Procedures for Accessing Class Notes

Disability Services (DS) provides class notes as an accommodation to eligible students who have a disability that adversely affects their ability to take their own notes.

Class notes provide access to the lecture and are not a substitute for attending classes. Notes may be withheld for class periods students do not attend.

If the student does not follow the class notes policy and procedures, this accommodation may be suspended until the student has talked with the DS case manager and cleared up any difficulties or misunderstandings.

Students for whom note-taking services have been approved by DS as a reasonable accommodation use the following procedures:

Step 1
The student shall inform DS staff about the courses for which he/she will require notes.

Step 2
The student and DS staff shall complete the note-taker approval forms.

Step 3
The student shall take the approval forms to the instructor. The instructor will decide how the accommodation will be provided. Possible options include recruiting a volunteer note taker from class, providing copies of the instructor's lecture notes, or providing copies of PowerPoint presentations or overheads. When a student note taker is recruited, the instructor will make an announcement in class without identifying the student needing notes.  NOTE: The student has the option of having a DS staff member contact his/her instructors to request the accommodation. In this case, the student shall make the request directly to a Disability Services staff member.

Step 4
The instructor is responsible for reviewing the prospective note taker's notes to evaluate content and legibility. NOTE: The instructor shall refer the prospective note taker to Disability Services; this individual will bring the blue note-taker approval form to his/her meeting with DS staff.

Step 5
The Accommodations Coordinator shall meet with the prospective note taker to do the following:

• Review class notes and communicate note-taker responsibilities
• Complete the volunteer services agreement form
• Provide instructions to complete the online note-taker training

Step 6
The student receiving notes will be given the note taker's name and phone number to make arrangements to exchange notes throughout the semester.

NOTE: Copies of class notes are provided at no cost to the student or note taker.


STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Request an accommodation to access class notes from DS.
• Follow the class notes policy and procedures.
• Attend class regularly. Notes are not a substitute for class attendance.
• Work with the provider of class notes to ensure quality of notes and timeliness.
• Report any unresolved problems (especially those lasting more than one week) to DS immediately so appropriate steps can be taken to correct the situation. NOTE: DS will not support a request for changing a test or assignment due date based on lack of notes if the problem was not reported within one week.
• Notify DS immediately if the class is dropped.

DISABILITY SERVICES RESPONSIBILITIES

• Determine if class notes are an appropriate accommodation for the student.
• Provide student with approval forms to give to her/his instructor(s).
• Consult with instructor(s) when appropriate.
• Train note takers.
  
  

FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES

• When notified of the requested accommodation, meet with the student and consult about the provision of class notes (options are listed below)
  - recruit a volunteer note taker from class - If necessary, the instructor shall make a class announcement to enlist or recruit a note taker. Be sure to respect the anonymity of the student needing notes. If you're unable to enlist a note taker, contact Disability Services immediately (231-7671)
  - provide copies of the instructor's personal lecture notes.
  - provide copies of PowerPoint presentations/overheads.
  
  

NOTE TAKER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meet with the Accommodations Coordinator to complete the volunteer services agreement form.
• Participate in online training identified by DS.
• Take notes on the entire lecture, including any directions for class assignments, tests, videos, etc.
• Provide a readable copy of the notes within an agreed upon time frame.
• Report any concerns to the professor and/or Disability Services staff.