If you think your professor is grading you unfairly, it’s natural to want proof, particularly if you’re considering challenging the decision. Recording a Zoom call where you go over grades might seem like a good way to gather evidence, but before you do, it’s important to know whether that’s legal, what your school allows, and how that recording might help—or hurt—your case.
At DC Student Defense, we help students nationwide navigate complicated disciplinary matters, including disputes over academic performance. If you’re considering recording a meeting with your professor to document potential bias or unfair grading, there are a few important things to consider first, both legally and strategically.
Know the Law: Is It Legal to Record Your Zoom Call?
One-Party vs. All-Party Consent Laws
Recording a Zoom conversation without permission may be illegal, depending on what state you’re in. Federal and state wiretapping laws determine whether you can record a conversation:
- One-party consent states: Only one person in the conversation needs to consent (which could be you).
- Two-party or all-party consent states: Everyone involved must agree to be recorded.
Some states, like California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Washington, are two-party consent states. Recording your professor without their knowledge in these states may violate privacy laws, even if it’s a virtual call.
School Policies Can Also Get You in Trouble
Even if it’s legal in your state, recording a professor without their knowledge could still violate your university’s student conduct code or classroom policies. Some common school policies to watch out for include:
- Unauthorized recordings of lectures, meetings, or office hours
- Violations of privacy or trust between students and faculty
- Misuse of recordings in complaints or public sharing
At DC Student Defense, we often see schools take disciplinary action based on policy violations, not just legal infractions, so even if it’s technically legal, it may not be the best first step.
Alternative Ways to Document Unfair Grading
Instead of immediately reaching for the record button, try these strategies to protect yourself and build a case if necessary:
1. Request Written Communication
Ask your professor to follow up via email or confirm feedback in writing. Written records are easier to share and don’t require consent to create.
2. Take Notes During the Zoom Call
Even if you’re not recording, detailed, dated notes can be used to document inconsistencies or inappropriate comments.
3. Save Assignment Feedback and Rubrics
Keep track of every assignment, grade, and comment. Compare your feedback with the grading rubric or with how classmates were graded.
4. Bring in a Third Party
Many universities allow you to bring an advisor, academic advocate, or neutral third party to meetings with professors. This not only gives you support but also ensures the meeting is witnessed.
Why a Student Defense Attorney Can Make a Difference
In some cases, disputes over unfair grading escalate into student conduct violations, retaliation, or even suspension or dismissal. If that happens, your academic future, and in the case of international students, your immigration status, can be at risk.
Having a student defense attorney can help you:
- Understand your school’s policies and how to navigate them
- Avoid unintentionally violating school rules when trying to protect yourself
- Respond to retaliatory actions or unfair disciplinary charges
- Prepare a formal grievance or appeal with strong documentation
Can a Recording Strengthen My Case?
If you live in a one-party consent state and your school doesn’t prohibit it, a recording could help document:
- A professor refusing to explain or justify grading
- Inconsistent feedback or unclear expectations
- Discriminatory language or personal bias
However, a recording that violates the law or policy can undermine your credibility or get you into trouble, even if your grades were unfair to begin with.
What If I’ve Already Made a Recording?
If you’ve already recorded a Zoom call and are unsure what to do next:
- Don’t share it publicly or with others unless you know it’s allowed.
- Contact a student defense lawyer to assess the legal and disciplinary risks.
- Review your university’s policies on electronic recordings, privacy, and academic grievances.
If you believe your professor is grading you unfairly, there are steps you can take to protect yourself without creating more risk. While recording might feel like the easiest way to gather evidence, it’s not always the safest move, especially if you haven’t reviewed your school’s policies or state law.
Talk to a DC Student Defense Lawyer Today
At DC Student Defense, we help students across the country handle disciplinary issues, academic disputes, and school investigations, whether you’re facing unfair grading, a student conduct hearing, or academic probation.
If you’re thinking about recording a meeting or already have, schedule a confidential consultation with our team. We’ll help you understand your rights and the best path forward. Call us at 855-965-3253 or contact us online here.
