Social Media

Social Media at USI

The University of Southern Indiana has a social presence on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, X, Threads and TikTok. Social media allows the University to communicate its values and priorities, receive feedback from internal and external audiences and build connections and a sense of belonging within and beyond the USI community. With over 125,000 followers across our six platforms, our reach is substantial, allowing us to build connections close to home and across the world.   

We encourage our followers to engage with University content frequently. Tag friends and family in posts, utilize USI hashtags, share posts, engage in conversations—social media gives the University the opportunity to show off all it has to offer, and audience engagement is essential. 

Have content ideas you would like to see implemented on USI's social media platforms? Email suggestions to Kaylee Johnson, Media Relations Specialist, for consideration. See our guidelines below before setting up a new social account representing an entity at USI. 

Hashtags

#ScreaglePride - The official academic and school spirit hashtag for the University of Southern Indiana. Can be used to refer to the institution, student and faculty accomplishments, campus, awards and recognitions, and other general topics that do not have their own designated hashtag.

#GoUSIEagles - The official athletics hashtag for USI. Can be used in all contexts featuring USI officially sanctioned teams and student-athletes.

#USIGrad - Special hashtag reserved for Commencement and graduation photos and messages.

#USIbound - Special hashtag reserved for Screaming Eagles Orientation photos and messages 

#IllumeUSI - Special hashtag reserved for content related to illume, the official USI magazine.

#ArchieAbroad and #USIStudyAbroad - Special hashtags reserved for content related to Study Abroad programs and the Center for International Programs.

Purpose 

These guidelines are here to help USI employees create and maintain meaningful, professional and responsible social media accounts that reflect the University’s voice and values. Social media is a vital tool for connection when used intentionally. 

Stay engaged and connected 

The University of Southern Indiana encourages departments and employees to actively engage on social media. Highlight achievements, share stories and build community—your presence matters. 

Regular, authentic content helps humanize the institution and create a sense of belonging for students, alumni, faculty, staff and the public. 

Build with intention 

Before launching a new account: 

• Define your purpose: Who are you trying to reach? What are your goals? 

• Assess your capacity: Can you post consistently and respond promptly? 

• Align with USI: Does this account reflect the University’s tone, voice and mission? 

Social media success starts with clarity and strategy. 

Start with a conversation 

If you’re thinking about creating a new social media account for your department or office, first contact: 

Kaylee Johnson, Media Relations Specialist, University Strategic Communication 

Johnson will help you with: 

• Assessing need and a continuity plan 

• Platform selection 

• Profile branding and design 

• Content calendars 

• Accessibility and best practices 

Register your account 

Once your account is created, notify University Strategic Communication. Registration ensures: 

• You receive branding support 

• Your content can be amplified by central USI accounts 

• Smooth transitions during staffing changes 

• Listing on the University’s social media webpage

Account administration 

All USI-affiliated accounts must have at least two USI employees listed as page or account administrators. This ensures continuity if one administrator changes roles or leaves the University. It is strongly encouraged to name your USI-affiliated page with “USI” at the beginning, such as “USI Biology Club” or “USI Campus Cats,” to clearly identify your connection to the University. 

Guidelines for account management: 

• Ideally all accounts are tied to a generic USI email account and not an individual employee or student. 

• Never allow students to be sole administrators. They may help with content under supervision. 

• If an admin leaves or steps down, assign a new one immediately. 

• Contact Johnson if help is needed. 

Admins are responsible for: 

• Posting regularly and professionally 

• Monitoring account activity 

• Removing content that violates policy 

• Reporting security issues 

Content guidelines 

Content shared from official accounts should: 

• Be professional, accurate and mission-aligned 

• Use inclusive, accessible language 

• Avoid unverified claims or misinformation 

• Include quality visuals when possible 

• Be relevant to the department or area hosting the account 

Do not post content that is: 

• Threatening, obscene or harassing 

• In violation of copyright or intellectual property laws 

• False, misleading or defamatory 

• In violation of FERPA, HIPAA or USI policies 

University Strategic Communication may review content and request edits or removals as needed. Dormant accounts may be removed if a content plan cannot be created in a timely manner. 

Confidentiality and privacy 

Do not post private, confidential, or sensitive information about students, faculty, staff or University operations. 

All social media content must comply with: 

• FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) 

• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) 

• Applicable University privacy and data security policies 

• University Handbook and Student Handbook policies 

Comments and moderation 

Social media is a conversation. Monitor your posts and pages regularly. 

You may remove comments that: 

• Are threatening in nature

• Are spam or promotional in nature 

• Violate laws or USI policies 

• Contain profanity 

• Share personal or sensitive information without consent 

You should not remove comments just because they are critical or negative. Respectful disagreement is protected speech and contributes to transparency. 

When possible, be transparent when removing content. For example, "A comment was removed for using profanity." 

Not sure what qualifies? Contact Johnson for help. 

If your area does not have the ability to regularly monitor content, consider an informational only page with commenting turned off. 

Personal opinions 

USI-affiliated accounts reflect the University’s voice, not your personal views. 

Do not use USI accounts to: 

• Share political or religious opinions 

• Endorse candidates or personal beliefs 

• Endorse products or services 

• Post unrelated personal content 

If you wish to share personal opinions, use your own personal account, not one tied to the University. 

Always remember, posts made in your personal capacity may still be associated with your role at USI. Use good judgment.