Imagery owned by WashU is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. University Marketing & Communications, in partnership with University Archives, provides permission and access to images by request.
As much as possible, a displayed image or video must credit WashU, preferably with the name of the photographer or creator, formatted as follows: Creator Name/WashU
Archival Images
WashU Special Collections permits the use of historic images owned by WashU in new publications or exhibits. Special Collections and MarComm collaborate on these requests. MarComm will respond to the request, copying Special Collections, and the University Archivist will supply the image(s), work on licensing and give the patron guidance.
News and Media
Imagery owned by WashU and displayed on The Source is available for download or embeds by members of news organizations. WashU-owned photos, videos and other assets are provided, royalty-free, for a one-time, non-exclusive use in connection with news stories about WashU, provided that the images are not altered in any way (other than for formatting purposes) and do not imply any approval or endorsement by WashU. Further, use by news media does not permit the redistribution of such imagery for unauthorized, non-news media use.
WashU Faculty and Staff
Faculty and staff may use WashU-owned imagery for official WashU business.
Non-News Media and Third Parties
WashU photos, videos and other multimedia assets may not be used by non-WashU entities without permission from University Marketing & Communications. Non-WashU entities include contractors or suppliers providing goods or services to the university.
As a matter of practice, WashU does not permit direct or indirect institutional endorsements through the use of its images, its name, or third-party images of the university’s buildings and landmarks. Thus, WashU prohibits the use of imagery (including photos, videos or other visual images) of its buildings and landmarks, such as sculptures, art, or other structures, regardless of the source of the imagery, for commercial purposes in publications, websites, signage, and kiosks that are not related to WashU and its mission. MarComm reserves the right to withhold access to imagery if false representation is suspected or if it has questions or concerns about an intended use.
Examples when permission has been granted include:
- promotional material developed by non-profit or educational organizations that feature WashU alumni;
- conferences or summer programs sponsored by non-WashU organizations that are taking place on campus and the entity wishes to promote the building in which activities will occur;
- publishers who wish to use faculty or staff portraits in publications; and
- architecture or design contractors who wish to use project imagery in their digital portfolios or for award submissions.
WashU policy also allows individuals to use photos for personal, non-commercial purposes, such as wall décor in an office or home setting.