To: UI faculty and staff
From:
Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost
Cheryl Reardon, chief human resources officer and associate vice president
Date: Sept. 22, 2025
Policy Reminder: Social Media Use
Social media is a powerful tool for communication, both personally and professionally. At the University of Iowa, employees are encouraged to exercise freedom of expression and academic freedom while using social media responsibly. Posts that are threatening, harassing, or incite or advocate for imminent violence are unacceptable, violate university policy and work rules, and may lead to disciplinary action.
Personal Use of Social Media
Employees are free to express personal opinions on their own accounts, consistent with the First Amendment. However, personal use intersects with university employment in important ways:
- Do not imply that personal posts speak on behalf of the university unless authorized.
- Avoid mixing university-related content (e.g., news, events, job postings) with controversial or objectionable content on the same account.
- Content that violates university policy, such as threatening, intimidating, or harassing speech, or that could interfere with or disrupt workplace functions, may lead to corrective action, up to and including termination.
Professional Use and Official UI Accounts
Official university social media accounts are reserved for institutional purposes and must comply with Board of Regents and university policies, including Board Policy 4.2.I, “University Statements on Matters of Public Concern and Use of Social Media.”
- Account managers must follow university branding guidelines and ensure content does not violate laws or university policies.
- Official accounts must not be used for personal political commentary or advocacy.
- Misuse of university accounts may result in removal of access or disciplinary action.
Learn More
For questions, please contact the Office of the General Counsel.
