Title: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) / Drone Policy
Approved by: Office of the President
Effective date: October 1, 2025
Responsible Official: Executive Director of Public Safety
Responsible University Office: Division of Public Safety
Related Legislation: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, State of Ohio and City of Cleveland ordinances.
Review Period: 5 Years
Relates to: Any individual who operates or wishes to operate a UAS on university property.
- Regarding operations of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), this policy aims to reasonably mitigate public safety risks, ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and uphold institutional expectations and ethical responsibilities regarding privacy.
- All UAS operations on university property must comply with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and must receive prior approval from the CWRU Division of Public Safety via its UAS Flight Approval Request Form. Pilots must submit a detailed flight plan, including but not limited to proposed date, time, location, and equipment details.
- Approved vendors operating under a university agreement as well as faculty, staff, postdocs and students may operate a UAS in accordance with this policy. All others are prohibited from flying a UAS within university property unless the Division of Public Safety makes a special exception in advance of the flight.
- Operators of UAS shall be responsible for damages caused by their operation of the UAS. Operators must demonstrate risk-mitigation protocols, such as maintaining visual line-of-sight when engaging in non-commercial uses, and in all instances avoiding people and property and heeding altitude limits. Accidents and near-misses should be immediately reported to the Division of Public Safety.
- Unauthorized recording of individuals, residence halls, classrooms, private spaces, medical areas, and other places where privacy is reasonably expected is prohibited unless expressly approved by the Division of Public Safety.
- Any person operating a UAS from within university property without an approval from the Division of Public Safety, in violation of their FAA approved status or any federal, state or local law, or in violation of university rules or policies may be advised by university police to cease operation immediately until appropriate approval is received. Violations may be addressed by the CWRU Division of Public Safety and/or FAA authorities. These consequences are in place to ensure the safety and security of the university community.