The purpose of this Policy is to support the safe and compliant use of unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”) while mitigating associated risks and ensuring compliance with University campus policies, federal, state, and local laws, as well as regulations and contracts.
This Policy applies to all University of Oregon employees, students, volunteers, vendors, and all visitors (invitees and licensees) who operate or seek to operate UAS and model aircraft, on or above any University property or at any University event conducted under a university contract or agreement.
For questions about this policy, please contact the Office of Safety and Risk Services at: (541) 346-8316, email: safety@uoregon.edu.
- 2/10/2026 - Revisions to policy approved by the University President
- 3/29/2017 - Approved by the University President
Policy
Operation of UAS and model aircraft is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) and federal, state, and local laws. The University has developed procedures to comply with this Policy and other University policies implicated by the use of UAS as well as all applicable statutory and regulatory expectations governing the operation of UAS and model aircraft, and to reduce risks to safety, security, and privacy.
Any UAS or model aircraft operation by university employees, students, volunteers, vendors, and all visitors (invitees and licensees) must be approved in advance by Safety and Risk Services’ (“SRS”) Chief Resilience Officer (or their designee) through the UAS Procedures referenced below. All such operations must also comply with all federal, state, and local laws and University policies.
- All UAS and model aircraft operations must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including FAA regulations.
- Prior written approval is required for any UAS or model aircraft operation on university property or in connection with university activities.
- Operations must not infringe on privacy, safety, or university operations.
- Emergency UAS and model aircraft operations are not subject to this policy.
- UAS equipment, software, and data may be subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR); operators must consult with the University’s Export Controls Office prior to any international collaboration, data sharing, use involving foreign nationals, international shipping of UAS equipment, purchase of UAS equipment from foreign manufacturers, or use of UAS equipment from foreign manufacturers in conjunction with federally funded research grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or otherwise.
- agreements, contracts, or otherwise.
Oversight
Safety and Risk Services (SRS) is responsible for reviewing and approving UAS operations and maintaining related procedures.
Accountability
Individuals or organizations that operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or model aircraft in violation of this policy, applicable procedures, or any federal, state, or local laws may be subject to disciplinary action, removal from university property, and legal consequences. Violations may impact future UAS approval requests. The University of Oregon is not responsible for damage to UAS or model aircraft resulting from non-compliant operations; individuals are responsible for any resulting property damage or liability. University-owned UAS damaged during approved operations must be reported to Safety and Risk Services and handled through the university’s internal claims process.
Policy owners: Safety and Risk Services