Guidance

The following guidance is for Sussex staff managing online social content.

Get in touch with us. Let us know what you've set up: we'll add you to the list of Sussex social media users on this site, and also try to keep you up to date with central social media developments. Email internalcomms@sussex.ac.uk
Check before you use others' branding on your website. If you're intending to use a social media website's icons, or other content on your site, always check that you have permission to do so (eg see Twitter's guidelines for use of the Twitter trademark)
As ever, abide by Sussex's computing regulations in all social media use

Think about who you're posting as. If you already use social media personally, it may be worth creating a new profile just for Sussex use. Make it clear whether you are writing for Sussex, or writing personally.
Consider your style. In some cases, you may need to write in a purely informational style (eg when posting important departmental news via a blog). However, don't let that put you off writing in a personal, informal way when appropriate. Also, always write in the first person (eg 'We are conducting a survey' rather than 'the University of Sussex is conducting a survey').
Respect others' privacy. Don't post private information about individuals.
Be accurate, and when appropriate, give references as to where information came from. If you make a mistake, don't hide it, but update the page explaining what the error was
Don't infringe copyrights. Don't put others' content online without their permission. If you're posting Sussex images onto an external site, do check that you have permission to do so (the images may only be licensed to be used on the Sussex website or Sussex materials). For more information, see the Publications and Branding team's guide to copyright.
Always be courteous, even when you don't feel like it. Remember that in most cases, content that you post will be public, and it may not be possible to remove it at a later date. Think twice about posting content if you're feeling angry about something.

Don't spam others to promote Sussex. Be careful how you communicate with others on the platform - will your communications be of interest or irritation?
Be honest. If you're posting about anything to do with Sussex on another website or social media platform, do identify yourself as a Sussex staff member.

Most social media platforms allow users to comment and discuss videos, pages, blog posts, etc. We recommend that you:

Encourage comments, and be responsive. Interaction between yourself and visitors will hopefully build up a community, and help gain trust from others.
Deal with negative feedback. If users post complaints, or have other problems, follow them up positively and quickly (before many others join in!).
Monitor all comments. If there is an option to be emailed whenever a user comments, use it. In social media platforms where this isn't possible, (such as a discussion board on a Facebook page), ensure that this is checked regularly. Use your discretion to remove advertisements, spam, and comments that are hateful, obscene, or defamatory.

Do not use Sussex branding
If you mention that you are a Sussex staff member, ensure that it is clear (eg in your site's profile) that your views are not necessarily shared by the University of Sussex.

If you have any suggestions about these guidelines, please email internalcomms@sussex.ac.uk

Press and Communications Office