The names, trademarks and other assets of USI are University property and must be managed to ensure they are used for the benefit of the institution. Proper management reduces legal and reputational risk, ensures compliance with ethical standards and aligns external communications with USI’s strategic goals.
Except with prior written approval from the Chief Communications Officer or Chief Marketing Officer, employees of the University of Southern Indiana (USI) may not participate in any commercial testimonial, endorsement, promotion or similar activity in any form of media, including but not limited to print, radio, video and social media, in a manner that:
- Indicates or implies the employee is acting on behalf of USI; or
- Uses USI assets.
Employees may share factual information about USI’s use of commercial products or services or about relationships between USI and external entities. Employees may not provide opinions, evaluations or value judgments about the quality or performance of any commercial product, service, organization or individual on behalf of USI unless specifically authorized.
Before granting approval for any third party to use USI assets in testimonials, endorsements or promotions, USI reserves the right to review all text, images and context to ensure accuracy and prevent misleading references. USI may, at its sole discretion, deny approval or participation if the proposed activity does not serve the interests of the University.
If approval is granted, the employee must complete all required disclosures related to non-University activities and conflicts of interest or commitment. Employees must also comply with all applicable laws and USI policies.
This policy does not restrict employees’ rights to free speech as private citizens or faculty members’ academic freedom as defined in University statutes.
Definitions
- Assets: Any property or resource owned by USI that could benefit a third party, including names, trademarks, logos, signage, social media channels and websites.
- Endorsement: Any action that suggests or implies USI’s approval or support of an external organization, company, product, service, political party or religious belief.
- Promotion: Any activity intended to raise public awareness of an external entity, product or service through communication directed at the general public.
- Testimonial: A formal public statement asserting the qualifications of an external organization or the effectiveness of its products, services or beliefs.
You can view a list of Do's and Don'ts related to this policy online.