Playing and competing for Algoma University is a privilege. Student-athletes at Algoma University are held in the highest regard and are seen as role models in the community. As leaders, you have the responsibility to portray your team, your University, and yourselves in a positive manner at all times.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and other social media channels have increased in popularity globally, and are used frequently by the majority of student-athletes here at Algoma University.
Student-athletes should be aware that third parties – including the media, faculty, future employers, OUA and U Sports officials, and other Algoma University officials – can easily access your profiles and view all of your personal information. This includes your pictures, videos, comments, and posts. Inappropriate material found by third parties affects the perception of our student-athletes, the Algoma University Thunderbirds Varsity Athletics Program, and Algoma University. Inappropriate material can also be detrimental to a student-athlete's future employability, whether in professional sports or in other sectors.
Inappropriate and Offensive Behaviours
Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviours concerning the participation in online communities may include, but is not limited to, depictions or presentations of the following:
- Photos, videos, comments, or posts showing the personal use of alcohol, drugs, and/or tobacco.
- Photos, videos, comments, or posts that condone drug-related activity. This includes, but is not limited to, images that portray the personal use of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
- Photos, videos, comments, or posts showing the student-athlete taking part in hazing or hazing-related activities.
- Photos, videos, comments, or posts that are of a sexual nature. This includes links to websites of a pornographic nature and other inappropriate material.
- Content that is unsportsmanlike, derogatory, embarrassing, demeaning, or threatening toward any other individual or entity (example: derogatory comments regarding another institution; taunting comments aimed at a student-athlete, coach, or team; derogatory comments which are discriminatory in nature in regards to race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc.).
- Content online that would constitute a violation of OUA and CIS rules.
- Making public information that is sensitive or personal in nature or is proprietary to the Algoma University Thunderbirds Varsity Athletics Program (example: tentative or future team schedules; student-athlete injuries and eligibility statuses; travel plans/itineraries).
If you encounter or discover any inappropriate information on a social media channel of any Algoma University student-athlete, it is your responsibility to report that information to the Athletic Director or another staff member of the Algoma University Thunderbirds Varsity Athletics Program.
Your social media accounts are being monitored by Algoma University staff members who will report any inappropriate or offensive posts.
Violations
If a student-athlete's profile and its content are found to be inappropriate in accordance with the above behaviours, she/he will be subject to the following penalties:
1. A written warning.
2. A meeting with the Athletic Director and the Head Coach of the athletic team.
3. Penalties as determined by the Algoma University Thunderbirds Varsity Athletics Program, including but not limited to, possible suspension from her/his athletic team.
Recommendations
For your own safety, please keep the following recommendations in mind as you participate in social media websites:
- Set your security settings to "Private" so that only your friends can view your profile.
- You should not post your email, home address, local address, telephone number(s), or other personal information as it could lead to unwanted attention, stalking, identity theft, etc.
- Be aware of who you add as a friend to your site – many people are looking to take advantage of student-athletes or to seek connection with student-athletes.
- Consider how the above behaviours can be reflected in all applications.
- If you are ever unsure about the appropriateness of a post, it is better to not post at all.
Questions and Concerns
If you have any questions regarding the Social Media Policy for Algoma University's Student-Athletes, media inquiries, and sports information, please contact Maria Coccimiglio at maria.coccimiglio@algomau.ca
