June 13, 2012

Quinnipiac Athletics and Social Media

Social Media                                                                                                                                            

New Media: Public media refers to technologies used to communicate messages and whose mission is to serve or engage a public. Public media domains include print outlets, traditional broadcasts, and digital.  When utilizing any public media outlets, student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves responsibly as members of their respective team, the Athletics Department, the University and the community.

Social Networks: Social network sites such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Blogs, and other new digital platforms facilitate students communicating with other students. Participation in such networks has both positive appeals but potentially negative consequences. It is important that Quinnipiac student-athletes be aware of these consequences and exercise appropriate caution if they choose to participate. 

Student-athletes are not restricted from using on-line social network sites and digital platforms.  However, users must understand that any content they make public via on-line social networks or digital platforms is expected to follow acceptable social behaviors and also to comply with federal government, state of Connecticut, Quinnipiac, NEC/ECAC, and NCAA.

Facebook and similar directories are hosted outside the Quinnipiac server. Violations of university policy (e.g., harassing language, university alcohol or drug policy violations, etc.) or evidence of such violations in the content of on-line social networks or digital platforms are subject to investigation and sanction under the University’s Student Code of Conduct, and other University and department policies. They are also subject to the authority of law enforcement agencies.

It is the responsibility of the student athlete to be aware of university regulations. Ignorance of these regulations does not excuse student-athletes from compliance.

Guidelines for Student-Athletes

The following guidelines are intended to provide the framework for student-athletes to conduct themselves safely and responsibly in an on-line environment. As a student-athlete at Quinnipiac University you should:

1.         Be careful with how much and what kind of identifying information you post on on-line social network sites.  Virtually anyone with an edu e-mail address can access your page.  It is unwise to make available information such as full date of birth, social security number, address, residence hall room number, phone number, cell phone numbers, class schedules, bank account information, or details about your daily routine. All can facilitate identity theft or stalking. Facebook and other sites provide numerous privacy settings for information contained in its pages; use these settings to protect private information.  However, once posted, the information becomes the property of the web site.

2.         Your site is available to potential current and future employers.  You should think about any information you post on Facebook, Twitter, and any other digital media, or similar directories potentially providing an image of you to a prospective employer.  The information posted is considered public information.  Protect yourself and your team by maintaining a self-image that you can be proud of in years to come.

3.         Understand that freedom of speech is not unlimited.  The on-line social network sites are NOT a place where you can say   and do whatever you want without repercussions.

Prohibited Conduct Student-athletes are highly visible representatives of the University and are expected to uphold the values and responsibilities of the University while meeting all requirements set forth by the NEC/ECAC, the NCAA, Quinnipiac University, and the Quinnipiac University intercollegiate athletics program.  The Quinnipiac University Department of Athletics prohibits malicious and reckless behavior when utilizing public media outlets.  It is important that student-athletes recognize the power of public media domains and the potentially negative image that they can portray about student-athletes, coaches, the athletics program, and the university. 

Sanctions Any inappropriate activity or language in violation of the above prohibitions, including civil authorities. Sanctions imposed by the Director of Athletics may include, but are not limited to, the following:
-Written notification from the Director of Athletics or assignee to the student-athlete outlining the policy and requiring that   the unacceptable content be removed or the social network account.  
-Suspension from all team activities (contests, practices, meetings)
-Indefinite suspension from the team.
-Dismissal from the team.
-Non-renewal of athletic grant-in-aid.

Student athletes receiving a computer through our loan program as part of their athletic scholarship should only use this computer resource for the purpose for which it was intended.  Users must not intentionally damage the system that is checked out to them. Posting inappropriate content, emails, and images from laptops provided by the University is prohibited.  

Bottom line: YOU are accountable for your social media presence. Understand that inappropriate postings can follow you for life. Do not post anything that would embarrass Quinnipiac, your team or your family. If you believe something you posted would upset your parents, then know that it is going to upset the university, too.

Quinnipiac Athletics' Social Media Links