Student Disability Resource Center
About the Note Taker Program
The Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) Note Taker Program is designed to ensure equal access to educational materials for students with disabilities who require note-taking assistance. This program connects volunteer note takers with students who need support due to various disabilities that impact their ability to take comprehensive notes during classes.
As part of the SDRC's commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment, the Note Taker Program provides critical academic support services that help students fully participate in their educational experience. By offering high-quality, accurate class notes, we help bridge the gap between classroom instruction and effective learning for students with disabilities.
Benefits of the Program
For Students Receiving Notes
- Access to comprehensive and accurate class notes
- Ability to focus on understanding course content rather than frantically writing
- Reduced stress during fast-paced lectures
- Confidential support services
- Additional resource for exam preparation
For Volunteer Note Takers
- Opportunity to strengthen your own learning through structured note-taking
- Gain valuable community service experience
- Enhance rsum with volunteer experience
- Develop skills in organizing and summarizing information
- Contribution to creating an inclusive campus community
For Instructors
- Increased student engagement with course content
- Support for diverse learning needs in the classroom
- Reduced need for individual accommodation requests
- Enhanced accessibility of course materials
How the Program Works
Registration
Students with disabilities must first register with the SDRC and provide appropriate documentation of their disability. An accommodations specialist will work with the student to determine if note-taking assistance is an appropriate accommodation based on their needs.
Course Selection
Once approved for note-taking services, students submit a list of their courses for which they need note-taking support for the semester. The SDRC then recruits volunteer note takers for those specific sections.
Note Taker Recruitment
Volunteer note takers are recruited from the same classes. They may be contacted through announcements in class, email communication, or professor recommendations. Note takers undergo a brief training on note-taking best practices and confidentiality.
Note Submission
Note takers upload their notes to our secure online portal within 24-48 hours after each class. Notes are reviewed for quality and completeness before being made available to the student.
Eligibility Requirements
For Students Receiving Note-Taker Services
To be eligible for note-taking assistance through the SDRC, students must:
- Be currently enrolled in classes at the university
- Register with the Student Disability Resource Center
- Provide appropriate documentation from a qualified professional
- Complete an intake meeting with an accommodations specialist
- Receive note-taking services as an approved accommodation
For Volunteer Note Takers
To become a volunteer note taker, students must:
- Be enrolled in the course for which notes will be taken
- Have good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or higher)
- Have strong attentiveness and note-taking skills
- Commit to attending classes regularly
- Submit notes within 24-48 hours of each class session
- Maintain strict confidentiality
- Complete a brief training session
Frequently Asked Questions
Will other students or the professor know that I'm receiving note-taking services?
No. The SDRC maintains strict confidentiality. Note takers never know which students they are assisting, and professors are only informed that accommodation services have been approved, not the specific details.
What if I'm not satisfied with the notes I receive?
If you have concerns about the quality or completeness of your notes, please contact the SDRC promptly. We will review the notes and address any issues.
Can I use the notes I receive in any way I want?
Notes provided through the SDRC Note Taker Program are for your personal academic use only. They may not be shared, distributed, or published in any form.
Do note takers receive any compensation?
Volunteer note takers receive community service hours for their contribution, which can be documented on their co-curricular transcript. While they do not receive monetary compensation, many note takers find that the experience helps strengthen their own learning.
How to Apply
For Students Requesting Note-Taker Services
- Contact the SDRC to schedule an intake appointment
- Provide appropriate documentation of your disability
- Meet with an accommodations specialist to discuss your needs
- Submit your course schedule each semester for which you need note-taking support
- Access your notes through the SDRC secure portal
For Volunteer Note Takers
- Complete the online application form
- Submit your current course schedule
- Attend a brief training session (approximately 30 minutes)
- Receive confirmation of note taker assignment
- Begin taking notes and upload them to the secure portal
Student Disability Resource Center Note Taker Program and Reference File Download Link
AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER (ADRC) and Reference File Download Link
Center For Literacy And Disability Studies and Reference File Download Link
Student Centered Note Taking In Interpreting and Reference File Download Link