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Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems Policy (PS 10)

OWNER: Office of Finance and Administration
CONTACT: Brandy Smith
Phone: 702-992-2311
CATEGORY: Public Safety & Risk Management
POLICY ID#: PS 10
EFFECTIVE DATE:
4/12/2022
VIEWING/DOWNLOADING OPTIONS:
Web – Formatted (this page)

 

POLICY STATEMENT

Nevada State College supports the legal and safe use of unmanned aerial systems on campus to further its academic, research, and outreach objectives. Consistent with Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 37 of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regent Handbook, Nevada State College is required to establish a policy governing the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems on its campus.

DEFINITIONS

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS): Air vehicles and associated equipment that do not carry a human operator, but instead are remotely piloted or fly autonomously. Also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), and drones.

PROCEDURES

I.              Applicable Rules and Regulations

A. All use of Unmanned Aerial Systems on the Nevada State College property must be in full compliance with all applicable federal laws, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations, and all applicable local and state laws, including the provisions of Chapter 493 of Nevada Revised Statutes governing unmanned aircraft vehicles and NRS 396.970, which prohibits surreptitious electronic surveillance on NSHE campuses. Federal regulations supersede any conflicting Board or institutional policies or procedures.

B. Any employees or students using UAS outdoors as part of their employment or as part of a College program and any approved contractor for UAS flight on or over Nevada State College property must have a valid PART 107 Remote Pilots License or a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) issued by the FAA, or in the alternative, have access to airspace provided through collaboration with the FAA-designated Nevada UAS Test Site authority. These requirements do not apply to indoor flights that are not required to obtain such an Exemption or Certificate.

II.            College Procedures and Permissions

A. After obtaining all required flight permissions, and prior to beginning any operations, the employees or students using UAS outdoors must contact the Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Operations to provide and confirm insurance coverage and at a minimum to ensure liability coverage through the limitations on State tort actions pursuant to Chapter 41 of Nevada Revised Statutes or a separate insurance policy. Proof of Part 107 operations must be provided in advance of drone operations along with proof of insurance listing Nevada State College as additionally insured in the amount of $1,000,000.

B. UAS operators must take all reasonable measures to protect the safety of those involved in the operation and the general public and to avoid violating the privacy rights of the general public. Flight over Student Housing, child care facilities, or within 50 feet of any classroom building is strictly prohibited.

C. All UAS operations on or over Nevada State College property must be communicated in advance to campus police at the Non-Emergency contact number: (702) 895-3668.

D. Any third party, including institution contractors and vendors, wishing to use a UAS over Nevada State College property must first receive approval from the President, or designee and provide proof of Part 107 Remote Pilots License as well as proof of insurance in advance of drone operations

E. Any use of UAS for hobby or recreational purposes (FAA PART 101 operations) on or over Nevada State College property is strictly prohibited, unless approved by the President or designee as part of a College-sanctioned event.

F. Any use of a College-owned UAS, on or off campus, must always comply with all applicable FAA regulations and be used in a manner consistent with this policy.

G. Any violations of Board or Regents or Nevada State College policy by an employee or student will be dealt with in accordance with applicable Board and institutional policies and procedures, which may include disciplinary actions up to and including termination of employment or enrollment.

H. Legal prohibitions regarding physical presence on campus, including trespassing, and other legal action may also be pursued against third parties that operate UAS in violation of this policy.

I. Fines or damages incurred by individuals, institutional departments, or units that do not comply with this policy will not be paid by Nevada State College nor the Nevada System of Higher Education and will be the responsibility of those persons involved.

CONTACTS

Campus Police Services
(702) 895-3668

Office of the President
Kris.Schott@nevadastate.edu
(702) 992-2375

RELATED INFORMATION

APPROVALS

Approved by Kevin Butler, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration, April 11, 2022.
Approved by Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President, April 7, 2022.