Student-athletes must be concerned with any behavior that might embarrass themselves, their team(s), and/or Truman State University. This includes any activities conducted online. Truman State University supports the individual’s expression of First Amendment rights of free speech, including participating in online social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).

As a student-athlete, you must accept responsibility for your social media use. It is your job — as a highly visible member of the institution and the larger community — to protect the values of Truman State University. Any malicious use of social media platforms shall not be tolerated.

Malicious use may include but is not limited to:

• Derogatory language or remarks regarding fellow athletes, students, coaches, administrators, faculty and staff of Truman State University or other colleges and universities.
• Demeaning statements or threats that endanger the safety of another person.
• Incriminating photos or statements regarding illegal criminal behavior, underage drinking, usage of illegal drugs, sexual harassment, or violence.
• Indicating knowledge of the acts listed above.

Please keep the following guidelines in mind as you participate on social networking websites:

• Before participating in any online community, understand that anything posted online is available to anyone in the world. Any text or photo placed online is completely out of your control the moment it is placed online — even if you limit access to your site.
• You should not post information, photos, or other items online that could embarrass you, your family, your team, the Athletic Department, or Truman State University. This includes information, photos, and items that may be posted by others on your page.
• Exercise caution as to what information you post about your whereabouts or plans — you could be opening yourself up to predators.

Individuals within the university and law enforcement personnel check these websites regularly. In addition to the unfortunate reality of online predators, potential employers and internship supervisors also use these sites to screen candidates. Many graduate programs and scholarship committees now search these sites to screen applications.

Student-athletes could face discipline for violation of Policies and Procedures or philosophies of Truman State University, the Department of Athletics, and/or the NCAA. Athletics administration reserves the right to examine any presented violation on a case-by-case basis.

In addition, individual teams may establish team-specific social media clauses that serve in conjunction with the Department’s social media policy.