Learning & Teaching

New guidance on using microphones in teaching spaces is now available at glasgow.ac.uk/microphones. 

We kindly ask that colleagues remember to use a microphone whenever you are teaching, even if you are confident that your voice carries without one - speaking loudly and clearly does not achieve the same outcome as a microphone. 

Hearing loop systems only function when a microphone is in use, and those systems are part of how the University meets its anticipatory duty to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. Using the microphone means that no student has to disclose a hearing impairment, or ask you to repeat yourself, in order to follow the session. 

Additionally, where a session is recorded or livestreamed, sound will only be recorded if a microphone is used and determines the quality of the audio and the accuracy of the automatic captions and transcript. Captions are relied upon by students who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing, students studying in a second language, and the many students who use recordings to review material.  

The guidance on microphone use applies to everyone who contributes, including guest speakers, students giving presentations, and members of the audience asking questions. Where a room has a single microphone, it should be passed to whoever is speaking. Some larger spaces also hold Catchbox microphones, which are soft, throwable microphones designed for safe use during audience participation. 

Almost all teaching spaces have at least one microphone available, and the guidance covers switching one on, wearing a lapel pack, and what to do when something goes wrong, including how to get help during a session and how to report a fault afterwards.

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First published: 22 October 2026