Important Information
Protect Privacy and Confidentiality
Always safeguard the personal information of our students, employees and community members. Do not share or solicit details protected under laws such as FERPA or HIPAA. Likewise, remind your audiences not to post private or sensitive information in comments or messages.
If you come across concerning or inappropriate content, report it promptly to the platform and your department supervisor. Questions can be directed to the Office of Communications and Marketing at [email protected].
Honor Copyright and Branding Standards
Only use SUNY Oswego logos, wordmarks and visual elements as permitted by the university’s brand guidelines. Units or departments managing official accounts must follow approved branding and design standards found within our Visual Identity webpage.
Before posting photos, videos or other creative works, make sure you have the rights or permission to use them. Respect copyright, trademarks and fair use laws — both for your own protection and the university’s reputation.
Community and Conduct Expectations
SUNY Oswego’s social media channels are meant to build connection, share experiences and celebrate what it means to be a Laker. Because online spaces can feel informal, it’s important to remember the following:
- Protect your personal information. Avoid posting details like your address, phone number, class schedule or other private data.
- Be respectful and thoughtful. Contribute positively to discussions, listen to differing opinions and choose professionalism over provocation. What you post is public — and often permanent.
- Share responsibly. Get consent before tagging or sharing photos of others. Never use copyrighted content without permission.
- Follow policies and laws. While the university does not monitor personal accounts, it reserves the right to act when content violating SUNY Oswego policies or laws is brought to its attention.
- Be authentic — and have fun. Represent our community with honesty, creativity and Laker pride.
Additional Guidelines
SUNY Oswego encourages open, constructive conversation on its social platforms. While we welcome engagement, we also maintain standards to ensure that our online spaces remain safe and inclusive.
Comments or posts that include hate speech, discrimination, harassment, illegal activity, threats, spam, off-topic material, commercial promotion or the sharing of private information may be removed. The university also reserves the right to remove or report content that violates SUNY Oswego’s Title VII or Title IX policies.
You can review these policies and related resources at our Title IX webpage.
Please also review and comply with the Terms of Service and Community Guidelines of the platforms you use. These outline specific rules regarding music, images, contests and advertising. Violations can result in account suspension or removal.
Finally, keep in mind that creating or managing official university social media accounts may involve contractual terms. Only authorized university representatives — such as a dean, vice president or the Office of Communications and Marketing — may approve such agreements. Account passwords should always be accessible to both the department head or faculty / staff representative for continuity and security.