Introduction
Clark Atlanta University's social media guidelines apply to faculty, staff, students, affiliates, contractors and direct support organizations authorized to manage or contribute to CAU-branded social media accounts and digital platforms. They are intended to support a consistent, professional and engaging online presence that reflects the University’s mission, values, and institutional identity.
Clark Atlanta University recognizes the importance and value of effective communication with University audiences through social and digital media platforms. The University also understands that when using social media, individuals may operate with dual identities — both as themselves and as representatives of the institution. These guidelines are designed to provide direction for students, employees, alumni, affiliates and authorized representatives in managing their online presence and engaging with social media platforms officially affiliated with Clark Atlanta University.
View the full Visual Identity, Brand, and Communications Guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQs below provide guidance on Clark Atlanta University’s social media policies, best practices, and expectations for managing and engaging with University-affiliated social media channels.
What is considered a social media platform officially affiliated with CAU?
A social media platform officially affiliated with CAU is defined as:
The official social media platforms that the University uses to interact with the public, current and potential students, faculty, staff and alumni of CAU.
A social media platform established and maintained by an entity (i.e., college, school, unit, department, office, organization, etc.) of the University for interaction with the public, students, faculty and staff of CAU.
A social media platform established and maintained by a student organization or similar entity of the University, used for interaction with the public, students, faculty, staff and alumni of CAU.
What is the purpose of Clark Atlanta University’s social media guidelines?
Clark Atlanta University understands how important and valuable it is to communicate effectively with CAU audiences through social media.
The University also understands that when using social media, you essentially have two identities – both as yourself and as a representative of the organization to which you are a member. The University’s social media guidelines are designed to direct students, employees, alumni or affiliates in managing their online presence and interacting with a social media platform that is officially affiliated with CAU.
Are personal social media pages considered officially affiliated with CAU?
Personal social media pages that include references to the University or links to groups affiliated with the University are NOT considered “officially affiliated” for the purposes of these guidelines. However, the University's name and logo must not be used to set up personal pages.
What does Clark Atlanta University expect regarding the responsible use of technology resources?
Clark Atlanta University expects each member of the community to use the institution’s information technology resources responsibly, ethically and in compliance with CAU Policy, relevant laws and all contractual obligations to third parties.
What happens if the University’s name, logo or identity is misused on social media?
Anyone misusing the University’s name, logo or identity on social media may be subject to legal action. Therefore, existing legal remedies and University policies are enforced when CAU employees use social media improperly.
Who are these guidelines designed for?
These guidelines are designed for CAU staff, faculty, students and direct support organizations (DSO) who are authorized to outreach on behalf of the University through digital media channels.
These include, but are not limited to, channels for schools, colleges, departments, programs and offices at CAU. Websites and all social media channels, portals, and networks virtual worlds and other media yet to be developed in a dynamic communications field that uses the University’s name and likeness.
When do these guidelines apply?
These guidelines only apply to those individuals when they are posting on such official sites and/or when they otherwise speak as an authorized representative of the University, including all employees, students, affiliates or contractors.
It does not apply to other social media communications and postings that such individuals may make on personal social media sites, so long as such communications do not indicate that the individual is representing or speaking on behalf of CAU.
What is the purpose of this policy?
This policy provides authorized representatives of the University with requirements for using the web, including social media, to communicate about CAU and to clarify work-related and personal uses of social media.
These guidelines are not intended to limit or restrict academic freedom or freedom of speech.
Contact Us
Contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at communications@cau.edu for support with content planning, posting strategy, and best practices.
