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What is Social Media?

• Social Media by definition is websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking
• Examples of Social Media Include: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, Text Messaging, Email, etc.

 

Why Do We Use Social Media?

The University of Southern Indiana Athletics Department uses social media to engage and connect with our fans, alumni, recruits, parents, the Southern Indiana community, and the wider tri-state area.
 

Official Southern Indiana Pages

Facebook – USI Athletics
Twitter – @USIAthletics
Instagram – usiathletics
 

For Student Athletes

Playing and competing for the University of Southern Indiana is a privilege. Student athletes at USI are held in the highest regard and are seen as role models in the community. As leaders you have the responsibility to portray your team, your University, and yourselves in a positive manner at all times.
 
Student athletes should be aware that third parties, including the media, faculty, future employers, and NCAA officials, could easily access your profile and view all personal information. Inappropriate material found by third parties affects the perception of the student athlete, the athletic department, and the University, and can be detrimental to a student athletes future employment options.
 
Student athletes should always think before they tweet or post on Facebook or Instagram. Remember, once a post or tweet is online, it can be found online forever.
 

Social Media Do's and Don'ts

• DO: Be positive supportive, and professional. You are representing more than just yourself on social media. You are representing your team, your athletic department, and your University.
• DO: Share excitement about USI Athletics. Celebrate your victories and accomplishments of your team and other USI teams!
• DO: Use privacy settings. Restrict Facebook posts to friends only and consider making Twitter and Instagram feeds private.
• DON'T: Be critical of officials, coaches, the school, opponents, or fans.
• DON'T: Give the opponent "Bulletin Board Material."
• DON'T: Discuss any internal policies, coaching decisions, tactics, etc.
• DON'T: Post anything that could be deemed sensitive or confidential.
• DON'T Disclose injury information about yourself or others.
• DON'T: Mention recruits; publicizing a recruit is a violation!
• DON'T: Post under the influence. Be in your right mind when you post.
• DON'T: Post anything racial, sexual, or anything that could be perceived as harassment. You may think it is funny or harmless, but it could be offensive to someone else.

 
If you are ever in doubt of the appropriateness of your online material, consider whether it upholds and positively reflects your own values and ethics as well as Athletic's and the University's. Remember, always present a positive image, and don't do anything to embarrass yourself, the team, your family, or the University.
 

Athletic Department Policies

• A full-time staff member must be the owner of a University or Athletics related account
  • Other staff/students can be made administrators on an account and may post content, but the account must ultimately be "owned" by a full-time staff member.
• Put "Southern Indiana" or "USI" in the front of your account's name
  • Any "official" social media account affiliated with USI Athletics must use the prefix "Southern Indiana" or "USI" in its name. For example: "@usiwbb" or "usi_swimdive"
• Notify us of new official accounts
  • If you want to start a new "official Southern Indiana" social media team account, please alert USI Athletics Communications.
• Official Team Account Accessibility
  • A head coach or fill-time staff member should be responsible for maintaining the official account for your sport. We understand that due to some staffing limitations, during the season access may be given to student athletes or managers. If that is the case, then passwords must be changed at the end of each season or sooner (if deemed necessary). All login and passwords for accounts for Twitter and Instagram should be shared with USI Athletic Communications while Facebook Access should be provided as well (please contact Athletic Communications should you have questions).
• Deletion of former coaching staff official accounts
  • Due to some turnover on staffs, some sports may have multiple official accounts on social media channels. If that is the case, please work with USI Athletic Communications to see if we can have those removed to avoid confusion when using those platforms.
• Logo for Official Accounts
  • Use of an avatar for all Official Southern Indiana Athletic accounts should include the appropriate USI logo. Should you need this logo or need help creating a social media avatar, please contact USI Athletic Communications
• Do not post anything that is confidential, sensitive, or private
• Follow all applicable laws, NCAA rules and University and Athletics' policies and guidelines
• Do not comment on athlete injuries, rosters, playbooks, officiating, or any other team information that should be kept confidential
• Follow all Social Media site rules.
• Respect copyright and fair use especially when it comes to use of copyrighted music on social media.

Crisis Communications and Emergencies

If there is an emergency or crisis involving the athletic department, social media outlets are one of the most efficient ways to distribute accurate information quickly. In the event of a crisis, social media sites that belong to USI Athletics will be managed by the Athletic Communications specifically. You may be given information to disseminate and should NOT post any other information to avoid confusion on issues of critical importance to the University and USI Athletics. Please consult your Media Relations contact if you have any questions.

Personnel matters will be officially released FIRST via USI Athletics website, USIScreamingEagles.com and then disseminated via social media outlets. If in doubt, always refer to the official press release or consult your Media Relations contact.