Purpose
This policy outlines the guidelines and expectations specific to digital and print media distributed by student organizations to ensure a high level of ethics and consistency with RISD's community values.
Scope
This policy applies to all RISD student organizations.
Definitions
- Print media: Any content or communication distributed in a physical printed format. This includes but is not limited to newspapers, zines, flyers, posters, brochures, magazines, newsletters, stickers, and printed academic publications. Within student policies, print media also covers materials produced or distributed on campus by students, organizations, or departments.
- Digital media: Any content or communication distributed or accessed through electronic or digital means. This includes but is not limited to websites, social media platforms, blogs, emails, digital publications, podcasts, video content, and multimedia presentations. In the context of student policies, digital media also encompasses content created, shared, or consumed on institutional platforms or personal devices when related to college activities, representation, or communications.
Policy
RISD recognizes that student organizations supported by The Center for Student Involvement ("CSI") can further their respective mission and goals through leveraging digital and print media. Using digital and print media comes with a responsibility to engage in a respectful, professional manner befitting the students, the community, and the institution. While the digital and print content reflects the views and opinions of the student organization, it may not be attributed to RISD or presented as an official RISD position.
All student organization digital and print media must adhere to the policy requirements below. In addition to this policy, refer to RISD’s Social Media Policy (Institutional Account Approval and Management, Personal Use) under the Related Policies section.
Respect Copyright and Fair Use Laws
Honor the copyright and intellectual property rights of others and of the College. Do not post content, images, videos, music recordings or otherwise if you are not the rights holder. If you are using an approved image or video, make best efforts to credit the photographer/videographer/artist/creator when space allows, or through a watermark or lower-third. Student organizations should avoid using copyrighted music in their projects unless they have explicit approval. Copyright infringement could result in substantial fines for the student organization. Please review the RISD Intellectual Property Policy for more information.
Nondiscrimination Activity
Digital and print media that could constitute discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and/or other prohibited conduct as outlined in the Nondiscrimination Policy and Code of Student Conduct are not permitted. This can include, but is not limited to, digital and/or print media that constitutes as sexually explicit, objectively offensive, derogatory, and/or threatening in nature.
Do No Harm
Do not use statements, images, videos or audio that reasonably could be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or intimidating, that disparage any member of the College community, or that might constitute harassment, bullying or accusation. Examples of such conduct may include, but are not limited to, offensive posts intended to harm someone’s reputation, to cause fear for their safety, and/or to contribute to a hostile environment, as outlined in the Nondiscrimination Policy.
No Posting of Alcohol or Drug Use or Other Illegal Activity
Student Organizations must refrain from posting content depicting alcohol or alcohol usage, even if the content shows only students or staff of legal age (21+) drinking.
Digital Media
Websites
RISD discourages the establishment of public-facing student organization websites. If one is necessary, it must be hosted on an external platform, use a purchased commercial domain name, and cannot be hosted on the risd.edu domain. The student organization is responsible for its own technical support and funding for hosting and site maintenance. RISD CSI, ITS, or Marketing and Communications cannot provide financial or technical support for the establishment or maintenance of student organization websites. These websites should not reflect the RISD brand identity or the use of RISD registered marks, which include the name, seal, and logo, the phrase “Rhode Island School of Design,” “RISD,” “RISD 1877,” “RISD Alumni,” or any other RISD marks.
Social Media
Student organizations that wish to maintain social media accounts must designate at least one administrator who is an active member of the organization and has access to the organization's account credentials. Organizations with social media accounts must use a student organization associated with @risd.edu account allocated by CSI and register it with CSI during student organization training at the beginning of the semester. RISD student organization accounts may not be routed to personal or @otherdomain emails. All login information must be shared with and accessible to CSI at the start of the academic year and upon CSI's request.
All student organizations must designate a Communications Manager. Only one Communications Manager should be posting on behalf of the student organization. This representative should understand that if anyone other than the Communications Manager posts on the student organization’s social media accounts, the Communications Manager will be held responsible for all posts, including any student conduct issues related to inappropriate content. Only active members of a RISD student organization may serve as a Communications Manager and should be members of the respective organization whose accounts they manage. Graduating members must designate and transfer login credentials for all social media accounts and update CSI on the new representative. Individuals who are not members of an active student organization should not be given student organization login information.
Student organizations are responsible for monitoring and updating their social media accounts regularly to ensure they contain the latest, most accurate information. This includes acknowledging mistakes and correcting errors as soon as possible; and in the case of social media or platforms that allow user engagement, providing warnings and, if necessary, blocking users.
Print Media
CSI must approve all print media through the print request process in the forms section of Involved.risd.edu. Among other guidance listed herein, print communication must adhere to RISD’s Posting Policy found under the Related Policies section below. CSI reserves the right to approve or deny any print media within its sole discretion. CSI will consult with Equity and Compliance, Student Conduct and Community Standards, and Student Life leadership as needed during this decision process.
Procedures
Account Registration
Student Organization Communications Managers are responsible for maintaining an up-to-date Involved page, which lists all digital media pages. Additionally, all student organizations must disclose all digital media accounts in their renewal application, which CSI administers annually.
Be Accurate and Check Sources
While digital and print media make it easier to share ideas, they should never be used to spread false or misleading information. Check facts before posting, and cite a verifiable source for data, information, and points of view that are likely to be controversial. If the purpose is to educate, always provide the audience with resources to engage with.
Navigating Conflict
For complaints related to a peer, the organization, classroom, or coursework, the first step in resolving the issue is to speak directly with the person, if possible, and/or with a trusted supervisor or faculty/staff member who can provide further support and guidance. If conflict persists, student organizations should contact the Center for Student Involvement.
Policy Sanctions
RISD reserves the right to review alleged violations of this policy in conjunction with other appropriate offices and under other applicable College policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements, including but not limited to those listed under Related Policies. Failure to comply with this policy and other Related Policies is subject to disciplinary action and sanctions per applicable disciplinary procedures.
Any violation of this policy may result in the revocation of the student organization’s posting privileges or the termination of its accounts.
Related policies
Revision history
This policy was last reviewed/modified on: 3/9/2026
Next scheduled review: 8/9/2027
Responsibilities
Issuing Office
Center for Student Involvement
Responsible Officer
Vice President, Student Life
Individuals/offices required for review and changes
Director, Center for Student InvolvementDirector, Marketing and Communications
Director, Student Conduct and Community Standards
Associate Dean, Students
Marketing and Communications