Social media is an important communication tool and there are many reasons for the University community to be active online – to join discussions, connect with colleagues and grow networks, to name a few.

A new Social Media Toolkit is now available for staff, providing guidance on ongoing account management, content development and social media best practice.

The Toolkit, approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement), also stipulates that any member of the University community wanting to create a new social media account associated with Macquarie is now required to first submit a business case to the Head of Social Media, Group Marketing (socialmedia@mq.edu.au), for prior consideration.

This change is due to the rapid explosion in Macquarie-affiliated social media pages, with close to 500 channels currently in existence, all with varying levels of account management in place.

Following wide consultation, the DVC (Engagement) has also recently approved a new Social Media Policy, which specifies the rights and responsibilities of staff when using social media in their capacity as an employee, to safeguard their reputation and that of the University. The new Policy supersedes the previous guidelines.

To keep track of all recent policy updates, visit the Policy Bulletin Board.