Guidelines

MORE DETAILS | For Official Accounts | For Individual Accounts

Be Connected

Join the official Florida State social media community!

Official: If you’ve been authorized to create an official Florida State social media account, or even if you already have official accounts, begin by filling out the Florida State Social Media Application. Registering your account will place it on the official Florida State Social Media Index, and give you access to special updates, graphics, and greater community support.

Individual: Use the Florida State Social Media Index and lists to find official Florida State accounts you wish to follow. There are a lot of independent Florida State communities out there, too – look around and join the conversation!

Be Sensible

Good judgment is paramount. Remember, you are responsible for what you post...be sure it will not come back to haunt you.

Be a Leader

You may not always agree with other’s thoughts and opinions, and that’s okay! Be respectful, stay above the fray, and always Uphold the Garnet & Gold.

Be Authentic & Transparent

Share your (or your unit’s) personality!

Official: Official accounts represent your unit, not you as an individual, and so you must represent the unit. Find the voice of your entity; be personable and approachable while remaining professional. Then make sure your account’s name, profile info, pictures and posts reflect this.

Individual: Be honest about your identity, share your personality, and remain professional.

If you identify yourself as working for Florida State anywhere in your profile or posts, help yourself & Florida State’s brand by identifying your views as your own. The easiest way is to include a disclaimer in your profile, like “My thoughts and opinions are my own and do not represent those of Florida State.”

Be Human

We all make mistakes; it’s a part of life. If you make a mistake, admit it. Be upfront and quick with your correction, and make it clear that you have done so.

Be Protective

It is extremely important to A.) protect confidential information and abide by existing university, state & federal policies, and B.) protect your personal privacy.

Official: Do not share confidential, proprietary or private information about Florida State University, its students, alumni or employees.

Individual: Do not share confidential or private information about yourself or others. While you want to be honest about yourself, there are others who are not so honest. Review your privacy settings, but to be on the safe side, assume that everything you fill out or post is public and can be viewed by anyone at any time.

Be Sunny

Your tweets, posts, etc. could be considered public records under Florida’s “Sunshine” & Public Records laws.

Official: “The Attorney General has advised that materials placed on an agency’s Facebook page presumably would be in connection with official business and thus subject to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.” Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

Individual: “A city council member is subject to the public records provisions of Chapter 119 when the member “is publicly posting comments relating to city business” or his or her public duties on privately owned and operated websites or blogs.” Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

Be Fair When You Share

Always give credit where credit is due.

Official: Questions about copyright and fair use? Check out Florida State’s Copyright Policy, the U.S. Copyright Office’s FAQ, and Stanford’s Copyright & Fair Use guide.

Individual: Questions about copyright and fair use? Check out Florida State’s Copyright Policy, the U.S. Copyright Office’s FAQ, and Stanford’s Copyright & Fair Use guide.

Be Aware

Policies and Terms of Service will vary.

Official: Become familiar with the policies and terms of service for the sites and networks you use – they can greatly effect how you use them.

Individual: Become familiar with the policies and terms of service for the sites and networks you use – they can greatly effect how you use them.