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Social Media Best Practices

Observe our Digital Media Accessibility Guidelines.
Be honest and transparent about your identity. Never conceal your identity for the purpose of promoting Lewis & Clark on social websites.
Post accurate, useful information. Fact-check all information before you post. If you make an error, correct it quickly and visibly.
Cite and link to sources whenever possible. Note that you cannot put functional links in Instagram posts. If you need to provide a link, put it in your bio and instruct your readers to look for it there. Or, if appropriate, post a story instead and use the link button!
Keep your posts concise and easy to read. If a post is wordy, break it into paragraphs.
Always remember that when you speak as an institutionally affiliated account, you are representing your organization, department, or office—and Lewis & Clark.
- If you think someone’s post or comment requires a reply (not all of them do), be sure you are the appropriate person to respond before you post.
- Write in the first person.
- Whenever possible and appropriate, share a link to an official source to clarify an issue and offer to help in the future.
Always credit the work of others. Before you post anything that’s not your own, make sure you have the right to do so. Better yet, link to the work itself instead.
Maintain confidentiality.
- Always get permission from the folks in an image before posting it.
- Do not post confidential or proprietary information about Lewis & Clark or its students, alumni, or employees.
- If you discuss a situation that involves individuals, post nothing that could identify those individuals.
Keep a close eye on activity and mentions of your account.
Post and update content at least once a week, if possible.
Respond to any questions in a timely fashion.