New social media policy approved by Board of Regents New social media policy approved by Board of Regents

I hope that you had a restful holiday. As we begin the new semester, I wanted to be sure that you are aware of a new policy regarding social media that was passed by the Kansas Board of Regents in December. If you have not seen the policy, I would encourage you to read it at http://www.kansasregents.org/policy_chapter_ii_c_suspensions.

While the Board sets general policy, implementation is left to the individual institutions. I will be asking each of the constituent senates to take up discussion of this policy and to recommend how it can be implemented at Wichita State University. The goal would be for each constituent group to submit its recommendations by the end of the 2014 academic year.

Wichita State University is grounded in critical core values protecting academic freedom within a framework of academic responsibility and First Amendment rights. Any recommendations made by the respective constituent groups must assure that these core values are respected. In addition, the proposed recommendations need to account for the responsibility of the Kansas Board of Regents for establishing policy.

Faculty Senate President Victoria Mosak, Vice President Tony Vizzini and I will be in regular discussions with our counterparts at other state universities with regard to this policy and its potential implementation throughout the remainder of this academic year. The Board of Regents and its staff also are continuing discussions with institutions on the implementation of this policy. Likewise, I would urge you to talk with your senate representatives regarding your interests and any ideas you have with regard to this policy's application so that their recommendations reflect your input.

If there are any substantial changes in the situation with regard to this policy, I will keep you informed.

Again, I hope that you had a restful break.

Regards,

John