Guidelines for Content on College-Owned Digital Channels

College-owned digital channels include any digital property owned and operated by the college or college offices, departments, programs and student groups. Channels include Hope Daily email, student mail manager, the hope.edu website, Hope College Blogs, social media channels, video and YouTube content.

Things to consider in the planning stages

• Who is your audience? Who does your department or group serve and what are your goals?
• Are there others on campus who you can collaborate with?
• If you want people to do something, include a clear call to action.
• Carefully fact-check and proofread all of your details.

Examples of content to include

• Announce, inform, or invite members of our community to participate in college programs and activities
• Sharing transformational student experiences 
• Edify, celebrate, care for, and support members of our community
• Seek nominations for awards
• Notify of upcoming events, opportunities, resources, and community collaborations
• Academic and research-related updates
• Student and faculty/staff achievements
• Campus culture and student life updates

Examples of content to avoid

• Accusations, public shame, humiliation, assumption of guilt, or calls for punishment
• False or discrediting commentary against a specific Hope College student, employee, or department/office
• Inaccurate, dishonest, or misleading information
• Political endorsements 

Additional resource