Howard University Social Media Guidelines
Howard University’s social media guidelines provide a comprehensive framework to ensure all official accounts reflect the university’s brand identity, integrity, and values.
These guidelines apply to faculty, staff, students, and affiliates managing Howard University branded social media accounts, and serve to maintain a consistent, professional, and engaging online presence. By following these best practices, our community of social media administrators will support Howard’s mission of excellence in truth and service, protect the university’s reputation, and foster meaningful connections with audiences worldwide.
The purpose of this page is to outline standards and expectations for account management, content creation, community engagement, and compliance with applicable university policies and laws, thereby empowering Howard’s digital ambassadors to be effective and responsible stewards of our brand online.
By utilizing these training opportunities and resources, you will not only ensure compliance with Howard University’s standards but also elevate the quality of your social media initiatives. Howard’s collective online presence is the sum of all our official accounts working in harmony – with the right knowledge and tools, we can amplify our story, engage our community, and continue to build the proud legacy of Howard University in the digital space.
Quick question? Our FAQ section has the answers you need to get started - whether you're launching a new social media channel or looking for best practices at Howard University!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can create an official Howard University social media account?
Only faculty, staff, students, and affiliates managing accounts on behalf of Howard University departments, schools, or programs can create an official social media account. Approval from the Office of University Communications (OUC) is required before launch.
LINK: See: [Getting Started → Account Registration & Approval]
How do I request approval to create a new social media account?
Prospective account managers must submit a Social Media Account Request Form detailing the account’s purpose, audience, and content strategy. OUC will review submissions to ensure alignment with Howard’s communication goals.
LINK: See: [Getting Started → Account Creation Process]
What are the naming conventions for official Howard University accounts?
All account handles/usernames should include “Howard” or “HU” (e.g., @HowardEngineering or @HUAdmissions). Display names must clearly identify the office or department and include a reference to Howard University.
LINK: See: [Branding & Style Guide → Naming & Bio Standards]
4. What is the recommended posting frequency for different social media platforms?
- Instagram & Facebook: 3-10 posts per week
- X (Twitter): 5-7 posts per week
- LinkedIn: 2-5 posts per week
- Bluesky & Other Platforms: Varies depending on platform adoption
LINK: See: [Platform-Specific Guidelines → Posting Strategy & Frequency]
How should I handle negative or inappropriate comments on social media?
Howard University account admins should follow a comment moderation policy:
- Address criticism with factual, professional responses
- Remove comments that violate community guidelines (e.g., hate speech, threats, spam)
- Do not engage in arguments; escalate serious issues to OUC
LINK: See: [Community Management & Moderation → Handling Negative Comments & Crises]
What are the guidelines for posting multimedia content (photos & videos)?
- Only use high-quality, Howard University-branded images
- Videos should include closed captions for accessibility
- Alt text must be added to all images where possible
LINK: See: [Content Guidelines → Multimedia & Creativity]
Can I post about political topics on official Howard accounts?
Official Howard University accounts must remain non-partisan. Do not endorse or oppose political candidates, parties, or ballot measures. General civic engagement posts (e.g., voter registration reminders) are allowed.
LINK: See: [Community Management & Moderation → Political Endorsements & Campaigning]
How can I ensure my content is accessible to all users?
- Use alt text for images
- Add closed captions to all videos
- Use CamelCase in hashtags for readability (e.g., #HowardHomecoming)
LINK: See: [Accessibility & Inclusivity → Best Practices for Inclusive Content]
What should I do if a crisis occurs and I manage a Howard social media account?
Immediately pause all scheduled posts and follow Howard’s crisis communication protocols:
- Do not post unapproved updates
- Share only official statements from OUC or university leadership
- Monitor social media mentions for misinformation
📌 See: [Crisis Communication → Emergency Protocols]
How can I track the performance of my social media content?
Social media admins should monitor key performance metrics, including:
- Engagement Rate (likes, shares, comments)
- Reach & Impressions
- Follower Growth
- Link Clicks & Conversions
LINK: See: [Analytics & Performance Metrics → Measuring Social Media Success]
Can I use emojis and hashtags in official posts?
Yes, but use them strategically:
- Place emojis at the end of a sentence, not as word replacements
- Use no more than 3 hashtags per post
- Format multi-word hashtags in CamelCase (e.g., #HowardUniversity)
LINK: See: [Accessibility & Inclusivity → Hashtag Formatting & Emoji Use]
What kind of training is available for social media administrators?
Howard’s Office of University Communications (OUC) offers:
- Social media training workshops
- Brand & style guide access
- Crisis communication resources
LINK: See: [Training & Resources → OUC Social Media Training]
Are there any tools available for creating branded social media content?
Yes! Howard University provides branded templates for graphics, presentations, and social media posts. Contact OUC for access to the latest brand toolkit.
LINK: See: [Training & Resources → Social Media Graphics & Templates]
How do I report an issue or escalate a social media concern?
For urgent matters (threats, misinformation, harassment):
- Document the issue (screenshot if needed)
- Contact socialmedia@howard.edu
- Escalate serious incidents (e.g., safety threats) to Campus Public Safety
LINK: See: [Crisis Communication & Monitoring → Escalation Procedures]