PRR13-10-01-124 Shannon McHale - UA Athletics Social Network Policy for Student Athletes 000001 The University of Akron Department of Athletics Social Network Policy for Student-Athletes Social network sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and other digital communication platforms and distribution mechanisms facilitate students communicating with other students. Participation in such online communities has both positive appeal and potentially negative consequences. It is important that University of Akron student-athletes be aware of these consequences and exercise appropriate caution, if they choose to participate. Student-athletes are not restricted from using any online social network sites and digital platforms, however, users must understand that any content they make public via online social networks or digital platforms is expected to comply with federal government, state of Ohio, University of Akron (UA), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), MidAmerican Conference (MAC), Western Intercollegiate Rifle Conference (WIRC, rifle), Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC, rifle) and an individual sport program’s team rules, regulations and laws. Facebook, MySpace, and similar directories are hosted outside the University server. Violations of University policy (such as harassing language, University alcohol or drug policy violations, etc.) or evidence of such violations in the content of online social networks or digital platforms are subject to investigation and sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct, Student-Athlete Code of Conduct and team policies. Studentathletes are also subject to the authority of law enforcement agencies. Social Network Guidelines for Student-Athletes The following guidelines are intended to provide the framework for student-athletes to conduct themselves safely and responsibly in an online environment. As a student-athlete at UA, you should: 1. Be careful how much and what kind of identifying information you post to online social network sites. Anyone can access your page. It is unwise to provide information such as full date of birth, social security number, address, residence hall room number, phone numbers, cell phone numbers, class schedules, bank account information, or details about your daily routine. All can facilitate identity theft or stalking. Facebook and other sites provide numerous privacy settings for information contained in its pages – use these settings to protect private information. Once posted, the information becomes the property of the website. Please understand, privacy settings may help protect private information, but it is not a guaranteed safeguard. Any text or photo placed online is completely out of your control the moment it is placed online, even if you limit access to your site. 2. Be aware that UA employees, including coaches, faculty, and administrators, can access these sites just as easily as your peers. Current and future employers often access online social network sites for information. Many graduate programs and scholarship committees search these sites to screen applications. You should think about any information you post on Facebook or similar directories as it provides an image of you to a prospective employer. The information posted is considered public information. Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image of which you can be proud. 3. Do not have a false sense of security about your rights to freedom of speech. Understand that freedom of speech is not unlimited. Inappropriate postings on social network sites may easily result in serious repercussions. 4. Be cautious about what you share about your team. You may not post information about yourself, your teammates or your coaches that will put you or your team at a competitive disadvantage, including but not limited to injury reports, game plans and strategy, and recruiting information. 5. Do not post any information that is proprietary to the UA Department of Athletics which is not public information. Such proprietary information includes team schedules, practice plans, travel plans, itineraries, or any other information that is sensitive or personal in nature. 6. Be aware that you are personally liable for any copyright violations you may commit, whether intentional or inadvertent. Copyright violations may include posting photographs, audio, or video of people or things that are not you or your personal property, or for which you do not have express written permission to distribute. In addition, it is a violation of copyright laws to post various trademarks and other recognizable symbols of The University of Akron. PRR13-10-01-124 Shannon McHale - UA Athletics Social Network Policy for Student Athletes 000002 7. Be aware that you are personally liable for any violations of other students’ privacy rights, including violation of rights protected by state and federal privacy laws. You will also risk sanctions by The University of Akron for violating various student codes of conduct or codes of computing ethics. 8. Understand that malicious use of online networks, including derogatory language or comments about any member of The University of Akron community, demeaning statements about, or threats to any third party, incriminating photographs or statements that depict private behavior, hazing, sexual harassment, vandalism, stalking, underage drinking, illegal drug use, or other inappropriate behavior will be subject to investigation and possible sanctions by the University and/or the UA Department of Athletics, as well as civil authorities. 9. Consider these recommended practices: • Profile/privacy settings are set to only friends. • Contact information is set to only friends. • Be selective in what information your friends can share about you. • Even though pictures are included in “profile information,” be very careful of what types of pictures you place on a social networking site. • Be mindful of what pictures you are allowing to be taken that can be posted by friends. 10. Individual athletic teams may have a more restrictive social networking policy. You are responsible to be aware of your teams’ policy and are subject to its guidelines. Social Network Student-Athlete Agreement As a student-athlete, you are required to know, understand, and follow the standards contained in The University of Akron Department of Athletics Social Network Policy.