Social media sites are important tools we can use to connect with students, alumni and other members of our community. To help our users effectively use these tools, North Florida College (NFC) shares some “best practice" guidelines collected from respected online and industry sources.

Strategy

Before establishing a social media presence that officially represents NFC, you must receive approval from the NFC Office of Communications. The NFC logo cannot be used on any social media site without approval from the NFC Office of Communications.

Effective use of social media requires time, energy and thought. Before you jump into social media, establish a strategy.

  • What do you want to accomplish?
  • Why are you establishing a social media presence?
  • What do you want it to do for you and for the larger College community?
  • What is the best tool for you to use?
  • Who will be responsible for the page and keeping it up to date?

Be realistic about whether or not you can commit the time and resources needed, and how long you will be willing to make that commitment, in order to create a beneficial social media presence that represents NFC well.

Best Practices for Social Media

Social media is best when it is authentic, thoughtful and relevant.

  • Be Honest
  • Be Accurate
  • Be Respectful
  • Be Timely
  • Add Value with Posts

As faculty, staff and students of NFC, we all have a stake in upholding the College’s image. NFC's image in the community is one of our best assets, and when you post to an NFC social media site, you are representing the College community.

  • Please Note: Behavior online that officially represents NFC is bound by and subject to NFC policies and procedures, including without limitation the College’s Acceptable Use Policy and Student Code of Conduct. Accordingly, the college prohibits the transmission of any material that is deemed intimidating, harassing, disruptive, or is otherwise in violation of applicable laws, regulations, rules and policies concerning such conduct with regard to these public communications. NFC reserves the right to remove content.
  • You are personally responsible for the content you post on College-managed social media sites – from blogs to social networks, forums and other social media platforms.
  • It’s important to be transparent to your audience when posting on behalf of the College about work-related matters or other issues related to the College. Be sure to identify yourself with your name and affiliation to the College when contributing your personal comments and statements on a College-managed social media property.

Keep Social Media Sites Current

If a College-managed social media site has not been updated in at least 30 days, College Advancement will contact you about the status of the site. Sites that are not being updated appropriately will be removed at the end of the applicable term.

Maintain Confidentiality

Maintain confidentiality. Do not post confidential, personal or proprietary information about NFC, its students, its alumni or your fellow employees. Use good ethical judgment and follow College policies and federal requirements, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Respect College time and property. Behavior online that officially represents NFC is bound by and subject to NFC policies and procedures, including without limitation the College’s Acceptable Use Policy and Student Code of Conduct. Accordingly, the college prohibits the transmission of any material that is deemed intimidating, harassing, disruptive, or is otherwise in violation of applicable laws, regulations, rules and policies concerning such conduct with regard to these public communications. NFC reserves the right to remove content.

Honor copyright laws. Be aware that intellectual property may be protected by copyright laws. Guidelines are tricky, so educate yourself before use.

Photo and Video Usage: Photos and videos are a valuable part of our social media presence, but need to comply with the following guidelines:

  • Care should be taken not to use photos or video of individuals who would object to the use of their image. College Advancement has a Photo Release Form you can use in order to obtain subjects’ permission to use their images. Minors must have their parent’s permission to be photographed.
  • Photos and videos posted on social media sites that represent NFC must be appropriate. As a general guideline, they should be photos/videos that would be appropriate for use in a College publication or on the College website.
  • Photo credits should be given when appropriate or necessary.

If you have questions, please contact Allison Finley in the Office of Communications at (850) 973-1613 or finleya@nfc.edu.

Logo and Style Guidelines

To strengthen our College’s brand, College Advancement asks that approved NFC social media users use NFC's Quick Visual Reference Guide as a basic guide. The NFC logo can only be used with permission granted from the NFC Office of Communications.

Ownership and Responsible Parties

The Office of Communications is the primary administrator for the College’s main social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn. If you would like to contribute or make a suggestion about these sites, please contact Allison Finley in the Office of Communications at (850) 973-1613 or finleya@nfc.edu.

Want more information?

Contact the NFC Office of Communications at (850) 973-1653 or news@nfc.edu.

These guidelines were adapted from social media guidelines in place at John Tyler Community College and The University of Texas at Austin. Revised October 2014 by NFC's Office of Communications.