Social Media Policy for University Platforms

Cumberland University’s official social media channels are about conversations, community, connecting with the audience, and building relationships. It is not just a broadcast channel or a sales and marketing tool. Authenticity, honesty, and open dialogue are key. As an institution we strive to listen before speaking. This section is intended to address the use of social media professionally on behalf of Cumberland University and aims to eliminate any confusion concerning its use.

1. Cumberland University official social media accounts vow to reflect the mission, vision, and values of Cumberland University. Only these official channels formally reflect an official university stance or statement.
2. Cumberland’s official social media accounts adhere to all university policies.  Social networking conduct must be consistent with all other policies contained in Cumberland’s Policies and Procedures Manual and Course Catalog, Faculty and Human Resources Handbook (including the Confidentiality and Disclosure policy and Sexual Harassment policy), and Information Technology Acceptable Use Policies. These channels also ensure social networking conduct complies with FERPA policies and NAIA regulations.
3. Official University social media channels are able to discern whether information is public or private and will not share information that is “for internal use only.” University intelligence that has been deemed for internal use only is absolutely not meant to be forwarded to anyone who is not employed by Cumberland. No exceptions. Messages from our president, deans, directors, managers or other University-authority to other employees are not meant for the media or any public organization or individual unless approved by the Office of Marketing and Communications.
4. Cumberland University refers to public relations officials for handling official University information and commentary. Only official spokespeople are allowed to comment on Cumberland-related legal matters. In addition, talking online about non-public and/or non-factual student enrollment data, future University changes, unannounced financial results or similar matters is prohibited. Cumberland’s marketing team oversees the release of all official University news and information to public audiences. Breaking news will always be shared first by Cumberland’s marketing staff on official University accounts.
5. As an institution we vow to respect our audiences. Threats, slander, libel, discrimination, defamation, or obscenity of any kind are prohibited. Official University channels will not engage in any conduct that would not be acceptable on campus and will show proper consideration for others’ privacy and for topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory.
6. Cumberland University staff (including Marketing and Communications) must always report a potential crisis situation. If we are made aware of content online that could result in trouble for the University, our goal is to act quickly and notify appropriate campus leadership. If we become aware of a situation that has not been referenced by anyone online, but likely will, the Office of Marketing and Communications and campus leadership must follow the same protocol.
7. We strive to share content with integrity. Cumberland University content (Press Releases, Video Content, physical publications) is expected to be written knowledgeably, accurately and professionally while respecting differences and appreciating the diversity of opinions.

4. Guidelines for third parties on CU official channels

Cumberland social networking sites may allow site visitors to post various forms of content on the page. The following guidelines will apply to all content posted by visitors to CU social networking pages, and these guidelines should be included in any set of posting guidelines developed by a content owner.

1. Cumberland University is not responsible for comments or postings made by visitors to the page.
2. Comments from visitors express their personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of CU.
3. Comments on any CU approved site shall be respectful, civil, and in compliance with the social networking site’s terms of use and/or rules and should reflect Cumberland’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
4. Students, faculty, staff, and other visitors to CU approved sites are subject to discipline and revocation of posting privileges for actions that violate CU policies or the published rules on a CU approved site.
5. Cumberland University, through the Division of Marketing and Communications, reserves the right to remove any comments, posts, photos, links, profile pictures, user names, or page names at its discretion, without notice or explanation, if such are deemed contrary to CU policies or the published rules on a CU approved site.
6. Sales of off-campus products or services, or messages that promote commercial, political, or other ventures are prohibited.
7. Individuals creating or posting on CU approved sites must obtain written permission from identifiable individuals before using pictures of individuals whose images are identifiable. Users shall not post images that might be embarrassing to an individual or that could be construed as placing an individual in a bad light. Images may not be posted that might cause someone to reasonably believe their likeness is being used for commercial purposes without permission. Images of health care patients and research subjects must never be used.

5. Comment Moderation Policy

Cumberland University’s social media accounts are managed by the Office of Marketing and Communications. We ask that visitors to our platforms remain civil and respectful to each other and to the account administrators.

We encourage comments and engagement with our social media posts. As a University, we embrace the principle of free speech. As such, our comment sections are kept open and unmoderated to the greatest extent possible.

However, that does not mean that all types of responses are welcome on our posts. While our reply sections can be a space for robust debate and even disagreement, we will take action to ensure that they are not used to spread hate, target groups or individuals, propagate falsehoods, reveal private information, or contribute to an unsafe environment. Discriminatory or offensive language is not permitted. The following content is prohibited:

• ●Abusive or threatening language
• ●Obscene or vulgar language
• ●References to distressing events or subjects, particularly when they’re off-topic
• ●Hateful or discriminatory language
• ●False or defamatory statements
• ●Violations of any intellectual property laws and rights
• ●Commercial posts or spam
• ●Libel or slander
• ●Anything else we deem to be offensive, off-topic, harmful, or otherwise in violation of University policies or guidelines

We reserve the right to remove individual comments and restrict or close replies at our discretion. Users who violate the University’s comment moderation standards may be blocked and prevented from engaging further.

Comments and replies reflect the views of the individual who posted them and should not be interpreted as the views or policies of Cumberland University.

If you encounter discrimination or harassment on Cumberland University social media affiliated pages, please screenshot the message or comment and report it via email to The Office of Marketing and Communications at communications@cumberland.edu

6. Conclusion

In order to keep our social media accounts a space for civil discourse and information sharing, we’ve created the following reminders:

Social media is a public forum. Remember that anything you post may be seen by thousands of people worldwide, and that comments you read are attributable only to the individual who posted them. Comments, replies, and other responses do not represent the viewpoint of Cumberland University or any of its affiliates.

Be respectful. Demonstrate respect for other people and the Cumberland community (Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni, Donors, etc.) by keeping your posts civil.

Private information should not be posted. Do not publish or share personal information on social media, even in private messages.

Cumberland University is committed to fostering a safe community and workplace where everyone can learn, live, work and express ourselves. Comments, direct messages, and other forms of social media outreach directed at Cumberland University-affiliated accounts are not mechanisms for reporting concerns of discrimination or harassment. Cumberland encourages all community members to raise concerns, including discrimination and harassment through the multiple other and more appropriate methods available to the University.