Q: We’re in the process of rolling out a more coordinated social media effort in order to encourage engagement and aid our marketing program, and to that end I was wondering if LERN had resources or if you could put me in touch with someone who had resources on drafting an organizational Social Media Policy for our support staff and faculty. Any examples of other community colleges or CE programs with good policies in place would also be appreciated; we’re starting our social media campaign from the ground up and hoping to get a lot of buy in from faculty quickly, and as a result, a good set of guidelines is essential to the program’s success.
A: Thank you for your question about social media policies. The task you are undertaking is a very valuable one. Keep in mind that you want a policy that is both clear in explaining how your brand should be represented but flexible enough that staff doesn’t feel too restricted in promoting your brand via social media and allows for changes within the platforms themselves. You also want to have both a social media policy and an action plan; the later should be a part of your overall marketing plan. Below are links two articles that are excellent in providing guidance to develop your plan.
In addition, here is a link to a Dropbox folder that contains some of our higher ed members’ social media policies, plans, statements or positions.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with this. Also, if you send me a copy of your plan, I’ll be glad to add it to our resources for other members to reference.