Guidelines for the Use of Social Media (Faculty, Staff and Students, etc.)

These guidelines are a compilation of matters that Faculty, Staff and Students, etc. of Meiji Gakuin University (hereinafter the “University”) should be aware of when using Social Media. Please make sure you fully understand the content of these guidelines and strive to use Social Media in an appropriate manner.

Definitions

The definitions of terms in these guidelines are as follows:

1. Social Media
   Social Media refers to internet media that enables the distribution of personal information to an undefined number of users.
   Examples:
   Social networking services: Facebook, Instagram, mixi, Google+, GREE, LINE, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Skype, Pinterest, Snapchat, Mastodon, etc.
   Video-sharing sites: YouTube, Niconico, etc.
   Weblogs: ameba, Hatena Diary, etc.
   Short message sites: Twitter, etc.
   Electronic bulletin boards: 5channel, Yahoo! News comment section, Wikipedia, etc.
2. Faculty and Staff
   University's Faculty and Staff refers to faculty members and staff members that have an employment relationship with Meiji Gakuin and faculty members and staff members that have an independent contractor relationship with the University.  
3. Students, etc.
   Students, etc. refers to undergraduate students, graduate students, non-degree students, etc., exchange students, credit transfer students, etc., and anyone else that receives education at the University.  

Matters to be observed

When using Social Media, the following matters, as a minimum, must be observed.

1. Legal compliance
   Ensure that you comply with the laws of Japan, as well as the laws of other countries and international law depending on your individual circumstances.
2. Observance of human rights and ethics
   Ensure that you do not infringe on the human rights of others, commit any acts against public order and decency, or defame or make discriminatory statements or posts about specific individuals or groups.
3. Protection of intellectual property
   In the event that information is transmitted, be careful in the handling of documents, images, music, logos, and software, etc. to thoroughly ensure that there has been no infringement of copyrights, design rights, image rights, or trademarks, etc.
4. Protection of personal information
   Be fully aware of being “unable to completely delete information once it has been transmitted,” which is one of the dangers of Social Media, and strive to ensure you protect your own personal information. Furthermore, be considerate and do not transmit information belonging to a third party without their permission, irrespective of whether that person is in a close relationship with you, such as a friend or family member.
5. Duty of confidentiality and protection of confidential information
   Strive to ensure you do not publicize, over Social Media, confidential information obtained through work (including part-time work for Students, etc.) or information that carries a duty of confidentiality.
6. Transmission of correct information
   In addition to not transmitting false information, strive to transmit information that is based on fact and take responsibility for the content of the information that you transmit. Furthermore, if you find an incorrectness in the information that you have transmitted, make sure you rectify it promptly.
7. Awareness of your place in the university community
   There is a possibility that issues such as the phenomenon known as ‘trolling’ on the internet may cause a loss of public confidence, not only in you, but also in the university. Be aware of your place as a member of the university community; respond calmly on Social Media and be cautious not to post information without consideration of the effect.

Other

1. Use of the Meiji Gakuin University logo on Social Media
   You must obtain permission in advance to use the Meiji Gakuin University logo on Social Media.Please read the "Meiji Gakuin University Graphic Identity Guidelines" before filling out an application in the format stipulated by the University. (Apply to: Administration Division) *Depending on the content of the application, there may be instances in which permission cannot be given.
2. Operation and alteration of these guidelines
   The General Planning and Development Office, Public Relations Division is responsible for operation and alteration of these guidelines. The content of these guidelines may be changed as appropriate for the future state of Social Media.