Maryland Brand

Media Policy and FAQs

Media Policy

The University Communications office aims to service media requests with accurate, transparent and timely information. We partner with the media to help tell the story of the university and its leadership, faculty, staff, students and alums.

As a public institution, the university permits media representatives and film in public, outdoor spaces on UMD's campus. We encourage all members of the media who are visiting to notify University Communications in advance by emailing mediainfo@umd.edu, calling 301.257.0073 or communicating directly with any member of the University Communications staff. This allows us to help coordinate interviews, if possible, offer parking options and provide helpful information. Exceptions include members of the media covering athletic events. These individuals should coordinate directly with the Maryland Athletics media relations team.

Please read through the following Frequently Asked Questions for assistance with common media requests.

On-Campus Filming and Photography Guidelines

News media who plan to film or photograph on UMD’s campus are asked to notify University Communications in advance. Any filming inside campus buildings must be approved in advance by University Communications.

All commercial filming and photography must be coordinated and approved through the University Communications office in advance. In some cases, a campus escort may be required. University Communications will advise members of the media in advance if the need for an escort arises.

University Communications will work with news and commercial media to determine available filming locations on campus. To respect the privacy of our community members, filming or photography inside of residence halls, the University Health Center and other private spaces is prohibited, with rare exceptions.

All requests to film or photograph at a UMD athletic facility must be coordinated through Maryland Athletics. Please contact Josh Kaplan at jkap@umd.edu or 301.314.9729.

News Photography and Filming on Campus – As a public institution, the university permits media representatives to photograph and film in public, outdoor spaces on UMD’s campus. However, media are not permitted to photograph or film inside any building on campus without explicit permission from University Communications.

Commercial Filming and Photography –
All commercial filming and photography must be coordinated and approved through University Communications. All requests for commercial filming on campus must be accompanied by a completed filming application. Applications must be submitted to University Communications a minimum of 10 business days prior to the requested film date.

Except for news media and University Marketing, filming within indoor and outdoor spaces requires a signed film agreement and is subject to a daily fee, campus escort and insurance documentation.

A filming fee of $1,000 per day is required for all non-news or commercial filming.

A Certificate of Insurance for $1,000,000 (with a 30-day cancellation notice that names the University of Maryland as an additional insured) is required in advance for all filming.

Other service fees may apply:

  • Security aide escorts
  • Room rental
  • Parking permits

All requests will receive a timely response via email. Please note that business hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; weekend and holiday requests will not be addressed until the next business day. University Communications reserves the right to decline any request. Questions regarding commercial filming and photography should be directed to filming@umd.edu.

FAQs