At AIES, we recognize the importance of social media as a powerful tool for communication, collaboration, and community engagement. This Social Media Policy is designed to ensure that all members of the AIES community, including students, staff, and centers, use social media responsibly, ethically, and in line with our values. This policy covers both official AIES social media accounts and personal use that relates to AIES.
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for appropriate use of social media in order to:
- Protect the reputation and integrity of AIES.
- Promote respectful, responsible, and productive online behavior.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws and AIES’s internal policies.
- Safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of AIES, its community members, and its operations.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- AIES Official Social Media Accounts: Managed by AIES for promoting educational content, events, announcements, and community engagement.
- Personal Use of Social Media: Any use of personal social media accounts that may impact AIES, including content related to the institution, its students, staff, or activities.
Social media platforms covered by this policy include (but are not limited to):
- Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn
- YouTube, TikTok
- Blogs, discussion forums
- Any other digital platforms for online interaction
3. General Guidelines for Social Media Use
All members of the AIES community are expected to adhere to the following guidelines when using social media:
a. Be Respectful and Inclusive
- Treat others with respect, courtesy, and professionalism, regardless of differences in opinion, background, or identity.
- Avoid posting or sharing content that is offensive, discriminatory, or harmful to any individual or group, including content related to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
- Foster positive and inclusive conversations that align with AIES’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
b. Protect Confidential Information
- Do not share any confidential or proprietary information related to AIES, its students, staff, or partners.
- Protect personal information, including sensitive data such as grades, financial information, or private communications, from unauthorized disclosure.
- Respect privacy laws and regulations, including data protection laws such as GDPR.
c. Maintain Professionalism
- If posting about AIES, whether from an official or personal account, ensure the tone and content are professional and reflective of AIES’s values.
- Avoid posting content that could be seen as disruptive, offensive, or damaging to the reputation of AIES.
- Use correct grammar, avoid slang, and be mindful of the tone when representing AIES online.
4. Use of Official AIES Social Media Accounts
AIES’s official social media accounts are used to communicate with current and prospective students, alumni, staff, partners, and the public. These accounts should:
- Promote educational content, events, achievements, and updates related to AIES’s mission.
- Respond to inquiries and interact with followers in a positive and respectful manner.
- Ensure that all content aligns with AIES’s core values and institutional goals.
Only authorized personnel may manage and post on AIES’s official social media platforms. Unauthorized use of official accounts or impersonation of AIES is prohibited.
5. Personal Use of Social Media
When using personal social media accounts, especially when referencing AIES or interacting with AIES-related content, students and staff must:
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Be Clear About Representation: When expressing personal views on social media, users should clarify that their opinions are their own and do not reflect the official position of AIES.
- Example: “The views expressed here are my own and do not reflect the views of AIES.”
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Use Caution When Posting About AIES: Be mindful that content related to AIES, its students, staff, or operations may reflect on the institution. If in doubt, avoid posting content that could harm AIES’s reputation or community.
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Avoid Conflicts of Interest: Do not use personal social media accounts to promote products, services, or organizations in a way that conflicts with AIES’s values or mission.
6. Prohibited Social Media Activities
The following activities are prohibited on both official AIES accounts and personal accounts that may impact AIES:
- Harassment or Bullying: Posting or sharing content that targets, threatens, or insults another individual or group.
- Spreading Misinformation: Posting false or misleading information about AIES, its programs, or its community members.
- Engaging in Hate Speech: Sharing content that promotes hate speech, discrimination, or violence based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or other protected characteristics.
- Posting Inappropriate Content: Sharing obscene, sexually explicit, or defamatory content.
- Impersonation: Falsely representing oneself as AIES or as another individual within the AIES community.
Violations of these guidelines may result in disciplinary action, including removal from AIES programs or termination of employment.
7. Intellectual Property and Copyright
All members of the AIES community must respect intellectual property rights when posting or sharing content online. This includes:
- Respecting Copyright Laws: Do not post, share, or distribute content (images, text, videos, etc.) that infringes on copyright unless you have permission or it falls under fair use.
- Attributing Sources: When sharing content created by others, provide proper attribution and respect the intellectual property rights of the original creator.
- AIES Branding: Do not use AIES logos, trademarks, or branding without explicit authorization from the institution. All use of AIES branding must align with the institution’s guidelines.
8. Reporting Violations
If you encounter any social media content that violates this policy or AIES’s values, please report it to the administration. AIES will investigate all reports of misconduct and take appropriate action.
Reports can be submitted to:
Email: info@aiesus.org
9. Disciplinary Action
Failure to comply with this policy may result in:
- Warnings: For minor infractions or first-time violations.
- Suspension of Social Media Privileges: Temporary or permanent suspension of access to AIES’s social media platforms.
- Disciplinary Action: More serious infractions may result in disciplinary actions, including expulsion from AIES programs, termination of employment, or legal consequences.
AIES reserves the right to remove or request the removal of any content that violates this policy or reflects poorly on the institution.
10. Policy Review and Updates
AIES will review this Social Media Policy periodically to ensure it remains relevant and effective in guiding the responsible use of social media. Any updates or changes will be communicated to students, staff, and centers.