Audio recording lectures
The Office for Disability Equity (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
- The University procedure for audio recording lectures (PDF) (by the University Legal Counsel)
- Classroom Recording/CART Agreement online form in UM Solution Center
- Classroom Recording Agreement Form (Word)
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. The instructor will notify the class that recording is take place during the semester. Montana law requires notice, not consent - no one else needs to agree to being recorded.
- Privacy protection. The instructor and ODE will make reasonable efforts to protect the identify of the student who is recording.
- 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
- Inform your instructor promptly that you are requesting an accommodation to record class sessions.
- Complete the Classroom Recording Agreement before you record the class.
For faculty
- You may require students to complete the classroom recording agreement to protect the proprietary nature of your course lectures.
- Notify the class that recording is taking place during the semester. Montana law requires notice, not not consent - no one else needs to agree to being recorded.
- Protect the student's privacy with reasonable steps to keep their identify confidential.
Montana's statute permits recording once all parties have received clear prior notice - your notification to the class satisfies this.
Suggested syllabus language
Some students may be approved to record class sessions as a reasonable accommodation. If this occurs, you will be notified that recording is taking place. Montana law requires notice, not consent. Recordings are for the approved student's personal use only and may not be shared.
Starting the process
The Classroom Recording/CART Agreement form is available in the UM Solutions Center and can be initiated by faculty or students.
- Students may use a 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).
Concerns and questions
- 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.
- For additional questions, ask ODE (UM Solutions Center).