Lance, I would be careful in a sweeping generalization of "inappropriate" as this is a personal opinion & preference. If your institution does not allow this, clearly you should honor that request. Additionally, you may determine that it is best for you to refrain from that interaction, but others may very well reach a different conclusion & have equally valid points as to why they do connect with students via Facebook and LinkedIn. One of the goals we have is to develop our students to be critical thinkers & evaluate our own positions as well as others, we should be good examples of this. Ryan Meers, Ph.D.