> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://scaproduction.depaul.edu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://scaproduction.depaul.edu/current-policies-and-updates.md).

# Current Policies & Updates

### Review Current Production Policy Changes

This page highlights new and updated production policies that affect SCA students, faculty, and staff. Review each update to learn what changed, who is affected, and what action may be required.

For complete requirements, review the linked policy page, form, or official university resource. If you are unsure whether a policy applies to your project, contact the SCA Production Office before reserving equipment, beginning production, or including a restricted activity in your plan.

## Current Updates

<details>

<summary><strong>Production</strong> <strong>Independent Study Policy Updates</strong></summary>

**Effective:** Fall 2026\
**Applies to:** Students planning a Production Independent Study and faculty supervising one.

Production Independent Studies have been updated to strengthen faculty mentorship, improve project oversight, and better align projects with SCA production standards.

**What Changed**

* Production Independent Studies that use SCA equipment, facilities, stages, insurance, or Production Office support must be supervised by a [**full-time faculty member**](/faculty-and-staff/school-of-cinematic-arts-faculty.md).
* **Zero-credit Production Independent Studies have been discontinued.** Production Independent Studies remain available for **2–4 academic credits**.
* Projects must be approved, registered, and enrolled before the [**University's Add Deadline** ](https://academics.depaul.edu/calendar/Pages/default.aspx)for the quarter in which the project will take place.
* New Production Independent Studies cannot be initiated after the Add Deadline.

**What Students Need to Do**

Before planning production, identify a full-time faculty supervisor, confirm that the project meets the eligibility requirements, and allow enough time for approval and enrollment before the Add Deadline.

**→** [**Learn More About Production Independent Studies**](/production-independent-studies.md)

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Prop Firearms Policy Update</strong></summary>

**Effective:** Fall 2026\
**Applies to:** Students considering the use of a prop firearm in any SCA production.

SCA permits the use of approved, non-functional prop firearms only in designated advanced production courses and MFA thesis projects. Use is restricted to approved Cinespace facilities and requires faculty review, administrative approval, safety planning, inspection, and an approved Firearms Handler.

Prop firearms are **not permitted** in Anytime Projects, Production Independent Studies, student club productions, introductory production courses, or any off-campus filming location.

**What Students Need to Do**

Do not include a prop firearm in your production plan until you have reviewed the complete policy and received the required approvals. Describe the proposed use in the appropriate project materials and allow time for review, safety planning, inspection, and Firearms Handler approval.

**→** [**Learn More About Prop Firearms Policy**](/current-policies-and-updates/prop-firearms-policy.md)

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Student Club Faculty Mentorship &#x26; Production Standards Update</strong></summary>

**Effective:** Academic Year 2026–2027\
**Applies to:** Students producing work through an SCA student production club and faculty serving as club advisors.

To support student learning, safety, responsible use of SCA resources, and equitable access to facilities and equipment, student production clubs must follow updated mentorship and production standards.

**What Changed**

* Student production clubs must maintain active university recognition through DeHub and the Office of Student Involvement.
* Clubs are expected to maintain active mentorship from a full-time faculty advisor and establish realistic production limits based on available faculty support and production resources.
* Whenever possible, clubs should plan to complete principal photography within the **first five weeks of the academic quarter**.
* Clubs must maintain a clear mission and goal statement describing their educational purpose, activities, and alignment with SCA priorities.
* Projects using SCA production resources must follow all applicable production, safety, and Greenlighting policies.
* Limited exceptions to the faculty-advisor requirement or production timeline may be considered through an administrative review process.

**What Students Need to Do**

Confirm that your club is recognized, identify an active full-time faculty advisor, establish realistic production limits, and review the applicable Production Policies & Safety Standards before planning a project.

**→** [**Learn More About Student SCA Clubs**](/student-sca-clubs.md)

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Advanced Camera Certification Update</strong></summary>

**Effective:** Fall 2026\
**Applies to:** Students seeking access to advanced Camera Vault equipment.

Advanced camera certifications are now granted through designated SCA courses and faculty evaluation. This replaces the previous individual testing model.

**What Students Need to Do**

Review the Equipment Certifications page, enroll in an approved certifying course when applicable, and complete the faculty evaluation process. Certification must be recorded before you reserve or check out equipment that requires it.

**→** [**Learn more About Advanced Camera Certification**](/equipment-and-facilities/equipment-certifications.md#camera-vault-advanced-camera-certifications)

</details>

### All SCA Production Policies & Requirements

The updates above are recent policy changes. The resources below contain all other production policies and requirements that may apply to your project.

* [**Anytime Projects**](/start-a-project/anytime-projects.md) **&** [**Greenlighting Projects**](/start-a-project/greenlighting-projects.md)
* [**Production Policies & Safety Standards**](/start-a-project/production-policies-and-safety-standards.md)
* [**Restricted & Prohibited Activities**](/start-a-project/production-policies-and-safety-standards/restricted-and-prohibited-activities.md)
* [**Equipment & Stage Policies**](/equipment-and-facilities/equipment-and-stage-policies.md)
* [**Film on Locations & Permits**](/start-a-project/filming-on-location-and-permits.md)
* [**Equipment Certifications**](/equipment-and-facilities/equipment-certifications.md)
* [**Penalties & Fines**](/equipment-and-facilities/equipment-and-stage-policies.md#penalties-and-fines)