Student Publication and Media Policy

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Student Publication and Media
Policy
StudentPublicationandMedia_MC_POL_ V1.01
August 2024

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Department Marketing and Communication Approval Date 2022/07/25
Policy Number StudentPublicationandMedia_MC_POL_ V1.01 Revision Date 2026/07/25
Policy Student Publication and Media Policy Policy Owner Dir. Marketing & Communication
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Objective ............................................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 3
4. Student Publication and Media Policy................................................................................................................... 3
4.1 General Guidelines....................................................................................................................................... 3
4.2 Social Media and Digital Platforms Guidelines for MBZUAI Students........................................................... 4
4.3 Media Relations ............................................................................................................................................ 5
5. Definitions............................................................................................................................................................. 6
6. References and Related documents ..................................................................................................................... 7
7. Document Control Information ............................................................................................................................. 7

Page 3 of 7
Department Marketing and Communication Approval Date 2022/07/25
Policy Number StudentPublicationandMedia_MC_POL_ V1.01 Revision Date 2026/07/25
Policy Student Publication and Media Policy Policy Owner Dir. Marketing & Communication
1. Introduction
This policy is created for confidently in publications to all students of MBZUAI that should use common sense
and good judgment.
2. Objective
This policy aims to:
• Avoid writing or posting anything that would potentially embarrass MBZUAI, its employees, and
business partners; divulge sensitive, confidential, privileged, or proprietary information; or compromise
your ability to complete your studies.
3. Scope
This Policy applies to all students of MBZUAI.
4. Student Publication and Media Policy
4.1 General Guidelines
4.1.1 Students should assume that their academic life and personal life will merge online with impact
flowing both ways regardless of their care and effort in separating them.
4.1.2 Even if they use privacy tools (determining who can view their page or profile, for instance), they
should assume that everything they write, exchange, or receive on a social media site is public.
4.1.3 Students should be aware that the information that they post or publish online will be permanent.
4.1.4 Although not an exclusive list, some specific examples of prohibited social media conduct include
posting commentary, content, or images that are defamatory, personal attacks, pornographic,
proprietary, harassing, libelous, or that can create a hostile environment.
4.1.5 Direct or indirect negative references to MBZUAI’s internal circumstances, policies, decisions,
procedures, or events must not be made. (For example, “There were X weaknesses in this area,
which I helped improve”)
4.1.6 Students must not use the State’s official logo or logos of the MBZUAI for any private purposes,
through social media, unless officially authorized to do so.
4.1.7 Students should be aware of unintentional/accidental disclosures or the perception of disclosures.
They should understand that readers may view their participation in a group as their acceptance of
its views; be aware of the common social media indiscretions. For example, inappropriate
individual or group pictures get posted unintentionally.
4.1.8 Students should always be fair, respectful, and courteous even if they disagree with an opinion.
4.1.9 Social media networks, blogs, and other types of online content sometimes generate press, media, or
other third-party inquiries. Students should be aware that some of these inquiries may have
fraudulent motives. Where these may impact MBZUAI, students should refrain from providing
direct responses and should escalate these inquiries in-line with the Media Relations guidance
below.
4.1.10 Students should be aware that being linked to or connected to personnel who have or who
eventually get involved in situations involving crime (including fraud) may draw the student in
question into an investigation with regulators or public authorities. Students are advised to

