Best Practices & Content Guidelines

Read more about platform specific best practices.

• Only share information that is public.
• Emergencies: If you encounter any safety concerns in social media, contact Public Safety, Human Resources or Student Life.
• All posted content should relate to furthering Lafayette’s mission and/or campus life.
• Don’t use social media to post policy or procedural information. If the need arises, direct users to an appropriate part of the Lafayette website or other institutional materials.
• Strive for accuracy.
• Be respectful.
• Use the voice of your department, office or unit and not your own in order maintain a consistent voice and to safeguard privacy.
• Identify yourself on personal social media sites/accounts. If you identify yourself as a Lafayette staff or faculty member in social media for any reason, it should be clearly stated that your views are not necessarily those of the College. It is wise to put this disclaimer in the profile section of your personal social media accounts for transparency.
• Be careful to obey the terms of service of every social media platform you use.
• Set up metrics for measuring your success, and use the analytics that are available in the some of the social media platforms to monitor your progress.
• Remember: Social media is a conversation!

Monitoring and Updating

Account administrators must be prepared to make a commitment to their social media.

1. Accounts should be updated regularly for accuracy.
2. Posting should be done regularly to build audience by creating an informative and engaging environment.
3. Monitor your social media accounts regularly.
4. Respond to any problems or issues that may arise.

If you have any questions regarding troubleshooting issues with your social media accounts, please contact Brittany Martin, digital content manager, at sodab@lafayette.edu, (610) 330-5852.

Moderating Content and Comments

• Don’t delete negative comments just because you don’t agree.
• Use your judgment; it may be appropriate to address genuine concerns or criticisms.
• In some cases it may be wise to contact the person who has posted a comment directly to see how you can help resolve an issue. Remember that social media are inherently interactive. Engagement is important, and a regard for your audience’s opinions, either positive or negative, will be seen as evidence that you are open to discussion and proactive about responding.

When to Delete Comments

All official Lafayette social media accounts reserve the right to delete comments deemed inappropriate.

As a general rule of thumb, it is appropriate to delete all comments that involve:

• Defaming or attacking a person or a group of people
• Political endorsements
• Links unrelated to your site
• Unrelated advertising or promotions from outside sources (spam)

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Brittany Martin, digital content manager, at sodab@lafayette.edu, (610) 330-5852.