Introduction
Personal social media use is an important part of day-to-day life for many members of the Case Western Reserve University community. Whether you are a student, postdoc, faculty or staff member, your online activity can reflect on both you and the university. These guidelines outline university policies and offer guidance to help you navigate social media responsibly, protect individuals’ privacy and uphold our institutional values.
These guidelines are not intended to and do not limit the right of individuals to engage in expressive activities as outlined under the CWRU Freedom of Expression Policy and accompanying Procedures and Operating Rules. In addition, faculty members play a particularly essential role in representing Case Western Reserve University to the public, with scholarly expertise that helps inform important conversations, shape public understanding, and highlight the depth and impact of our academic community. These guidelines therefore should be read in conjunction with other CWRU policies and standards that protect the right to engage in freedom of expression, including the academic freedom protections in the CWRU Faculty Handbook. Finally, nothing in these guidelines is intended to restrict or interfere with employees' rights under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act to discuss terms and conditions of employment or engage in protected concerted activity.
Affiliation and Disclaimers
When posting on personal social media accounts, be aware of the university’s Policy for Personal Social Media Accounts, and do not present yourself as speaking on behalf of Case Western Reserve University. Your personal posts and interactions should reflect your own views. While members of the university community are permitted and encouraged to share official university positions or statements, you are not authorized to position your own statements as officially representing CWRU.
If you mention your CWRU affiliation in your social media profiles or posts, include a disclaimer such as “Opinions are my own” or “My views do not represent those of Case Western Reserve University.” Disclaimers such as this are often posted in the bio of the social media channel. This helps distinguish personal perspectives from official university positions, protects both you and the institution, and maintains trust and clarity with your audience.
Case Western Reserve University is committed to the free expression of political views by members of the campus community and to the value of discourse and debate as a critical part of the higher education experience. View the Political Campaign Activity Quick Reference Guide.
University Information Technology Usage
Employees’ incidental personal use of social media in connection with university information technology resources must not interfere with operations or productivity, or violate official policies set by their department or the university. Under no circumstances shall members of the university community or others use university information technology resources in ways that are illegal, that are for private commercial use, that threaten the University's tax-exempt or other status, or that interfere with reasonable use by other members of the University community.
Case Western Reserve University reserves the right to monitor the use of its information technology systems as outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy and users shall have no inherent expectation of privacy for information stored on and transported through CWRU information technology resources, except as provided by federal and state law and other university policy. Disciplinary or other action may be taken if a CWRU community member's online activity is deemed to violate professional responsibilities as outlined in CWRU employment policies, including but not limited to the CWRU Faculty Handbook and CWRU HR Policies. Students are also responsible for adhering the Student Code of Conduct, including Article III (B.)19 regarding Technology.
Protect Institutional Confidential and Proprietary Information
Be mindful of the information you share online. Avoid posting personally identifiable information, confidential or sensitive data in public forums, comments or direct messages. Best practices include the use of strong passwords and regularly reviewing your privacy settings to control who can see your content and to safeguard your digital identity.
Do not post confidential or proprietary information about the university, its students, employees or alumni. You must abide by the university policies and federal law in relation to personally identifiable student records, patient privacy, and private CWRU network information.
Responsible Engagement
Social media is a public space—think before you post. Content, even if deleted, can have a lasting impact on your reputation and well-being. Avoid posting or sharing anything that could be seen as maliciously false, unlawfully discriminatory or harassing, retaliatory, bullying or hate speech. Conduct that would not be permissible in the workplace is not permissible between or among personnel online, even if done during non-work hours and away from the workplace on personal devices or home computers. If you encounter negative or abusive interactions, seek support through university resources. Students should note that the CWRU Student Code of Conduct standards can apply to social media as well, including standards regarding the appropriate treatment of others.
Approved Use of University Name and Brand
Student organizations and personal accounts should not use official university logos or trademarked visual elements. While citing your university affiliation is welcomed, branding is reserved for official university channels, which must be requested, registered and approved before creation. Student organizations are governed by the CWRU’s Student Code of Conduct and do not require approval from University Marketing and Communications to operate social media accounts. However, student organizations should keep in mind branding requirements, as University Marketing and Communications reviews all official CWRU items for brand compliance prior to production and distribution. Any misuse or misrepresentation of the university’s brand elements should be reported.