Social Media Procedures

Creating an Account

  • University departments and organizations must request University Relations (UR) approval prior to starting a new social media account or channel.
    • A request should include a content plan, including target audiences, and a broad overview of goals the social media channel(s) hope to accomplish.
       
  • A list of UNI social media accounts is maintained by University Relations. Current cell and email contact info for responsible representative(s) for social media accounts should be provided to University Relations.
    • It’s advised that contact information include a full-time staff member, faculty advisor, etc.
    • If possible, setting up the account using a generic departmental UNI email not tied to an individual student or employee is preferred. This can be done by submitting a request on ServiceHub.
       
  • Accounts not created with prior approval are subject to review and may be amended or removed.
     
  • Use of TikTok. On December 13, 2022, Governor Kim Reynolds issued a directive to ban TikTok on all state-owned devices. Consistent with Governor Reynolds’ directive, the Iowa Board of Regents has directed all institutions under its jurisdiction to comply with the following:
    • Remove the software application TikTok from all electronic devices that are owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the institution.
    • Prevent the installation of the software application TikTok on any electronic device that is owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the institution.
    • Cease the creation, posting and active management of content on all TikTok accounts owned or controlled by the institution.
    • This directive shall remain in effect continuously unless otherwise modified or rescinded by the president of the Board of Regents.

Visual Guidelines

  • All accounts representing the university or institutional department or organization will follow the branding guidelines and rules for using logos and marks set forth by UR. Content must follow the university guidelines as it refers to endorsements, FCC regulations and any other state or federal law.
     
  • Accounts created with a university email or accounts owned by an individual or group using the university logo or perceived to be representing the university or related to the university must adhere to the procedures outlined on this page regarding social media accounts.

Accessibility

Content Moderation

  • Departments and organizations should not delete comments posted on their social media platforms unless the comment is deemed unlawful, violative of Regent or university policies or spam. Posts threatening or endangering individuals or the campus in general must be recorded and sent to UNI Public Safety immediately. If comments do fall under one of these areas, the comment should be deleted.
     
  • Official university social media accounts or other communication channels are strictly reserved for institutional purposes and must not be used for personal political commentary or advocacy. Employees are free to express personal opinions on their personal social media accounts, consistent with the First Amendment and its application to public employees.
     
  • Individuals who feel the university's guidelines on social media have been violated should contact UR. UR will investigate the concerns and determine if the guidelines have been violated. A determination that these guidelines have been violated will constitute grounds for the immediate removal of the messages in question.

Crisis/Emergency Protocol

  • In the case of a campus crisis or other emergency, the flagship UNI social media channels maintained by UR will be the sole social channels providing official statements or information. Other channels (aside from RAVE alerts from UNI Public Safety) will be instructed to go dark (remain silent) in emergency situations at the direction of the Director of University Relations. 

Additional Resources