Professional Standards and

Social MediaWill Patch

Manchester UniversityIACAC Summer Institute 2014

Welcome to Your Profession! This is a professional career

Not just a job, you’re the expert! Professional standards apply online

as well Social media can blur the lines of

personal and professional

Professional Appearance

Professional Communication “The way you use language reveals

who you are, how you think, and how you work.” – Nick Corcodilos

If spelling and grammar are a known weakness, ask for help

Professional Communication

Professional Communication Body language is as important as

how you use spoken or written language

See Amy Cuddy’s research TED Talk as well

Good or Bad Body Language?

Online Professional Your online profiles are how you

portray yourself when you aren’t there

Make sure it’s a good first impression

Online Professional

Your Profiles Recommended not to use 1 account

for your personal and professional relationships Some offices prefer you not to use social

media to communicate, check first Take advantage of security and privacy

settings! 2 accounts, or just professional

Consider using 1 network just for professional, and another just for personal

Your ProfilesPersonal

Friends and family Post fun content Maybe some embarrassing

photos Use privacy settings

Your ProfilesProfessional

Students and coworkers Follow interesting people

and organizations

Fun is relative Focus on message

Privacy Online Facebook

Post level or profile level Posts and photos can be set individually

Privacy Online Facebook

Profile level can hide portions or your entire profile

Privacy Online Twitter

More simple, either on or off

Things to Avoid Uncomfortable messages from

students or parents Refer to your Director immediately,

don’t respond Blurring the lines

Keep relationships professional Casual is ok, but can lead to problems

Professional Profiles Have a professional photo ready

ID photo or headshot from website Consistency looks good

Have bio or professional description ready A few sentences describing you, your

role, and/or your goals Elevator pitch

Professional Facebook Link profile to work email or

professional email address Use cover photo that represents your

institution or isn’t unprofessional

Professional Twitter Retweet and interact with university

or high school Interact and answer questions from

students

LinkedIn Professional network, not social Online resume Network with others in profession,

learn more through groups

LinkedIn “Be brave enough to start a

conversation that matters.” – Margaret Wheatley

Ask questions in groups, start new topics

About.me A hub for your profiles Great way to meet new people and

ask questions

Professional Development IACAC

Spring Congress Mentorship

NACAC Groups National Conference Journal of College Admission

Professional Development LinkedIn groups/Pulse Chronicle of Higher Ed

Vitae About.me

Search by interests

Professional Development On your campus

Connect with faculty and staff If you’re not an alumnus, even more

critical to get to know students Mentorship programs Committees

Discuss What have been your experiences

with social media and professional standards at work?

What questions do you have?