SUSNA Social Media Policy

AUTHOR: PRESIDENT DATE: 08/06/2022 STATUS: APPROVED

The Stirling University Scottish Nationalist Association recognises and embraces the benefits and opportunities that social media can bring as a tool.  For the purposes of this policy, social media is defined as a type of interactive online media that allows parties to communicate instantly with each other or to share data in a public forum.  This includes online social forums, anonymous apps, blogs, video-and image-sharing websites and similar facilities.  It can be used to share news, information and successes, keep staff and students up to date with important developments and promote healthy academic debate about controversial subjects and areas of research.

There is, however, an inherent risk involved in using social media, in that, it is an instantaneous and far reaching form of communication and inappropriate use can impact upon staff, students and the reputation of the University, society, and the national SNP Party.

The society encourages members to engage, collaborate and innovate through social media; however, wherever and whenever the member does this, they must be aware of the potential impact on both themselves and the society.

Purpose of policy

This policy is intended to minimise the risks of social media which can impact on the wellbeing of students and the reputation of the society, so that students and staff can enjoy the benefits of social networking whilst understanding the standards of conduct expected by the University.

Who does this apply to?

This policy relates to all members who create or contribute to blogs, wikis, social networks, apps, forums, virtual worlds, or any other kind of social media. It should be applied to all use and all forms of social media where there is potential impact on the society and party, whether for work-related or personal use, whether during working hours or otherwise.

Principles

  • Members should only comment within their own area of expertise to provide individual perspectives on non-confidential activities at the Society.
  • Members should never represent themselves or the society in a false or misleading way. All statements must be true and not misleading; all claims must be substantiated.
  • Use common sense and common courtesy. Members should ask permission to publish or report conversations that are meant to be private or internal to the society. The societies privacy, confidentiality and legal guidelines for external communication should not be violated by a members efforts to be transparent.
  • Where appropriate, the society reserves the right to monitor use of social media platforms and take appropriate action to protect against any misuse that may be harmful to the society, in accordance with the IT regulations and where the law permits.
  • Members should seek guidance before participating in social media when the topic being discussed may be considered sensitive (e.g. a crisis situation, intellectual property, issues which may impact on the societies reputation, commercially sensitive material). Social media activity around sensitive topics should be referred to the Campaigns and Publicity Officer, failing this, either the secretary, vice-president, or president.
  • If a members use of social media is considered to be derogatory, discriminatory, bullying, threatening, defamatory, offensive, intimidating, harassing, creating legal liability for the society, bringing the society or the SNP into disrepute, breaching the SUSNA Constitution or any other society policy or procedure then the University may take action under the member disciplinary procedure. This may include comments, videos, or photographs, which have been posted on social media sites about the society, other students, or the SNP (including the YSI and SNP Students).
  • A member should not engage in illegal activity through social media or engage in any activity that promotes terrorism.  The very fact of possessing or disseminating terrorist material may be sufficient to warrant an investigation by the police and a member would be put in the position of having to advance a credible defence. 
  • The societies response to any misuse of social media in a personal capacity will be reasonable and proportionate to the perceived offence; the nature of the postings/comments made and the impact or potential impact on SUSNA.
  • Social networking sites may be referred to when investigating possible misconduct/gross misconduct.
  • Members should be aware of security threats and be on guard for social engineering and phising attempts.  Social networks can also be used to distribute spam and malware.
  • The society may require members to remove social media postings which are deemed to constitute a breach of these standards and failure to comply with such a request may, in itself, result in disciplinary action.

Responsibilities

SUSNA Executive Committee members should be transparent and state that they are on our committee if they are posting about the society (This can be in your social bio). You should never impersonate another individual.

Members are responsible for their words and actions in an online environment and are therefore advised to consider whether any comment, photograph or video they are about to post on a social networking site, is something that they would want students, members and other SNP Members, the press or people outside the society to read.

Guidance

  • Be transparent
  • Protect Personal Information
  • Follow the law and these guidelines
  • Be responsible

IMPORTANT NOTE:

SUSNA SOCIAL MEDIA ACCESS IS LIMITED TO MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

YOU MUST SEEK ADVISE FROM THE CAMPAIGNS AND PUBLICITY OFFICER PRIOR TO RETWEETING, SHARING, OR LIKING A POST. IF YOU CANNOT REACH THE CPO PLEASE CONTACT EITHER: SECRETARY, VICE-PRESIDENT, OR PRESIDENT.

APROVAL IS REQUIRED EVERY TIME (EXCLUDING FOR VICE-PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT, AND SECRETARY).

SOCIAL MEDIA ACCESS WILL BE REMOVED IF THIS POLICY IS NOT FOLLOWED.

**AT THIS TIME SUSNA DOES NOT HAVE A CAMPAIGNS AND PUBLICITY OFFICER**

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