Audio-Recording by Student

Students will be approved for an audio-recording accommodation typically as a type of note-taking support/assistance. Students with this accommodation typically rely on these recordings to help fill in the gaps of anything they may have missed during the live lecture as they may have difficulties attending to the lecture content and making coherent written notes at the same time. Audio recording is generally the most accurate and complete way to capture class information, except in situations where the lecture format is highly visual, as it might be in math or science classes (math problems on the board or demonstrations in science). 

If the accommodation has been approved by the Office of Disability Access (ODA), it is approved based on the student’s disability to provide meaningful access to the educational experience. The recording of lectures is one of the accommodations specifically mentioned in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. 

ACCORDING TO THE REGULATIONS

Students with disabilities with this approved accommodation have the right to record class lectures only for personal study purposes. Lectures recorded for personal study may not be shared with other people without the consent of the lecturer. Information contained in the audio-recorded lecture is protected under federal copyright laws and may not be published or quoted without the express consent of the lecturer and without giving proper identity and credit to the lecturer.

COPYRIGHT CONCERNS

If an instructor objects to the use of a recording device, it is typically because they maintain that their right to privacy of information discussed in the classroom is being violated or because there is a concern about a breach of copyright. The instructor’s right to privacy or concern over copyright does not override the student’s right to accommodation. It is the responsibility of the Office of Disability Access (ODA) to see that the instructor’s concern for privacy and protection of copyright is respected and addressed while still assuring the availability of accommodation for the student. In some instances, instructors are reassured about this through the adoption of an agreement between the instructor and student that details the specific limited use of the recordings. ODA can assist with the completion and oversight of such an agreement.

For additional information, the issue of copyright as a concern is referenced here: Auxiliary Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities.

CLASSES INVOLVING SELF-DISCLOSURE FROM STUDENTS

Occasionally, instructors object to the use of a recording device in classes that involve a great deal of self-disclosure from students as part of the class, fearing that the use of a recording device will inhibit students from freely sharing. The use of a recording device is to replace the student’s note taking ability. If these open discussions are not appropriate subject matter for any student to be taking notes, it would be appropriate to issue a general announcement to the class to request that any students who are using a recording device turn it off. In general, you do not need to inform the class that someone is recording.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

The following are expectations of any student recording lectures/course material:

• Neither the recordings nor any copies of transcripts of the recordings may be used for any purpose other than as a supplement for notes taken in class.
• The information contained in the lecture materials is protected under federal and international copyright legislation and may not be published or quoted without the lecturer’s explicit consent and without properly identifying and crediting the lecturer.
• Unauthorized use of the recordings will be reported to the Dean of Students' Student Conduct and Community Standards team.

Student Absence

The student who is approved for this accommodation is responsible for recording the lecture and other class information. This accommodation is intended to support a student's note-taking, and is not intended to relieve students from taking notes (if they are able) or to provide notes when they are absent. 

THE MEANS OF AUDIO-RECORDING

ODA loans smart-pens and digital recorders to students for the purpose of making audio-recordings in a lectures. In addition, there is an increasing number of apps designed for this task.