TAP No. 42: Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (Drones)

Scope

This policy applies to the use of Uncrewed (also referred to as unmanned) Aircraft Systems (UAS), such as and/or including drones, on or in University-owned, leased, or controlled property by students, faculty, staff, the general public and third-party providers who may be contracted to operate such devices. The Policy covers both indoor and outdoor UAS operations and applies to any UAS acquired or funded by University resources.

This policy is not applicable to UAS operations conducted by the Duquesne University Department of Public Safety (DUPS) or any other first responder UAS activities conducted under applicable law.

Purpose

This policy establishes guidelines for UAS operations on campus.  Such guidelines are intended to balance potential benefits against the safety and security needs of campus, as well as to incorporate relevant federal, state, and local rules and regulations.

I. Policy

  1. Authorized UAS Operations

    1. All UAS operations on University property must adhere to FAA Part 107 Operating Requirements and be conducted by an FAA-certified RPIC.

    2. All requests to operate a UAS on campus must be submitted in writing (E-mail) to the Division of Marketing and Communications (DMC), per TAP No. 35, Section C.i-iii at least fourteen business days in advance for review and approval. 

    3. In addition to coordinating with DMC, University departments hiring external commercial UAS services must also coordinate with DUPS, Legal Affairs, and the University’s Office of Risk Management to confirm compliance with FAA regulations and that appropriate insurance coverage and contractual terms are in place.

  2. Prohibited Recreational Use

    1. The use of a UAS under the 49 U.S. Code § 44809 exemption for hobby or recreational purposes is strictly prohibited on University property.

  3. Indoor Flight Restrictions and Privacy Protections

    1. Indoor UAS use is generally prohibited, with exceptions subject to DUPS and DMC approval and is subject to the same approval process as outdoor UAS requests.

    2. A UAS is not permitted to be used to capture images or recordings in Private University Spaces.
  4. Reporting Requirements and Documentation
    1. Approved RPICs must carry approval documentation at all times while operating the UAS on campus.
    2. RPICs must be accompanied by a member of DMC or DUPS at all times while they are present on University property and operating the UAS.
    3. All RPICs are required to report immediately to DUPS and to the University's Office of Risk Management any incident involving injury or property damage due to UAS operations.
  5. Operational Requirements
    1. RPICs must confirm all necessary FAA registrations, certifications and approvals are obtained and maintained prior to operating the UAS on University property.

    2. Prior to operating a UAS, RPICs must provide acceptable proof of liability insurance and registration (a minimum $1,000,000 for each occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate) to the University.

    3. RPICs are required to adhere to safety protocols as per FAA Part 107 Operating Requirements.

    4. RPICs are required to submit detailed flight plans, including operational areas, RPIC contact information, FAA certifications, UAS make/model, and flight dates/times as part of their request to operate a UAS on or involving University property.

II. Definitions

  1. Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS): an uncrewed aircraft and all its associated support equipment, including:

    1. the flying portion of a UAS—also commonly referred to as a drone or UA—operated by a user via a ground control system or autonomously through use of an on-board computer;

    2. communication links;
    3. navigational equipment and systems necessary to operate the aircraft; or
    4. any additional equipment that is necessary for the UA to operate safely.
  2. Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC): a person(s) in direct control and command of the flying portion of the UAS.
  3. University Property: property or facilities owned, leased or controlled by Duquesne University.
  4. Hobby or Recreational Use: the act of flying a UAS for fun or amusement, as defined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  5. University Directed Flights: a UAS flight for educational, research or commercial/business activities operated by a University faculty member, staff member, student or contractor.
  6. Private University Spaces: locations or areas on University property where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including but not limited to residential spaces, locker rooms and bathrooms.
  7. Airspace: FAA regulations and policy define "airspace" for this policy, and those regulations should be consulted for more information and airspace classifications.

III. Related Information

TAP No. 35: Marketing and Communications

TAP No. 55: Ethical, Respectful and Professional Conduct

Student Handbook

IV. Violations

The University reserves the right to halt any UAS operation that poses a threat to campus safety, disrupts campus activities, or violates University policy or regulatory requirements. Violations of this policy will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  Employees who violate this policy are subject to formal disciplinary actions up to and including termination of employment.  Students who violate this policy are subject to the non-exhaustive list of disciplinary sanctions in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct.  Non-University Operators are subject to enforcement actions by DUPS, including revocation of campus flight privileges and campus bans.

V. History

Policy adopted: 8/6/2025

VI. Ownership of Policy

Department of Public Safety’s Office of Emergency Management and Threat Assessment

Division of Marketing and Communications

Department of Risk Management