Social Media Guidelines
These guidelines are for the publication of and commentary on social media by employees of Dakota State University. These guidelines are in addition to and complementary to any existing or future policies regarding the use of technology, computers, email, website usage and the internet. Employees must continue to follow state policy regarding the use of computers, laptops and other technological equipment, as well as email and internet access.
Authorized University Account Usage
Marketing and Communications is the only department within Dakota State University allowed to establish or maintain an official main account for the university, overseen by the university’s social media coordinator, or designee.
Before establishing an official university account, colleges, departments, organizations or other entities must receive approval from:
- The DSU Marketing & Communications Department, and
- The vice president/Dean of your department or his/her designee.
If you have already created a social media account representing the university, it must be registered with our DSU Marketing and Communications Department.
An individual must be designated to manage the content of an official university social media account. That individual is responsible for notifying marketing and communications or other designated university officials if the account is compromised, requires enforcement action or is no longer needed and has been deleted.
Users are responsible for following university and SDBOR policies, and any content shared must be in accordance with university social media guidelines. Final decisions regarding content on official university accounts are at the discretion of the chief marketing officer and/or the chief information officer, or their successors.
Interested in exploring a social media account for your office? Check out this guide.
Acceptable Use of Authorized University Accounts
An official university account should clearly identify the college, program or department it represents, and follow university branding guidelines.
It’s important to include Dakota State University, Dakota State, DSU, or Trojans (athletics only) in the name and handle of the account whenever possible (ex. Dakota State University Research - @DSUResearch). We recommend consistency in naming multiple social media channels.
The “About Us” or biography section should outline who you are, the purpose of the social page, and a link to the website dsu.edu.
University guidelines for engagement should be readily available through and followed by official university social media accounts.
Dakota State University respects and honors the privacy of its students, faculty, and staff. When conversing with fans, friends, and followers, it's important to remember to maintain and protect their privacy. Be vigilant and aware of FERPA and HIPAA privacy requirements.
Best Practices
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with our audiences and sharing the Dakota State University story. These best practices will help you represent DSU effectively and contribute to a positive and engaging online community.
Be an Ambassador
Remember that you represent Dakota State University. Every post, comment, and interaction should reflect our values and commitment to excellence. Each post should also be on-brand, and on topic related to DSU events. Remember, it’s OUR story, not other universities.
Be Respectful
Treat everyone online with respect and courtesy, even when disagreeing. Avoid personal attacks, offensive language, and inflammatory content.
Be Genuine
Share authentic stories and engage with your audience in a genuine way. Avoid excessive marketing messages or overly promotional content.
Be Accurate
Ensure the information you share is accurate and truthful. Cite sources when appropriate and correct any misinformation promptly.
Be Transparent
Be open about your role and affiliation with DSU. Disclose any conflicts of interest and be upfront about sponsored content.
Be Present
Actively engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages in a timely manner. Participate in relevant conversations and share valuable content.
Be Knowledgeable
Share content that aligns with your expertise and DSU's areas of focus. Avoid posting about topics outside your knowledge or that could negatively impact the university's reputation.
Be Consistent
Maintain a consistent brand voice and posting schedule. Regular activity keeps your audience engaged and reinforces DSU's presence.
Be Creative
Find creative ways to connect with your audience and share the DSU story. Use visuals, videos, and interactive content to capture attention and encourage engagement. If you want to hop on the latest trend, find a way to connect it back to DSU.
Be Mindful
Before posting, take a moment to consider the potential impact of your words and actions. Ensure your content aligns with DSU's values and social media guidelines.
Be Reflective
Regularly review your social media activity and analyze what's working and what's not. Use this information to improve your strategy and better engage your audience.
Be Collaborative
Work with other DSU departments and student organizations to amplify your message and reach a wider audience. Cross-promote events and initiatives to maximize impact.
Additional Tips
- Proofread: Always proofread your posts for grammar and spelling errors before hitting “publish.”
- Use Visuals: Images and videos can significantly increase engagement.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date on the latest social media trends and best practices.
- Have Fun: Social media can be a fun and rewarding way to connect with others and share your passion for DSU.