Unauthorized Recording Policy
Unauthorized recording of attendees in University classes, including surreptitious recording, is prohibited.
Purpose: To prohibit unauthorized recording of attendees in University classes, and to provide restrictions regarding the authorized recording of attendees in such classes.
Scope: This policy is applicable to all faculty, employees, students, contractors, volunteers, visitors and guests attending University classes.
As used in this policy, “recording” refers to the use of any device to film, tape or otherwise take, in any format or medium, audio, video or visual images of another individual, including, without restriction, in-person or via phone or videoconference. “Attendees” includes all individuals who are present, including bystanders, participants and presenters, for class or other course content, including, without restriction, lectures, recitations, discussions, presentations, critiques, performances, and office hours. “Surreptitious” means furtive, secret, hidden or partially hidden.
General Principles: It is expected that University affiliates and other attendees at University classes will engage openly and forthrightly with others in educational settings. To this end, the purpose of this policy is to prohibit unauthorized recording, including surreptitious recording, and to provide restrictions regarding the recording of attendees in classes. The policy is intended to foster a spirit of trust and promote the open exchange of viewpoints and ideas within the University community
Authorized Recordings: The University’s authorized personnel may make recordings of University activities in furtherance of the academic and operational needs of the University. The Office of Government and Community Affairs may authorize members of the media to record certain University events and Campus Services may authorize commercial filming, as described in the Commercial Filming, News, Documentaries, and Student Filming Policy. Video recording by Public Safety is authorized consistent with the CCTV Monitoring and Recording Policy. Audio and video recording at student events may be permitted with the consent of the sponsoring organization pursuant to the Recording Policy.
Recording in class is subject to the following restrictions.
Recording Classes Subject to Restrictions: Faculty members may record class, lectures, recitations, review sessions and other course content after providing notice to students in advance (for example, by notice on the syllabus, on CourseWorks, or at the first class) or pursuant to school or department requirements. Students may not record class or other course content, such as lectures, recitations, discussions, presentations, critiques, performances, or office hours, whether in-person or via phone, videoconference or other modality, without advance written permission from the instructor or, in the case of a request for a reasonable accommodation for a disability, from Disability Services. If permission is granted, the recording must not be shared beyond the class members without the written consent of all attendees who were recorded. Recordings that include the voice, image, or other identifying characteristic of any student(s) may not be shared outside the course by either the instructor(s) or student(s) without the written consent of the recorded student(s) prior to any dissemination.
Prohibition on Surreptitious Recordings: Attendees at University classes may not make surreptitious recordings under any circumstances, including in-person or via phone, videoconference or other modality. Certain federal, state and local laws may also prohibit such recordings. When recording is authorized, recording devices may only be used in an overt and conspicuous manner so that it is readily apparent to all attendees that a recording is being made.
Policy Violations: Violations of this policy may be referred, as appropriate, to Dean’s Discipline through Standards and Discipline or at the student’s school, where applicable. Notwithstanding any language to the contrary, it is not a violation of this policy for an attendee to make a recording in class where the attendee believes they are recording conduct that violates another University policy for the sole purpose of reporting that conduct to the appropriate University office and the recording is not further disseminated by the attendee.