Q: What is the main aim of this policy?

A: The policy raises awareness about the many pitfalls that social media users can sometimes unwittingly stumble into. These pitfalls can have far-reaching legal implications and can result in great damage to our brand.

 

The policy also offers practical guidelines and information to ensure that the NWU’s social media platforms adhere to the corporate identity standards of the university.

 

Q: Why is there a need for a policy such as this?

A: An audit revealed over 300 NWU-related social media accounts. Many of these were created by students, staff and even some of the NWU’s research centres and schools without taking the NWU’s strategic objectives and corporate identity into account.

 

Some were also created for specific functions and events and afterwards abandoned to float in cyber space with obsolete and irrelevant information.

 

This is why we started to compile the policy, which includes inputs from role-players from all the campuses and the Institutional Office. It was finalised and approved by the NWU Council at the end of 2016.

 

Q: What are the advantages of implementing this policy?

A: Social media must never be underestimated. It is a very important platform that, when employed correctly, can be a strong brand-building utility.

 

The policy gives social media account holders guidance to create social media platforms that are not only legitimate but also benefit the NWU.

 

It also cautions NWU staff and students to carefully consider their comments before posting about the NWU on personal social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter.

 

Q: What are the implications for those who do not adhere to the policy?

A: There will be legal implications or disciplinary action if someone creates social media accounts that are in conflict with the NWU’s code of conduct or promote defamation in some way.

 

Q: Is there support for the NWU’s new social media practitioners?

A: The NWU has a social media forum that consists of representatives from all our campuses and the Institutional Office. They will work together to provide training and resources to staff, students and other NWU-related social media practitioners.