Social Networking Guidelines for Faculty
From Isenet
Context We realize that social networking bridges both the work life and personal life of employees -- and thus, some conflict of responsibilities may occur. The school’s interest is in defining the educational and work-related contexts of social networking and blogging, for the protection of our employees, students, and the school community as a whole.
Key Principles Interacting with each other on-line is no different than interacting face-to-face – i.e., we are required to maintain the principles of respect, dignity, prudence, professionalism, concern for and protection of children, and safety in all interactions. With specific regard to social networking, all employees must: Be cognizant that social networking activities may be visible to past, current, or prospective students, parents, colleagues, and community members – and thus reflect directly or indirectly on the school, affecting current students and community members.
Exercise appropriate discretion (i.e., err on the side of caution)when using social networks for personal communications (such as with friends, colleagues, parents, former students, etc.) that can in any way impact their role at the school.
Keep in mind that the uneven power dynamics of a school -- in which adults have implied authority over former students -- continue to shape those relationships after the end of the school day and year, and even after graduation. Employees must act in a manner that always respects and never exploits the power inherent in these relationships. Balance their right of individual free expression with the valid interests of the school in promoting and presenting its mission, culture, and values to the community at large as reflected by the public actions and statements of its employees.
Please be aware that the school considers discretion and prudent judgment in social networking activities to be a serious matter with regard to protecting the school, its students, and employees. As such, violation of this policy may lead to corrective action, up to and including termination of employment. Use of Social Networks for Development/Alumni Purposes
The school may decide to maintain a social networking presence (e.g. such as a Facebook page) for development, alumni relations, marketing, or other purposes. All contacts or postings to this site or sites will be initiated under the sole direction of the Advancement Department and conducted in a way that abides by this policy. School-Related Friends (Co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates)
Employees are asked to use good judgment when making and/or accepting “friend” (or “link” or “connection”) requests to or from school colleagues. Employees in supervisor/subordinate relationships are particularly encouraged to use caution, due to the potential for both parties to feel pressured to accept the request for business purposes and thus potentially impacting the work and social relationship (as well as possibly raising conflict of interest, unequal treatment, discrimination, or similar concerns).Always respect the privacy of others in the school community.
Non-School Related Friends
Remind all other members of your network of your position as an educator whose profile may be accessed by members of the school community. Please ask them to monitor their posts to your network accordingly. This includes being “tagged” in photos on the sites of friends or others, especially where the photos may include activities not appropriate for viewing by students and other members of the school community.
Privacy Settings and Content
Exercise care with privacy settings and personal profile content, to ensure that posted content does not reflect poorly on the school in any way or otherwise create a conflict of interest. Content should be placed thoughtfully and periodically reviewed.
Time on Social Media Sites
Employees should refrain from using social networking or blogging sites for personal use during work hours except for incidental usage (e.g. spending a moment or two checking a site during a break).Use of social networking resources may not interfere or impede completion of his/her job duties and responsibilities to the school, our students, and other members of the school community.
Protecting Confidential Information
The school requires all confidential information to be protected at all times and to be disclosed only pursuant to school policy or as otherwise required by law. Accordingly, no electronic communications, social network posting, or blog posting may communicate any confidential information. See the school’s “Confidentiality” policy for further details.
Use of Logos, Trademarks, and Intellectual Property
Employees are not permitted to use the school’s logo, trademarks, official photographs, and all other intellectual property or proprietary materials of the school in any postings without the written consent of Head of School.
