Media Policies
Policies for news media access and the use of photographic equipment on the University of Notre Dame Campus
Notre Dame encourages discussion, research, and freedom of expression. The Office of Public Affairs operates on the principle that restrictions on news media personnel should be limited. But respect for the privacy of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors and occasional mitigating circumstances, require that we set some rules regarding access. Among them are:
- At the University’s discretion, journalists may report from the campus on news of public interest. They are expected to obey Notre Dame parking and other regulations and to conduct themselves in accord with the code of ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists.
- The use of still or video images from the campus for advocacy of political positions or candidacies is prohibited.
- Access to all residence halls is strictly prohibited without prior permission of Public Relations or the hall rector.
- Entry to classrooms, offices and places of worship by journalists must be cleared in advance either with occupants of the respective offices, the professor in charge of a class, or Public Relations.
The following activities are restricted and require permission. Contact Public Relations for the following:
- Use of cameras in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Grotto, or other religious sites.
- Parking arrangements for University news conferences and other events on campus.
In times of emergency, all of the above regulations and policies may be suspended or altered.
Use of Notre Dame trademarks and symbols
The University of Notre Dame name, seal and other marks and logos may not be used without the written permission of the University. Written permission also is required for the use of University logo clothing and other items, such as pennants, for use as costumes and set dressing.
Still photography and video guidelines
University Communications coordinates requests from outside production firms, photographers, filmmakers, videographers and others who seek to use University property in commercial projects. These guidelines do not apply to mainstream news media organizations engaged in covering University events, activities and personalities.
To request permission, contact Dennis Brown, assistant vice president for university communications, at 574-631-8696. He will assign a staff member to assist requestors with their projects. A request may be denied if it is not considered compatible with Notre Dame’s mission, if it reflects negatively on the University, if it creates an undue burden on the campus community, or for other reasons. A script for video projects and a storyboard or mock-up for still photo shoots detailing how Notre Dame will be portrayed must be submitted.
General rules
Anyone who seeks to film on campus for commercial or other non-news purposes must submit in writing detailed information about the proposed project at least one month in advance, including:
- Locations requested
- Date and time of shooting
- Length of shooting
- Number of people involved in each day’s shooting
- Type of activity to be filmed, taped or photographed
- List of equipment and vehicles used in connection with the project
- Sizes and composition of structures that will be used in the shoot
Photography and filming/taping will be allowed only when it is least likely to disrupt the academic process and student life.
All movie scripts must be reviewed and approved by University Communications.
The University of Notre Dame may not be mentioned or credited without permission.
Unless specifically authorized, no identifiable Notre Dame landmarks can appear on film or tape. These include: The Main Building and Golden Dome, Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes, Hesburgh Library and its “Word of Life” mosaic (“Touchdown Jesus”), Joyce Center, Notre Dame Stadium, Clarke Memorial Fountain, and any signage that refers to the University of Notre Dame or the Fighting Irish.
Anyone who requests commercial filming, taping or photography on the Notre Dame campus is required to work with University Communications and the University’s general counsel’s office to negotiate fees and specific terms of the agreement.
A certificate of insurance is required, naming the University of Notre Dame, its officers, employees and agents as additional insured, providing comprehensive general liability insurance, including personal injury and property damage.
Location fees
All location fees are due on the day of the shoot. Additional expenses (such as for Notre Dame Security Police or facilities services) will be the responsibility of the requesting agency or production company.
Basic fees are:
- Still commercial photography — $1,000 per day (8 hours)
- Commercial videography — $2,000 per day (10 hours)
- Motion picture/television show and other projects – Fee and time considerations to be determined based upon the size and scope of the project.
For more information and to make various arrangements, call 574-631-8696.