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Department Marketing and Communication Approval Date 2022/07/25
Policy Number StudentPublicationandMedia_MC_POL_ V1.01 Revision Date 2026/07/25
Policy Student Publication and Media Policy Policy Owner Dir. Marketing & Communication
exercise caution.
4.1.11 Using social media sites means that the student (and the content he/she exchanges) are subject to
their terms of service. This can have legal implications. The social media network and digital
platforms have access to and control over everything they have disclosed to or on that site. For
instance, any information might be turned over to law enforcement without their consent or even
their knowledge.
4.1.12 Students should obtain appropriate permission to use a third party's copyrights, copyrighted
material, trademarks, service marks, or other intellectual property. When requested, provide the
source credit.
4.1.13 Students should be aware that MBZUAI may observe content and information made available by
students through social media.
4.1.14 If students encounter a situation while using social media that may threaten to become
antagonistic, students should disengage from the dialogue in a polite manner.
4.1.15 Students should be aware that in the UAE (United Arab Emirates), Federal Law No 5 of 2012 on
Combating Cyber Crimes has provisions in place that address social media usage. This law,
in principle, prohibits photographs without permission, breach of privacy and confidentiality,
defamatory statements and activities which are inconsistent with public morals and good conduct.
4.2 Social Media and Digital Platforms Guidelines for MBZUAI Students
Students Should:
4.2.1 Share university stories, events, and career openings: share or retweet posts from the MBZUAI’s
social media handles to be a vocal advocate for the University. Be sure to use any hashtags
suggested by the social media team.
4.2.2 Use disclaimers when posting private opinions: any private opinions you post on topics must
explicitly be branded as your own and not that of the university.
4.2.3 Be honest and authentic. Always provide correct information and cite sources when possible.
Always act responsibly and understand that you are responsible for the content including text,
images, and videos that are posted/published. Students are strongly encouraged to exercise their
judgment when doing so.
4.2.4 Even though social media is a casual means of communication when applicable it always remains
professional and transparent in the conduct.
4.2.5 Always remain professional and transparent even though social media or/and digital platforms are
a casual means of communication.
4.2.6 Respect copyright laws.
4.2.7 Fully respect the local culture.
4.2.8 Ensure that all information, prior to sharing on social media, is appropriate especially in relation to
government entities, by verifying whether such information is allowed to be posted and ensuring
that it is not incorrect, misleading, unconfirmed, unsubstantiated, or unsupported, with the source
of the information being verified as well.
Students Should Not:
4.2.9 Post anything confidential, sensitive, personal, or any proprietary information about the
university, including financial, operational, stakeholder information, its employees, faculty
members or any of the university’s existing or potential customers or stakeholders.
4.2.10 Publish personal blogs or produce podcasts without clarifying to readers or listeners that

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Department Marketing and Communication Approval Date 2022/07/25
Policy Number StudentPublicationandMedia_MC_POL_ V1.01 Revision Date 2026/07/25
Policy Student Publication and Media Policy Policy Owner Dir. Marketing & Communication
their blogs and the views expressed are personal and are in no way the views of the
University.
4.2.11 Respond to competitors’ overtures: do not respond to competitors’ requests for likes or
shares or news about people and businesses.
4.2.12 Use MBZUAI’s logos or any other image or iconography on personal social media sites. Use
the MBZUAI name to promote a product or cause.
4.2.13 Present false information or aggressive/controversial opinions. If the student makes a
mistake, accept it, apologize, and do not delete the original post, just update it with correct
information.
4.2.14 Attempt to speak on behalf of MBZUAI and its departments or brands, especially in cases
where you may be making a statement, promise or a commitment.
4.2.15 Promote the University’s business on personal media accounts without prior authorization
from the Marketing and Communications Department.
4.2.16 Under any circumstances, create MBZUAI / subsidiaries / brand / business related accounts
on any social media channels or talk on their behalf.
4.2.17Use defamatory, offensive, inappropriate, or foul language. If you disagree with an opinion or
statement, present your counterargument in a calm and professional manner. Comments that
are derogatory towards MBZUAI, your colleagues, your position within the University, or any of
our partners/ stakeholders may lead to formal disciplinary action which may lead to dismissal.
4.2.18Engage with any form of media on behalf of MBZUAI, its subsidiaries and / or brands. Direct all
queries to the Marketing and Communications Department. Use the method of irritation,
inflation and sharp criticism when sharing content with others. Students must uphold an elevated
level of responsibility, accountability, and professionalism. Share or post any information not in
line with MBZUAI or as per the guidelines adopted by the UAE Government.
4.2.19Participate or publish any information incompatible with MBZUAI Policies, or in line with the
directions of the government of UAE in general.
4.2.20Use the official emblem of the country and other emblems of government entities at all levels and
for any private purposes via social media except if an official approval is received.
4.2.21Use the identity of any government entity or the identity of any government employee, or any
government entities’ initiative via social media for any reason without receipt of an official
approval. Use social media to comment on cases brought to courts or to influence the
4.2.22investigation procedure and the decisions and judgments issued by the competent judiciary
systems.
4.3 Media Relations
4.3.1 Refer all media enquiries directly to the Marketing and Communications Department. Do not interact
with the media, reply to emails, or make any statements without receiving explicit approval from the
Marketing and Communications Department.
4.3.2 Do not speak to the media about MBZUAI either proactively or reactively without the approval of the
Marketing and Communications Department.
4.3.3 Do not send any collateral, including invitations, statements, or articles or any sensitive MBZUAI
information to any journalist without prior approval from the Marketing and Communications
Department.
4.3.4 Seek counsel from the Marketing and Communications Department even if a MBZUAI student plans
to engage with media as a private citizen on a matter unrelated to their study at MBZAUI.
4.3.5 All students are forbidden from sharing any information about MBZUAI, including financials, HR
matters, commercially sensitive information or any information contained in work emails or on the

