A note taker is an individual who is retained to take notes for the student during class lecture as a classroom accommodation. Note taking can be arranged through different means depending on individual needs, either through Learning Support Services or by identifying a classmate with the assistance of your instructor (peer note taker) who is willing to take notes. You will be notified by the LSS Program Specialist when a note taker has been assigned. Please request this service before or early in a semester as recruitment may require some time.
Whatever method you use—such as a note taker/classmate hired through LSS or recording— you are responsible for the material covered in class.
Guidelines
Note taker
- Notes are provided only for students who attend class for the time they are present in the class.
- Notes may be provided in various formats including:
- Duplicate note paper provided by LSS for handwritten notes. Completely fill out information at the top of the page. Press hard enough for writing to show on second sheet and be sure it is legible. First copy is for note taker, second copy goes to the student.
- Copy of handwritten notes
- Electronic copy
- REQUIREMENTS:
- For the first two sets of notes taken, have LSS staff make an extra copy for LSS file or submit a copies electronically.
- Write down all relevant information including lecture notes, test and quiz dates, assignments, and important vocabulary.
- Supplement any information from Powerpoint presentations/notes on Blackboard.
- Do not participate in class activities on behalf of the student.
- Introduce yourself to the instructor as the LSS note taker and ask instructor to identify student receiving the notes. All student information is confidential.
- If student does not arrive to class, wait 15-20 minutes before leaving, if not enrolled in the class.
- Indicate student absence on your weekly Time Record. You may indicate .25 for 15 minutes on your Time Record since you were present and available for class.
- Notify LSS in advance of any absence, class cancellation, or change related to note taking assignment.
- If an additional service is needed contact LSS. LSS needs to be informed or approve any time beyond the lecture. Do not make arrangements yourself.
- Time Record forms are due 12:00 noon, Every Friday.
Student
- Discuss your request with a Program Specialist each semester. Note takers are generally recruited from the classroom.
- Notes are only provided for the time you, as the student, attends class. They do not substitute for attendance.
- Determine if written class notes will be available from the instructor on Blackboard or during the lecture. If note taking is not needed after requested, notify the Program Specialist to cancel the assignment.
- Contact LSS within 5 days if you are not notified that a note taker has been recruited.
- You are encouraged to meet your note taker after you are contacted by LSS with the note taker’s name.
- Receiving copies of notes, as an accommodation, is for your academic use only at WCC for the class(es) in which you are enrolled. Do not share or distribute them to another person whether or not the person is in your class(es).
- You are responsible for the material covered in class and need to be prepared until a note taker is recruited or if note taker is absent, by tape recording, asking another student to take notes, or conferring with instructor. (Duplicate note paper is available in LSS).
- It is recommended to arrange to pick up notes directly from the notetaker. If notes are dropped off in LSS, you must pick up your notes on a weekly basis or arrange a pick up time.
- You are responsible for notifying LSS in advance of any absence, class cancellation, or change related to note taking assignment.
- Services may be suspended with last minute cancellations or several absences. You will need to meet with a Program Specialist to reinstate service.
- If you no longer need notes, please contact LSS immediately.
Any questions should be directed to the note taker and LSS Program Specialist.