Note-Taking Accommodations

Student Disability Services may approve supplemental note-taking assistance for students whose disabilities affect their ability to take complete and effective notes during class. Depending on the course and the student's needs, supplemental notes may be provided through instructor materials, a volunteer student notetaker or another approved method.

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Students Receiving Note-Taking Accommodations

Supplemental note-taking assistance is intended to support your own participation in class. It does not replace attendance, attention or your own attempt to take notes.

To receive supplemental notes, students are expected to:

• Attend class.
• Remain attentive and participate as appropriate.
• Attempt to take their own notes.
• Follow the arrangement established with the instructor for receiving supplemental notes.

If you are absent, sleep during class or miss more than half of the class because of tardiness, you are not eligible to receive supplemental notes for that class period.

PowerPoint slides, instructor outlines, fill-in-the-blank materials or other instructor-provided resources may satisfy the supplemental note-taking accommodation when they provide appropriate access to the lecture material.

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How to Receive Supplemental Notes

If supplemental note-taking assistance is included in your approved accommodations, discuss the accommodation with your instructor after providing your Letter of Accommodation.

Your instructor may provide supplemental notes in several ways, including:

• Providing copies of lecture outlines, slides or other instructional materials.
• Recruiting a volunteer student notetaker.
• Using carbonless notepaper provided by SDS.
• Having a notetaker type notes and provide them electronically through an arrangement that protects the student's confidentiality.

Using a Volunteer Notetaker

If your instructor chooses to use a volunteer notetaker and would like to use SDS carbonless notepaper:

1. Pick up two carbonless notepads from Student Disability Services in 130 Weeks Hall.
2. Give the notepads to your instructor.
3. Work with your instructor to determine how you will receive the notes after each class.

Supplemental notes should generally be made available within 24 hours of the class period.

If You Are Not Receiving Your Notes

If supplemental notes are not being provided as arranged, contact your instructor first. If the issue continues, contact your SDS counselor or case manager for assistance.

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Students Serving as Notetakers

Volunteer notetakers help provide equal access by sharing a copy of the notes they already take for themselves in class. The identity of the student receiving the accommodation should remain confidential.

Student Disability Services can provide carbonless notepaper that creates a duplicate copy as you write. If you prefer to type your notes on a laptop or tablet, follow the arrangement established by the instructor for securely providing the notes.

SDS can also make copies of handwritten notes. Notes may be brought to 130 Weeks Hall for copying.

What Notetakers Should Provide

Your notes should accurately reflect the important information presented during class. Include:

• Main lecture topics and supporting details.
• Important terms, definitions and examples.
• Information written on the board or displayed during class.
• Relevant charts, diagrams or references to course materials.
• Assignment information and changes announced in class.
• Scheduled class cancellations, videos, tours or other course activities.

Notes should be provided promptly according to the arrangement established by the instructor.

Volunteer Recognition

Students who serve as volunteer notetakers may request a letter of commendation from Student Disability Services recognizing their service.

Before the end of the semester, complete and return the note-taking form provided by SDS. The form is also available on the front of the carbonless notepaper pad.

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Tips for Effective Notes

• Write clearly and organize information so another student can easily follow it.
• Use headings and spacing to separate major topics.
• Include important examples, definitions and explanations provided by the instructor.
• Define abbreviations the first time you use them.
• If you are unsure of a spelling or term, mark it clearly rather than guessing.
• Include charts and diagrams when they add information that is not already available in course materials.
• Review your notes briefly before submitting them to make sure they are complete and understandable.

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Questions About Note-Taking Accommodations?

If you are approved for supplemental notes and need help establishing or maintaining your note-taking arrangement, contact Student Disability Services.

Email Student Disability Services