Social Media
Social media platforms are expected and effective communication tools for sharing news, promoting events and engaging with the UCF community and beyond.
Whether connecting with students in a classroom or growing a social presence for a college, department or campus organization, these guidelines will assist you in using social media effectively.
The UCF Social Aggregator compiles the official university social platforms into one easy-to-follow feed.
Or check out our individual platforms:
Ask Yourself:
- What is the goal?
- Who is the audience?
- What unique content will we share?
- Do we have an editorial calendar?
- Who will create the content?
- Who will manage the platform/s?
- How will we measure success?
Best practices
Branding
As with any UCF communications piece, be sure to follow the graphic standards established for the UCF logo and associated elements. UCF does not have logos specific to social media. Remember: Legal use of UCF logos and trademarks apply to social media accounts as well. All trademarks, service marks and logos are the property of UCF
Etiquette
Be careful.
Double-check spelling, grammar and punctuation before posting.
Social media is social.
Engage your audience with questions, polls and ways to inspire participation.
Practice due diligence.
If you have doubts about whether it is appropriate to write about or post content on certain subjects, ask your supervisor and/or get a second opinion before you post.
Post wisely.
Do not include political comments or comments on social issues, except in support of positions UCF has already taken.
Don’t disclose.
Do not post confidential information about UCF, students, alumni, faculty or employees.
Management
Identify leaders.
Social profiles should have a manager and a back-up administrator who record passwords and content calendars. They should set a posting protocol for your department, group or organization.
Have a plan.
A social media strategy along with an editorial calendar are necessary to create consistent content and maximize your efforts. Develop a regular posting schedule, at least a few times a week, to ensure content is fresh and the page does not become stagnant.
Know the rules.
Be familiar with the terms and conditions of the social platforms and networks on which you participate. And pay attention to updates.
Stay relevant.
Stay abreast of trends and holidays/observances that you could create content around, connecting back to your college, campus department or organization.
Transparency
Be consistent.
You shouldn’t need to update your avatar image once it’s set. A static, brand-related avatar image for your college, campus department, or organization profile page is essential in building trust with your audience.
Pay attention.
Respond in a timely fashion to comments and messages.
Be human.
Connect when commenting. Provide an email address or phone number to help with follow-up communication.
Things to avoid
Arguments.
Your reputation — and UCF’s — is best served when you remain above the fray. The tone of your social profile should reflect your college, department, or organization’s spirit with respectful professionalism.
Using copyrighted content.
Content that is shared on social media must be original content, that includes music, video clips, audio clips, photography, graphic design, and more. Purchase the appropriate license for use or attribute credit where necessary.
The next shiny thing.
Jumping onto each new social platform without considering uses, potential impact, and resources necessary to sustain community engagement.
Helpful Brand Assets for Social Media
Social Media Avatars
Logos and Identity System
Writing Style Guide
Photography Assets
Video Assets