Social Media Guidelines - Personal Accounts

For Everyone

All members of the UT Tyler community should be familiar with university policies and regulations as outlined in the employee Handbook of Operating Procedures or Manual of Policies and Procedures for Student Affairs and understand how their online activity may reflect on the institution.

Before engaging on social media, review the following policies:

• UT Tyler Copyright Policy
• UT Tyler Logo and Trademark Guidelines
• UT Tyler Image Use
• UT Tyler Impersonation Policy

UT Tyler owns and protects its name, logos, seal, and images associated with the university. Use of official logos or university symbols (including landmarks or buildings) is not permitted on personal social media accounts, including as profile photos, without prior approval. To request approved graphics for your official UT Tyler-affiliated social media account, contact web@uttyler.edu.

Personal social media accounts should not be linked or promoted from official UT Tyler social media pages.

Platform Terms of Use

Each platform has its own terms of service. You are responsible for understanding and complying with the rules of the platform(s) you use.

Key Guidelines to Keep in Mind

• Think before you post. Anything shared online can reflect on you and the university.
• Keep it accurate. Do not share unverified information. When possible, link to sources.
• Protect privacy. Do not share sensitive, private, or confidential information.
• Social media is not private. Even with strict privacy settings, posts can be copied, shared, or made public.
• Proof before you post. Content associated with your name may live online indefinitely.

For Employees

• As a UT Tyler employee, your conduct on social media, even on personal accounts, can reflect on the university.
• Avoid discussing student records or any FERPA-protected information (e.g., names, GPAs, IDs, admission status, etc.). Refer students to official communication sources for support.
• Protect health information as required by HIPAA. Do not post any content involving medical details.
• No commercial or personal gain from UT Tyler affiliated social media profiles. These accounts are strictly for university-related communications.
• Use of university assets (logos, name, marks, etc.) must follow university brand guidelines.

For Students

• As a UT Tyler student, your online behavior must align with the UT Tyler Student Code of Conduct.
• Do not use university logos or marks (e.g., UT Tyler wordmark, Patriots logo, etc.) as your profile image or to imply university endorsement.
• UT Tyler must regulate and protect its trademarks, per UT System requirements. For details, visit the UT Tyler Brand Guidelines.

For guidance, approvals, or brand-related questions, please contact the UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications.