Chapter 9 - Section 4 - Social Media Policy

Policy

This policy establishes guidelines for the professional use of social media on behalf of Renton Technical College, provides best practices for employees and students who engage on social platforms, and sets guidelines for moderating content posted by others.

Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with our students, alumni, employees, community, and partners. RTC values creative yet responsible and respectful use of social media that aligns with our mission and adheres to our branding.

This policy relates to:

• All official RTC-affiliated social media accounts.
• RTC employees posting on behalf of the college.
• Employees or students who identify themselves as part of RTC when posting publicly.
• Creation of new RTC program, department, or initiative pages.
• Community guidelines.

Institutional Social Media

RTC’s official social media channels are created and managed by the college's Communications and Marketing staff, led by the Executive Director of College Relations and Marketing.

Employee Guidance for Participating in Social Networking

Guidelines for Official RTC Accounts

• Approval: All new RTC-affiliated social media accounts must be approved by the Marketing and Communications Department.
• Branding: Follow RTC brand guidelines for logos, colors, messaging, and tone.
• Content Standards: Content should be accurate, professional, inclusive, and consistent with RTC’s values and goals.
• Accessibility: Posts should be accessible (e.g., alt text for images, captions for videos).
• Crisis Communication: In case of an emergency or sensitive incident, only authorized employees may post updates.
• FERPA and Privacy Compliance: Never post confidential student, employee, or college information without consent.
• Endorsements: No official college page or post may endorse a product or company without the express permission from the Executive Director of College Relations and Marketing.
• Photo releases required
• No student name, photo, or likeness may be used without either express permission through a signed photo release or implied permission following notification at a public event. 

Student use of social media

Students must understand that any content made public via RTC social media sites is expected to follow acceptable social behaviors, comply with Washington statutes, federal laws, and the Student Code of Conduct, and may be subject to disciplinary action if it results in a violation.

Inappropriate Content

The malicious use of RTC social media, including cyberbullying, derogatory language about any member of the RTC community; threats to any third party; incriminating photos or statements depicting hazing, sexual harassment, vandalism, stalking, underage drinking, illegal drug use, or any other inappropriate behavior, will be subject to disciplinary action.

Moderation

RTC moderates public comments and reserves the right to hide comments that are obscene, discriminatory, harassing, defamatory, or unrelated to the original post. RTC may turn off comments on posts at staff discretion. All platforms that enable comments are regularly reviewed for spam comments, and staff members delete and report spam.

Enforcement

Complaints or allegations of violating these standards will be processed through RTC’s grievance procedures, Student Conduct Code, or controversy resolution.

Social Media Disclaimer

Terms of Use

1. By posting content on RTC’s social media sites, users agree to comply with the College’s Social Media and Internet Usage Policies. The user represents, warrants, and agrees that no content submitted, posted, transmitted, or shared will infringe upon the rights of any third party or contain defamatory, discriminatory, or otherwise unlawful material.
2. RTC reserves the right to hide (without notice) content unrelated to the original posts or comments containing hate speech or racist, obscene, or discriminatory language. Such comments will be retained in accordance with public records laws.
3. Public records requests will not be accepted through social media channels.