University Policies for Social Media

Kennesaw State University recognizes that online communication tools increasingly serve as channels for direct interaction with students, stakeholders and the public. The University’s commitment to transparency and collaboration encourages open and responsible communication by employees, provided such communications are professional, ethical and accurate, and adhere to current IT policies for computer usage and data security, intellectual property, the KSU Employee Handbook and the BOR Policy Manual.

KSU faculty and staff are encouraged to engage in professional social media conversations that support the University’s reputation and brand. When posting to social media as an employee, do not speak on behalf of the University. Be transparent by acknowledging your role at KSU and adding “views expressed are my own” to your profile.

When posting to a social media account created for the purpose of conducting official University business, employees should refrain from:

  • Posting or commenting on anything related to legal matters, litigations or crisis situations without prior approval.
  • Posting or commenting on anything from a non-university (personal) account.
  • Deleting or hiding comments or blocking a user without prior approval.
  • Using the University brand or name to endorse any view, product, private business, cause or political candidate.

Each social media account should have at least two full-time KSU employees serve as administrators. Should a student assistant serve as an account administrator, at least one employee should approve content before publishing. Retweets, shares, likes and other reactions from the account should be closely monitored.

When possible, accounts should be registered to a shared or general email address accessible by each administrator. Email addresses already established for customer service are preferred, e.g., "socialmedia@kennesaw.edu."

For any questions or concerns, please email socialmedia@kennesaw.edu.

Branded Profile Images & Additional University Guidelines

  • All social media accounts created for conducting official University business and maintained in the name of Kennesaw State University must have branded social media profile images.* A direct link to the profile image download page can be found at https://mediagraph.io/shares/d02d69a6c88f0645.

    Please note that images with a black background are reserved for Kennesaw State University's main social media accounts. Profile images with a gold background are reserved for Kennesaw State University's 13 colleges. Profile images with a white or gray background are available to any other academic or administrative unit (office, department, program, center, etc.).

    * Affiliate brands may use alternate branded social media profile images. Affiliate brands are brands that have a direct connection or partnership with the University. Examples include registered student organizations, club teams, business partners, sponsors, retail affiliates and associations of the University. The KSU Foundation, Alumni Association, KSU Athletics Association, Parent and Family Association, along with other approved units on campus that may provide services at a commercial level, are authorized to use an affiliate brand. Affiliate brands that choose to identify with the University branding must use the white or gray social media profile images.

    The colors, designs and proportions of official social media profile images may not be altered, no additional text may be added, and designs or objects may not be placed on top of official profile images.

    Do not use social media profile images as official logos. Official logos are available for download from styleguide.kennesaw.edu/downloads.php.

    Administrative and academic units are encouraged to use social media cover images to display photos, text or other information that is relevant and engaging to the unit's specific audience. Do not use official logos in your cover art. Use of the University’s brand, including the University logo, name and/or other brand identifiers must be reviewed by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing. Please submit approval requests to designapproval.kennesaw.edu.

  • Kennesaw State University values open, honest, and thoughtful intellectual inquiry, professionalism, collaboration, integrity and ethical behavior, engaged citizenship, global understanding, mutual respect, and appreciation of human and cultural diversity. These principles apply to every aspect of our community, whether on campus or online.

    We welcome all opinions and encourage open discussion about the topics we post to our social media platforms. There may be social media comments posted to our pages that you or others do not agree with; those posts will remain visible in order to maintain transparency and promote constructive dialogue. However, KSU prides itself on offering a welcoming and inclusive environment and does not condone intolerant behaviors that suggest otherwise. Therefore, the university retains discretion to allow or disallow comments and/or posts for the safety, security and well-being of our community.

    Posts and/or comments may be removed for any of the following reasons:

    • The use of vulgar, derogatory, discriminatory, harassing or threatening language or obscene content
    • Illegal activity
    • Disclosure of information that is confidential by law or regulation
    • Violations of intellectual property, copyrights or trademarks
    • Advertisements or solicitations from external parties
    • Endorsements or opposition of any person campaigning for election to a political office or promoting or opposing any ballet proposal
    • Comments that are off-topic or irrelevant to the KSU community
    • Duplicate comments by the same user or multiple users. In the case of identical comments, only the initial submission will be approved.

    While KSU regularly monitors its social media accounts, we encourage all users to report posts or comments that violate our community standards.

  • Marketing Funnel showing wide at top and focus at bottom through the following: target audience, prospects, leads, applicants, students, and alumni. When identifying as a KSU faculty or staff member on social media, you may be subject to online harassment and other threatening situations. To support University employees, the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing has compiled a list of best practices to help faculty and staff members on social media prevent and cope with potentially harmful situations.*

    What is an internet “troll?”

    • According to Merriam-Webster, trolls are typically characterized as online commentors who deliberately post “inflammatory, irrelevant or offensive comments” with the intent to disrupt messaging.

    What should you do when you encounter a troll or someone who engages in harassment?

    • If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911 or contact Kennesaw State University Police at 470-578-6666. KSU’s Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing will be available to offer advice on how to deal with harassment. You can contact the social media team at socialmedia@kennesaw.edu. You should also escalate concerns to your unit’s executive officer.
    • Avoid responding to inflammatory comments. Trolls tend to move on when they don’t have anything to which they can reply.
    • Document as much of the encounter as possible, including messages, emails, social media posts, and voicemails. Take and save screenshots in case you need to file a police report or take legal action.
    • If you are contacted by members of the media during a troll attack, please contact the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing before responding to inquiries.


    Other best practices

    • When publishing something that makes you even the slightest bit uncomfortable, discuss it with your supervisor prior to posting.
    • If you have any questions or concerns about a situation unfolding on social media or social media best practices, contact the social media team within the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing.
      *Guidelines compiled using best practices shared by universities nationwide.