Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) / Drone Use
The use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, may present safety, privacy, and operational risks to the Missouri Western State University community and surrounding area. To help ensure compliance with federal regulations and to protect the campus environment, the following requirements apply to all UAS operations associated with University property or University-sponsored activities.
Recreational or hobby use of drones is prohibited on all property owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by Missouri Western State University.
This includes the operation of drones for personal photography, videography, or entertainment purposes.
Faculty, staff, students, and University units seeking to use a UAS for official University purposes (including but not limited to research, instruction, athletics, inspections, or marketing/media projects) must obtain authorization through the Missouri Western State University Police Department (UPD) prior to operating the UAS on campus.
UPD will coordinate review of the request to ensure campus safety, operational awareness, and appropriate location restrictions.
If a University department or unit arranges for a contractor, vendor, or third party to operate a UAS for purposes associated with a University facility, project, or event, the contracting department must notify UPD in advance and ensure the vendor complies with all applicable University requirements.
Additionally, all vendors and third-party operators must provide proof of liability insurance prior to UAS operations.
Any vendor, contractor, or third-party operator using a UAS in connection with University property or a University-sponsored activity must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing commercial general liability coverage.
At minimum, the COI must include:
- Commercial General Liability coverage with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence
- Missouri Western State University listed as an Additional Insured
- Coverage must remain active for the duration of the UAS activity
Certificates of Insurance must be submitted to the Office of Risk Management prior to approval of any vendor or third-party UAS activity.
Risk Management review is limited to insurance and contractual liability considerations and does not serve as the operational authorization authority for UAS use.
All UAS operations must comply with applicable FAA regulations, including but not limited to:
- UAS registration requirements
- Pilot certification requirements (including FAA Part 107, when applicable)
- Airspace restrictions and flight limitations
- Safety standards and operational rules
Additional FAA guidance is available at the FAA website: https://www.faa.gov/uas/
UAS operations are not permitted under the following conditions unless explicitly authorized by UPD:
- Over or near large gatherings, athletic events, or crowded areas
- Over residence halls or student housing areas
- Near emergency response activity
- In a manner that interferes with University operations or creates a safety hazard
- In restricted airspace or prohibited flight zones
UPD may impose additional restrictions based on location, event activity, or operational risk.
Individuals who operate a UAS on University property without authorization or in violation of University policy may be subject to:
- University disciplinary action under applicable student or employee policies
- Removal from campus or trespass action
- Referral to law enforcement
- Civil or criminal penalties under federal or state law
Official UAS operations conducted by law enforcement or emergency response agencies in support of public safety or emergency response activities are exempt from the authorization process.
Individuals requesting authorization to operate a UAS (drone) on Missouri Western State University property must contact the University Police Department (UPD) at:
When submitting a request, please be prepared to include the following information:
- Name and contact phone number
- Date(s) and time(s) of planned flight
- Location(s) of operation (and launch/control point if different)
- Purpose of flight (research, marketing, inspection, etc.)
- Drone make/model and FAA registration number (if applicable)
- Pilot name and FAA Part 107 certification status (if applicable)
- Whether the flight will occur near crowds, events, or residence halls
UPD may request additional information depending on the location, activity, and operational conditions.
Questions and Contact Information
For authorization to operate a UAS on University property, contact:
Missouri Western State University Police Department (UPD)
(816) 271-4438
For vendor insurance and Certificate of Insurance requirements, contact:
Office of Risk Management
