Social Media Policy
Competing in intercollegiate athletics while attending Chaffey College is a privilege and must always be at the forefront of your mind when making decisions. As Panthers, you have the responsibility to make choices that reflect favorably on yourself, your teammates, coaches, the Athletic Department and Chaffey College at all times. The use of social media has increased in global popularity, and we certainly do not want you to discontinue your use of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media sites, but we also want you to be aware that whatever content you post, essentially has your signature on it. This means any third party, including the media, faculty, officials, and future employers, could easily access your profiles and view all personal information. Any inappropriate material found by third parties affects the perception of the student‐athlete, the athletic department and the College. This can also be detrimental to a student‐athletes’ future employment options, whether in professional sports or in other industries. If any content within a student‐athlete’s profile, or content posted by a student-athlete, are found to be inappropriate will be subject to any or all of the following penalties, including suspension or removal from his/her athletic team:
- Written warning
- A meeting with the Athletic Director and Head Coach
- Penalties determined by the Athletic Director and the Dean of Kinesiology & Athletics
Chaffey College Social Media Guidelines
- Chaffey College recognizes the important role social media* has in communicating and engaging with, and providing information to students, faculty, staff, alumni and the general public.
- As an institution of higher learning, Chaffey College and its three campuses (Rancho Cucamonga, Chino and Fontana) - all embrace the open exchange of ideas. The District is also committed to the highest standards of freedom of speech and expression and all are encouraged to participate in social media.
- These guidelines apply to members of the Chaffey College social media community, including but no limited to students, faculty, staff, administrators and members of the general public. These guidelines are designed to guide you through your participation on any Chaffey College social media network or online in your official capacity when you represent the college.
- Respectful Dialogue: Be respectful of the rights and opinions of other individuals. We strive to create an online community that is welcoming and mutually respectful. Civil and respectful dialogue provides productive conversations with different points of view. You are free to discuss and disagree with others regarding topics relevant to the purpose of the social media platform, but please do not use ethnic and racial slurs, hateful speech, personal attacks, abusive language, nudity or pornography.
- Protect Personal Information: Keep your personal information (phone number, address, etc.) out of your posts. Remember that everything you post on social media is public and can live forever.
- Respect for individual privacy: The College expects you to respect the privacy rights of individuals.
- Respect Intellectual Property Laws: Respect laws governing copyright and fair use. Copyright and trademark laws must be followed at all times. Chaffey College will enforce its intellectual property rights to the fullest extent of the law.
- Stay on Topic: Chaffey College social media sites are established as forums for the open and honest discussions of matters and developments related to - and limited to - the Chaffey College Mission Statement: Chaffey College inspires hope and success by improving lives and our community in a dynamic, supportive, and engaging environment of educational excellence where our diverse students learn and benefit from foundation, career, and transfer programs.
- No endorsements: No advertising, solicitation or overtly favorable acknowledgments or endorsements of third-party services is permitted on any social media platforms
- Be Transparent: Be honest about who you are. Identify yourself and disclose any affiliation you have with Chaffey College; this can be as simple as a reference in your bio or an online statement. When referencing Chaffey College online, be clear that you are sharing your personal opinion vs. communicating on behalf of the college.
- Chaffey College reserves the right to block or remove the content of any post that violates these guidelines or District policies without prior notice.
We want to remind all social media users:
- All content, information and views expressed on social media belong to the person posting and the content does not necessarily reflect the college's opinions or policies.
- Chaffey College social media is monitored by staff; however we may or may not reply to comments posted.
- The College is not responsible for unanswered posts or inaccurate information posted by others.
- Chaffey College social media platforms are intended to be a forum for discussion of topics pertaining to the college; posts that do not respect these guidelines will be removed.