Social Media Communication Procedure Page 1 of 1

Procedure GP800.1 Title Social Media Communication Procedure

1.0 Procedure

1.1 Directorates should develop codes of practice in coordination with the Central Services Communication
department for the use of social media for communicating   operational messages.

1.2 In compliance with best practice, communications through social media should bear the name and contact
details of the person responsible for controlling the content and for providing further information. 

1.3 Authors of messages should be aware of the potential value of messages for affirming the reputation of the
Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) as an efficient, modern,  collegial organization which serves its students and
the broader community, and must show due diligence with regard to potential negative impacts of style or content
on primary and secondary audiences.

1.4 Within each directorate staff and students should be informed of codes of conduct, guidelines and lines of
responsibility with regard to social media.  For all social media messages intended for mass audiences authors must
seek the approval of their Director or designate. 

1.5 The style or content of any message should be respectful to the reputation of the HCT and members of the HCT
community, and never intentionally injurious to the emotional well-being of any person. 

1.6 Colleges must develop and promulgate amongst the student body codes of conduct aimed at preventing the
use of social-media for bullying.

1.7 Authors should be mindful of the laws of the United Arab Emirates including but not limited to the laws
pertaining to defamation, data protection and copyright, and must adhere to their contractual duties, policies
governing behaviour generally, best practice, and the standards expected of the education profession.

2.0 Related Documents

3.0 Approval and Review

 Reviewed and Uploaded by
Planning & Institutional Effectiveness
(Dept.):
 Approved as Procedure by: Deputy Vice Chancellor – Administration
 First Date Published: 14 May 2013
 Last Date Reviewed: 29 September 2013
 Last Date Published:
 Archive Date:

Note: All policies and procedures are reviewed annually.

https://portal.hct.ac.ae/sites/pnp/Admin/communication/Pages/GP800_1.aspx?PrintPreview 3/9/2018