Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, offer various opportunities to advance the university’s mission when operated safely and properly. UAS operations are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and by federal, state, and local laws. The UAS policy governs the use of UAS on and over university property and during university-sponsored events or activities (including research and teaching) regardless of location.
Because the university is a no drone fly-zone, anyone who seeks to operate UAS on university property, which includes
the reasonable airspace above university properties, must receive advance approval in accordance with this policy and
comply with all restrictions and conditions set by the university and all applicable laws.
Anyone who seeks to operate UAS during university-sponsored events or activities (including research and teaching flights) that occur off university property, and anyone who seeks to operate UAS acquired with university resources off university property, must provide prior notice to the university and confirm they have obtained the appropriate flight authorizations in accordance with OSU policies
Resources:
UAS Policy: go.osu.edu/uas-policy
Contacts:
If you have any questions regarding Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), please contact Kent McGuire at mcguire.225@osu.edu or 292-0588. You may also contact the OSU Office of Risk Management at osurisk@osu.edu.
Reviewed / Updated: 12/19/25 K. McGuire