Uncrewed Aerial Systems on Campus

Effective: 10/28/2024
Senate Proposal: No
Responsible University Officer: Risk and Compliance Officer                                
Responsible Office: Risk Management and Compliance

Policy Statement

Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and other remote- or autonomously controlled aircraft (commonly called drones), collectively called UAS in this policy, are an important area of research, development, education, utility, commerce, and entertainment on and off campus. Michigan Technological University seeks to encourage safe and courteous UAS development and use while protecting people, the environment, and property from nuisance and physical harm. State and federal laws supersede in any case of conflict or contradiction with this policy, including 14 CFR Part 107, which regulates commercial, research, and educational UAS, and 49 USC 44809, which regulates recreational UAS.

Policy Requirements

1. All UAS operations on campus must comply with applicable state and federal law.

2. All hobby and recreational UAS launch, landing, piloting, and ground operations are prohibited on Michigan Tech property except in pre-approved, temporary recreational UAS operations zones. Applications for temporary recreational UAS operations zones must be authorized at least 30 days in advance by Risk Management to verify compliance with research safety & integrity, insurance, public safety, university operations, and property-management requirements. This prohibition does not apply to UAS used for academic, research, or other official university business.

3. Any UAS  launched, landed or operated on or over university property must not be a nuisance or danger to campus activities, the public, or the environment. Examples of dangerous and nuisance operations:

   1. Endangering property, human, or animal safety.

   2. Negative impacts on privacy and the right to peaceful assembly.

   3. Noise that disrupts classes, research, university business, study, or the quiet enjoyment of housing, grounds, and offices.

   4. Obstruction of, or interference with, free movement of pedestrians, animals, and vehicles.

   5. Operating over areas of public assembly, stadiums, or areas of construction, except when used for academic, research, or other official university business. 

   6. Photographing, monitoring, or recording in areas where other members of the University community or members of the general public would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

4. Because the university provides differing UAS operations zone approvals, UAS operations in any area are not an indication that the same or other categories of UAS operations are permitted in that area.

Purpose

This policy supports Board of Trustees Policy Chapter 12 - General Operations, Section 12.2 Building and Property Rules, Section 12.3 Rule Prohibiting Disruption of University Activities; Regulations and Board of Trustees Enacted Regulations, Ordinance Number 1 - Traffic Regulations

Scope

This policy applies to all university-owned properties. Properties used for on-going UAS operations may receive blanket exceptions for extended periods.

Related Policy Information

• Student Code of Community Conduct

Contacts

Definitions

Drone: Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and other remotely guided or autonomous vehicles.

Responsibilities

Facilities Management - Removes and impounds improperly parked, stored, or abandoned vehicles. Coordinates land and facility use.

Public Safety and Police Services - Enforces Michigan Traffic Codes

Risk Management and Compliance - Reviews exception requests and approves UAS operations as described in this policy.

University community - Abides by all rules and regulations set forth by the Student Code of Community Conduct, Board of Trustees, and/or local, state, or fed

Adoption Date

10/28/2024     Approved by University President