Social media is a significant part of college life. Given ubiquitous smartphone usage and internet connectivity, people can keep in touch with friends and family and make new connections with individuals across the globe. Nevertheless, with great ability comes great responsibility, and higher education institutions are tightening rules regulating use on and off campus.

Questionable behavior that may be normalized regarding in-person engagements can sometimes be flagged as misconduct when carried out online. Unfortunately, students and school employees may be unaware of how colleges and universities police online traffic or how severe the consequences can be.

How Colleges and Universities Manage Social Media and Computer Network Use

Schools have strict codes of conduct governing social media use and how students and employees should behave online through their computer or network use guidelines. It only takes one social media post to make something viral. Consequently, colleges and universities are concerned about increased online traffic for the wrong reason.

For example, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, maintains an information technology (IT) resources policy detailing college-appropriate applications of anything sent, received, or visited while on the school's computing and information technology resources. The policy prohibits various actions like making unauthorized copies of licensed software, posting “hoax” messages, and transmitting sensitive information without proper security protocols.

Although most violations of a school's computer or network usage policy may be evident, some further prohibit harmful speech about an institution or their community, and disparaging posts are not tolerated. Unfortunately, while all student codes of conduct and employee handbooks detail appropriate conduct for social media platforms while employed by the school, some forget.

Students and Employees Must Be Aware of What They Post Online

InsideHigherED describes a story of a university research fellow forced to pay damages to a colleague after a months-long campaign of harassment via social media. The colleague's personal information was posted to numerous social media platforms and websites, leading to unwanted requests for connection and other acts of “gross intrusion” into the colleague's private life. While the matter was handled in the courtroom, the research fellow also lost their position with the school.

School employees are under an attentive eye on what they post online. Even if they're not an official institution representative, an employment contract will explain unacceptable online behavior.

For instance, the University of Maine System emphasizes that “harassing or threatening other computer users or University staff; including defamation of others” will garner harsh sanctions. The minimum consequences of such inappropriate behavior will leave an employee without access to the school's IT resources and may lead to termination. Since students are commonly part-time employees as resident advisors or teacher's assistants, they must be conscious of what is stated in their employment contracts.

If a School Alleges Social Media or Computer Network Misconduct, You Can Get Help

Social media can land both college students and employees in serious trouble. Although just a few finger taps on a smartphone can create a post, it can also mean the end of an academic or professional career.

If you're alleged to have violated your school's social media or network usage policy, contact professional defense advisor Joseph D. Lento. Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his team at the Lento Law Firm have represented countless students and college employees from harsh disciplinary boards remanding individuals for what they post online. To ensure you have a fighting chance to remain at your college or university, call 888-535-3686 today or visit the confidential online consultation form.