Social Media

Social media is an important way for students to express themselves, connect with others, and share their CIA journey. As emerging professionals in a global culinary community, students are encouraged to use digital platforms in ways that reflect the Institute’s core values of Ethics, Excellence, Leadership, Professionalism, and Respect for Diversity. What you share online becomes part of your personal and professional identity, and thoughtful and appropriate use of social media can strengthen your reputation in the culinary and hospitality fields.

Students should approach online engagement with care, integrity, and awareness. Before posting, consider whether your words or images reflect the standards of professionalism expected at the CIA and in the industry. Ask yourself, “Does what I’m posting align with the brand/image I’m hoping to portray?”. Protect your privacy and the privacy of others by avoiding the sharing of confidential information, sensitive images, or details that could compromise safety. Remember that digital content can be permanent, widely shared, and viewed by classmates, faculty, externship sites, and future employers.

The CIA encourages all students to foster a positive and respectful online community. The Institute does not restrict speech protected under principles of academic freedom or free expression, even when that speech occurs online or is delivered through social media. (See the Policy on Official Political and Social Statements [hyperlink] for more information.) Civil disagreement, open dialogue, and the exchange of diverse perspectives are welcome, but interactions should remain constructive and free of behavior that harms, targets, or demeans others. By engaging responsibly and thoughtfully online, students help build a digital environment that supports learning, belonging, and professionalism—both at the CIA and beyond.

Although the college does not monitor social media sites for content, reported violations of the Student Code of Conduct [hyperlink] or illegal activities through these sites are grounds for disciplinary action by the college and possible criminal prosecution.

For full expectations and procedures, see the CIA Social Network Policy (ORG-002) [hyperlink] and the Social Networking Guideline (DOC-089) [hyperlink].

Think Before You Post

• Ask yourself whether your words or images reflect the professionalism expected in the culinary and hospitality industries. Does what I’m posting align with the brand/image I’m hoping to portray?
• Remember: posts, photos, AI-generated images, and comments may be permanent and easily shared by others.
• Avoid posting manipulated or synthetic media (including deepfakes or AI-altered content) that could misrepresent people or events.

Protect Your Privacy

• Avoid sharing personal contact information, schedules, or location details of yourself or others.
• Respect the privacy of others; get permission before posting photos, recordings, or quoting private conversations.
• Never share confidential or sensitive information, including academic records, health information, internal CIA communications, or content captured in spaces where others reasonably expect privacy.

Represent Yourself Well

• Your digital presence can contribute to your future externship and employment opportunities.
• Share content reflective of the standards of Ethics, Excellence, Leadership, Professionalism, and Respect for Diversity.
• Present yourself authentically—do not impersonate others or create misleading online identities.

Engage Respectfully

• Disagree constructively and avoid online behavior that demeans, targets, or harms others.
• Refrain from using slurs, hate symbols, memes, or coded language that perpetuates discrimination.
• Model civility and encourage positive interactions within the CIA community.

Be Mindful of Boundaries

• Maintain appropriate online relationships with peers, faculty, staff, and supervisors.
• Keep academic, workplace, and personal interactions appropriately separate.
• Be cautious about joining or contributing to group chats that may pressure, target, or exclude others.

Pause with CIA-Related Content

• Avoid using CIA logos, imagery, or branding without authorization.
• When mentioning the CIA in personal posts, ensure your views cannot be interpreted as institutional statements.
• Avoid creating or sharing synthetic or altered media that misrepresents CIA events, communications, or operations.