Skip to content

Endorsement Policy Do's and Don'ts

This guide is intended to aid in the understanding of what is allowed and what is prohibited under the USI Endorsement Policy. 
DO's DON'Ts
Stick to Facts Only 
Example: “USI uses [Brand X] software for its student portal.” 		 Express Opinions or Value Judgments 
Avoid: “It’s the best solution,” “Outstanding service.”
Describe Relationships Without Opinions 
Example: “USI has a service agreement with [Company Y] for campus Wi-Fi.” 		 Imply USI Endorses a Product or Service 
Avoid: “USI recommends [Brand Z] for all institutions.”
Use Approved Language Templates 
Follow official wording from Marketing and Communications. 		 Use USI Name or Logo Without Approval 
No unauthorized use in testimonials or ads. 
Seek Pre-Approval 
Before posting on social media or giving interviews. 		 Share Promotional Language Publicly 
Avoid statements that sound like marketing. 
Complete Required Disclosures 
Report non-University activities and conflicts of interest. 		 Assume Academic Freedom Covers Endorsements 
Academic freedom ≠ commercial endorsements. 

Quick Test Before Posting: 

  • Is this purely factual?
  • Does it avoid opinions or promotional language?
  • Have I received approval if required? 


Examples of Unacceptable Endorsement: 


Social Media Posts 

  • Example: “USI uses [Brand Y] lab equipment—it’s the best in the market!” 
    • Why it's not okay: The phrase “best in the market” is a value judgment, not a fact. 

Conference Presentations 

  • Example: A faculty member says during a webinar: “We’ve had excellent results with [Vendor Z]’s services.” 
    • Why it’s not okay: “Excellent results” implies endorsement rather than stating measurable outcomes. 

Media Interviews 

  • Example: A staff member tells a reporter: “USI partners with [Company X] because they’re the most reliable.” 
    • Why it’s not okay: “Most reliable” is subjective and could be seen as an official endorsement. 


Vendor Relationship Announcements 

  • Example: Posting on USI’s official channels: “Thrilled to work with [Brand A]—their solutions are outstanding!” 
    • Why it’s not okay:  “Outstanding” is a value judgment, not a factual statement. 


Internal Communications Shared Externally 

  • Example: A congratulatory email about a vendor partnership gets shared publicly: “We’re excited to collaborate with [Brand B], a leader in innovation.” 
    • Why it’s not okay: “Leader in innovation” is promotional language. 


Examples of Acceptable Endorsement 

Vendor Announcement 

  • “USI has entered into a partnership with [Vendor Z] to provide lab equipment.” 
    • Why it’s okay: Neutral language, factual partnership announcement.  


Social Media Post  

  • “USI collaborates with [Brand B] for campus sustainability initiatives.” 
    • Why it’s okay: States collaboration factually, avoids promotional adjectives like “innovative” or “best.” 


Faculty Research Collaboration 

  • Scenario: A professor publishes a research paper and mentions the vendor whose equipment was used. Example: “This study utilized [Brand X] microscopes for imaging.” 
    • Why it’s okay: Factual statement about equipment used, no opinion or promotional tone. 


Grant or Funding Acknowledgment 

  • A department receives a grant from a corporate sponsor and needs to acknowledge it publicly. Example: “USI received funding from [Company Y] to support STEM education initiatives.” 
    • Why it’s okay: States the fact of funding without implying superiority or recommending the company. 


Case Study Participation 

  • A vendor asks USI to participate in a case study about implementing their software. Example: “USI implemented [Vendor Z]’s platform to streamline student services.” 
    • Why it’s okay: Factual description of implementation. 


Conference Panel Discussion 

  • A faculty member speaks at a conference about technology adoption. Example: “Our campus adopted [Brand A]’s system in 2023, which reduced manual processes by 30%.” 
    • Why it’s okay: Uses measurable outcomes, not opinions. 


Student Project or Internship Highlight 

  • A student intern posts about working with a company that partners with USI. Example: “As part of my USI internship, I worked on a project with [Company B] focused on renewable energy.” 
    • Why it’s okay: Factual description of the experience. 


Media Interview About Partnerships 

  • A staff member is interviewed about USI’s sustainability initiatives. Example: “USI collaborates with [Vendor C] to manage campus recycling programs.” 
    •  Why it’s okay: Neutral, factual language. 
Contact: Chief Communications Officer or Chief Marketing Officer