O. Policy on Recording in Classes and Instructional Settings

Approved February 5, 2026

I. Purpose

This Policy prohibits unauthorized recording in Classes and Instructional Settings, and sets forth the circumstances under which recording may be authorized.  It aims to support the responsible use of recording technology for educational purposes, protect the rights and interests of all community members, provide equal opportunity among students to access the University’s educational programs, and preserve Georgetown’s Classes and Instructional Settings as places for free and open inquiry, deliberation, and debate. 

II. Scope

This Policy applies to all Georgetown University students, faculty, staff, and visitors to any Georgetown Class or Instructional Setting.

III. Policy

In general, Recording is not authorized in Classes and Instructional Settings.

1. Limited Exceptions to Ban on Recording: Recording Classes and Instructional settings is not authorized except in the following circumstances:
   1. University-Approved Recording: As a function of faculty oversight of pedagogy and curriculum, the faculty may design programs to include class Recordings.  The University, individual schools, departments, programs, and units may authorize Recording of Classes and Instructional settings under their authority, in furtherance of the academic needs of the University, and consistent with applicable faculty approval procedures.
   2. Instructor-Approved Recording: Individual instructors may authorize the Recording of Classes and Instructional settings under their authority, subject to the policies of their unit.
   3. Disability-Related Recording: In compliance with federal and District of Columbia law, a Disability Services Office may authorize Recording of Classes and Instructional Settings as a Reasonable Accommodation for an individual with a disability, pursuant to the applicable Disability Services Office’s policies and procedures. Disability-related Recordings are for the individual’s educational use and may only be used for purposes authorized by this policy. Faculty who have concerns or questions about how a Recording accommodation might affect their pedagogy should discuss this with the relevant Disability Services Office.
2. Notification: When Recording is authorized in a Class or Instructional Setting, reasonable steps should be taken to provide notice to those who may be recorded.  Reasonable notice may be provided orally or in a handbook, syllabus, or similar resource.  If a Recording is made in response to a disability-related Reasonable Accommodation, notification should be made in a way that protects the privacy of the individual with the accommodation.
3. Limited Purpose and Consent:  An authorized Recording may only be used for its authorized purpose, and may not be further shared or made available for other purposes, except as required by the university to meet its legal obligations or when consent is given by all individuals who can be seen or heard in the Recording.
4. Unauthorized Recording Prohibited: Unauthorized Recording of University Classes and Instructional Settings, including secret or hidden Recordings, is prohibited.
5. Violations: Violations of this Policy may be referred to the appropriate office for review and sanctioning, under the applicable disciplinary policies and procedures.

IV. Definitions

1. Classes and Instructional Settings: Locations and circumstances that would reasonably be considered directly related to instruction in an academic program or activity.  This includes, but is not limited to: lectures, classes, seminars, labs, residencies, office hours, and other times and locations where classes or instruction are taking place.  It does not include events or contexts open to the general public or general university audiences.
2. Disability Services Office:  Any office duly authorized by the University to review and approve disability-related Reasonable Accommodations for Georgetown community members.
3. Reasonable Accommodation: A reasonable modification or adjustment to policies, practices, or procedures, or provision of auxiliary aids or services, necessary to provide a student with a disability with equal opportunity to participate in the University’s academic programs and activities. 
4. Recording: The use of any device to record, film, or otherwise capture audio or video content in any format or medium.