Page 50 - C:\Users\adarr\Documents\Flip PDF\2019 APUS Employee Handbook\

There are instances when the media, or someone representing themselves as such, may contact or
approach staff or faculty members seeking comment "on the record" about sensitive legislative or
regulatory issues, our financial performance, or even legal matters. The resulting stories may reflect
negatively on APUS due to incomplete, misleading, or otherwise confidential information. To best
ensure ongoing consistency in the scope and tone of any organizational messages delivered to the
public:

All media inquiries are to be directed to the attention of the APEI Associate Vice President of Public
Relations at (703) 334-3225. The AVP of Public Relations will assess the opportunity and confirm the
appropriate spokesperson, if any.

Unless designated as an executive spokesperson, no APUS staff or faculty member should generally
speak to any media representative without prior authorization.

All designated spokespersons are authorized and trained by the AVP of Public Relations, with the
approval of the President, Provost, and Executive Team members.
APUS embraces individual participation in social media venues, as doing so fosters learning and
collaboration with the online community. For this purpose, social media is defined as any form of online
publishing and discussion, including blogs, wikis, user-generated video and audio, and participation in
virtual worlds and social networks. Whether or not an APUS staff or faculty member chooses to create
or participate in social media is an individual decision. However, realize that activities in or outside of
work that affect your APUS job performance, the performance of other APUS employees, or APUS’s
business interests are a proper focus for University policy. Also note that only APUS designated officials
have authorization to speak on behalf of the University.

If you choose to create a new social media account strictly for work purposes, you are encouraged to
use “APUS” in your profile name. Should your employment with APUS end for any reason, including
resignation or termination, you will be asked to delete the account or provide account login information
to your manager.

To participate responsibly in these types of forums:

 Protect your privacy.
 Identify yourself when discussing APUS-related topics, and use disclaimers (e.g., “The
postings on this site are my own and don’t necessarily represent APUS’s positions,
strategies, or opinions.”)
 Respect copyright, fair use, and financial disclosure laws.
 Do not discuss proprietary or confidential information – APUS’s or otherwise.
 Do not cite students, partners, or staff members without their exclusive permission.
 Always pause and think before posting.
 Properly cite others posting on similar topics.
 Refrain from being argumentative.
 Try to add value to the discussion.

Keeping these guidelines in mind will promote healthy, informative, thought-provoking discussion within
the virtual world in which APUS communicates.

2019 Employee Handbook, Revised January 2019 49