Vassar College Athletics

Vassar College
Social Network Policy for Student-Athletes

Playing and competing for Vassar College is a privilege, not a right. Student-athletes at VC are held in high regard and are considered as role models in the community. It is imperative that student-athletes represent their teams and College in a positive manner at all times. Social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, VINE, Pinterest, and other digital platforms have increased in popularity and are used by student-athletes at Vassar College. Participation in such networks has both positive appeal and potentially negative consequences. It is important that Vassar College student-athletes be aware of these consequences and exercise appropriate caution if they choose to participate.

Guidelines for Student-Athletes
The Department of Athletics’ guidelines are intended to provide a framework for student-athletes to conduct themselves responsibly in an on-line environment.

Student-athletes at Vassar College are encouraged to adhere to the following:

1. Be careful with how much and what kind of identifying information you post on social networking sites. Virtually anyone with an email address can access your personal page. It is unwise to make available information such a full date of birth, social security number, address, residence hall room number, phone number, cell phone numbers, class schedules, bank account information, or details about your daily routine. All of these can facilitate identity theft or stalking. Facebook and other sites provide numerous privacy settings for information contained in its pages; use these settings to protect private information. However, once posted, the information becomes property of the website.

2. Be aware that potential, current and future employers often access information you place on on-line social networking sites. You should think about any information you post on Facebook or similar directories potentially providing an image of you to a prospective employer. The information is considered public information. Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image that you can be proud of years from now.

3. Be careful in responding to unsolicited emails asking for passwords or PIN numbers. Reputable businesses do not ask for this information in emails.

4. Student-athletes are not restricted from using any online network sites and digital platforms. However, users must understand that any content that they make public via online social networks or digital platforms is expected to follow acceptable behaviors and also to comply with federal, state and College rules and regulations.

5. Prohibited Conduct: Student-athletes are highly visible representatives of the College and are expected to uphold the values and responsibilities of the College while meeting all requirements set forth by the Liberty League, NCAA and the College intercollegiate athletics program. It is important that student-athletes recognize the power of public media domains and the potentially negative impact that they can portray about student-athletes, coaches, the athletic program and institution.

6. Some examples of inappropriate and offensive behavior concerning participation in online communities may include the following:
a. Posting photos, videos, comments or posters showing the personal use of alcohol, tobacco, etc.
b. Posting photos, video and comments that are of a sexual nature. This includes links to websites of a pornographic nature and other inappropriate material.
c. Posting pictures, videos, comments or posters that condone drug related activity. This includes but is not limited to images that portray the personal use of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
d. Using inappropriate or offensive language in all comments, videos and other postings. This includes threats of violence and derogatory comments against race, gender and/or sexual orientation.
e. Cyber bullying or posting negative comments about opponents prior to or after competition.
f. Posting photos wearing VC athletics apparel while engaging in inappropriate behavior.
g. Using photos of yourself in VC athletics apparel or using your status as a VC student-athlete to promote parties or other social engagements.
h. Commenting on prospective student-athletes who visit VC or might be coming to VC.

7. Sanctions: Any inappropriate activity or language in violation of the above prohibitions, including first time offenses, is subject to investigation and possible sanction by the Athletics Department. Sanctions imposed by the Director of Athletics may include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Written notification from the Director of Athletics or assignee to the student-athlete outlining the policy and requiring that the unacceptable content be removed or the social network profile deactivated.
b. Temporary suspension from the team until prescribed conditions is met.
c. Suspension from the team from a prescribed period.
d. Indefinite suspension from the team.
e. Dismissal from the team.