Resources for the Media

How We Can Assist You

Media Relations offers assistance to print, broadcast, online media and television and motion picture productions. Our media representatives can connect reporters with faculty experts, assist news crews with on campus photography or videography, help members of the media locate archived photos and aid production crews with locations on campus.

Matt Palmer
Director of Media Relations & News
410-704-4471

Media Guidelines

As a public institution, Towson University permits members of the news media reasonable access to campus spaces. However, the university must balance this access with necessary restrictions in certain circumstances, in order to:

  • carry out our educational, research and related functions; to protect the safety and well-being of members of our community and visitors to our campus; 
  • to protect the privacy of students, their families and others for whom the campus represents their place of residence; and 
  • to protect the privacy of student academic records and other records as required by or permitted under state and federal laws.
    For the purposes of these guidelines, “media” is defined to include any individual or group conducting interviews, reporting on events, making audio or video recordings, written transcriptions, or capturing photographic images, for purposes of dissemination to the public via commercial or noncommercial news and information outlets, including the Internet.

Requesting Access to Campus

In order to ensure the privacy of our students, faculty, staff and guests, we request that prior to a campus visit, all media contact a member of the communication team . This contact will ensure that we notify the Office of Public Safety in advance of your arrival on campus and also provide you with the most convenient parking to maximize your time.

  • Members of the media must obtain permission from University Communications and Media Relations in advance to film, report or broadcast live from Towson University property.
  • In lieu of coming to campus, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, University Communications and Media Relations can provide the news media with B-roll footage upon request.
  • Parking arrangements may be made and permits obtained through Parking & Transportation Services, University Communications and Media Relations, or the Athletic Department.


Though Communications & Media Relations traditionally approves advance requests for still and video photography, in the event of an emergency, or to limit disruptions to normal university operations, news media may be restricted to certain areas of campus for filming or live broadcasting.

Areas of Permitted Access

While on TU property, media representatives should be accompanied by a member of the University Communications staff. Members of the news media are generally allowed free access to the following campus venues and spaces, subject to gaining approval from Communications & Media Relations and in accordance with established State of Maryland and TU public health and safety guidelines:

  • Any building or portion of a building which is open to the public, during public hours.
  • Inside any event to which admission is free and open to the public (such as lectures and forums) or to which the individual is a paid ticketholder. However, restrictions may be placed on use and location of cameras, lights, flashes and other equipment in order to minimize disruption of the event. Advance notice or media credentials may be required in some instances.
  • Public, outdoor areas of campus such as quad areas in front of buildings and athletic fields.
  • Public parking areas provided vehicles are parked legally and the flow of traffic is not restricted.


Areas of Restricted Access


Media are not allowed in the following locations without express permission from an administrative authority and/or an officially designated university escort:

  • Inside a classroom when class is in session.
  • Inside libraries, museums or other areas where quiet study is enforced or where collections might be endangered by media activity or equipment.
  • University Health & Counseling Center, and the waiting areas of such facilities; similarly, any locations where confidential counseling is taking place.
  • Residential areas including the interior of any residence hall and apartment buildings controlled by the university.
  • This includes common areas of residential facilities such as lounges, dining halls and community centers. Access also may be restricted to courtyards, sidewalks, patios, adjacent parking lots and other spaces immediately adjacent to private residences and apartments where necessary to reasonably protect residents from unwarranted intrusion. Individual residents who wish to invite members of the news media into shared residential space, such as to their room within a residence hall, must provide advance notification to appropriate Housing staff.
  • Childcare facilities or learning and teaching environments for children such as camps.
  • Athletic venues including Johnny Unitas Stadium, SECU Arena, sports fields, etc., unless the individual is a paid ticketholder.
  • Inside the private offices or research labs of faculty, staff, administrators and student employees.
  • Inside any venue where admission is charged, unless the individual is a paid ticketholder. In the latter instance, members of the media must abide by the standard expectations of behavior for any ticketholder.
  • Inside private functions which are not open to the public, such as dinners, receptions, etc.
  • Inside any university facilities where the general public is not permitted, such as the Department of Public Safety, maintenance and repair facilities, etc.
  • Any location on campus, indoor or outdoor, which has been labeled a crime scene or is deemed to be hazardous or unsafe. Such locations should be marked and secured by appropriate safety personnel.


Media Vehicles and Equipment

 

  • Vehicles must be parked in legal spaces and must display the appropriate permit, if required.
  • Equipment, vehicles and personnel must not restrict the flow of traffic nor access to buildings or portions of buildings, and may not impede fire lanes.
  • Equipment must not damage university property.
  • Additional restrictions may be placed on equipment including television cameras, still cameras, flashes and other special lighting, and audio equipment in order to minimize disruption to campus events and activities or to address safety or security concerns. In instances where security is an issue, items may be subject to inspection.

    Please note, these guidelines are not exhaustive, and additional guidelines may be established as necessary according to the general principles noted above. TU employees who see unaccompanied media on campus are asked to contact University Communications.

Photos, Video and Graphics

Contact us to request photos of Towson individuals, buildings and events. Get information about filming and taking photos on campus and use of the university name, seal and logos. Learn more.

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