Stanford University Privacy Reminder

For the Media, Campus Visitors and Members of the University Community

Stanford University has an interest in ensuring that the privacy of all of its students, faculty and staff is respected, and that no activities interfere with education, research or residential life.

The university is private property. However, some common areas of the campus typically are open to visitors. These areas include White Plaza, public eating areas (such as those at Tresidder Union), outdoor touring areas, and locations to which the public has been invited by advertised notice (such as for public educational, cultural or athletic events). Even in these locations, media representatives must not interfere with the privacy of students, faculty and staff, or with educational, research and residential activities. The university may revoke at any time permission to be present in these and any other areas of the university.

 In accordance with the university’s policies, members of the media are prohibited from entering student residences or dining halls. Members of the media are prohibited in all residential areas of the university, including student residences and the surrounding faculty neighborhoods without prior permission from University Communications. Media are prohibited inside classrooms, libraries, laboratories and other academic buildings without prior permission from University Communications and instructors.

No commercial activity may occur on the campus without the University's permission. This includes the taking of photos, or similar audio or visual recordings that are sold to others, or otherwise used for commercial, promotional or marketing purposes. Those involved in unauthorized commercial activity will be asked to leave campus immediately. Requests for permission should be submitted to the Director of University Communications, or, as appropriate, the Dean of Students, the Department of Athletics, or the Office of Public Events.

Any filming or photography on campus must adhere to the university’s policies.

Recognized student groups and official units of the university will be granted such permission so long as they do not violate the privacy or property interests of others; so long as any sale of their products is predominantly on campus to students, faculty and staff; and so long as they comply with applicable university policies and procedures.

Violators of this policy may be subject to criminal and/or civil liability, as well as university disciplinary action if applicable.

Last updated: January 29, 2018