The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions higher education faculty members and administrators have on the use of social media, whether academic freedom applies to social media, and the legal protections of academic freedom on social media. A quantitative survey and semi-structured interviews were employed to gather descriptive data about perceptions from a mixed group of higher education faculty and administrators. Chi square analysis was used to determine significance of constructs. Results from this survey indicate that administrators are more likely to use social media personally and professionally, while faculty members are more likely to believe the protections of academic freedom apply to social media. Fewer than half of both groups believed social media was protected by academic freedom. This study demonstrated a definite need for greater understanding of academic freedom protections by administrators and further research in this unexplored territory. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]