IMPLEMENTATION OF THE KANSAS BOARD OF REGENTS’ POLICY ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Effective: August 15, 2024

Purpose: To outline the requirements to enforce the Kansas Board of Regents Social Media Policy.

Scope: This policy applies to all University employees.

Responsible Office: President's Office

Policy Statement: Before any faculty or non-student staff member of the university can be subject to disciplinary action (e.g., suspended without pay or terminated for cause) by the University President of the University President’s delegate for being found to have made any improper use of social media under the Kansas Board of Regents’ (KBOR) Social Media Policy, it must first be determined that such action is consistent with the First Amendment of the University States Constitution and with principles of academic freedom. This determination is to be made by the University President or the University President’s delegate in consultation with legal counsel for advice and with consideration of a recommendation by a Committee of Peers of the accused.

The Committee of Peers shall consist of five (5) individuals from the employee’s peer group only (i.e., faculty or unclassified professionals or university support staff or administration, respectively). Three of the committee members shall be selected by the president/chair of the employee’s representative group (i.e., Faculty President or Chair of the University Support Staff Commission or President of the Unclassified Commission), and two (2) committee members shall be selected by the University President or the University President’s delegate. If the employee is a faculty member, then at least one (1) of the five (5) committee members must be a faculty member from the same discipline (or, if none, then the same academic unit) as the employee.

Definitions: All words and phrases shall be interpreted utilizing their plain meanings unless otherwise defined in another University or Board of Regents policy or by statute or regulation.

Procedures: All procedures linked and related to the policies above shall have the full force and effect of policy if said procedures have first been properly approved by the University’s administrator in charge of Academic Affairs.

[Human Resources Procedures - coming soon]

Related Policy Information: [KBOR Use of Social Media by Faculty and Staff Policy]