Commercial Photography

Policy number: 13.6

Policy section: Marketing and Communications

Revised Date:


1.  Definitions

Definitions of capitalized terms are set forth in Appendix A.

2.  Policy Statement

The University restricts access to its campuses by Commercial Photographers to pre-approved times and locations. At the direction of the President, the Executive Vice President and Provost (“the Provost”) and the Office of Marketing and Communications will have authority for determining the process by which such approvals are obtained, as well as any associated fees.

3.  Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect the public image of the University and the privacy of its students, faculty, staff, volunteers and contractors.

4.  Applicability

All faculty, students, staff, volunteers, and contractors are expected to comply with this policy.

5.  Questions

Questions regarding this policy are to be directed to the Office of Marketing and Communications.

6.  Department Administrative Rules, Procedures, and Guidelines

Marketing and Communications will create and maintain guidelines and procedures related to this policy.

Appendix A: Definitions

“Commercial Photographer” refers to any person or persons collecting one or more images of an SMU campus for the purpose of remuneration by a third party.


Adopted: July 20, 2026

The official University Policy Manual is housed in the Office of the University Secretary. The University Secretary is responsible for maintaining new and updated policies and for maintaining this website. Should the official University Policy Manual conflict with any internal policies, procedures, departmental administrative rules, or guidelines, that may be contained in manuals provided by schools, departments, or divisions within the University, the official University Policy Manual controls.