University Policy Library

DEFINITIONS

Key terms and phrases used in this policy are defined in Appendix A.

Section 1: POLICY STATEMENT

Nevada State University (NSU) supports the legal and safe use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to further its academic, research, and outreach objectives. This policy is consistent with Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 36 of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents Handbook, requiring institutions to establish a policy governing the use of UAS.

Section 2: POLICY

NSU operates UAS 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.

Any employees, students, or approved contractors using UAS outdoors as part of their employment or academic program, or for flights on or over NSU property must abide by the most current FAA and state regulations, including obtaining any necessary federal or state authorizations. If UAS operators are uncertain of the applicable regulations at the time of flight planning, the FAA should be contacted.

Permission for off campus flight operations must be acquired from property owners/land managers in advance of flight activity. For flights on the NSU campus, permission must be obtained by contacting the Division of Finance and Business Operations.

Section 3: STATUTES, REGULATIONS, & ORDINANCES

• – American Security Drone Act
• – Federal Aviation Administration rules
• – Nevada Revised Statutes 396.970 and Chapter 493
• – NSHE Handbook Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 36

Section 4: PROCEDURE

1. Training Requirements

Pilots must complete all training requirements necessary to obtain FAA and/or state authorizations. These requirements include having a valid Part 107 Remote Pilots License or a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) issued by the FAA. Alternatively, pilots may have access to airspace provided through collaboration with the FAA-designated Nevada UAS Test Site authority, which is managed by the University of Nevada, Reno’s Nevada Autonomous Test Site Program.

2. Insurance

A. Employees and students using UAS outdoors must contact the Finance and Business Operations Division and need to provide proof of insurance coverage prior to operation and, at a minimum, ensure liability coverage is provided through the limitations on State tort actions pursuant to Chapter 41 of Nevada Revised Statutes or a separate insurance policy.

B. Prior to operation, contractors or third parties (including recreational or hobbyist operators) are required to provide proof of insurance listing the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education on behalf of Nevada State University as additionally insured in the amount of $1,000,000.

3. Permissions

A. The Assistant Vice President for Finance and Business Operations (702-992-2311) serves as the representative for obtaining the required UAS operations approvals and for responding to inquiries regarding UAS operations.

B. Any third party, including contractors, media, or hobbyists, wishing to use a UAS on NSU property must first receive approval from the President or their designee. Proof of Part 107 Remote Pilots License and proof of insurance are required.

All UAS operations on or over NSU property must be communicated in advance to University Police Department Southern Command (UPD).  Pilots should provide an email notification at least 72 hours prior to any planned UAS to police@unlv.edu. A call should be made to the Non-Emergency contact number: (702) 895-3668 on the day of the flight for confirmation. The email should include the following information:

• – Drone Operator Name
• – Drone Operator Phone Number and Email
• – Drone Operator Pilot License Number
• – Drone Make & Model
• – Drone Serial Number
• – Flight Waiver or Authorization Number
• – Date and Time of Flight
• – Address/Location of Flight
• – Purpose of Flight
• – Remote Pilot License (Part 107)
• – Certificate of Waiver or Authorization/LAANC Approval
• – Reference Operations Map

C. Additional approval is required from the Vice Presidents of Student Affairs and/or Advancement for any sporting or outdoor events.

D. Upon request, the designation of specific campus areas and times for UAS use, such as UAS “geo-fencing,” may be established. This designation requires approval of the President or designee.

4. Registry and Purchasing

A. NSU is required by state and federal law to maintain a registry of all UAS that are owned by the institution.

B. All purchases of UAS or related software must be pre-approved by NSU Purchasing. The United States Congress and Department of Defense have issued restrictions on government UAS purchases from certain countries, businesses, and entities. NSU Purchasing will coordinate with departments interested in purchasing UAS to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

5. Flight Operations

A. UAS operators must take all reasonable measures to protect the safety of those involved in the operation and to avoid violating privacy rights of the general public.

B. The use of an UAS for research, educational or recreational use by employees and/or students, whether on- or off-campus, must always comply with all applicable FAA regulations and be used in a manner consistent with this policy.

C. Students flying an UAS must be accompanied by a faculty member that has completed all training requirements and has the ability to immediately take direct control of the flight of the UAS as needed.

D. UAS operators must maintain minimum distance from critical infrastructure, such as power lines, and obtain additional approvals if required by FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107).

6. Restrictions

A. Flights over Student Housing, childcare facilities, or within 50 feet of any classroom building is prohibited.

B. Any UAS being shipped to, traveled with, or utilized in a foreign country must be assessed for potential export control restrictions prior to leaving the United States. Travel planned with an UAS must be disclosed to Finance and Business Operations, who reviews all requests prior to any travel.

7. Violations

A. Any violations of Board or Regents or NSU 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.

B. Legal prohibitions regarding physical presence on campus, including trespassing, and other legal action as allowable by NRS Chapter 493, may also be pursued against third parties that operate UAS in violation of this policy.

C. Fines or damages incurred by individuals, institutional departments, or units that do not comply with this policy will not be paid by NSU nor NSHE and will be the responsibility of those persons involved.

8. Contacts

• – University Police Department Southern Command (UPD)
  (702) 895-3668
• – Finance and Business Operations
  fbo@nevadastate.edu
  (702) 992-2311

Section 5: COMPLIANCE

All policies and procedures are developed in alignment with our institution’s mission and vision statement; NSHE policies and procedures; Accreditation requirements; and Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. Every member of the institution including students, employees, contractors, and the public, while on campus, shall comply with all policies and corresponding procedures and are subject to progressive discipline in cases of non-compliance.

For issues or to report non-compliance, contact the unit responsible for oversight of the individual:

Section 6: EXCEPTIONS

This policy does not apply to indoor UAS flights.

In case of a public safety emergency, a UAS may be operated by UPD or other Emergency Response Agency in accordance with all applicable FAA regulations, without prior approval.

Section 7: RELATED FORMS & RESOURCES

N/A

APPENDIX A: 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/or drones.