Recording

Academic Recording Policy

Section 504/ADA requirements are very clear when it comes the accommodation of recording in class. Faculty may believe recording lectures is an infringement upon their own or other students' academic freedom, or constitutes copyright violation. That is not the case.

The instructor may not forbid a student's use of an aid if that prohibition limits the student's participation in the school program. The Section 504 regulation states:

“A recipient may not impose upon handicapped students other rules, such as the prohibition of tape recorders in classrooms or of dog guides in campus buildings, that have the effect of limiting the participation of handicapped students in the recipient's education program or activity. “

In order to allow a student with a disability the use of an effective aid and, at the same time, protect the instructor, the faculty may require the student to sign an agreement so as not to infringe on a potential copyright or to limit freedom of speech.

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/auxaids.html

Recordings shall be used for private study only. Students can receive prior approval from the Office of Disability Services to record during class as an accommodation and have it listed on their official accommodation letter.

Students who wish to use a device to record lectures for other uses such as: publications, transcriptions, duplications, etc. must obtain written approval from their instructor prior for that specific purpose. Any use of recordings without the instructor’s approval constitutes academic misconduct and may result in suspension or expulsion.

In case of a dispute, the student’s request for permission to record in class shall be directed to the chair of the department. If further action is needed, the student shall be referred to the appropriate Dean and the Director of Disability Services.