DARTMOUTH COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS AND RECREATION

HANOVER • NEW HAMPSHIRE • 03755

STUDENT-ATHLETE SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Dartmouth College student-athletes are representatives of the College and community. The athletic department requires student-athletes to exercise good judgment in their use of social media websites, and to conduct these activities in a responsible and respectful manner.

• It is impermissible for student-athletes to post information, photos, or other representations of sexual content, inappropriate behavior (e.g., drug or alcohol use), or items that could be interpreted as demeaning or inflammatory.
• Student-athletes are required to abide by all team policies, athletic department policies, and NCAA rules when utilizing social media websites.
• Student-athletes are not permitted to initiate communication with a prospective student-athlete as a result of the prospective student-athlete's recruitment by Dartmouth College.
• It is not permissible to comment on injuries, officiating, or team matters that could reasonably be expected to be confidential to team members.
• Student-athletes are required to follow all respective social media website rules.

Best Practices and Reminders

• Think twice before posting. If you wouldn't want your coach, parents, or future employer to see your post, don't post it.
• Be respectful and positive.
• Remember, many different audiences view your posts including fans, alumni, kids, local authorities, parents, faculty, etc.
• The internet is permanent. Even if you delete something, it's still out there somewhere. Be in the right state of mind when you make a post. Do not post when you're judgment is impaired. Coaches and administrators monitor social media websites. Potential employers use these social media websites to screen candidates. Use the privacy/security settings made available on these sites.

Violation of the Student-Athlete Social Media Policy may result in disciplinary action-- including temporary or permanent suspension from the team--as determined by athletic director and head coach.