Interested in making a new social media account? Wait. Before you do, there are some things to consider.

As tempting as it may be to start a new social media account for your department, club, or organization, it is not always the best way to reach an audience. Before creating any new social media accounts, please read MSU's Social Media Policy and follow our account creation guidelines for your type of organization.

Account creation guidlines:

1) Before making a new social media account, use MSU's available promotional tools.

While a social media account may seem like the easiest way to promote an organization or event, MSU has several tools in place for you to utilize first.

  • Submit events to MSU’s calendar system so they can be added to the student home page and our “This Week at MSU” Instagram story. These are great ways to reach students. Email [email protected] if there is a certain event that requires extra attention.
  • Submit events and announcements to MSU Today and The Bobcat Bulletin to reach MSU faculty, staff, and general community.  

2) Apply for your account.

If you have already used MSU's promotional tools and you'd still like to create a new social media account, you can apply to create your account. Email the following documents to [email protected] for review:

  • The purpose of your new social media account
  • Your goals for your new social media account
  • A three month content calendar for your social media account

Keep in mind, not all accounts will get approved. University Communications is dilligent with how many MSU accounts are created to avoid inactive social media pages. 

3) Register and share your new account.

Once your new social media page has been approved, be sure to register your account and share your login credentials with University Communications. Specific instructions on how to share credentials for each platfrom are listed on our Social Media Policy page.

4) Make sure you have an approved logo.

In nearly all cases, MSU offices, departments, schools, programs, institutes, services and centers should use the core MSU logo with the appropriate unit identifier attached. Read MSU's Logo Use Guide and Brand Guide to ensure you are using a legal and appropriate logo. 

Bobcat Athletics marks cannot be used by academic or administrative departments in their official communications.

5) Follow MSU best practices and guidlines.

Once your account is up and running, it is important abide by MSU's best practices, platform guidlines, and other related policies. Additionally, MSU's social media website provides users with tips on accessibility, crisis communication, monitoring comments, and strategy. Remember, your account is representing the MSU brand. 

1) Before making a new social media account, use MSU's available promotional tools.

While a social media account may seem like the easiest way to promote an organization or event, MSU has several tools in place for you to utilize first.

  • Submit events to MSU’s calendar system so they can be added to the student home page and our “This Week at MSU” Instagram story. These are great ways to reach students. Email [email protected] if there is a certain event that requires extra attention.
  • Submit events and announcements to MSU Today and The Bobcat Bulletin to reach MSU faculty, staff, and general community.  

2) Create your account.

According to MSU's Social Media Policy, student clubs and club sports do not need to register their social media accounts or share log in credentials with University Communications. However, student run organizations and clubs are still required to abide by MSU's best practices, platform guidlines, and other related policies. Remember, your account is representing the MSU brand. 

Additionally, MSU's social media website provides users with tips on accessibility, crisis communication, monitoring comments, and strategy. 

3) Make sure you have an approved logo.

For all athletic based organizations and club sports, please visit MSU's Club Sports Logo Request Page to inquire about MSU, bobcat, and other athletic logo rights. 

For all other student clubs and registered student organizations, please visit the Registered Student Organization Logo Page to inquire about logo creation and approval. 

Do not use any logos on MSU affiliated social media accounts unless they have been approved by the university. 

1) Before making a new social media account, use MSU's available promotional tools.

While a social media account may seem like the easiest way to promote an organization or event, MSU has several tools in place for you to utilize first.

  • Submit events to MSU’s calendar system so they can be added to the student home page and our “This Week at MSU” Instagram story. These are great ways to reach students. Email [email protected] if there is a certain event that requires extra attention.
  • Submit events and announcements to MSU Today and The Bobcat Bulletin to reach MSU faculty, staff, and general community.  

2) Create your account.

According to MSU's Social Media Policy, nationally recognized organizations with chapters at MSU do not need to register their social media accounts or share log in credentials with University Communications. However,  MSU affiliated organizations are still required to abide by the university's best practices, platform guidlines, and other related policies. Remember, your account is representing the MSU brand. 

Additionally, MSU's social media website provides users with tips on accessibility, crisis communication, monitoring comments, and strategy. 

3) Make sure you have an approved logo.

Nationally recognized organizations with MSU chapters are permitted to use the university's name, but no MSU logos. Use your organization's logo or name followed by "at Montana State" to distinguish your account as the MSU chapter. 

Some good examples of this are AMA at Montana State University and Sigma Chi at Montana State University

Questions?

We understand there can be complications that require additional discussion. Reach out to [email protected] with questions.