For many, social media has become an integral part of daily communication. The potential impact of messages on these platforms is robust. Examples include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube. Social media bridges distances, educates and entertains, and communicates in real time.

These guidelines are specific to using social media for University business; however, many of these best practices apply to all uses of social media. This guide is meant to empower and inspire you to be an active and effective social media user on behalf of your department or program at the University.

In this Section

Best Practices

These general guidelines will help you plan and cultivate your social media presence.

Getting Started

Learn the steps to prepare and launch a social media presence for your department or program.

University Identity on Social Media

Guidelines to name your social media accounts and create profile photos with the new brand.

Accessibility

These guidelines are intended to help University staff, faculty and students create social media content that is digitally accessible to people with disabilities.

The Office of Strategic Communications & Marketing would be pleased to answer any questions you may have about social media or to help you decide how to get started. Please feel free to contact us at mkhaira@csustan.edu or (209) 667-3800.

Register Your Social Accounts

All social media accounts managed and coordinated on behalf of a campus department, program or unit are required to be registered with the Office of Strategic Communications & Marketing.

Register University Social Media

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Updated: June 23, 2025