What is this accommodation?
Students with a documented disability that adversely affects their ability to take or read notes may be permitted to use Note-taking Services such as recording lectures as a reasonable academic accommodation.
The Note-taking Services accommodation grants permission to the student to audio record your live lecture content presented in a course so that the student has a record of the instruction that they can review post-lecture for their learning needs. Students record the lecture via their own software or devices, such as smart pens, digital recorders, software applications, etc.
Why is it important?
CSUMB must provide appropriate academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in our educational courses. (In accordance with Subpart E of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973).
How can I support my students?
- Schedule a meeting with your student. This is an interactive process between you and your student to have a conversation about their academic needs for support with this accommodation. This is an opportunity to discuss with the student whether a course involves personal reflection, self-disclosure, or confidential discussions and what you, as the instructor, expect the student to do to protect the sensitive personal information that may be shared in the class.
- Give permission to the student to record your lecture by signing the “Policy on Student Recording Lectures.” The student completes this form agreeing not to share any course recordings (video or audio) and acknowledges they are solely for their educational use. Students are responsible for sharing this form with you for discussion, and both of you are required to sign it.
- Create agreements with the student. Below are a few suggestions of what these may look like.
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Find a communication style with the student to notify them that it is time to turn off the recording device due to sensitive, confidential conversations occurring.
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Simple announcement. For example, “At this time, please turn off any recording devices" or
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Hand signal
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Remember: Allow the student to record when you are making announcements about changes to upcoming assignments, tests, and approaching due dates.
An Alternative Solution: Video screen record lectures in advance
Another possibility is for you to record the lecture and share it with the student and the class. This will give all students equal access to review and process the information in your lectures.
What if I have concerns about a student audio recording my lectures?
Remember, this is an interactive process between you and your student to meet their needs. These recommendations are a springboard for a conversation between you to decide the best course of action.
Consider these options:
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Record live sessions and share them with the student at least 2-days after the class meeting. View how to record below.
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Provide pre-recorded lectures to the student. This could include recordings from previous semesters that meet the same learning outcomes.
This helps you and the student by:
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Ensuring sensitive class information is not part of the recorded lecture.
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A recording of the lecture gives the student an opportunity to process the material at their pace and aids in their note-taking needs.
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Additionally, it allows students to engage better during class, knowing they have a recording to go back and review, rather than struggling to simultaneously engage with the live material and take notes.
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Contact Student Disability and Accessibility Center for consultation.
How do I video-record my lectures?
Where do I go for help?