Social Media Usage Guidelines

Objectives of the Guideline

Social media is an effective information tool that allows individuals to easily send and obtain a information through many platforms. However, if used incorrectly, such as thoughtless posts or inappropriate comments, it can cause problems that the speaker did not intend to cause, which not only affects society, but can also cause significant losses for the user.
Soka University has formulated a guideline that outlines ideas and key points to keep in mind when using social media so that students, faculty and staff can use social media appropriately, effectively and safely.

Target

This applies to the use of social media by Soka University faculty and staff, those who are contracted faculty and staff (including part-time lecturers and contracted staff), Soka University undergraduate students (including correspondence course students), short-term undergraduate students, graduate students, and international students, whether for business or private purposes.

What is social media

Social media refers to electronic media, such as blogs, social networking services (SNS), and video sharing sites, where users transmit information and form communication.

Representative social media
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LINE, Instagram, Blogs, GREE, mixi, BBS (bulletin board system), etc.

Guidelines for use

Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Expressions on the Internet, including social media, are also subject to the Constitution and other laws and regulations. Please comply with the laws and regulations of Japan when using them. In addition, social media can be used and viewed all over the world. Please comply with the laws and international laws of other countries, depending on the circumstances, even when you are outside your country for study or travel.
Responsibility for the information you post
Please be aware that each individual's transmission of information has an impact on society, and strive to transmit accurate information and be careful not to mislead readers. In addition, once a statement, image, or video is posted, it is impossible to erase it completely if it is copied or shared. In addition, there have been cases where individuals have been identified from the background of the image or video taken, leading to problems. Please be responsible for the content you post, and think about what will happen if you post something, and whether or not it is okay to post it.
Handling of confidential information
Information requiring confidentiality that is obtained in the course of duties or undisclosed information in the process of decision-making is prohibited from being disclosed without permission. Personal information includes not only addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses, but also images, video, and audio data that can be used to authenticate an individual. In addition, information that cannot be used to identify a person by itself can become personal information when combined with other information.
Your own privacy
Please be careful about the extent in which you disclose your personal information. Be aware that once you publish information on the network, it cannot be completely deleted, and that it can be stored and misused by third parties, so be mindful of protecting your own privacy.
Proper response to posts that are detrimental to you
Be sure to check with your family and friends before they post anything about your own photos or content on social media. It can be easily forwarded and shared through retweets, shares, etc., which may cause unexpected damage.
In the unlikely event that you are subjected to slander, etc., please try to be careful about responding on social media in cases where there is a risk of flaming, etc.
Awareness of and responsibility as a member of the University
When engaging in activities on social media, please be aware that your image may be perceived as a representation ofSoka University and strive to act accordingly.
In addition, please comply with the Faculty Code of Ethics (faculty), the Staff Code of Ethics (staff), and the Student Life Policy and its equivalents (students), and use them in a sensible manner.

Consultation Desk

If a problem such as leakage of personal information has occurred or is likely to occur, immediately consult the following department.

For faculty and staff　　　                         Planning and Public Relations office　Phone: 042-691-9442　
For undergrad and graduate students　　Student Affairs office Phone : 042-691-2205
For Soka Women’s College students 　    SWC student affairs office　Phone: 042-691-2201
For Distance Learning Division students    Distance Learning Division office　Phone: 042-691-3451
For International students　　　　            International Affairs Office Phone: 042-691-8200

Inquiries regarding Social Media

For inquiries regarding the use of social media at Soka University, please contact the Planning and Public Relations office.
Email address of the Planning and Public Relations office：publicrelation@soka.ac.jp