Filming and Photographing on Campus

Austin Peay State University is an open campus with many beautiful settings, and we welcome everyone to photograph and film here. To protect the privacy of our students and employees and minimize disruption to daily campus life, we ask that you follow the guidelines below.

Photography and Filming Guidelines

Media and Commercial Photography

If you are representing a media outlet or conducting commercial, professional, or film/video work on campus, please contact the Office of Public Relations and Marketing before you arrive. We're happy to help coordinate access and ensure a smooth visit.

Restricted Areas

Photography and filming are not permitted in the following areas without prior arrangement with the Office of Public Relations and Marketing and the relevant department:

• Medical and counseling facilities

• Residential areas

• Financial aid and business offices

• Information technology spaces

• Athletic training and conditioning areas

Photographing Students, Faculty, and Staff

You are welcome to photograph anyone who has given you explicit permission. For any image where students, faculty, staff, administrators, or board members could be reasonably identified, photographs must be arranged through the Office of Public Relations and Marketing — unless the individuals pictured have given direct permission to the photographer.

Exception: Events open to the public that do not require tickets or reservations do not require prior arrangement with PR and Marketing, unless noted at or before the event.

Keep Campus Beautiful

Please be courteous to our grounds crew and campus wildlife. Before leaving, clean up and dispose of any debris — including glitter or confetti.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones) on Campus

The use of drones — formally referred to as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) — on campus is governed by APSU Rule 0240-05-07. For full details, visit the APSU Rules page.

Approval Process

Anyone wishing to fly a drone on campus must apply for approval through the Office of Public Relations and Marketing:

• New operators must submit an application at least 14 calendar days before the first planned flight.

• Previously approved operators must apply at least 7 calendar days before each subsequent flight, unless otherwise approved by PR and Marketing.

The Office of Public Relations and Marketing maintains a registry of all approved UAS operators.

Operator Requirements

Once approved, the UAS operator must:

• Wear an Approved Drone Operator fluorescent vest at all times during operation. The operator is responsible for obtaining their own vest after approval.

• Inform nearby students, employees, and campus visitors that a UAS is in operation and that an approved operator is present.

• Carry a physical copy of the approved UAS application and flight pattern during operation.

Operating Rules

All drone operations must comply with FAA regulations, applicable state and federal laws, and university rules at all times — including FAA registration requirements prior to any flight. Austin Peay State University assumes no liability for property damage or personal injury caused by a drone or drone operator, including any breach of rule.

Operators shall not:

1. Fly over groups of people.

2. Allow the drone to go beyond the visual line-of-sight.

3. Interfere with manned aircraft; all manned aircraft have the right-of-way.

4. Fly above 400 feet.

5. Fly near emergency response efforts (e.g., fires, vehicle collisions).

6. Fly in a careless or reckless manner.

7. Fly while impaired.

8. Fly near or in an open stadium with a seating capacity of more than 30,000 people within one hour before or after a scheduled event, or within a three (3) nautical mile radius during any NCAA Division-I football game or public event at Fortera Stadium. Operation over Fortera Stadium is strictly prohibited. Exceptions require pre-approval from the Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing and the Assistant Vice President of Public Safety, subject to all FAA requirements.

9. Fly within five (5) miles of any airport without first contacting the local airport(s) or control tower(s). Note: The entire APSU campus falls within this zone due to Fort Campbell's Special Use airspace designation.

10. Operate a drone exceeding 55 pounds.

11. Use a drone to photograph or video record for compensation or sale to another individual or entity.

Operators are also advised that additional state and local laws may apply depending on location. In all cases, flights must not photograph, video, or monitor any area where members of the university community or the general public would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Enforcement

Any drone operation that violates FAA regulations is strictly prohibited. Operators who fail to comply may face significant fines and personal liability.

Operations that violate university rules will be reported to the APSU Department of Public Safety. Violators may be subject to applicable disciplinary sanctions and will be added to a banned pilots list maintained by the Office of Public Relations and Marketing.

Any drone flown in violation of university rules may be confiscated by the APSU Department of Public Safety. Confiscated drones may be returned to the owner upon request at the end of the semester, or at the discretion of the Department of Public Safety.

Third-Party and Contracted Drone Services

Vendors or contractors providing drone services on behalf of the university must, in addition to all rules above:

• Possess proof of Part 107 compliance with an applicable Certificate of Waiver (CoW) or FAA Exemption before any operations begin.

• Comply with all FAA regulations, state and federal laws, and university rules.

• Be under a contract that holds the university harmless and indemnifies it from any claims resulting from harm to individuals or damage to property.

• Execute the contract under the university's procurement and contracting guidelines.

• Maintain a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage that extends to drone use.

University-Related Operations

Any individual purchasing a drone with funding from the University, University Foundation, or a grant account must:

• Report the purchase and intended use to both the Office of Public Relations and Marketing and the Office of Public Safety.

• Contact the above offices to activate appropriate insurance coverage.

Anyone using a previously purchased drone for university purposes must register it with both offices.

Individuals operating a drone for university business or program-related purposes must satisfy all sections of this rule, as well as applicable Part 107 requirements — including FAA aircraft registration and any required CoW, or evidence of a valid 333 Exemption or Certificate of Authorization (COA) issued by the FAA. A copy of the CoW or other exemption must be submitted to the Office of Public Relations and Marketing as part of the approval process.

Important: The APSU campus is designated Class E airspace. Any drone use that is not Hobbyist/Model Aircraft in nature requires prior FAA approval in the form of a CoW for operating in restricted airspace. To apply for a CoW, visit faa.gov/uas.

Indoor Use

Operating a drone indoors presents significant risks, including interference with sprinkler systems and lighting fixtures. Indoor drone operation is strictly prohibited. Exceptions require pre-approval from both the Office of Public Relations and Marketing and the Office of Public Safety, subject to facility use protocols.

Definitions

Resources

• FAA UAS Registration

• Apply for a COA, CoW, or 333 Exemption

• FAA Educational Use of UAS

• APSU Office of Public Relations and Marketing