AA/08/AS/25/ATLC - Web Camera Policy for Online Instruction

Effective April 21, 2025

WHEREAS: The Academic Senate has adopted multiple policies to regulate camera usage during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing specific criteria for camera-on requirements in online courses to address evolving instructional and student needs. These policies sought to balance student privacy, socioeconomic disparities impacting technological access, and faculty instructional academic freedom, aligning with the CSU Chancellor’s Office directive to ensure that such factors did not adversely affect students’ academic performance during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS: Research indicates that academic engagement is dynamic, situational, and varies significantly across disciplines, underscoring the need for flexible instructional approaches tailored to these differences¹ ; let it be

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate suspends the implementation of 16/AS/22/ATLC Web Conferencing Camera Policy, and it be further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate adopts the following camera-on requirements for all online courses, as defined by the OTM policy:

• During regular, non-emergency, semesters, instructors may require students to have web cameras and be on during online course activities (e.g., lectures, quizzes, exams, presentations, performances, etc.).

• The campus enrollment services shall, by default, include a note in the class schedule for all online courses, stating: “This course may require students to use a web-camera during course activities,” ensuring students are informed of potential requirements prior to registration.

• Departments and programs offering online-only courses in regular, non-emergency, semesters with mandatory camera-on requirement shall strive to provide alternative arrangements to address student privacy (e.g., preferring not to have their
or reliable internet) if expressed by a student. Any accommodations or alternate arrangements shall not affect the student’s course outcome, including their grade.

During emergency situations that prevent in-person instruction on campus, as determined by the president or their designee, the following camera-on requirement shall apply.

• In designated emergency semesters, instructors are expected to make reasonable accommodations for students who request to keep their web cameras turned off due to privacy concerns (e.g., preferring not to appear on camera or share their screen) or equity issues (e.g., lacking access to a web camera or reliable internet). However, students must demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to address these concerns (e.g., willingness to use an agreed-upon alternative engagement media or utilize university-provided resources).

• This accommodation shall not affect the student’s course outcome, including their grade; and be it further

RESOLVED: That this policy take effect beginning with the Fall 2025 semester; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Technology and Learning Committee review this policy two years after implementation, during the 2028-2029 academic year, and propose amendments as necessary.

¹Kahu, E. R. (2011). Framing student engagement in higher education. Studies.in.Higher.Education, 9❹(5), 758-773. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2011.598505

References:
Kahu, E. R. (2011). Framing student engagement in higher education. Studies.in.Higher. Education, 9❹(5), 758-773. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2011.598505

Related Policies and Procedures: AA/16/AS/22/ATLC Web Conferencing Camera Policy

Review Period: 2028-2029 Academic Year

Review History: Approved by the Academic Senate on March 11, 2025
Approved by President Britt Rios-Ellis on April 21, 2025

Academic Technology and Learning Committee Division has the primary responsibility for this policy.

Attachment(s): AA/08/AS/25/ATLC Web Camera Policy for Online Instruction

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