Comments Policy
DEFINITION:
Blog- (contraction of the term weblog) is a type of website, maintained by an individual or individuals with regular entries of commentary, description of events, or other materials such as graphics or videos.
POLICY
The University Admissions office encourages students to share information with potential students and parents for the purpose of sharing positive Oakland City University experience with those families. Blogging and other forms of web communications and social networking (e.g. Facebook, myspace, Twitter, Youtube, University web blog, etc. – hereafter “blogging” or “web log”) are an inexpensive, informal, and timely way to participate in an exchange of ideas and information. However, information posted on the official Admissions web log is widely available to the public, and therefore, the University has established the following guidelines for student participation in established University Admissions blog.
BLOGGING ON UNIVERSITY WEBSITE:
Students may maintain a blog on the University Admissions website with permission of the Director of Admissions. Students must ensure that blogging activity does not interfere with their school work. In general, the University considers blogging a good form of communication to potential students who want to know more about the campus. Students may use the blog to express their thoughts or promote their ideas when they do not conflict with University policies or harm the integrity or reputation of the University.
RESPECT:
When blogging, all students are expected to demonstrate respect for the dignity of the University, its General Baptist heritage, its mission, its Board members, other students, and its employees. A web log is a public place and students should avoid using content that would imply disrespect or embarrass the University and its administration, employees, students, vendors, and Board members. Blogs cannot include ethnic slurs, personal insults, or obscenity, or use language that may be considered inflammatory. The web log is intended to promote the University to prospective students; it is not intended to be a place to discuss religious or philosophical differences. Even if a message is posted anonymously, it will be traced back to the sender and action will be taken. See Discipline. This reflects poorly on the University and the individual posting the blog.
COMPETITION:
Students should not use a web log to criticize the University’s competition and should not use it to compete with the University.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
Do not indentify or reference University administration, students, employees, prospective students, Board members or vendors without written permission. Pictures of University property should display a positive non -altered aspect of campus. When in doubt, ask before publishing.
NEW IDEAS:
Please remember that new ideas related to the University business, belong to the University. Do not post them on a web log.
LINKS:
Students may not post links from the University’s web log to their own personal website.
AVOID STATEMENTS ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY’S FUTURE:
Writing about projected growth, future programs, or marketing plans may violate the University confidentiality policy. Therefore, statements about the University’s future should not be included on a personal web log.
LEGAL:
Students are expected to comply with all applicable laws, e.g., copyright, trademark, harassment, etc.
UNIVERSITY RESTRICTIONS:
The University may require that students temporarily suspend web log activity to ensure compliance with accreditation regulations or applicable laws.
DISCIPLINE:
Violations of this policy may result in discipline up to and including removal from Admissions blog privileges, removal from student groups or dismissal from school.
