1. Videos Shall Be on During Live Sessions, Except for Pedagogical or Technical Reasons:
In this semester, we will use Zoom during regular class sessions to deliver lectures and/or conduct recitations. You are required to turn your camera on
during every online class session unless there is a pedagogical or technical reason to have it turned off. If you have justifiable technical or personal
circumstances that prevent you from having your video on during live class sessions, you will need to submit a “Waiver Form” to the Video Policy Committee at
https://it.qatar.cmu.edu/forms/student-video-waiver-form/. In this waiver, you will have
to explain thoroughly the reasons for which you are requesting a video exemption. The waiver, once approved by the Committee, will grant you an exemption
from having your camera on during the regular class time. Please note that this waiver does not apply for examinations (in-term or final exams, or
presentations that require the use of video)—more on this below. After the waiver deadline submission time, if you are not granted an exemption and if you
keep your video off during classes, you will lose points for in-class attendance and participation. Please keep in mind that upon approval of the Waiver Form,
the professor might need to call on you periodically with questions or comments using the microphone or the chat option to ensure your presence and involvement
in class.
Having your video on and participating during live Zoom sessions will support your learning in various ways. It may reduce the feeling of isolation and keep
you connected with your colleagues and the professor. It is also important to note that everyone’s “remote classroom” and “learning” experience is greatly improved
if every student is “visible”. The professor will work tirelessly to engage with you and provide a rich, interactive, and high-quality remote teaching experience.
Likewise, he expects a similar commitment on your side.
You are also encouraged to follow the same classroom etiquette as you would during normal in-person class sessions when connecting to virtual classes – such as:
dressing up appropriately, participating when required (whether by using your audio or the chat feature on Zoom), staying engaged, and avoiding any parallel work
irrelevant to the session that may be distracting and affecting others learning experience to (including emails, browsing the internet, usage of the Zoom private
chat with friends). Paying attention during online sessions and contributing to discussions and questions may influence your in-class participation grades.
In order to feel more comfortable in the Zoom environment and to address privacy concerns, adding a virtual background may be an alternative option to shield
away from your surroundings. Establishing a neutral “workspace” in your environment that is away from distractions also helps with your learning process.
2. Video During Quizzes and Exams:
You are required to turn your camera on during all online assessments, including quizzes, exams and the final. Your work surface, including your hands, must be
visible by video at all times during examinations. No alternative arrangements will be provided to you for this request. It is important to note that if you have
a physical disability that presents a barrier to abiding by these guidelines, adjustments to this policy may be made, but must first be discussed with and
approved by Catherine Getchell (getchell@cmu.edu) from the Office of Disability Resources, in consultation with the professor.
3. Unauthorized Recordings:
It is extremely important to note that students are not permitted to make any personal audio or video recordings or take photos/ screenshots of classes or
presentations. Any recording of live Zoom sessions, audio, and photos/ screenshots by students, and/or posting or sharing by any means (including emails,
social media platforms, phones, etc.) will be a violation of university policy and could result in serious consequences, including suspension or expulsion upon
review through the community standards process.
4. Sharing of Screens:
You may be invited to share your Screen during class. Please note that when you share your screen through zoom, your video does not turn on, and your face does
not appear: what will be shared is the appropriate file or your entire desktop at any point in time. Please be mindful that any items on your desktop or computer
screen (e.g. files, icons, open applications) that you do not want others to see should be removed or closed prior to sharing your screen.
5. Remote Attendance:
The professor may use the time you log/Zoom into a class with your Andrew ID as proof of attendance. Joining after a live session’s scheduled start time will be
considered as an absence. The professor may request additional proof of participation: polls, participation in chat, and requests that the students unmute their
microphones and use the audio at any point in time of the Zoom lecture. The professor will consider your failure to respond as sufficient to mark you absent
or late.