally responsible for the content they publish. It is important to remember that social media is about building one’s own brand. Employees need to be mindful that published content will be public for a long time. Even if deleted, content is often archived and can be accessed by others. Employees should protect their own privacy and that of others.
Discipline for Violations
The College investigates and responds to all reports of violations of these guidelines and other related policies. Violations will result in disciplinary actions up to and including immediate termination. The College reserves the right to take legal action where necessary against employees who engage in prohibited or unlawful conduct.
Revised 9/20/2018