About Social Media Use at CMU
Social media is an essential tool used by the university to communicate with a range of audience members, including but not limited to prospective students, current students, alumni, parents and families, donors and the community. Social media offers valuable opportunities for connection, communication and engagement.
Social media supports CMU’s institutional mission of being a Human Scale University: a model of the world we want to create. By showcasing campus culture, belonging, mission, vision and values messaging, CMU is staying true to institutional goals while on social media. These social media guidelines are in place to promote inclusive and interactive use of social media across campus.
Who Needs to Follow These Guidelines?
This policy applies to all social media accounts officially affiliated with Colorado Mesa University, including those managed by departments, programs, student clubs and organizations and other university-related entities. This includes:
- Accounts that include CMU’s name and trademarked logos.
- Accounts for departments, academic programs, clubs, organizations and school-sanctioned entities.
This form allows for proper archival of account login information to ensure seamless transfer of account access, when necessary, and provides a connection with the Marketing and Communications office as a resource for guidelines, training and collaboration.
For further assistance or clarification on creating new CMU affiliated social media accounts, email the Social Media Strategist at [email protected].
This kit includes official brand visuals such as logos, colors and typography. At Colorado Mesa University, we expect you to follow these guidelines by using official logos and colors if using a university-affiliated social media account.
For questions or training on CMU brand alignment, contact: [email protected].
All accounts affiliated with the Colorado Mesa University brand are encouraged to maintain a professional appearance online. This means using a respectful and appropriate tone of voice in writing, following community guidelines for perspective platforms and posting content that aligns with CMU’s mission, vision and values.
Accounts must treat online criticism respectively. Do not delete or report constructive responses, but do monitor account(s) for harmful comments, direct messages and other slander.
If you need any assistance with a situation regarding your social media channel(s), need guidance regarding content’s alignment with CMU’s social media guidelines or have any other questions, please contact the Social Media Strategist at [email protected].
The Marketing Department and Social Media Strategist conduct social media training sessions to help educate and connect with affiliated account managers. To schedule a training or to meet with the Social Media team, please email the Social Media Strategist at gestep@coloradomesa.
- Account Tracking, Transition and Closure
- Crisis Response and Management
- Legal and Accessibility Compliance
- Social Media Strategy and Governance
- Effective Marketing Tips and Tricks
Account Tiers
All tiers are encouraged to maintain a level of brand compliance and professionalism that positively represents Colorado Mesa University in the digital world.
Tier 1
CMU Main Accounts serve as the one-stop-shop for all things CMU. These accounts maintain core content buckets that tie back to CMU values, Human Scale University representation, brand awareness and customer service needs.
Examples: all @coloradomesau channels
Tier 2
CMU accounts supporting enrollment goals. These accounts garner the highest follower counts after CMU main channels and allow for opportunity to showcase diverse examples of a Human Scale University that increase brand awareness opportunities.
Examples: CMU Admissions, Maverick Athletics, CMU Tech
Tier 3
CMU affiliated accounts that connect with niche audiences and highlight informational or culture building connections. Collaboration with Tier 3 social media managers is highly encouraged for internal campus communications and internal campaign initiatives that engage current social media audiences. Such accounts can be viewed as “experts” in their niche.
Examples: Student Life, Residence Life, Facilities, Alumni and Career Services
Tier 4
These accounts are not managed directly by the Marketing and Communications office or professional staff but monitored for brand compliance and to ensure appropriate representation of campus values.
Examples: Student-led clubs and organizations