Social Media Guidelines

Purpose

Queensborough Community College (QCC) recognizes the power of social media as a tool for communication, engagement, and community building. These guidelines are designed to ensure that all social media activities representing QCC are consistent with the college’s mission, values, and policies, while fostering a positive online presence.

1. Scope

These guidelines apply to all official QCC social media accounts, including but not limited to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube. They are intended for use by faculty, staff, and departments who have created or plan to create QCC affiliated social media accounts.

2. Account Creation and Registration

• Any department or group intending to create an official QCC-affiliated social media account must first seek approval from the Office of Marketing under The Division of Strategic Initiatives and Advancement.
• Approved accounts must be registered with the Office of Marketing including providing account credentials (username, email, and contact for the person managing the account).
• Account names should clearly indicate their affiliation with QCC (e.g., @QCCDepartment). Additionally, accounts must include the college’s full name and website URL in their bio.

3. Branding and Representation

• All QCC-affiliated accounts must adhere to the college’s branding guidelines, including the use of logos, colors, and official messaging.
• Profiles should include a clear description of the department or program, a link to the official QCC website, and contact information.
• Avoid using personal identifiers in usernames or profile names.

4. Content Guidelines

• Accuracy: Ensure all information posted is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the QCC community.
• Tone: Maintain a professional, respectful, and inclusive tone in all communications.
• Engagement: Encourage positive interactions by responding to comments and messages in a timely and respectful manner.
• Copyright and Privacy: Do not post content that violates copyright laws or privacy regulations. Obtain proper permissions for any copyrighted material or personal information.
• Visuals: Use high-quality images and videos that reflect QCC’s values and diversity. Ensure any individuals featured have provided consent.
• Accessibility: Make every effort to make your content accessible by providing closed captioning to your videos and alt-text on your photos. The CUNY Accessibility page has further details.

5. Posting Frequency and Consistency

• Regular posting is encouraged to maintain audience engagement. Aim for a consistent posting schedule (e.g., weekly).
• Avoid long periods of inactivity. If an account becomes inactive, the Office of Marketing may request its deactivation.

6. Community Engagement and Moderation

• Be responsive to comments, questions, and messages, addressing them within 24-48 hours when possible.
• Moderate comments to maintain a respectful environment. Remove any comments that are offensive, inappropriate, or violate QCC policies.
• Do not engage in arguments or inflammatory discussions. Please escalate concerns to both the Office of Marketing and the Office of Communications right away.

7. Crisis Communication

• In case of emergencies or crises, refrain from posting content.
• Follow directives from the Office of Marketing and the Office of Communications regarding approved messaging and updates.
• Ensure that any shared information is verified and consistent with official communications.
• Media inquiries related to content on QCC related social media must be directed to the College’s Director of Communications, Tanisha Mallett.

8. Legal and Policy Compliance

• Adhere to all applicable laws, including FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and copyright laws.
• The College reserves the right to remove content from QCC established social media sites, without notice to the originator of the material, if the material violates any of the guidelines found throughout this document
• If there is an option to add information on your site, please add this disclaimer: Content posted here does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Queensborough Community College/CUNY.
• Do not share confidential or proprietary information.

9. Personal Use of Social Media

• Personal social media accounts should not be used to represent QCC unless explicitly authorized.
• When mentioning QCC on personal accounts, employees should make it clear that their views are personal and do not represent the college.

10. Training and Support

• The Office of Marketing offers training sessions on social media best practices.
• Departments managing social media accounts are encouraged to participate in these sessions to stay updated on guidelines and trends.

11. Monitoring and Review

• The Office of Marketing and the Office of Communications will periodically review QCC-affiliated accounts to ensure compliance with these guidelines.
• Accounts found to be in violation may be subject to corrective actions, including suspension or deactivation.

For questions, approvals, or further assistance, please contact:

Angelica May, Director of Marketing
Tanisha Mallett, Chief Content Officer and Director of Communications