NJIT Policy for Recording Classes

NJIT Policy for Recording Classes

I. Policy: This policy provides guidance on the recording of class sessions. As such, it applies to all modes of instruction. This policy does not apply to multimedia learning objects or online proctoring.

II. Definitions: Class recording - Class recordings are being defined as recordings of class sessions where students are present either physically or online. Recordings can refer to video, audio, or screen recordings.

Multimedia learning objects - Multimedia learning objects are defined as video, audio, or screen recordings that instructors create outside of class.
Personally identifiable information - FERPA defines “personally identifiable information” as identifiable information that is maintained in education records and includes both direct identifiers (such as a student’s name or ID number) and indirect identifiers (any information which can be used to trace a student’s identity, such as date of birth).

III. Purpose: This policy will provide guidance to instructors and students on when class recordings can be created, how recordings can be used, and how to increase awareness of this policy.

IV. Recording Class Sessions: At NJIT, it is the instructor’s decision whether they will record a class session. Instructors may elect to record all classes, a single lecture, or a portion of a lecture. Class recordings can be a valuable resource that students can use to:

Review and improve their understanding of the course material.
Watch recordings of classes that they were unable to attend. This can be particularly useful for students who missed a class due to technical difficulties or illness.

V. Guidelines: If an instructor plans to record a lecture:

Advanced Written Notification: Instructors must let students know in writing that class session(s) may be recorded. This can be a one time notification for the semester. It is recommended that they add language to the course syllabus indicating such. Alternatively, if language was not included in the syllabus, instructors may send an email or make an announcement in the Learning Management System (LMS).
Verbal Notification: Instructors should tell students when a class session is being recorded.

VI. Recommendations: Student Discussion - If a class session includes student discussions, instructors may choose not to record that portion of the class. Students may find the recording of discussions to be intimidating and may be less inclined to participate.

Instructor Alternatives: Instructors should consider making multimedia learning objects if they want to reuse lectures across semesters.
Student Alternatives: Students should be told they can keep their webcams off, and to participate via chat, if they would prefer to not be recorded for distribution.

VII. Privacy Concerns: Many times class recordings include identifiable information about the students registered for the course. This can include names, images, videos, voice, as well as text chat/questions. This information is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Therefore, if a class recording has any identifiable information, it should only be used for that specific semester/course. The only exceptions would be if the instructor collects signed release forms from all of their students or they make sure there is no student identifiable information included in the recording. See Appendix A for more information.

VIII. Hosting Recordings: It is recommended that class recordings be stored on NJIT video conferencing platform, media repository, or LMS, as opposed to an outside service (e.g., YouTube, Discord, etc.). Using NJIT tools will ensure that the terms of service and privacy policies do not violate the students’ privacy or the instructors’ intellectual property rights.    

IX. Student Recordings: Unauthorized student recordings of class sessions are prohibited. If a student needs to record a class because of accommodation, they need to reach out to the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS). 

X. Sample Language: The following language can be added to course syllabi to let students know that classes may be recorded and that an unauthorized recording of class is prohibited and subject to sanctions as outlined by the NJIT Code of Student Conduct. Adding this language will raise student awareness of this policy.

Class Recordings: Class sessions may be recorded by the instructor. These recordings shall only be used as an educational resource and are not to be distributed or used outside of this class. Information on how to access recorded lectures will be made available by your instructor. Any recordings that contain identifiable information about students will not be used beyond this semester.

Class Recording Etiquette: Students are expected to respect their fellow students’ privacy and freedom to learn without disruption. Students are not allowed to capture or reproduce anyone’s name, image, or voice without permission. They must be polite and respectful in the online chat. Informal chat is okay, but typing is restricted to things that one would say out loud in front of the entire class. Students must always conduct themselves on their webcam video as they would in person in a classroom.

XI. NJIT Use: NJIT will not use an instructor’s recording of a live class without their written approval.       

Questions about this policy, or securing content, should be directed to the Office of Digital Learning.

For guidelines on classroom recordings and sample release, please see the Provost's website.