BW Social Media Resources

At Baldwin Wallace University, we recognize the significant role that social media plays in communication, outreach and community building.

We encourage students and employees to leverage social media platforms responsibly and ethically to represent the university and its various departments or student organizations.

These social media policies outline the guidelines and expectations for individuals managing social media accounts on behalf of Baldwin Wallace University.

  • Account Ownership and Responsibility

    1. Official BW-related accounts (academic departments, programs, centers, administrative offices, services, athletic teams and alumni groups) representing Baldwin Wallace University must be approved by the appropriate department or organization.
    2. All BW-related social media accounts must provide the Office of University Relations (UR) with an up-to-date record of each social media account’s email address and password for security purposes. Most importantly, all social media accounts must use an @bw.edu email account. Any change in email, admins or passwords must be reported immediately to UR.
    3. The individual or team responsible for managing the social media account should have a direct affiliation with the department or organization they are representing.
    4. Account managers must understand that they are personally responsible for the content they post, and they must abide by the policies and guidelines set forth by Baldwin Wallace University as well as the codes of conduct for students and employees.

  • Professional Conduct

    1. All social media activity should align with the mission, vision and values of Baldwin Wallace University.
    2. Account managers should present themselves in a professional manner and engage with others respectfully.
    3. Content posted should be accurate, honest and fair, avoiding misleading or false information.

  • Privacy and Data Protection

    1. Confidential or sensitive information about the university, its students or employees should not be disclosed. All individuals must follow all applicable state, federal and local laws, such as the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).
    2. Account managers should be cautious when using or sharing photographs or videos to ensure the privacy and dignity of those depicted.

  • Branding and Representation

    1. When you use social media on behalf of a BW office, program or organization, your channels should reinforce the BW brand.
    2. Content should be consistent with the department's or organization's mission, goals, and values.
    3. Editorial quality includes limiting typos, grammatical errors and subpar content.
    4. Account managers should avoid engaging in any activities or sharing content that may harm the reputation or integrity of Baldwin Wallace University.

  • Engaging with the Community

    1. Account managers should actively engage with the social media community, responding to comments, messages and inquiries in a timely and respectful manner.
    2. Constructive dialogue and open discussions should be encouraged, while avoiding personal attacks, discrimination or harassment.
    3. Content posted should promote inclusivity, diversity and cultural sensitivity.

  • Compliance with Copyright and Fair Use

    1. Use of copyrighted or trademarked material on social media platforms is often illegal and can result in account suspension by the platform or legal action.
    2. Individuals and account administrators sharing content on social media should take care to receive approval prior to posting copyrighted or trademarked graphics, photos, videos, music, text or other material protected by intellectual property law.

  • Monitoring and Accountability

    1. Baldwin Wallace University reserves the right to monitor and review social media accounts representing the university, departments or student organizations.
    2. Account managers must provide login access to their social media accounts for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
    3. Violations of this policy may result in the removal of account management responsibilities or other appropriate disciplinary/legal actions.

By managing a social media account on behalf of Baldwin Wallace University, you agree to abide by these policies and expectations. Please understand that your actions on social media can impact the university's reputation and the individuals associated with it. We trust that you will represent Baldwin Wallace University with professionalism, integrity and respect in all your social media interactions.

Remember, social media can be a powerful tool for engagement and building connections, and we encourage you to make the most of this opportunity to promote the values and achievements of Baldwin Wallace University.

Should you have any questions or require further guidance, contact the Office of University Relations at info@bw.edu or (440) 826-2325.

- Updated: August 2023 -