Unmanned Aircraft (Drones)

The operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) including, but not limited to, drones and model aircraft, is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and relevant state law.  The University of Saint Francis has established procedures required to ensure compliance with those legal obligations and to reduce risks to safety, security, and privacy.

The University of Saint Francis must comply with FAA requirements, state law, and any other locally applicable laws or regulations regarding unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).  Inherent risks in the operation of such equipment require additional insurance provisions and policy considerations.

Procedures:

• All members of the University of Saint Francis are personally responsible for complying with FAA regulations, state and federal laws, and university policies.  This includes the registration of the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) with the FAA.  A copy of the FAA registration is to be sent to the Office of Risk Management.
• Any University employee or student wishing to operate a UAS as part of their employment or as part of a University program must first contact the Office of Risk Management to assess the use of the UAS.
• Any University employee or student wishing to operate a personal UAS must first register the UAS with the Office of Risk Management and provide proof of FAA registration, insurance coverage (if applicable), and sign a waiver in which they assume all responsibility for the operation of the UAS and any damage and/or injuries that may result from the operation of their personal UAS.  The use of UAS for personal or recreational use is only allowed at Shields Field and only when it is not being used as parking for other university events.
• In operating a UAS for purposes of recording or transmitting visual images, operators must take all reasonable measures to avoid violations of areas normally considered private.  Indiana state law provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally places a camera or electronic surveillance equipment that records images or data of any kind while unattended on the private property of another person without the consent of the owner or tenant of the property commits a Class A misdemeanor.

Prohibited Uses:

• The use of UAS for personal or recreational use is prohibited at or above all University of Saint Francis property other than Shields Field.
• UAS shall not be used to monitor or record areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy in accordance with accepted social norms.  These areas include, but are not limited to, restrooms, locker rooms, individual residence hall rooms, changing or dressing rooms, etc.
• UAS shall not be used to monitor or record residential hallways or lounges.
• UAS shall not be used to monitor or record sensitive institutional or personal information which may be found, for example, on an individuals’s work spaces, computers, or other electronic displays.

 

Any violations of this or other university policies by students will be subject to the conduct process outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and may result in disciplinary actions up to and including expulsion from the university.

Confiscated items from students may be returned to the owner at the discretion of the Vice President for Student Affairs (or designee) and Campus Security.