Engage Authentically and Responsively
Your content should:
- Reflect the University’s mission and values.
- Be accurate, professional and grammatically correct.
- Be visually clear and easy to understand.
- Provide helpful, timely information.
Interaction Best Practices:
- Correct errors promptly and transparently.
- Monitor comments, tags and messages regularly.
- Respond respectfully and helpfully.
- Highlight positive stories and contributions.
- Build relationships by cross-promoting related campus content.
Negative Comments or Concerns
Not all criticism requires a response. Use the following approach:
- Provide courteous, factual information when clarification is needed.
- Leave opinions alone if they do not violate conduct expectations.
- Allow time for the community to respond before intervening.
- If language is inappropriate, check the Standards of Conduct to determine whether moderation is required.
Standards of Conduct
The University reserves the right to moderate and remove any content (including photos, videos, links or text) that violates policy or community standards. Inappropriate content includes but is not limited to:
- Harassment, bullying or discriminatory remarks based on protected characteristics
- Vulgar, racist, sexist, homophobic or otherwise derogatory language
- Obscene, graphic or violent material that lacks academic or artistic value
- Threats of violence or serious harm
- Libelous, slanderous, inflammatory or defamatory statements
- Incorrect or intentionally misleading information presented as fact
- Impersonation or misrepresentation of identity
- Off-topic posts or comments that disrupt the flow of conversation
- Excessive posting or spam-like behavior that hinders meaningful dialogue
- Commercial advertisements, promotions or solicitations
- Content violating student privacy under FERPA
- Content violating employee privacy or institutional confidentiality
- Confidential or personal information protected under University policy, state or federal law
- Partisan political advocacy or product endorsements presented as University-supported
Moderation Procedures
Consult MarCom if guidance is needed. Before removing content:
- Capture a screenshot of the comment, username, date and context.
- Record the reason for removal in your moderation log.
- Notify the user when feasible with a courteous explanation.
- Report threatening posts to University Police Department immediately. When applicable, concerning posts may also be reported to the Student Affairs Dean of Students, Human Resources or MarCom.
Repeated violations may result in blocking the user, following documentation and consultation with MarCom.
Security and Continuity
Keep accounts secure by:
- Using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
- Reviewing admin access regularly
- Avoiding shared personal accounts or generic logins
- Ensuring administrative ownership remains with full-time employees
- Maintaining records of moderated content per retention guidelines
Legal and Privacy Requirements
All University-affiliated content is governed by privacy laws and regulations, including:
- FERPA
- HIPAA and California medical privacy laws
- NCAA rules and compliance guidelines
Do not post:
- Personally identifiable student information
- Confidential medical or counseling details
- Internal personnel or disciplinary information
- Any copyrighted materials without permission
- Endorsements of political candidates presented as University-supported
- Endorsements of commercial products or services unless the partnership is part of an approved University program or sponsorship
Updated: December 05, 2025