Video Conferencing/ZOOM Policies and Best Practices

Approved by APC on 05.08.2024

The use of video conferencing platforms—especially Zoom—for educational purposes like classes and faculty-student meetings has become a standard part of the learning environment in higher education. At Marymount Manhattan College, we emphasize a high impact, in-person educational experience in many areas and disciplines. At the same time, we also recognize the benefits of the online, virtual format, utilizing platforms like Zoom, for many of our students.

Zoom has a number of accepted educational uses at the College:

Emergency situations (when the campus or classroom is inaccessible)
Avoiding cancellation of a class-session when the faculty member is unable to attend in person
As a supplement to an in-person class environment
As a required feature of a hybrid course
Class contact for a synchronous, on-line course
Faculty-student meetings
Individual faculty members are empowered to set their own standards, policies, and expectations for the virtual/Zoom environment. However, as a College, MMC supports the following best practices:
When participating in a virtual/Zoom session, students should establish a safe, secure, distraction-free environment.
Participants should not engage in other, unrelated activities while class is in session. Note: any member of the virtual/Zoom session who is also involved in an unsafe activity (like driving a motor vehicle or using public transportation) is prohibited.
Students should ensure that they have a functional computer, camera, and microphone and reliable, stable access to the internet.
Students should keep their cameras ON while class is in session. Students who are consistently unable to keep the camera on should address their decision with the instructor.
Faculty will make their own determinations about the relationship between attendance policy and virtual/Zoom participation. Platforms like Zoom document participation and duration of engagement with sessions, which may provide a basis for attendance and/or participation grading.
Participants should present themselves appropriately on camera and remain conscious of their physical or virtual background, avoiding any images and/or messages that may be offensive or derogatory.
Participants should mute their microphone when they are not addressing the class.
Participants should specify their preferred name and pronouns.
Students or faculty may not record or use Zoom related AI applications to monitor or record Zoom sessions without disclosure to and consent of all members of the Zoom session.

Adherence to these guidelines will ensure that the on-line classroom environment is an effective and productive learning space.