Audio Recording
Audio Recording
Audio recording is deemed a necessary accommodation when the student has disability-related barriers that impact their ability to take notes or attend to lecture material during a synchronous or in-person course or lecture.
Students are responsible for their own audio recordings and need to connect with their instructor(s) to discuss permissions and parameters in advance of any recording (preferably at the start of the semester).
- the details of the class (course code, section);
- request for permission to record, reminding your instructor you have an accommodation for audio recording;
- confirmation you have signed an audio recording agreement with AAS, acknowledging that the recording is for your own exclusive academic use and will be deleted after the course ends.
Feel free to use the template below!
Dear Professor [NAME]
My name is [YOUR NAME]. I am a student in your [COURSE NAME, CODE, & SECTION] class.
I am registered with AAS and sent you my accommodation plan, which includes audio-recording of lectures. I require this accommodation for disability-related reasons in order to fully participate in the class, and am writing to request to use this accommodation in your course.
I have signed an agreement with AAS acknowledging that the recording is for my own exclusive academic use and will be deleted after the course ends.
I have cc'd my Student Accommodation Facilitator, if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[STUDENT NUMBER]
- Prior to approaching instructors about this accommodation, students are expected to complete the (google form) AAS Student Recording Agreement form (external link) , which is stored on the student’s file within AAS.
- Please note that the fair dealing exception in the Copyright Act (external link) permits students to use other people’s copyright material for the purpose of private study and educational purposes, provided that what they do with the work is “fair”.
Recordings may not be possible in some situations, such as:
- Labs or interactive seminars;
- Classroom discussions in which students are sharing information about their own personal or confidential experiences, particularly related to sensitive topics;
- Guest lecturers.
Instructor Considerations
Students with this accommodation are beholden to the same policies and procedures regarding academic and non-Academic conduct (Policy 60 & 61) as all other students on campus. For more information about TMU processes related to copyright and sharing course materials, see University Copyright: My Teaching Materials Have Been Posted Online FAQ.
The university has a legal duty to accommodate students with disabilities under the Ontario Human Rights Code. There are ways to address certain concerns with this accommodation:
- Instructors can record their own lectures and post them on D2L, disabling the download function so students can only access the recording while the course shell is active.
- If recording yourself, you can also stop and start the recording at certain times, such as during more sensitive peer discussions
- Instructors can indicate that audio recording in the course is permitted for all students, but that they will request the recorders be turned off at certain times
- Students who would like to learn helpful tools and strategies for using their audio recording accommodation in the classroom can speak with a Learning and Assistive Technology Strategist for assistance. Book a learning strategy/assistive technology (LS/AT) appointment here.
- Students who need support or instructors who require consultation or assistance regarding audio-recording can contact the Student Accommodation Facilitator (contact details available on the accommodation plan).