The Office of Marketing and Communications owns and operates the only official university drone for the purpose of capturing aerial footage of campuses or events for its marketing communications or other defined purposes. The use of drones for hobby or recreational use on Quinnipiac University property is not permitted. Any use of a UAS from or over the campus or inside a campus building is strictly prohibited except under the following circumstances:

Educational or Research Use

  • The use of drones is permitted only for educational or research purposes relating to Quinnipiac University.
  • Must obtain prior approval from the Quinnipiac Productions department within the Office of Marketing and Communications at least 48 hours prior to the use of a UAS by going to qu.edu/request and filling out the Drone Request Form.
  • Must provide date/time, purpose and length of UAS operations, as well as the area of the campus where a UAS will be used.
  • Must comply with all federal, state and city laws.
  • Must have experience in operating a UAS and operate it in a responsible manner, or have direct supervision by a licensed operator (must have a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate).
  • Must not operate over areas of public assembly, stadiums or areas of construction.
  • Must not photograph, video or monitor areas where other members of the university community or members of the general public would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Civil Operations/Commercial Use

  • All civil (commercial, contract or university-owned) operated UAS devices must comply with all federal (FAA), state and local laws.
  • Must obtain prior approval from the Quinnipiac Productions department within the Office of Marketing and Communications at least 48 hours in advance of the proposed use of a UAS by going to qu.edu/request and filling out the Drone Request Form.
  • A university-owned or commercial UAS must comply with FAA regulations by obtaining and producing a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate prior to use on the campus. (More information can be found on the FAA website.)
  • A UAS operator must provide a certificate of insurance naming the trustees of Quinnipiac University as an additional insured with a minimum limit of no less than $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in the aggregate in liability insurance written on an occurrence basis.
  • A commercially owned (university or contract) operator must file a “flight plan” including date, time and duration of flight and operational area, with the Quinnipiac Productions department within the Office of Marketing and Communications 48 hours prior to commencing the UAS flight.
  • A contract operator must be accompanied by a representative from Quinnipiac Productions at all times.
  • A copy of all footage captured must be presented to the Quinnipiac Productions department within the Office of Marketing and Communications. Quinnipiac University reserves the right to use any footage captured.
  • A UAS must be operated in a responsible manner.
  • A UAS may not operate over areas of public assembly, stadiums or populated areas.
  • A UAS is not permitted to photograph, video or monitor areas of the university where other members of that community would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Sanctions

Any violations of law (trespassing, illegal surveillance, reckless endangerment) or violations of university policies may subject the individual to both criminal and/or disciplinary action. Students allegedly in violation of this policy will be referred to the Student Conduct Process. Damages/injuries occurring to university property or individuals will be the responsibility of the UAS operator.

Responsibilities

The Office of Public Affairs is responsible for establishing the policy, which has been approved by the president’s office. The Quinnipiac Productions department, Department of Public Safety, Facilities department and Division of Student Affairs are responsible for enforcing the policy.

Quinnipiac University maintains the authority to “ground” or suspend operations of any UAS that is not compliant with FAA regulations, this policy, or presents a danger to university property or to the university community.

Contacts

Peter Gallay, Director of Film and Video for Quinnipiac Productions
203-582-8584, peter.gallay@qu.edu