Photo & Video Policy

Videography and Still Photography on Campus Policy

Johnson & Wales University’s campuses offer compelling settings for photography and film — from professional culinary labs and industry-standard facilities to historic architecture and the energy of student life. We welcome the opportunity to showcase JWU through visual storytelling and encourage you to reach out to University Marketing & Communications to explore what’s possible.

Types of Approvals Needed

JWU Students, Faculty & Staff

University faculty, staff and students filming or photographing on JWU property for personal use or in connection with an academic course or university program do not require prior approval, provided the final content will be shown exclusively on campus. Those acting on behalf of an outside company, organization or individual — or whose content will be distributed or made available beyond JWU’s campus — are subject to the approval requirements outlined below. 

Media & Press Inquiries

Members of the media seeking to photograph and film on campus must coordinate permission from University Marketing & Communications.

External Companies & Organizations

All companies, organizations and individuals not affiliated with Johnson & Wales University must obtain prior written authorization from University Marketing & Communications before conducting any filming or photography on JWU property. A formal agreement between both parties is required prior to the start of any project. 

Approval Process

All parties required to seek approval must submit a request to University Marketing & Communications, including a detailed description of the proposed project, no fewer than 15 business days prior to the project start date. Exceptions to this submission timeline may be considered on a limited basis.

Upon approval, project parameters will be incorporated into a formal agreement, which must be executed by an authorized representative of both parties. Any significant changes to the scope of an approved project will require resubmission for review.

Prior to the use of any video or still image in which individuals are identifiable, the photographer or filmmaker must obtain a written release from each such individual.

Additional Policies

Drone Use
In accordance with the university’s Drone Use Policy, Johnson & Wales University prohibits the recreational use of drones, both indoors and outdoors, on all JWU-owned or managed property. Requests for educational or commercial drone use in support of a university purpose may be submitted through the protocol established within that policy. 

Content Removal 
Johnson & Wales University reserves the right to seek or require the removal of any video or photograph incorporating the university’s identity from social media platforms or other websites: 

• for which prior written consent was needed 

• use of which violates any agreement with, or policy of, the university, or

• except as provided by law, portrays anything that would be reasonably interpreted to be detrimental in any respect to the reputation or operations of JWU.