Mar 28, 2024  
Policy Handbook 
    
Policy Handbook
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AA/16/AS/22/ATLC - Web Conferencing Camera Policy

Effective Spring 2023


WHEREAS: That the Academic Senate [AS] recognizes that many classes are held in online modalities; and


WHEREAS: The AS recognizes and respects the core principle of Academic Freedom with respect to conduct of our instructional work and seeks to balance faculty rights to academic freedom with student rights to a reasonable and supportive learning environment; Therefore be it


RESOLVED: The AS adopts the attached Web Conferencing Camera Policy for implementation effective Spring semester 2023; and be it further


RESOLVED: The Academic Technology and Learning Committee review this policy two years after implementation [2025-2026 Academic Year] and propose amendment as deemed wise.

16/AS/22/ATLC Web Conferencing Camera Policy

Instructors may not require students to have on their web-cameras during a virtual class unless the following three criteria are met:

  1. The requirement is indicated in the class schedule notes so that students are aware of the requirement before they register for the course. Enrollment services would add a note such as: This course may require students to have a web-camera and enable it during class.
    AND
  2. The instructor lists the requirements in the course syllabus explaining the specific requirement (e.g., camera on, microphone off) at a specific class meeting (e.g., the date and time).
    AND
  3. The instructor has a specific requirement for a specific function - e.g., during a test; for a performance; etc. The specific function must be clearly explained to the students in the syllabus.

    Faculty may not require students to have web cameras on just as a matter of course - e.g., general participation.

    Academic programs should offer course sections, such as a fully in-person section, that do not require students to enable their web cameras, so that students have an alternative to turning on their web cameras.

    OIT will provide laptops, web cameras, hotspots, and/or other low-cost internet options to support students taking online classes. The university should provide space on campus, e.g., study rooms, for students to participate in online classes from campus. The university should provide a proctored Turlock and Stockton testing center.

    Students should speak to their instructor, the department chair, or the college Dean if they have concerns about a particular virtual class requirement. The occurrence of a technical failure shall not have any bearing on a student’s participation, exam, quiz, presentation, group work, projects, etc. scores, nor on their final grade.

    If needed, students should work with Disability Resource Services (DRS) to ensure that appropriate academic accommodations are implemented by the instructor.

    If a course switches modalities during the middle of a term and the students were not notified in the course schedule note and syllabus, the instructor may not require students to turn on their webcameras during a virtual class. This includes shifts in modalities during campus emergencies.


Related Policies and Procedures: This policy replaces AA/07/AS/21/ATLC Web Conferencing Camera Policy  . 

Review History: Approved by the Academic Senate on April 26, 2022.

Approved by President Ellen Junn on May 20, 2022.

Academic Affairs  Division has the primary responsibility for this policy.

Attachment(s): 16-AS-22 ATLC Web Conferencing Camera Policy  


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