Classroom Recording Policy

Per the Classroom and Event Recording Policy, classes are not recorded by default. Faculty may choose to record some or all of their classes and make these recordings available to students. Faculty who opt to record their classes may choose to either:

1. make recordings generally available to all students by posting them automatically to their course’s Canvas site, or
2. make recordings available to students with approved accommodations or other specific needs on a case by case basis.

Panopto, Georgetown’s cloud-based lecture capture and media playback service, is used to capture audio, video and computer desktop displays, which may then be published online and viewed on a web browser or mobile device. Questions about Panopto should be directed to the Law Center Technology Service Desk at lawhelp@georgetown.edu.

Student Lecture Recording Request Form

The Student Lecture Recording Request Form is for classes where faculty record classes, but do not allow full access to lectures. This form is completed by a student to request the professor’s permission to access a recording. The student should first contact their professor directly about their recording preferences, including whether they have chosen to have their course recorded or not. This form may not be used if a professor allows access to recordings by default, or if an professor has chosen not to record classes.

Accommodated Students with Disabilities

Any student with a disability who is requesting an accommodation that may involve the production of a written or other form of a narrative of class is encouraged to email accessibilityservices@georgetown.edu. Each student approved for access to recording or transcription will need to alert Accessibility Services when a professor does not opt in to recording classes or releasing recordings. The student acknowledges that Accessibility Services will email the professor to inquire if access to recording or transcription would fundamentally alter course pedagogy.

Any student who is approved for access to a narrative as a reasonable accommodation and therefore granted access to recordings or transcription must sign a confidentiality agreement stating they will not copy, download, or share recordings or transcription with anyone without express written permission of the faculty member and any student included in the recording. Dishonestly sharing information may be deemed a violation of the Student Disciplinary Code. The student acknowledges that the making or dissemination of such recordings or transcription can violate federal, state, or other laws that restrict the involuntary recording of conversations.

Audio Recording/Transcription

Audio recording/transcription is a second option for providing qualified students with a narrative for review after class when access in the moment is not possible. Otter.ai helps empower students to have control of their note taking by recording audio in real time through a computer and/or mobile device. Any student approved to use Otter.ai may email accessibilityservices@georgetown.edu to request that a member of our team contact a professor:

1. to discuss preferential seating if a seat change would help the student to get the most from audio transcription, or
2. to ask them to wear a microphone during class (without sharing any of the student’s identifying information).

Per the Law Center’s Recording Policy, students are not permitted to download or share recordings or transcripts. In addition, students may not use transcription software without express authorization by the Law Center. Unauthorized recording constitutes a violation of the Student Disciplinary Code.

Fundamental Alteration

In the rare circumstance where, after OAS consults with the faculty member and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, it is determined that creation of or access to a recording or transcription would constitute a fundamental alteration of the course pedagogy, access to recording would not be deemed reasonable and OAS would propose an alternative solution. Note-taking may be reasonable as a substitute when a recording cannot be made available.