Maryville Unmanned Aircraft System (Drone) Policy
A. Scope
1. This policy defines the restrictions and requirements for the use of unmanned aircraft (commonly known as drones, but including any remotely piloted flying system, device, and/or apparatus, including all systems related thereto, all of which are collectively referred to herein as “UAS”) on property owned or otherwise controlled by Maryville University (the “University”) or elsewhere where any University related, affiliated or sponsored activities occur (these locations are collectively referred to herein as the “Property”).
2. This policy applies to:
(i) University employees and students operating UAS in any location as part of their University employment or as part of University activities;
(ii) The operation by any person of UAS on or above any Property; and
(iii) The purchase of UAS with funding through the University, including University accounts, grants, or any other public or private University relating funding.
B. Policy Statement
The operation of UAS is regulated by federal law, including but not limited to those rules and policies promulgated by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), and may also be subject to other applicable state and local laws. The University will establish procedures required to ensure compliance with those legal obligations and to reduce risks to safety, security and privacy.
C. Reason for Policy
The University and any UAS operation must comply with federal law (including FAA requirements), state law, and any other locally applicable laws or regulations regarding UAS. Inherent risks in the operation of such equipment require additional insurance provisions and policy considerations.
D. Procedures
1. Any use of UAS that does not comply with the procedures set forth herein and all applicable laws is strictly prohibited. All faculty, employees and students of the University community are personally responsible for complying with all applicable laws, including but not limited to FAA regulations, federal, state and local laws, and University policies.
2. The Facilities Office will assist in determining whether University employee or student wishing to operate an UAS as part of their University employment or as part of a University program is complying with FAA rules and regulations, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
3. Any University employee, student, or unit purchasing a UAS (or the parts to assemble a UAS) with University funds or funds being disbursed through a University account, or grant funds, must have prior approval from the Vice President of the budget area.
4. Third party or hobbyists are prohibited to use a UAS or model aircraft over the Property.
5. Use of UAS must comply with any other applicable University policies.
6. All uses of UAS must comply with following Operations Requirements set forth below.
E. Operations Requirements
1. In operating a UAS for purposes of monitoring, viewing, recording and/or transmitting visual images, operators must take all reasonable measures to avoid violations of areas normally considered private in accordance with accepted social norms, including but not limited to: restrooms, locker rooms, individual residential rooms or dwellings, changing or dressing rooms, and health treatment rooms.
2. UAS shall not be used to monitor or record residential hallways, residential lounges, or any residential living space.
3. UAS shall not be used to monitor or record sensitive institutional or personal information which may be found, for example, on an individual’s workspaces, on computers or other electronic displays.
4. UAS shall not create a hazard to any Property, the University community or the public at any time. UAS may not be operated in a way that disrupts instruction or unduly affects the environment of people in or passing through a common space, those working or studying within a building, or those entering, exiting or otherwise making their way about a facility.
5. If UAS are being used to obtain photos, video or sound for commercial purposes, permission for any such work needs to be granted in writing from the University, Integrated Marketing Group.
6. If the UAS is used in support of research, teaching or testing, faculty, staff or research associates must supervise student use of the UAS.
7. The use of a UAS by a student, student organization, student group or club, or individual for personal use is not permitted.
8. If a University unit arranges for a contractor or a third party to use a UAS for purposes associated with a University facility or event, the contractor must adhere to all campus policies and the contracting unit shall contact the Vice President for Finance a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the flight to ensure that the UAS owner and operator have adequate liability insurance.
9. UAS used in accordance with this policy must be under the complete control of the operator at all times.
F. Sanctions
1. Any violations of University policies by an individual will be dealt with in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures, which may include disciplinary actions up to and including termination from the University.
2. Legal prohibitions regarding physical presence on campus/trespassing and other legal action may also be pursued against third parties that operate UAS in violation of this policy.
3. Fines or damages incurred by individuals or units that do not comply with this policy will not be paid by the University and will be the responsibility of those persons involved.
For additional information or questions regarding this policy, please contact: the Vice President for Finance or Dean of Students.