Requesting Note Taker Services

Only qualified students with disabilities may request note taker services through the DRC. Students should speak with the appropriate coordinator at DRC to determine eligibility for note taker services.

After determination of eligibility, students may request note taker service by completing the Service Request Form. If a note taker is already in place in any of the classes for which the student requests note taker service, the note taker coordinator will notify the student of the note taker's name, e-mail address and/or telephone number. If there is not already a note taker in place, note takers may be identified by the following methods:

• The Note Taker Coordinator may access the class roster to e-mail class members to recruit a note taker.
• The student may ask the instructor for assistance in securing a note taker by asking the instructor to make an announcement in class.
• The Note Taker Coordinator may contact the faculty to request assistance with making an announcement in class.
• The student may recruit a note taker on their own and ask the person to contact the DRC to complete appropriate paperwork.

Student Responsibilities

• Talk with appropriate coordinator to determine eligibility for note taker service.
• Request note taker service by completing Service Request Form. Submit request as early as possible since delays in submitting requests will result in delays in implementation of note taker service. Generally, note taker services will be implemented as soon as possible after the request is submitted and will not include notes from the beginning of the term.
• Present instructor letter to each instructor and ask for assistance, if needed, in identifying a note taker.
• After receiving notification from note taker coordinator that a note taker has been identified, contact the note taker to work out details of note exchange, etc.
• Contact the DRC if you determine you no longer need a note taker.

If the instructor makes the note taker announcement and no one expresses interest:

• Ask the instructor to repeat the announcement.
• Ask the instructor for approval to tape record lectures.
• Ask the instructor for his/her lecture notes.
• Approach another student in class to be the note taker (be sure the note taker contacts the DRC about training!)

Contact the note taker coordinator or the appropriate coordinator early in the semester if the above options are not effective.

After a note taker is identified:

• When the student knows in advance that he/she/they will be absent from class, notify the note taker. Excessive absences without good cause may result in discontinuation of note taker services from the DRC.
• A student with a disability must take their own notes to the best of their ability. The note taker's notes are supplemental.
• Students receiving note taker services must complete the note taker evaluation form when received from the note taker coordinator. Completion of this form is mandatory.
• Students receiving note taker services should attempt to resolve any problems associated with the note taker service directly with the note taker. Problems may include: late notes, no notes, sloppy/uninformative notes, note taker absences/tardiness, and personal conflicts. If problems cannot be resolved directly through communication with the note taker, the student must inform the note taker coordinator or the appropriate coordinator. Do not delay in communicating this information to the DRC!!
• Students should NOT ask the note taker for additional services such as tutoring. Additional services must be discussed with the appropriate coordinator.
• Important: note taker services are designed to supplement student learning. Having a note taker does not relieve the student with a disability from the responsibility of attending class, actively participating, taking notes to the best of their ability, and collecting/receiving supplemental notes in a timely manner.

Disability Resource Center Responsibilities

• Provide/coordinate note taker services for qualified students that have requested the service.
• Provide appropriate instructor letters, as requested.
• Assist in recruiting volunteer note takers.
• Assist in resolving problems.
• Terminate unsuitable note takers.
• Coordinate note taker service evaluations.
• If all methods for placing a volunteer note taker are ineffective, note taker services personnel will use all means necessary to identify a student in the same class to be placed as a supplemental note taker who will receive payment for notes.

Note Taker Responsibilities

• Read appropriate note taker Handbook and abide by all policies.
• Attend class regularly and be on time.
• Check with student about note-taking format.
• Obtain missed notes for student when lack of notes is result of note taker's absence.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all disability related information, including identity of student(s) served.