Facebook

Facebook Policies and User Guidelines

Here's a quick overview of the College's policies and guidelines on the College's Facebook page and the use of Facebook by administrative and academic departments.

While presenting numerous communications opportunities, use of Facebook and other social networking platforms for College-related activities invariably reflects on the College's image and reputation.  With both the opportunities and pitfalls of social networking in mind, the Web Strategy Team and the Office of Communication have developed the policies and guidelines below.  Social networking is a relatively new and evolving phenomenon which can appear deceptively simple at first glance, but which offers both opportunities and challenges.  The best way to get a sense of how Facebook works most effectively is to spend some time watching it in action before beginning to post.

Policies

Administrative offices thinking of establishing a Facebook presence should seek permission of department and/or division heads and the Web Strategy Team.  (Get on the agenda by contacting Rosita Nunez).

Academic departments establishing Facebook pages are asked to let the Office of Communications know if you have instituted a Facebook site in connection with College business.

Guidelines

1. The Office of Communication has recently launched an official College Facebook site. The Office encourages members of the Mount Holyoke community to follow this page and to post information of interest to the community in accord with the procedures listed below. Audiences for this page are members of the on-campus and off-campus communities, including alumnae, prospective students, parents, and others interested in the school.


2. The Office suggests that academic and administrative departments designate a member of the office or department to maintain familiarity with the site.
   
   It is recommended that posters to the site honor the spirit of social networking by posting information that will be of wide interest and which will prompt response or discussion by members of the wider MHC community. The purpose of social networking is, after all, to build or strengthen community through enabling an exchange of views. Posting event info and other replications of materials which appear--or should appear--on College Webpages and online calendars is discouraged.


3. With some exceptions, the Office cannot offer support to other College Facebook pages.  In fact, the Office of Communications and the Web Strategy team cautions most administrative offices and academic departments about developing Facebook pages because of the resources required. Those thinking of setting up new pages should determine if Facebook is the best way to reach audiences and if resources exist to maintain new sites. By some estimates, the equivalent of one day a week of staff time is necessary to maintain a viable Facebook presence. And, Facebook pages should be checked seven days a week.  Undermaintained or abandoned Facebook pages, or those with unaddressed inappropriate postings, are counterproductive--and can even be damaging.
   
   In addition to the standard profile pages, Facebook offers other options.  In some cases, setting up a Facebook group, which can be limited to members, may be a more effective vehicle for reaching your goals.  More...
   An example of a Facebook group is the Community-Based Learning group.
   
   In addition, the Facebook Help Center offers more information about using this technology effectively.


4. Users are encouraged to follow the guidelines for use posted by Facebook at the Statement of Rights and Responsibilities.
   
   In addition, employees of the College are encouraged to represent themselves in using this tool as they would conduct themselves in conducting any College-related business.
   
   The College Privacy and Security Policies are also a helpful resource.


5. College related Facebook sites should not be used for commercial purposes without approval from department or division head.


6. Email questions about these policies to the Office of Communications.

Questions about the College's Facebook page may be directed to Mary Jo Curtis, and Sarah Barrett.

Flickr

See College policies regarding Flickr.