Social Media Comment Policy

Scope and Adoption 

This comment policy pertains to the main social media accounts for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign managed by Public Affairs and Verified Illinois social media accounts, a list maintained by Public Affairs. 

As part of the verification process, all Verified Illinois social media accounts must use a published comment policy for their platforms. Verified Illinois accounts are encouraged to adopt and follow the below University Social Media Comment Policy for their accounts.

When a unit wishes to use a modified version of the University Social Media Comment Policy on their social media platforms, the unit must publish their comment policy in a publicly accessible place, preferably directly on the social media platform itself. As comments on university social media accounts raise a number of issues, including free speech, harassment and copyright, it is recommended that any comment policies that differ significantly from the University Social Media Comment Policy be reviewed by appropriate university offices including, but not limited to, Public Affairs and the Office of University Legal Counsel.

Comment Policy & Procedures

Comments, links, photos and videos are welcome on all University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign social media platforms. All posts or comments should be relevant to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign community.

Comments or posts made by outside users to University accounts can be removed for any of the following reasons, at any time, if they: 

  • use obscene, threatening or harassing language; 
  • disclose information that is confidential by law or regulation; 
  • promote or advocate illegal activity; 
  • violate copyrights or trademarks; 
  • are commercial advertising, unsolicited self-promotion, SPAM, or solicitations; or 
  • endorse or oppose anyone campaigning for election to a political office. 

User comments or user posts do not represent the opinions of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The University and units adopting this policy reserve the right to respond to comments that do not violate this policy.

All users, including page administrators, are subject to the terms of service of each social media site and this policy.