No-fly zone: Missouri State bans drones from campus, university events

Thinking about flying a drone over parts of the Missouri State campus? Think again.

The university recently adopted a policy banning the recreational and unauthorized use of unmanned aircraft systems — commonly referred to as drones — as well as remotely operated model aircraft.

Jeff Mitchell, assistant general counsel for MSU, said the policy shaped by Federal Aviation Administration guidance was designed to safeguard the health, security and privacy of individuals who live, work and visit the Springfield, Mountain Grove and West Plains campuses.

"Clearly, there are risks associated with this type of device," he said. "We've seen situations where drones have fallen out of the sky, injuring individuals, and disrupting events."

Mitchell said anyone caught violating the policy will be subject to discipline under university policies as well as civil penalties and liability under federal and state law.

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"We wanted to make it clear that the recreational use of drones on campus is prohibited," he said.

The new drone policy approved Oct. 3 by MSU President Clif Smart allows drone usage for official law enforcement and emergency response efforts.

The policy outlines an application process for those seeking permission to use drones for research, instructional or multimedia purposes on a campus or during an MSU event.

"We wanted to not completely cut off that usage," he said.

Any faculty, staff, student or outside vendor seeking permission will have to provide information about the scope of the drone usage including the reason, location, day, time and the duration.

The application would be vetted by MSU's general counsel and its Department of Safety and Transportation.

Mitchell said the "intended use" would also have to comply with FAA regulations.

If permission is granted, the university is expected to notify the parts of campus that would be affected by the drone usage.

The university is also asking anyone who observes a drone on campus to notify the Springfield campus' Department of Safety and Transportation at 417-836-5509 or the West Plain’s Campus Safety office at 417-417-7258.

"We want to set the expectation that any usage on our campus is official and has been approved," he said.