The accommodation of Recording of Lectures and Class Instruction allows students with disabilities equal opportunity to receive and process information presented in class by supporting their notetaking needs for classes they attend. As with all accommodations, this accommodation is approved on an individual basis to mitigate the student's disability-related impacts within the educational environment.
Use of the accommodation of Recording of Lectures and Class Instruction is subject to the following conditions.
The student:
- Must submit a Semester Request in Accommodate and ensure the instructor for the course has received their Accommodation Letter listing this approved accommodation before recording.
- May record audio only; video recording is not included in this accommodation.
- May use recordings solely for their personal study and preparation related to the class.
- May not share these recordings or post them online for others to access.
- Must delete recordings when they are no longer needed for academic purposes.
- Is responsible for storing recordings securely (e.g. using password protection, or other safeguards).
- Acknowledges that recordings are considered academic sources and must be used in accordance with JMU’s Honor Code, JMU’s academic conduct policies, and federal copyright laws.
- Understands that violation of these conditions may constitute a breach of the Student Code of Conduct and may result in referral to the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices.
By using the accommodation of Recording of Lectures and Class Instruction, the student affirms that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by the conditions listed above.
Audio recording outside of the typical classroom experience (including fieldwork, internships, clinicals, etc.) may need to be discussed on a case-by-case basis in collaboration with instructors, programs, site supervisors and/or ODS as appropriate.
Classes That Involve Sensitive Material (i.e., Self-Disclosure)
Occasionally, instructors raise concerns to recording classes that involve a great deal of self-disclosure, personal reflection, or confidential discussions from students or presenters as part of the class, fearing that the recording device will inhibit students from sharing freely or would risk anonymity. However, it is important to remember that the use of the recording device is to substitute and support the student’s note taking ability. If these open discussions are not appropriate subject matter for any student to be taking notes, then the instructor could make a general announcement to the class and ask all students to stop note-taking and turn off any recording devices. The announcement must not single out students with the recording accommodation.
If instructors have questions or concerns regarding the recording of their class discussions, or the nature of the information presented and discussed, please consult with ODS.
Instructor’s Right to Privacy and Protecting Copyright
Instructors who have concerns about recording devices in the classroom often cite the privacy of classroom discussion or the protection of their course materials under copyright. However, the instructor’s right to privacy or concern over copyright does not override the student’s right to accommodation.
For more information on the rights of students approved for Audio Recording of Lectures and Class Instruction, please see the Office for Civil Rights – Q & A Regarding Audio Recording.
Fundamental Alteration Concerns
If a faculty member is concerned that an accommodation could create a fundamental alteration to the essential objectives of the course, they must immediately follow the Fundamental Alteration Procedure. Until a determination has been made through this procedure, the accommodation must be provided to the student. If it is determined that the accommodation needs to be adjusted, that will be communicated to the student by ODS.
Adapted with permission from Colorado State University and Stanford University.
