Audio/Video Recording Accommodations

The accommodation of use of an audio or video recording device to record lectures allows students with disabilities to have an equal chance to receive and process information presented in class by supporting their notetaking needs. As with all accommodations, this accommodation is approved individually to ameliorate the student’s disability-related impacts in the classroom.

Methods of making a recording may include an audio recording device, a Livescribe pen, or the use of recording software on a laptop or a cellular phone (e.g., Sonocent, Audionote, Otter.ai). Use of the accommodation of audio recording class lectures is subject to the following conditions:

  • Recordings of class lectures are only for the student’s personal use in study and preparation related to the class.
  • The student may not share these recordings with any other person, whether or not that person is in their class.
  • The student acknowledges that the recordings are sources, the use of which in any academic work is governed by rules of academic conduct at Cerritos College, in addition to federal copyright laws.
  • The student agrees to destroy any recordings that were made when they are no longer needed for their academic work.

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 the instructors, programs, site and/or SAS as appropriate.

What Happens if I Share My Recording?

The Basics About Sharing The Details About Sharing
  • Sharing lecture recordings is a violation of the Standards of Student Conduct. 
 Students granted permission to record class lectures as an accommodation must agree to abide by these provisions. That means students approved for audio and/or video recording accommodations cannot distribute materials as the use is approved for personal use only. Students who are alleged to have violated these Standards are subject to the Student Discipline Procedures (AP 5520). SAS will refer students to The Office of Student Conduct & Grievances for possible violation of the Standards of Student Conduct.
“Unauthorized use of audio, video, or other listening, recording, or transmitting device in any classroom, service area or District activity without prior consent of the instructor, service area manager, or activity advisor except as necessary for reasonable accommodation.”  (Standards of Student Conduct, item 13, lines 78-81)

 

Classes That Involve or Contain Sensitive Material (i.e., Self-Disclosure)

The Basics About Sensitive Topics The Details About Sensitive Topics
  • Students with this accommodation may be asked to stop recording if all students are asked to stop recording/taking notes.
 Occasionally, instructors object 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 it would be appropriate to make a general announcement to the class and ask all students to stop note-taking in addition to turning off any recording devices.

Instructors or students who have questions or concerns regarding the recording of their class discussions,
or the nature of the information presented and discussed, please consult with the student's
assigned SAS Specialist or contact the SAS office directly.

 

Instructor’s Right to Privacy and Protecting Copyright

The Basics About Privacy The Details About Privacy
  • Students' rights to an accommodation takes precedence over an instructor's privacy or 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. However, the instructor’s right to privacy or concern over copyright does not override the student’s right to a reasonable accommodation. For more information on the rights of students approved for Audio/Video Recording of Lectures, please see the Office for Civil Rights – Q & A Regarding Audio Recording and the California Education Code 78907.

It is the responsibility of the Student Accessibility Services Office to ensure 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. Students who have been granted permission to record class lectures as an accommodation must agree to abide by the Standards of Student Conduct. Students who are alleged to have violated these standards are subject to the Student Discipline Procedures (AP 5520). SAS will refer students to the Office of Student Conduct & Grievances for possible violation of the Standards of Student Conduct.

students who wish to request this accommodation should make an appointment with their sas specialist