1.2.230 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (“UAS” or “Drone”) Policy

The University of Central Missouri (“UCM” or the “University”) limits the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (commonly referred to as drones), as well as other remotely operated model aircraft (collectively referred to as “UAS” or “UASs”), in all University sponsored activities and in, on, or above all University owned properties including without limitation the University’s Warrensburg campus. This includes, without limitation, UAS use related to university operations, public safety, educational, research, and recreational purposes, as set forth herein. The University’s Warrensburg campus includes the main campus, Skyhaven Airport, Pertle Springs, and all UCM owned farms and athletic facilities (including intercollegiate, club and recreational spaces). The use of UAS pose inherent risks to the health, security, and privacy of the UCM community and individuals in the surrounding community. Therefore, without prior authorization or as otherwise in compliance with stated policy exceptions, the use of UAS is prohibited in, on, or above University owned properties. Any University sponsored UAS activity on any other non-University owned property should be done in accordance with applicable laws and with written approval from one authorized to grant it for that location/property.

This policy applies to all University administrators, faculty, staff, students, guests, visitors, outside vendors, and contractors. All such parties are expected to abide by the procedural guidelines outlined herein.

The Missouri Innovation Campus located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, is not owned by UCM. To operate a UAS at the Missouri Innovation Campus, written approval should be obtained from the Lee’s Summit R-7 school district.

Applicant:  Person(s) requesting to use UAS on or above University owned properties.

Operator:  Person(s) controlling, maneuvering, or commanding the aircraft.

Unmanned Aircraft (UA):  A device used or intended to be used for flight in the air that has no onboard pilot.

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS):  An unmanned aircraft and its associated elements related to safe operations. Includes:

• Unmanned Aircraft
• Control stations (ground, water-based, or air-based)
• Control links
• Support equipment
• Payloads
• Flight termination systems
• Launch/recovery equipment

The following subsections outline the UAS protocol. All operators, unless otherwise noted, are bound to this policy. Academic programs that are incorporating UAS into their curriculum or course must develop or adhere to a program which demonstrates compliance with this UAS policy.

 A. Registration Compliance

All UASs required to be registered by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) that are maintained, purchased, or otherwise acquired by the University shall identify the University as the owner on registration documentation.

All UASs purchased by the University are subject to purchasing procedures under applicable University policies. Moreover, any UASs maintained, purchased, or otherwise acquired by the University are subject to any applicable University inventory process.

B. Approval Process and Forms

The Office of General Counsel (“OGC”) will create, modify, and maintain the UAS Request and Approval Form (the “Request Form”) and the UAS Prior Notice Form (the “Notice Form”). Both forms will cover UAS use in, on, or above all University owned properties. The Request Form is required for applicants seeking approval to operate UAS in, on, or above University owned properties. The Notice Form shall be used by
 
Operator, under stated policy exceptions that are exempted from using the Request Form to inform the University of intended UAS operation(s). Both forms may be obtained from the OGC.

Applicants must complete and submit the Request Form to the OGC at least two (2) weeks in advance of intended UAS operation. Applicants may include multiple flight dates on a single Request Form. Operators that fall within the exception of the Request Form are encouraged to submit the Notice Form to the OGC at least two (2) weeks in advance of intended UAS operation and may include multiple flight dates on a single Notice Form.

Upon receipt of the Request Form, the OGC will coordinate with relevant UCM departments, including the Provost’s Office for proposed academic endeavor and/or the President’s Office for non-academic endeavor, for additional information, potential approval, and signatures. The OGC may propose and/or require an alternative time, location, or any other change in the best interests of the University. The approval or denial of the Request Form is final and there is no appeal process.

Upon approval of the Request Form, the applicant may be required by the OGC to provide notice to any parties who may be affected by the planned use of UAS. This notice may include the time, place, and purpose of the use of UAS.

Upon receipt of the Notice Form, the OGC may suggest an alternative time, location, or any other change in the best interest of the University. Also, the OGC may suggest that the operator provide notice to any parties who may be affected by the planned use of UAS. This notice may include the time, place and purpose of the use of UAS.

C. Request Form policy exceptions

UCM’s Department of Public Safety, area law enforcement, and emergency management agencies are exempt from using the Request Form when acting under official law enforcement duties, emergency response efforts, or under the authority of applicable law.

UCM’s Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications is exempt from using the Request Form, when performing its marketing, communications, promotional and branding responsibilities, on behalf of UCM.

D. Insurance Requirement

UCM owned UAS: insurance requirements will be determined by the OGC.
 
Non-UCM owned UAS: Applicant must submit proof of insurance coverage with the Request Form. If the OGC determines that the level of insurance is insufficient, then the OGC will require proof of a sufficient amount prior to possible approval of the Request Form. The level of sufficient insurance will be determined by OGC based on the best interests of the University and the information in the Request Form.

E. Operator Compliance

All operators must comply with the applicable FAA registration, operation and permitting/licensing requirements. By operating a UAS under this policy, an operator warrants that the operator is familiar with and in compliance with all applicable FAA requirements for the intended UAS.

Operators shall exercise care, perform required maintenance, and follow all operating instructions, safety standards, and guidelines when using UAS. Operators must also comply with the terms of the approved Request Form.

Operators that are outside vendors contracted by UCM for UAS operation may not freely use video and photos taken during the contracted operation except as set forth in the applicable contract.

F. Accident Reporting

Any accident involving UASs in, on, or above UCM owned property or otherwise related to University sponsored activity should be reported to the OGC as soon as practicable.

G. Privacy and location restriction

UAS shall not be operated or used to record or monitor an area where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Such areas include, but are not limited to, University Health Center, restrooms, locker rooms, residence halls, apartments, offices, classrooms, and childcare center(s). Further, UAS shall not be operated in a manner that would record or monitor through the exterior windows of buildings and shall not be operated in a manner that would monitor or record sensitive institutional or personal information, which may be found, for example, on an individual's workspace, computer or other electronic/digital displays.