Recording Policy and Accommodations
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. 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.
Professors who opt to record their classes may choose to either:
- make Panopto recordings generally available to all students by posting them automatically to their course’s Canvas site, or
- make Panopto recordings available on a limited or case by case basis when a student’s absence is approved by the professor.
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 instructor’s permission to access a recording. The student should first contact their instructor directly about their recording preferences, including whether they have chosen to have their course recorded or not. This form may not be used if an instructor allows access to recordings by default, or if an instructor has chosen not to record classes.
Accommodated Students with Disabilities
Students approved by Disability Services for access to recording or transcription (a narrative of class) as an accommodation must alert Disability Services when a professor does not opt in to recording classes or releasing recordings. The student signs a confidentiality agreement stating if given access, they will not download or share recordings or transcripts with anyone. The student acknowledges that Disability Services will email the instructor to inquire if access to course recordings or transcription would fundamentally alter course pedagogy.
Audio Transcription
Audio transcription is an additional tool for providing qualified students with access to a narrative of class. Audio transcription empowers students to have control of their note taking by recording audio in real time through a computer and/or mobile device. Any student approved for this accommodation may email disabilityservices@georgetown.edu to request that a member of our team contact an instructor:
- to discuss preferential seating if a seat change would help the student to get the most from audio transcription, or
- to ask them to wear a microphone during class (without sharing any of the student’s identifying information).
Students approved for access to a narrative of class may request an Otter Business account. Audio transcription can be used in a variety of ways to support a student’s access needs, while abiding by the Law Center’s recording policy. For example:
- to transcribe recordings to generate a transcript
- during study groups with peers with permission from other students
- to take personal notes while reading
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 consultation with the professor, it is determined that creation of or access to recording or transcription would constitute a fundamental alteration of the course pedagogy, the accommodation would not be deemed reasonable and Disability Services would propose an alternative solution. An alternative may involve collaboration with the professor to request that rotating student volunteers share their notes via Canvas or Box.