Camera Use Guidance for Online and Hybrid Courses

Faculty may require students to turn on their cameras in online and hybrid courses during class periods or for remote testing purposes. 

Requiring students to use cameras may be important pedagogically to increase engagement, social connection, accountability, and collaboration.  Moreover, in some testing situations, cameras are essential to ensuring the integrity of the testing environment. 

CUNY is committed to using digital technology in ways that are sensitive to issues of student privacy.  To ensure that students are aware that camera use may be required, a notice will be provided in CUNYfirst for all online and hybrid classes.  Faculty who intend to require camera use should also clearly state this on course syllabi and cover the requirement with students on the first day of class. 

There may be occasions when an otherwise in-person class is scheduled to be delivered remotely on a limited basis because of a temporary University or College pivot to remote instruction or because of faculty need. In these circumstances, faculty may encourage but not require students to turn on their cameras for purposes other than testing unless required camera use is clearly stated on the course syllabus and covered with the students on the first day of class.

Per CUNY’s verification of enrollment policy,  students can meet the course engagement threshold for purposes of Title IV financial aid by participating in an online discussion about an academic matter, engaging in an online academically-related activity, or initiating contact with the instructor to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course or course-related question.  None of these criteria requires the use of a live camera.

Issued by

Wendy F. Hensel
Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost
June 20, 2024