Social Media
Best Practices
Heartland Community College recognizes social media as an important communication tool to engage our community members and enhance communication with our stakeholders. As such, the College devotes time and strategy to the process of using these platforms as effectively as possible. The Social Media Best Practices Guide addresses important considerations for having a social media presence affiliated with Heartland Community College.
College Notification
Departments or College organizations that have a social media page or would like to create one should notify the Marketing department. Marketing will assist with strategy and answer any questions about getting started.
Heartland Policies and Guidelines
When using social media on behalf of Heartland Community College you must abide by all College policies and guidelines, including:
Emergency Communication
In an emergency situation, it is important the public has access to the most up-to-date and accurate information. Heartland’s flagship social media accounts will post the latest and most factual information. Non-flagship accounts should only share the most up to date information from flagship accounts and refrain from creating their own messages.
Remember: You may have scheduled posts during an emergency. Please check your scheduled posts for appropriate content during this time.
Heartland Community College News
The Heartland Marketing department strategically partners with Steve Fast, Assistant to the President, Public Information & Communication to schedule public communications and the release of information. We ask that you refrain from being the first to announce College news without pre-approval from these areas.
Photo Release
Photos are great for social media engagement. However, be mindful of how you use photos of people. Make sure all photos you post were taken at public events or with the express written permission of the subjects in the photos. If you have any questions about photo usage, please contact the Marketing department. Download the photo release form.
Copyrighted Material
Copyright laws apply to social media. Avoid using copyrighted material on your social media pages unless you have received written permission.
Media Inquiries
Social media posts can attract media attention. If a media outlet contacts you via social media, please contact Steve Fast, Assistant to the President, Public Information & Communication for further direction.
Monitoring
A successful social media page can expect engagement from followers. It is your responsibility to monitor that engagement and react accordingly. We encourage interaction between your social media page and its audience.
Any unethical, libelous, defamatory, harassing or pornographic content should be removed. You may also choose to delete post/comments promoting a commercial website or product.
Please refrain from deleting comments simply because they are critical or you do not agree with the person commenting. Consider responding to inaccurate comments with factual information, but remain courteous and avoid arguing.
Maintaining Records
In compliance with the Illinois State and Local Records Acts, primary administrators of HCC-associated social media channels are required to keep a record of any two-way communication held on those social media channels.
This includes, but is not limited to, deleted posts and deleted comments.
For guidance regarding record keeping procedures relating to social media contact Steve Fast, Assistant to the President, Public Information & Communication.
Non-compliance
Failure to comply with these Social Media Guidelines can result in the Marketing department's recommendation to revoke individual rights to use social media on behalf of the College and/or removal of posts or social media accounts.