(A copy of this policy is available here.)
Baylor University welcomes the news media to campus as part of our mission to share our research, educational activities, expertise, and events with the wider community. However, Baylor is a private academic institution and neither the public nor members of the media have the right to unhindered access to its staff or facilities.
CAMPUS ACCESS AUTHORIZATION: Before intend to come to campus, members of the media should contact Baylor Media & Public Relations by phone or email for permission to be on campus. Please contact Lori Fogleman at 254-709-5959 or Lori_Fogleman@baylor.edu. For security reasons, the media are do not permitted inside University buildings or facilities, except with prior approval from Baylor Media & Public Relations.
EXTERIOR ACCESS: Media are permitted outside University buildings and on public roads so long as they do not interfere with the normal operations and activities of the University and do not impede entry or exit or general campus security.
Overview of procedures
Our goal is for students, faculty, staff and other members of the Baylor community to conduct their business with a reasonable expectation of privacy and normality while remaining free to speak openly with the media if they choose to do so.
Baylor Media & Public Relations staff members are generally available to assist crews with campus coverage, including setting up locations and accessing restricted areas of campus when permission to film has been granted. For assistance, contact Baylor Media & Public Relations at 254-710-1961 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
News Media Guidelines
In order to make media visits as productive as possible, we have established the following guidelines:
- Before arriving on campus, media representatives must register with Baylor Media & Public Relations. Media are permitted outside University buildings and on public roads so long as they do not interfere with the normal operations and activities of the University and do not impede entry or exit or general campus security.
- The media are do not permitted inside University buildings unless they request and obtain permission from Baylor Media & Public Relations. (See more information below.) In emergencies or in situations where Baylor determines that media access may become disruptive, media access may be denied or limited, and pool cameras or reports may be required.
- Representatives of the news media must seek permission from Baylor Media & Public Relations if they wish to enter classrooms, laboratories or similar facilities for reporting purposes. Such permission may be granted if the reporting activities do not interfere with University business; interfere with the privacy of students, faculty or staff; or compromise the safety of University staff, visitors or facilities.
- Certain on-campus events may require advance media accreditation, as coordinated by Baylor Media & Public Relations. As a private university, Baylor reserves the right to grant, deny, or limit media access to on-campus events depending on the circumstances of the event and in the interest of safety and well-being. -being students, faculty and staff.
- University residences are closed to the media. Students are not permitted to bring news media into residence halls.
- All commercial, non-informational photography or filming must be approved in advance by University Marketing & Communications.
- Drone photography/filming is not permitted by the media.
- For an individual University Department, third party or hobbyist wishing to operate a UAS or model aircraft on University property, they should first contact Baylor Media & Public Relations as far in advance as possible to start a separate process. Baylor UAS Drone Policy: https://www.baylor.edu/dps/doc.php/326324.pdff.*
- Baylor Media & Public Relations can provide The Lariat Baylor with privileged access to information, people or events, in recognition of its role as the official student newspaper.
- Baylor respectfully asks the media to respect the privacy rights and concerns of students regarding their coverage.
News Recording and Photography Guidelines
In general, news recording and photography is permitted in outdoor areas on campus, although media, including photographers, must first register with Baylor Media & Public Relations.
These guidelines apply to all types of photography: photos, videos and films.
Permission to fire in indoor spaces must be obtained in advance in all circumstances. This includes:
- Administrative buildings and offices
- Sports facilities
- Bill Daniel Student Center (SUB)
- Build common spaces
- Chapels
- Classroom
- Dining rooms
- Laboratories
- Libraries
University residences are closed to the media.
Once permission has been requested, Baylor Media & Public Relations will be happy to inquire on your behalf, but please submit requests as far in advance as possible as permission must be obtained from individual teachers for rooms class and by the supervisors for the laboratories.
Drone photography/filming is not permitted by the media. See policy above.*
Offenses
Baylor reserves the right to limit or eliminate access or revoke credentials to cover Baylor-related events and activities – including athletics – for those who violate the Media Access Policy.
