Class Recording Information: Timing & Process, AY 22-23
The Handbook of Academic Policies sets out the approved reasons for which Harvard Law School may record classes for absent students.
This page sets out the timing and process information for student class recording requests for academic year 2022-2023. Please note that this page may be updated during the academic year, with reasonable notice to students, to reflect any necessary changes to timing and process information.
Timing of Student Recording Requests
Requests for class recordings for religious holidays, make-up classes, military service, professional examinations such as taking the bar and MPRE, extraordinary educational opportunities, and clinical hearings must be submitted by 5:30 p.m. one full business day in advance of the class; for example, if you require a recording for an 8 a.m. class on Monday, your recording request must be in by 5:30 p.m. on the Thursday prior. Requests made later than 5:30 p.m. one full business day prior to the class will not be able to be accommodated. Recording requests for the birth of a child and significant personal or medical emergency must be submitted no later than three hours in advance of the class. Please do not submit retroactive recording requests to the Services Hub.
Timing of Completed Recording Posting
Most streaming media links will be processed and posted within two business days from the time of recording, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and University holidays. If your approved recording has not been posted to Canvas within three business days, you may follow up with classrecording@law.harvard.edu for assistance.
Recordings will be posted on the Canvas course website under the Course Media tab or the Assignments tab and available for student listening for two calendar weeks from the date of posting. Students are responsible for listening to recordings within the two-week availability window, as recordings cannot be reposted.
Process for Student Recording Requests and Recording Access
Student requests should be submitted through the Class Recording Request on the HLS Services Hub (HarvardKey login required). PLEASE NOTE: Prior to submitting the recording request form, please make sure that the Class Name, Class Time, Building, and Room information you have entered is correct. You can use the HLS Course Catalog to verify the information you are providing is accurate. Submission of inaccurate information may result in denial of your request or inability to process your request.
Once a recording request has been submitted, the Registrar’s Office or the Dean of Students Office will review the request to determine if the student’s individual circumstances make the student eligible to receive a recording. If a student has requested a recording, and the recording is approved by the Registrar’s Office or the Dean of Students Office, the Registrar’s Office or Dean of Students Office will notify the instructor about the request and ask for instructor permission to record.
Students are responsible for notifying their faculty about class absences. Faculty are not automatically notified about your absence when you submit a recording request.
For clinical hearings, the student’s recording request must indicate:
The type of clinical conflict, including:
The role they expect to play in the court hearing or administrative proceeding, OR
The ordinary office hours for the clinical placement and attestation of schedule from OCP or clinical director
Explanation as to why the conflict is unavoidable/means taken to reschedule or arrange coverage
Confirmation that they have alerted their clinical instructor/supervisor of the unavoidable conflict
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I notify my professors of my absence?
If your recording request has been approved, please feel free to use the template directly below to notify instructors of your absence.
Dear Professor NAME,
Due to REASON, I will be unable to attend NAME OF CLASS on DATE(S). I have been in contact with the Dean of Students Office about this absence.
Thank you,
STUDENT
Please note that Class Recordings may only be approved by submission request via the Class Recordings Request form in the Services Hub. Professors cannot approve class recordings, only absences. Not all approved absences qualify for class recordings.
What should I do if I feel sick but am not experiencing a medical emergency?
If you are not feeling well, you should reach out to a medical provider and follow their guidance. Generally, provider documentation is required to receive recordings requested due to medical emergency or illnesses where a medical provider has advised you to stay away from campus. In order to allow recording staff to evaluate your request, please attach medical documentation to the Class Recording Request Form in the HLS Services Hub, or, you may email documentation to classrecording@law.harvard.edu.
Medical questions should be directed to your primary care provider or HUHS Urgent Care (617-495-5711).
What should I do if I have tested positive for COVID-19?
As of December 22, 2022, the University has discontinued reporting requirements for positive tests as well as the use of Crimson Clear. Anyone who tests positive should manage their isolation independently by referring to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
Provided recording request(s) comply with the timing guidelines outlined above, class recordings will be released to students who have tested positive for COVID-19 (i.e., require isolation). Students who have tested positive for COVID should request class recordings on the Services Hub and indicate the start and end date of their 5-day isolation period with each request. If necessary, recordings will also be released to students who require further isolation past day 5, as determined by CDC guidelines.
I recieved an email saying my recording request was completed but I don’t see my recording on Canvas?
The Services Hub sends an automated email out to the requestor once the class requested has finished being recorded. However, there is still a process of processing and posting that takes place before the recording can be made available for listening. You will be notified via Canvas once your recording is available–make sure that you have turned on the “course content” notification for your courses so that you will receive this notification.
Can I share the class recording with others?
No. Class recordings are for your individual use only. Students may not record, stream, reproduce, publish, or further distribute outside the course any course content, including assessments, problems, answers, video clips, screenshots, and slides presented during class. Further, no person is permitted to post, distribute, or otherwise make available any recordings produced by the HLS Information Technology Services (ITS) Department, which includes all class recordings posted in Canvas.
What if my recording request was denied or could not be completed?
In this case, we encourage you to reach out to classmates for notes.
How can non-HLS students who are cross-registered or enrolled in a jointly-listed course request class recordings?
If you are cross-registered in an HLS course or are enrolled in a jointly-offered course hosted on the HLS campus, email classrecording@law.harvard.edu to request a recording. Please include the following information in your request:
– Your name
– Professor’s name
– Course Title
– Class start time
– Classroom number
– Reason for request*
*If your request is related to medical circumstances please include documentation with your email.
Please note that the timing of recording requests must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the “Timing of Student Recording Requests” section of this page.
Are HLS course auditors eligible for class recordings?
Recordings are not available to students auditing a course, only to students who are officially enrolled in HLS courses.
Request a Class Recording
HLS students may request a class recording in the HLS Services Hub.
