Facebook Student Notice

To all HC users of Facebook.com:

Since we are aware of the growing use of Facebook.com among HC students as a way to network and communicate with other students here and elsewhere, we feel it is important to share some cautions and concerns with its use.

First, you should be careful about how much and what kind of identifying information you post on Facebook. Remember that virtually anyone with an edu e-mail address can access your page. It is unwise to put information like date of birth, social security number, address or phone number on Facebook since it could leave you open to identity theft or stalking. Facebook provides numerous privacy settings for information contained in its pages; you should use these settings to protect these kinds of private information.

Second, you should be aware that potential current and future employers can often access information you place on Facebook, and many are increasingly using Facebook and similar online directories in just this way. You should think about any information you post on Facebook or similar directories as potentially providing an image of you to a prospective employer.

Third, you should know that while Facebook and similar directories are hosted outside the Hastings College server, violations of college policy on Facebook (e.g., harassing language, possible college alcohol or drug policy violations, etc.) are subject to investigation and sanction via the Hastings College computer use policy, Student Code of Conduct, and other relevant college policies.

We recognize that students here and elsewhere are using such online directories in positive ways to connect with and interact with other students. At the same time, however, users should be aware of the potential down sides and dangers of such directories.