What is social media?
Social media refers to the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue. Some examples of social media are Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram.
Playing and competing for Converse University is a privilege. Student-athletes at Converse are held in the highest regard and are seen as role models in the community. As leaders, it is the student-athlete’s responsibility to represent their team, their University, and themselves in a positive manner at all times. Negative material found by third parties outside of the Converse University community can portray a bad image of the student-athlete, the athletics department, as well as Converse University. These actions can also be detrimental to the student-athletes’ future employment.
Expectation:
While Converse University recognizes athletes’ right to participate in social media accounts, it maintains and will enforce a code of conduct for each party
Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors:
- Photos, videos, comments, or posts showing the personal use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco e.g., no holding cups, cans, shot glasses, etc.
- Photos, videos, and comments or posts that are of a sexual nature. This includes links to websites of a pornographic nature and other inappropriate material.
- Pictures, videos, comments, or posts that condone drug-related activity. This includes but is not limited to, images that portray the personal use of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
- Content online that would constitute a violation of Conference Carolinas or NCAA rules (examples: commenting publicly about a prospective student-athlete. Providing information related to sports wagering activities, soliciting impermissible extra benefits).
- Information that is sensitive or personal in nature, or is proprietary to the Converse Athletics Department or the university, which is not public information (examples: tentative or future team schedules, student-athlete injuries and eligibility status, travel plans/itineraries or information).
- It is suggested that student-athletes not communicate with a prospective student-athlete that may be in the recruiting process with Converse University.
Sanctions:
If a student-athlete’s profile and its contents are found to be inappropriate in accordance with the above behaviors, he/she will be subject to the following penalties:
- Written warning
- A meeting with the Associate VP/Director of Athletics and Head Coach
- Penalties as determined by the Athletics Department, including, but not limited to, possible suspension or removal from their athletic team.
- If deemed severe enough, the Athletics Department will turn all information over to the University judicial review board for further disciplinary action.
Cyber Bullying:
Content online that is unsportsmanlike, derogatory, demeaning, or threatening toward any other individual or entity (examples: derogatory comments regarding another institution; taunting comments aimed at a student-athlete, coach or team at another institution and derogatory comments against race and/or gender). No posts should depict or encourage unacceptable, violent, or illegal activities (examples: hazing, sexual harassment/assault, gambling, discrimination, fighting, vandalism, academic dishonesty, underage drinking, or illegal drug use).
Digital Footprint:
- Take into account that nothing is ever truly deleted from the internet. Don’t say anything that wouldn’t be said in public or to the media.
- Student-athletes should not post their email, home address, local address, telephone number(s), or other personal information as it could lead to unwanted attention, stalking, identity theft, etc.
- Be aware of who is added as a friend on social media – many people are looking to take advantage of student-athletes or to seek connection with student-athletes.
If individuals are ever in doubt of the appropriateness of their online public material, consider whether it upholds and positively reflects one’s own values and ethics as well as the Converse Athletics Department’s and the University’s.
The Converse University Athletic Department will not be engaged in regular active monitoring of student-athletes’ social media pages. However, coaches and athletic administration have the right to address improper usage of social media and statements that may be considered detrimental to the team or the department.
Also, failure to adhere to this policy and guidelines may result in consequences that include suspension or removal from the athletic team and may be subject to additional penalties imposed by the NCAA, Conference Carolinas, or Converse University.