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Department Marketing and Communication Approval Date 2022/07/25
Policy Number StudentPublicationandMedia_MC_POL_ V1.01 Revision Date 2026/07/25
Policy Student Publication and Media Policy Policy Owner Dir. Marketing & Communication
university’s intranet with any journalist or media entity. Breaching confidentiality, privacy and
discussing sensitive information could result in serious disciplinary action.
4.3.6 In the case of an impending issue or crisis, always contact the Marketing and Communications
Department so they can prepare reactionary statements and materials in the likelihood that the
media contacts the organization.
4.3.7 Issues that should not be discussed with reporters include legal issues, personnel issues, questions
that involve topics touching upon political situations, culture, heritage and religious beliefs, ethics or
issues that may result in harm to others, or a crisis or emergency. All such inquiries are to be
forwarded to the Marketing and Communications Department.
4.3.8 All press releases, interviews, and other media relations/press coverage must be managed and
overseen by the Office of Marketing and Communications.
4.3.9 If students are requested to participate in interviews by the Office of Marketing and
Communications, Marketing and Communications have a responsibility to ensure the student
receives a briefing prior to partaking and that the Student Affairs Department is aware of the
opportunity.
5. Definitions
Term Definition
Media
Free or paid services and products which publish news,
information, draft documents, or anything that is
considered uncontrolled. These services and products
include printed publications such as newspapers and
magazines; television and radio broadcasting services; and
online and digital products and services such as websites,
email newsletters (e-newsletters), blogs, webcasts,
streaming services, podcasts, online magazines, and e-
publications.
Press release
An official statement issued to newspapers giving
information on a particular matter.
Social Media
Websites and applications that enable users to create and
share information or ideas with others or to participate in
social networking, whether known now or developed in the
future.
Media requests
Questions, inquiries, or interview requests sent by a
journalist or a media company through phone, emails, or in-
person.
Press/Media/Journalists
Refers to Media organizations that focus on delivering news
to the public or a target audience. These include print
media (newspapers, news magazines), broadcast Outlets
(radio and television), and the Internet (online newspapers,
news blogs, etc.).
Stakeholders
Refers to regulators, government authorities, partners,
customers, media organizations, service providers, the
public, employees, and faculty of MBZUAI.

Page 7 of 7
Department Marketing and Communication Approval Date 2022/07/25
Policy Number StudentPublicationandMedia_MC_POL_ V1.01 Revision Date 2026/07/25
Policy Student Publication and Media Policy Policy Owner Dir. Marketing & Communication
6. References and Related documents
N/A
7. Document Control Information
Version number File Name Responsible Role Comments Date of
change
V1.0 MBZUAI-MARCOMM-POL-
1.0
Dir of Marketing
and
Communication
The initial document
V1.01 StudentPublicationandMedia
_MC_POL_ V1.01
Sr Advisor,
Communications,
President’s Office
Made some minor
changes into the
document.
August 2024
Approval List
Approval List: StudentPublicationandMedia_MC_POL_ V1.01
Sequence
Number Sequence Roles Responsible Role Comments Date
1 Policy Owner Sr Advisor, Communications,
President’s Office Initiator 2024-08-22
2 IEQA Review Head of IEQA Reviewed 2024-08-23
3 Legal review General Counsel Reviewed 2022-04 26
4 Approver President Approved 2022-07-25