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Wellesley College Athletics - Social Media Policy

Wellesley College Athletics Student-Athlete Handbook

Wellesley Athletics recognizes and supports its student-athletes’ First Amendment right to free speech, however, playing and competing for Wellesley is a privilege and not a right. Student-athletes represent the college and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate at all times, both in face-to-face interactions and online. Appropriate online actions also extend to social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Student-athletes should understand that anything posted online is available to anyone in the world. Any text or photo placed on a social media site can be used against them in a court of law, regardless of whether privacy settings restrict who can initially view the material. All postings on social media websites must be consistent with federal and state laws, as well as NCAA, college and team rules. Inappropriate content can affect a student-athlete’s eligibility as well as their job prospects with future employers.

Student-athletes are prohibited from posting anything that violates federal or state laws, including and not limited to:

  • Comments, pictures, or videos that depict illegal alcohol abuse, unlawful assault, abuse, hazing, and/or selling/possessing illegal drugs.

  • The use of ethnic slurs, threats of physical or emotional harm, obscenities, and inappropriate sexual references.

  • Photos depicting the inappropriate use of team equipment or uniforms.

Student-athletes cannot post any information that is proprietary to the athletic department which is not public information (ex: tentative or future schedules) or information that is sensitive or personal (ex: injuries) and might violate federal privacy laws such as FERPA or HIPAA.

Student-athletes are encouraged not to post personal information which might increase the possibility of identity theft.

Violations of the Social Media Policy may be forwarded to a head or assistant coach, athletics communications, or other members of the administration. Those found in violation of the Social Media Policy will be subject to disciplinary action. Wellesley Athletics administrators and the head coach of the student-athlete will determine if the circumstances warrant suspension of the student-athlete from practice and/or game competition.

last updated 2/12/21