College of the Canyons is set to discuss several policy changes Wednesday, including new rules on the use of drones on campus.

COC’s governing board is scheduled to review a slate of policies on the May 10 agenda, as well as displaying the American Flag and the campus’ emergency response.

“District faculty and staff have expressed an interest in using drones for research and videography. Personal drone use is also becoming more common and affordable, and students or visitors may bring drones to the campus for recreational purposes,” said the agenda.

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAVs), including drones, are controlled and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

A new Board Policy is needed to ensure unmanned aircraft systems are utilized in a manner that fully meets legal, institutional, public safety and ethical responsibilities, according to COC officials.

The district is set to establish procedures that comply with all federal and state laws, require prior approval for use of drones on campus, require approval for use of district-owned drones off-campus, and identify restrictions on location, height, weight, and distance from buildings/persons.

The COC Board is also scheduled to discuss a policy about the school’s preparedness for emergencies.

“The district is committed to administering a comprehensive emergency management program focusing on maximizing the safety and security of students, faculty, staff and visitors when an emergency situation occurs on or affecting district property.” said the policy.

College personnel, as public employees, are disaster service workers during national,
state and local emergencies, according to officials.

This policy is required by law, the proposed policy was drafted using state guidelines and modified for use by the District, said COC.

The district has already adopted Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), updated in 2015. The EOP can be found at the Campus Safety website, according to officials.