Student-Athletes - You need to make sure that your use of the internet and various social network applications is being done responsibly. Anything you do in public domain sites or through open electronic communication systems is reviewable. Take care to protect yourself; and remember, what you say, post, publish, and display can and will be used against you. Check out this news article:

USA TODAY

Monday, July 28, 2008

By Kyle Oppenhuizen

Monitoring Sites With A Hawkeye

An increasing number of university athletic programs are defining ways to deal with the use of technology based social networking. School administrators are becoming more aware of internet sites like Facebook and Myspace and the impact of these networking sites. Two published incidents concerning Facebook - the removal of 2 LSU swimmers from the team for posting disparaging comments and harassment charges made against two Colorado athletes by the university for a message posted has helped raise interest.

Ohio State University Senior Associate AD stated that the athletic department is responsible for monitoring athletics to make sure athletes are representing the university in the right way. The athletic department is also obligated to serve and protect the athletes who have committed to be a part of the OSU program. The OSU athletic department takes the stance that anything posted onto the internet makes the information or material public.

University of North Carolina AD reported the athletic department has established an internet monitoring policy to "protect the department's and the athlete's image." School officials do not want to be intrusive, to censor, or to "overly parent;" however, what our students do now will affect the school and their future. Social networking sites provide a means for athletes to "express" themselves, and we want the athletes to do that in the right way. The athletes are expected to behave appropriately no matter what the medium.

The University of Iowa is initiating a policy deeming athlete's public internet sites reviewable. The associate AD emphasized that the policy encourages communication with the athlete. Senior leaders are tasked with monitoring profiles for athletes on their respective teams. Our athletes are ultimately responsible for what he or she posts, and as members of a team, the athletes cannot be passive bystanders.