Social Media Community Guidelines:
Messiah University recognizes that social media is a relevant means of communication that is worthy of thoughtful, purposeful engagement to promote the University and its people, programs and priorities, and to build community among alumni, students, parents, employees and friends. At Messiah, “our mission is to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.”
As such, all content on this page–including user comments–should seek to create an atmosphere of Christ-like hospitality and community. The official social media accounts of Messiah University are monitored by the Office of Marketing and Communications. While the University respects and welcomes honest, open dialogue, social media is not typically the most efficient way to manage specific concerns or issues. Items of individual concern should be directed to the appropriate office or department (messiah.edu/directory), or to the Office of Marketing and Communications through direct message or by emailing [email protected]. We ask that all individuals keep the discussion respectful and kind. Comments that go against the mission or ethos of the University or that contain hate or derogatory speech are subject to deletion. Furthermore, we reserve the right to block, restrict and/or remove content that:
• Is clearly off topic or repetitive in nature
• Includes spam
• Uses vulgar or profane language or images
• Links to third-party sites
• Shares confidential or private information
• Has a clear political affiliation
• Represents a misuse of our brand, logo or likeness
• Is inaccurate, misleading or lacks the appropriate context
• Violates copyright or trademark agreements
• Markets a product, service or event not related to the University
• Advocates for violent or illegal activity
Messiah University reserves full discretion, without notice, to remove content and block users who violate these guidelines. Messiah University’s approach to issuing public statements:
Messiah University is clear in our foundational values and in our statements of faith about our essential ethos and commitments as a Christian institution of higher education. It is Messiah University’s general practice, however, that neither the president nor university administrators will issue a public statement on political, legal or other societal events or issues that do not directly involve the university or members of the Messiah community. Students and faculty do regularly engage in discussion and debate about contemporary events and issues as part of Messiah’s educational process. And, in the aftermath of national or international events that could potentially cause emotional or mental distress, the university actively supports and cares for students through numerous campus resources—including the Engle Center for Counseling and Health Services, 24/7 Timely Care, as well as residence life, diversity affairs and campus ministries staff. In rare instances, Messiah University’s administration may release an institutional statement on issues or events in which the campus community is directly involved. However, due to compliance with privacy laws, the university generally does not comment on student discipline or individual employee matters.
