Student Use of Wearable Devices

Wearables are hands-free electronic devices that can be worn on the body and are capable of recording, transmitting or receiving data. This is a broad term and covers devices such as:

  • Smart eyewear such as Meta Glasses
  • Smart watches, rings or other jewellery
  • Mini voice recorders, cameras, or AI assistants that clip on to clothing
  • Medical or assistive devices such as hearing aids or heart monitors.

There are legitimate reasons for wearable devices to be used at University, most notably when employed for medical or assistive reasons. Modern devices are increasingly multi-purpose. For example, while Meta Glasses are often thought of in the context of streaming and social media, they may also provide valuable assistance to people with vision impairment.

The broad range of functions available in wearable devices also comes with serious risks. Any device that can make recordings, especially without the knowledge of those being recorded, poses an immediate risk to privacy and safety. Wearables may also be used to cheat in assessments, with an increasing number of covert devices, such as cameras disguised as buttons and hidden earpieces, being sold for this purpose.

University Policy

The University has policies in place designed to protect the privacy of staff and students and to the integrity of awards which affect the use of wearable devices on campus.

  • The Student Code of Conduct (MPF1324) sets rules on students taking photographs, videos, or audio recordings of meetings, lectures, tutorials, rehearsals, performances, or practical classes. It requires that the staff member supervising the activity give permission, as well as any identifiable individuals
  • The Student Academic Integrity Policy (MPF1310) prohibits the use of wearables to gain an unfair advantage in assessment, such as by employing them to communicate with a third party during an examination. It also manages instances where the presence of a wearable device contravenes assessment rules, which may be considered misconduct regardless of whether or how it was used.

Breaching either of these policies can have extremely serious consequences, including suspension or expulsion from the University.

Wearables may be used as part of an academic adjustment plan (AAP) or alternative exam arrangement (AEA). For more information, visit the Student Equity and Disability Services student webpage or the staff webpage (staff login required).

Advice for Students

To ensure that wearables are being used in line with University policy, students are expected to:

  • Seek permission in writing from staff and any identifiable individuals prior to recording any University activity, noting the information available regarding lecture and privacy in Zoom
  • Be aware of all examination and assessment rules and the University’s expectations regarding student academic integrity
  • Seek advice from Student Equity and Disability Services if support is needed for a disability or health condition
  • Advise the relevant subject coordinators or staff member if a wearable device is part of their approved AAP or AEA.

Students may also report misuse of wearable devices by emailing student-conduct@unimelb.edu.au, or by contacting academic-integrity@unimelb.edu.au if the incident concerns an assessment. If the incident occurs in an invigilated assessment, such as an exam, students should alert a supervising staff member.

Advice for Staff

Staff are encouraged to remind students that they cannot record University activities without permission, while also acknowledging that some students may have wearable devices for legitimate medical or assistive purposes.

If a staff member believes a student is recording a University activity without permission, they may:

  • Request the student stop recording. Note this should be done via a one-on-one conversation rather than in front of group or class in case the device is being used for medical or assistive reasons.
  • Report incidents where recordings may have been made without permission to the Student Conduct and Complaints team via student-conduct@unimelb.edu.au.

Students suspected of misusing wearables in assessment, including incidents identified and reported to faculties by the central examination unit, should be reported via the student academic integrity reporting webform (staff only).