Social Media Acceptable Use

State Tech encourages employees to share information with coworkers and with those outside the college for the purposes of gathering information, generating new ideas, and learning from the work of others. Social media provides inexpensive, informal, and timely ways to participate in an exchange of ideas and information. However, information that employees post or share on social media is available to the public, and therefore, the college has established the following guidelines for employee participation in social media.

Off-Duty Use of Social Media:

In general, the college considers social media activities to be personal endeavors, and employees may use them to express their thoughts or promote their ideas. However, employees may not post on a personal social media platform for personal purposes at any time with State Tech equipment or property.

On-Duty Use of Social Media:

Employees may engage in social media activity during work time provided it is directly related to their work and approved by their manager and does not identify or reference college clients, customers, or vendors without express permission. The college is entitled to monitor all employee use of college computers and the Internet. In addition, employees may not post on a personal social media platform for personal purposes during work time with State Tech equipment or property.

Respect:

Demonstrate respect for the dignity of the college, its owners, its customers, its vendors, and its employees. A social media site is a public place, and employees should avoid inappropriate comments. For example, employees should not divulge State Tech confidential information. Similarly, employees should not engage in harassing or discriminatory behavior that targets other employees or individuals because of their protected class status or make defamatory comments or engage in other behavior that violates the college’s policies.

Post Disclaimers:

Employees who identify themselves as college employees or discuss matters related to the college on a social media site must include a disclaimer on the front page stating that it does not express the views of the college and that the employees are expressing only personal views—for example: “The views expressed on this website/Weblog are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.” Place the disclaimer in a prominent position, and repeat it for each posting expressing an opinion related to the college or the college’s business. Employees must keep in mind that if they post information on a social media site that is in violation of college policy and/or federal, state, or local law, the disclaimer will not shield them from disciplinary action.

Violations of this policy may result in discipline up to and including immediate termination of employment.

Nothing in this policy is meant to, nor should it be interpreted to, in any way limit your rights under any applicable federal, state, or local laws, including your rights under the Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 29 to engage in protected concerted activities with other employees to improve or discuss terms and conditions of employment, such as wages, working conditions, and benefits. Employees have the right to engage in or refrain from such activities.

LINE OF AUTHORITY

Responsible administrator or office: Human Resources

Contact person in that office: Amy Ames

EFFECTIVE DATE: August 16, 2023

Approved by President: August 16, 2023