NIC Begins Review of Social-Media and Security Policies

NIC leadership has begun drafting a new social media policy for its employees and is reviewing campus safety-response procedures after “recent events” raised concerns about free speech and safety.

President Nick Swayne said in an email sent to NIC employees last week that Human Resources is developing a new social media policy, which will be reviewed by campus committees and leadership before being submitted to the College Senate and Board of Trustees for approval. The message invited feedback from stakeholders as the draft is being developed.

The email also stated college leaders are “looking at revising campus response protocols and creating an institutional checklist to ensure that faculty, students, and staffs’ safety are swiftly protected if threats of harm occur.” These revisions and concerns coincide with a former NIC instructor who was recently placed on administrative leave.

When contacted, Interim Chief Communications and Government Relations Officer Tom Greene told said that the safety review was prompted by “concerns raised in various discussions,” and that security-oriented checklists are “rarely disseminated broadly.” The college will decide what, if anything, to make available to the public once the work is complete.