Guidelines When Posting as an Individual

Bellevue College uses social media to supplement traditional press and marketing efforts. Employees are encouraged to share college news and events that are a matter of public record with their family and friends. While the guidelines below apply to those instances where there is the potential for confusion about your role as a Bellevue College agent/expert versus personal opinion, they are good to keep in mind for all social media interactions.

Maintain Transparency

The line between professional and personal business is sometimes blurred—be thoughtful about your posting’s content and potential audiences. In personal posts, you may identify yourself as a Bellevue College faculty or staff member. However, please be clear that if you do identify yourself and you share views that aren’t in alignment with the college, we recommend you communicate that you are sharing as an individual and not as a representative of Bellevue College. If you identify your affiliation with Bellevue College in your comments, readers may associate you with the college, even with the disclaimer that your views are your own.   

If you discuss higher education on your own social media site, we suggest you include a sentence similar to this: “The views expressed on this [social media account] are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bellevue College.” This is particularly important if you could be perceived to be in a leadership role at Bellevue College. 

All Social Media is Public

There’s no such thing as a “private” social media site. Search engines can turn up posts and pictures years after the publication date. Comments can be forwarded or copied. Archival systems save information even if you delete a post.  Consider the potential implications of connecting with students and colleagues over social media. For example, there is the potential for misinterpretation of the relationship or the possibility you or the other party may share protected or personal information. 

Respect Your Audience

Bellevue College does not support the use of ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engagement in any conduct that would not be acceptable in our community. We recommend you show consideration for others’ privacy and for topics that may be considered sensitive. 

Do Not Use the Bellevue College Logo or Make Endorsements

Do not use any Bellevue College trademarks, logos, or images on your personal social media account. Do not use the college’s name to promote or endorse any product, cause, or political party or candidate on social media.