Social Media Guidelines

The College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Office of Communications has created a set of guidelines for those who are involved in the creation and maintenance of social media accounts associated with VPA. If you have any questions about the guidelines below, please contact Erica Blust at esblust@syr.edu.

The Guidelines

While we understand that rules that govern social media are its antithesis, this document is a means of sharing core brand and social media guidance for those involved in creating/maintaining social media accounts associated with VPA and its schools, departments, programs, classes, and clubs/groups (sanctioned or otherwise).
These are guiding principles for the activities of the college.

VPA’s Social Media Statement

VPA embraces the use of social media. Social media provides a valuable tool for developing and maintaining relationships with students, alumni, donors, parents, and the global community. Social media affords VPA a forum to engage in discussions and share insights, news, and experiences. We value the two-way conversation and welcome this opportunity to receive feedback.

Remember that the goals of VPA social media should correlate with our mission, vision, and values and:

Establish/maintain the “vibrancy of VPA”–a place and community of people who create a brand together that’s bigger than each maintain independently
Engage prospective students
Establish relationships with incoming students
Maintain relationships with current students, alumni, and friends/donors
Share news and promote events (exhibitions, lectures, performances, etc.)
Share exciting and unique content
Reach a wider, more diverse audience
Learn about the target community and its needs/interests
Educate the public about the overall awesomeness of VPA

Both in professional and institutional roles, VPA employees and students should follow the same behavioral standards online as they would in real life. The same ethics, laws, professional expectations, and guidelines for interacting with each other, students, parents, alumni, donors, media, and other University constituents apply online as in the real world.

What We Mean by “Social Media”

Social media includes web- and mobile-based technologies that are used to turn communication into interactive dialogue among organizations, communities, and individuals. Social media allows us to share our story via words, images, and video.
Currently, the social media platforms used most regularly by VPA are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. As social media continues to grow, VPA will evaluate the advantages of new and different platforms. Links to all current VPA social media accounts may be found on the footer (bottom) of the college website, vpa.syr.edu.

General Guidelines

Message

If you are involved in creating/maintaining social media accounts associated with VPA and its schools, departments, programs, classes, and clubs/groups, keep in mind VPA’s mission and vision:

Mission: the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship, and commentary. We provide the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action.
Vision: the vision of the College of Visual and Performing Arts is founded upon the belief that art and scholarship can affect change.

Copyright and Fair Use

Respect copyright and fair use laws. When citing the work of another person or organization, professional bloggers, like journalists, will use proper attribution as well as a link (if applicable). Trademarks such as logos, slogans, and digital content (art, music, photos, etc.) may require permission from the copyright owner. It is your responsibility to seek that permission if you intend to use any such trademarked content.