Social media is a powerful tool for sharing Pierpont’s story, building brand affinity, engaging with students and stakeholders, and amplifying the College’s mission. The Office of Marketing and Communications manages Pierpont’s official social media presence and supports departments, programs, and student organizations in using social media effectively and responsibly.
Follow Pierpont's Official Social Media Accounts:
What We Do
The Office of Marketing and Communications provides:
- Content creation and scheduling for official Pierpont channels
- Social media strategy and consultation for departments and units
- Training and best practices for account managers
- Monitoring and engagement to ensure brand consistency
- Campaign support for recruitment, events, and storytelling
Getting Started
Want to launch a social media account for your department or student group? Before creating a new profile, contact the Marketing department to:
- Review the FAQs section to ensure you are following the Social Media Policy
- Meet with the Marketing department to discuss your goals, audience, and content strategy
- Download brand assets and use approved templates. If you need something custom designed, submit a marketing request
Best Practices
To maintain a strong and consistent presence:
- Use Pierpont’s approved logos and colors
- Keep tone aligned with our brand personality: passionate, authentic, collaborative, optimistic, caring, and curious
- Post regularly and engage with followers respectfully
- Avoid political endorsements, personal opinions, or confidential information
- Use approved hashtags and tag official accounts when appropriate
Frequently Asked Questions
Social Media Accounts and Management
Who owns official Pierpont social media accounts?
All accounts representing Pierpont Community & Technical College are the property of the College. Account credentials must be shared with the Marketing team for oversight and continuity.
Can I create a new social media account for my department or student organization?
Yes, but all new accounts must be approved by the Office of Marketing and Communications before launch. This ensures consistency with Pierpont’s brand and messaging. You must also give access to the Office of Marketing and Communications.
Can I use Pierpont’s logo on my social media page?
As long as your social media page is approved by the Office of Marketing and Communications, you may use approved Pierpont logos. If you want a custom logo, you may submit a request through the Marketing Request Form.
What happens if an account becomes inactive or is not approved?
Inactive or unapproved accounts may be removed or deactivated. The Marketing team monitors account activity to ensure alignment with College goals and branding standards.
Why do I need to share login credentials with Marketing?
Sharing credentials ensures that the College can maintain access, provide support, and manage continuity if account managers change roles or leave the institution. Access may also be needed in crisis communications situations.
What kind of tone should I use when posting on behalf of Pierpont?
Your tone should be friendly, student-centered, and mission-driven. Posts should reflect Pierpont’s brand personality: passionate, authentic, collaborative, optimistic, caring, and curious.
Can I post personal opinions or political content on official accounts?
No. Official Pierpont social media accounts must avoid political endorsements, personal opinions, or the sharing of confidential information. All content should be professional, inclusive, and respectful. Additionally, posts must adhere to academic standards and protect student privacy — this includes keeping classroom-related information and student records confidential in accordance with FERPA and College policy.
I’ve been posting on behalf of Pierpont for a while, or my account was approved by another department. Do I need to do anything now?
Yes. All existing social media accounts — regardless of when or by whom they were approved — must now comply with Pierpont’s current Social Media Policy. This includes:
- Updating your account to reflect current branding standards (logos, colors, tone)
- Sharing login credentials with the Office of Marketing and Communications
Accounts that do not meet these requirements or remain inactive may be subject to review, removal, or deactivation. The Marketing team is here to help you transition smoothly and ensure your content continues to reflect Pierpont’s mission and identity.
Social Media Content Management
How do I get something shared on Pierpont’s official accounts?
Submit a request through the Marketing Request Form and include your content, preferred posting date, and any relevant visuals. The marketing department has discretion to make any changes.
Do I need to use Pierpont’s logos and colors in my posts?
Yes. All posts must use approved logos, colors, and templates to maintain brand consistency. Contact the Marketing team for access to these assets.
How often should I post on my department’s social media account?
Maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged. The frequency may vary by platform, but regular updates are encouraged.
Can I use any image or video I find online?
No. Use high-quality visuals that reflect Pierpont’s identity and ensure you have the rights to use them. Whenever possible, use original content or approved media from the Marketing team.
How should I respond to comments or messages?
Respond promptly and respectfully. Avoid engaging in arguments or controversial discussions. If a comment violates College policies, report or remove it.
What should I do if someone posts offensive or inappropriate content?
Remove or report the content immediately and notify the Marketing team. We’ll help determine the appropriate response.
What should I do during a campus emergency or sensitive situation?
Pause all scheduled posts and coordinate messaging with the Office of Marketing and Communications and the Office of the President. Only share verified information.
Can I post updates during a crisis?
Only if directed by the Marketing team. All crisis-related communication must be centralized and carefully managed.
Can I post about Pierpont on my personal account?
Yes, but you must not present yourself as speaking on behalf of the College unless authorized. Personal opinions should be clearly distinguished from official College positions.
Can I share official Pierpont posts on my personal account?
Absolutely! Sharing official content helps amplify the College’s message. Just be sure not to alter the messaging or visuals.
Social Media Groups
Can my student organization or department create a group page on social media?
Yes, but all group pages representing Pierpont must be approved by the Office of Marketing and Communications before launch. This ensures the page aligns with the College’s brand and communication standards.
What’s the difference between a group page and an official account?
Group pages are typically used for internal engagement (e.g., student clubs, program cohorts), while official accounts represent the College publicly. Group pages still reflect Pierpont’s identity and must follow branding and content guidelines.
Do group pages need to follow the same branding rules?
Yes. Even if the page is informal or private, it must use approved logos, colors, and tone. Posts should be professional, inclusive, and respectful, and must not share confidential or classroom-related information.
Who manages group pages?
Group pages should be managed by trained individuals — faculty advisors, staff, or designated student leaders — who have consulted with and shared access credentials with the Marketing team.
Can group pages be private or closed?
Yes, but they still represent Pierpont and must follow College policies. Private groups should not be used to share sensitive student data or academic records.
What happens if a group page becomes inactive or violates policy?
Inactive or non-compliant group pages may be subject to deactivation. The Marketing team reserves the right to request changes or removal to protect Pierpont’s brand integrity.
Violations
What happens if I don’t follow the Social Media Policy?
Violations may result in the removal of content, revocation of account access, or disciplinary action in accordance with College policies.
Can my account be deactivated?
Yes. Inactive or unapproved accounts may be subject to removal or deactivation to protect the integrity of Pierpont’s brand.
For Questions or Concerns, Contact:
Stefanie Moore
Director of Marketing and Communications
(304) 534-7102
srobbins@pierpont.edu