Social Media Policy

Applies To: All enrolled students, faculty, staff, alumni, student organizations, and qualifying partners of DRCOM.

Purpose

This policy is designed to help social media users of Dragon Rises College maintain a professional and respectful online presence while upholding the values of Traditional East Asian Medicine, the integrity of the College, and the confidentiality of clinical and academic environments.

Core Principles

  1. Professionalism
     Students are expected to reflect the ethical standards of the acupuncture profession in all public communications, including on social media.
  2. Confidentiality
     Protect the privacy of all patients, peers, faculty, and clinical encounters. HIPAA compliance extends to online platforms.
  3. Respect
     Communicate with kindness and cultural sensitivity, reflecting the spirit of healing embedded in East Asian Medicine.

Acceptable Use Guidelines

  • Represent Thoughtfully
    • Identify your opinions as personal unless officially authorized to speak for the college.
    • Use disclaimers when discussing topics related to acupuncture or health care (e.g., “These views are my own and not those of Dragon Rises College.”)
    • Tag the College’s accounts and share content with the Marketing Director for approval
    • Encourage positive interactions and reviews of our programs and clinic services

 

  • Maintain Confidentiality
    • Do not post or share images, case notes, or discussions from clinic or classroom without written, documented consent.
    • Even de-identified patient info should not be posted without explicit permission.
  • Be Truthful and Evidence-Based
    • Avoid making unsubstantiated medical claims.
    • When sharing about acupuncture or herbal medicine, cite credible sources.
  • Uphold Boundaries
    • Avoid “friending” or direct messaging patients on personal accounts.
    • Use official channels when representing student clinics or educational content.
  • Promote Inclusivity
    • Do not post discriminatory, harassing, or defamatory content.
    • Be mindful of how humor, sarcasm, or images may be perceived.

Prohibited Actions

  • Creating social media accounts that are representative of the College’s programs, clubs, or organizations without prior approval.
  • Posting during class or clinic time without express permission.
  • Sharing internal school communications, curriculum material, or exams.
  • Using the college logo or branding without prior approval.
  • Cyberbullying, hate speech, or spreading misinformation.
  • Creating or joining pages that misrepresent the college or its values.
  • Do Not Post Content That:
  • shows (or may be perceived to show) someone getting hurt, attacked or humiliated;
  • might be considered racist, bigoted or demeaning to a particular group of individuals;
  • depicts activity that is (or may be perceived to be) illegal (i.e. drug or alcohol use)
  • could otherwise put the College in a bad light. 
  • Provides access to, displays, communicates, or solicits messages/images that are sexual in nature, depict graphic violence, or which may offend or harass on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, that are protected by the College’s “Nondiscrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence and Sexual Misconduct” and policies. 
  • share confidential information related to the College, such as personnel actions, internal investigations, or student information.

Tips for a Positive Online Presence

  • Highlight your journey as a student of Chinese Medicine.
  • Share events, articles, and practices that educate and inspire.
  • Network with integrity—social media can support your future career.
  • Follow the College’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Nextdoor and share posts with your friends and local groups.

Enforcement

Violations of this policy may result in:

  • Request the deletion of posts that it deems slanderous, obscene, soliciting, threatening or in conflict with the College social media policies and guidelines.
  • Request the removal of Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine (or a common variation) from the name of groups and clubs.
  • Request the deletion of an account if social media guidelines are violated.
  • Reporting to the oversight agencies on the platform for code of conduct violations.
  • A warning or meeting with the Academic Dean.
  • Disciplinary action up to suspension or dismissal.

Closing Statement

Dragon Rises College values freedom of expression and the power of social media to uplift our healing mission. We encourage students to use these platforms responsibly, as ambassadors of our College, our programs, and the power of Eastern Medicine traditions.