For the Media

Drones and Aerial Photography/Videography

Because Southern Illinois University Carbondale is close to an airport and a hospital with a helipad, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including drones, will be limited to only a few trusted operators who have prior permission from us. However, we understand media outlets may want to provide their audiences with aerial views of eclipse festivities on April 8. To ensure safety and minimize distractions for people watching the eclipse, SIU Carbondale is employing a pool system for aerial photos and video on campus.

Weather permitting, University Communications and Marketing will provide aerial photos and video of Saluki Stadium, along with other photos, 2 hours after totality at an online gallery on the News/Media page of the Eclipse website. Other videos will be available within 6 hours. Journalists who would like specific photo or video shots may contact Todd Duermyer at todd.duermyer@siu.edu.

Journalists who want to use a UAV for purposes other than aerial photography and videography may contact John Bennett, UAV administrator, at johnb@siu.edu to request permission through the use application process. Please allow at least six weeks.

Note that SIU Carbondale’s unmanned aircraft systems policy prohibits indoor or outdoor operation of any UAV flight hardware on or in university property without approval through the UAV use application process.

If you have questions, contact Tim Crosby at crosby@siu.edu or 618-534-3045 or Kim Rendfeld at kim.rendfeld@siu.edu or 765-426-3650. If you need immediate assistance, text or call.