Date of Award
Spring 5-18-2019
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
PhD Higher Education Leadership, Management, Policy
Department
Education Leadership, Management and Policy
Advisor
Martin Finkelstein, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Robert Kelchen, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Kathleen Rennie, Ph.D.
Keywords
Social Media, Social Media Policy, Catholic Education, Faculty, Higher Education
Abstract
This dissertation investigates the development of social media policies in higher education. This study differentiates itself from existing social media policy research by analyzing the content of social media policies themselves, focusing on how social media policies cover faculty, and examining policies at Catholic higher education institutions. Using multiple data sources and quantitative content analysis, this study found 28.7 percent of Catholic higher education institutions have a published social media policy and 27.5 percent of Catholic higher education institutions have a social media policy that covers faculty.
Related to social media policies at Catholic higher education institutions, this study revealed that doctorate-granting universities make up the largest percentage of institutions that have a social media policy. Policies frequently mentioned particular social media sites, with Facebook and Twitter among the most likely named. Policies typically applied to all those associated with the institution (including faculty). Members of the community were advised to post appropriate content, represent the institution positively, and to ensure posts comply with the law.
Recommended Citation
Schray, McKenna L., "A Gift from God: An Analysis of Social Media Policies Adopted by Catholic Institutions of Higher Education and How They Cover Faculty" (2019). Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs). 2665.
https://scholarship.shu.edu/dissertations/2665
