Resources & Support
Media Policy
The Communications team in the Office of Marketing and Communications aims to consistently provide accurate, transparent and timely responses to media inquiries. We work closely with journalists to share the stories of the university and its leadership, faculty, staff, students and alums.
Media visiting campus are asked to notify the OMC Communications team in advance at mediainfo@umd.edu so we can assist with interview coordination, parking and other logistics.
Quick Links
News Media Filming and Photography on Campus
As a public institution, the university permits media representatives to film and photograph in public, outdoor spaces on campus (streets, parks, sidewalks and green spaces like McKeldin Mall) and to film and photograph public activity taking place in these locations, in accordance with applicable Maryland law.
Classrooms and most other indoor spaces on campus are intended for university purposes only and are not generally open to the public. Guests, visitors and media must make prior arrangements before visiting these spaces, as an escort may be required. Media who have not made prior arrangements with university faculty or staff should contact mediainfo@umd.edu for assistance. Recording any individual without their consent in these spaces is prohibited.
To protect privacy, filming and photography are generally not permitted inside residence halls, the University Health Center or other access-controlled private spaces that involve personal, medical, academic or administrative activity. All requests to film at athletic facilities must be coordinated through Maryland Athletics.
Permitted Equipment
Devices allowed for filming include traditional cameras (DSLRs, mirrorless, etc.), smartphones and action cameras (GoPro, DJI Osmo Pocket, etc.), which may be used for photography, videography and livestreaming. Prohibited tools include drones and wearable recording technology devices (such as Meta glasses) that are not clearly identifiable as capturing photos or video.
Covering Campus Events
Media may cover events taking place in a public forum, such as parks, streets, sidewalks and McKeldin Mall.
If registration is required, the media representative should identify themselves as a member of the media when registering and should coordinate with the event organizers.
For ticketed events and events taking place in a limited public forum, such as inside university buildings, classrooms and other facilities, media access is determined by the event organizers.
Media covering athletic events should coordinate directly with Maryland Athletics' Media Relations team.
Media covering campus events must abide by all federal, state and local laws. Students must also abide by the Code of Student Conduct.
On-Campus Commercial Filming and Photography
All commercial filming and photography — indoors or outdoors — must be approved in advance through the Office of Marketing and Communications. Requests must include a completed filming application submitted at least 10 business days prior to the requested date.
Depending on the scope of the project, approved requests may require:
- A signed film agreement
- A daily filming fee of $1,000
- A certificate of insurance ($1,000,000 coverage, naming the University of Maryland as additionally insured)
- Possible additional fees (e.g., security, space rental, parking permits)
All requests are reviewed during business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday), and responses are provided via email. The university reserves the right to decline any request.
For commercial filming inquiries, contact filming@umd.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I receive information about a safety incident or breaking news on campus?
In most cases, information will be posted as soon as it's available on umd.edu. If safety is at risk, the University of Maryland Police Department website and social media accounts (@UMPD on X) are the fastest way to receive information.
How do I reach University Communications after hours or on the weekend?
After business hours or on weekends, University Communications staff on-call can be reached at mediainfo@umd.edu. Except in the event of breaking news, most inquiries received outside of regular business hours or on weekends will receive a reply from a member of the University Communications team the following business day.
How do I verify if someone attended, graduated or was affiliated with UMD?
To verify attendance, affiliation or an earned degree from the university, contact us at mediainfo@umd.edu with the full name and birth date of the individual, plus any additional information available regarding their years of attendance or graduation.
Who are the public information officers for the university?
Katie Lawson serves as the public information officer and chief communications officer for the University of Maryland, and Lt. Rosanne Hoaas serves as the public information officer for the University of Maryland Police Department.
Data and Reports
The university provides data through UMD's Institutional Research Planning and Assessment (IRPA) office. IRPA's data is updated annually. Many data requests can be addressed using the following publicly available resources:
- Campus Counts: data and figures for publicly available information about the university, including enrollments, applications, degrees and retention/graduation rates.
- Reports.umd.edu: interactive site for information on enrollments, degrees, graduation rates, employees and more.
This information is readily available at no cost to the requester. If after accessing IRPA databases for data requests you need additional information, it may be provided by contacting the OMC Communications team or by filing a public information request.
Tuition Information
Tuition and fees are set by the University System of Maryland (USM), and information can be accessed on the USM website. Additional information about the USM can be viewed on the USM Institutional Research Information System (IRIS).
About the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of "student education records" and personally identifiable information therein. A student education record includes any recorded information directly related to a student maintained by the university. With limited exceptions, the university cannot release student education records without student consent.
FERPA allows the university to designate and publicly disclose certain information that is generally considered not harmful or an invasion of privacy. This information is referred to as "directory information." Commonly requested directory information includes name, major, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational institution attended.
FERPA gives students the opportunity to opt out and not permit their directory information to be shared publicly. While the media may request directory information, the university may not be able to provide it without student consent if the student has exercised their right to opt out.
Resources for Faculty and Staff Interacting With the Media
Faculty members and other UMD employees have the ability and right under the First Amendment to express themselves concerning matters of public interest, just like any other citizen. To the extent they wish to do so, UMD employees should engage in any such expressive activities in their individual and personal capacities, without suggesting institutional sponsorship or support of those expressive activities.
Only a few designated individuals serve as official spokespeople for the university, including the president, provost, vice president for marketing and communications, and the chief communications officer.
More information can be found on the Office of General Counsel’s Freedom of Speech website.
Resources for Students Acting in Journalistic Capacities
UMD students engaged in journalistic activities are afforded the same rights and access as any member of the press. They should abide by the university’s Code of Student Conduct as well as all state and local laws.
Students may wish to familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions outlined in Maryland’s New Voices Act. Signed by Gov. Larry Hogan in 2016, Maryland’s New Voices Act protects the free speech and press freedom of Maryland’s student journalists and their advisers, encouraging responsibility in their role as journalists.