Public Internet Sites and Your Student Leader Position

There can be value in the use of online communities, and they have been used in positive ways that benefits students, such as:

• to create interest groups
• help students network with each other (by finding students with the same interests, classes, location, etc.)
• advertise events

Unfortunately, at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and other schools, student leaders have had their integrity questioned due to the content of their pages. We encourage you to evaluate the content of your page to ensure it is a true representation of yourself.

We encourage positive use of such forums, but expect Student Affairs student staff members to use good judgment and ethical decision-making regarding these spaces.

1. If your Position Description/Employment Agreement prohibits certain conduct, information from online communities displaying prohibited behavior that is presented to University professional staff members can be used in employment proceedings.
2. The professional staff does not check the personal pages of staff to search for policy violations, but often students will report concerning content on the pages of current staff and new hires. However, if a policy violation is discovered, the professional staff will act upon that information.