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ODE

Audio recording lectures

ODE approves the audio recording of lectures as a reasonable accommodation. Students approved for this accommodation may record class sessions using a smartphone, a tablet, a digital recorder, note taking software such as Genio, or another electronic device. 

Approved students must inform faculty in advance that they intend to record the class. Faculty may require that the student complete a recording agreement before recording begins. 

Related resources

Recording agreement terms

Students approved to record class sessions as a reasonable accommodation must agree to the following:

  • Academic use only. Recordings are solely for the student's own academic benefit, as recommended by ODE.
  • Instructor notification. Before recording any lecture, discussion, or class activity, the student provides the instructor with an accommodation letter showing that recording is an approved accommodation.
  • Class notification and privacy. The instructor will inform the class that recording will take place and will make reasonable efforts to protect the privacy of the student approved to record. 
  • No sharing with other students. The student will not share recordings with any other student - whether or not the student is enrolled in the class - without the instructor’s permission.
  • No external distribution. The student will not share recordings with any other person, platform, or medium without the instructor’s permission.
  • Intellectual property and legal compliance. Recordings are the intellectual property of the instructor. Unauthorized sharing violates the UM Student Code of Conduct, University Policy, and applicable copyright laws.
  • End-of-term deletion. At the instructor’s request, the student will delete or destroy all recordings at the end of the term.

For students

For faculty

  • You may require students to complete the classroom recording agreement to protect the proprietary nature of your course lectures.
  • Before any audio or video recording begins, inform the class that recording will take place, and take reasonable steps to protect the privacy of the student receiving the accommodation.
  • We encourage you to make a brief verbal announcement in class and to post a recording notice in Canvas.

Sample recording announcement

This class may be recorded to provide a disability accommodation. Recordings are intended solely for educational use and may not be shared, reproduced, or used for any purpose unrelated to the course without my express permission. Students who improperly distribute course materials or class recordings may be subject to disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct.

If you have concerns

  • If you believe that allowing a recording would fundamentally alter the classroom experience or if other significant concerns arise, contact the student’s access consultant to explore alternative ways to meet the accommodation.
  • Students may use a recording tool such as Genio. If you have questions about intellectual property rights, data security, and privacy protection, see Genio data security and privacy information (PDF).