Accessibility Resource Center

Notetakers Agreement

All users of the notetaker services are required to read and agree to the following conditions.

As a user of the notetaker service, I agree that:

  • I will submit my request to the Accessibility Resource Center as soon as possible
  • I will ensure that the information I include on this form is accurate and complete so as to not delay and simplify the process of locating a notetaker.
  • I will inform the Accessibility Resource Center of any changes in my schedule within 24 hours. These changes include adding or dropping classes, or modifications in enrollment status such as a leave of absence.
  • If I am requesting notes for discussion sections, I will submit the appropriate follow-up request with my official section number when it is assigned.
  • I will inform the Accessibility Resource Center of any action that I take to receive notes, including arrangements made with the professor, the teaching assistant, or another student in the class.
  • I will inform the Accessibility Resource Center of any problems with receiving notes as soon as possible (e.g. – notes are missing or illegible).

I realize that if I fail to inform the Accessibility Resource Center in a timely manner of any problems with the note-taking service or with changes in my schedule or status, or otherwise fail to meet the requirements of this arrangement, the Accessibility Resource Center may not be able to resolve the situation in a timely manner (e.g. by midterms, finals)

Reducing Note-Taking Barriers

For most students, having access to quality notes is an integral part of learning. If writing notes in class is a barrier for you, you should explore your options:

  • Using a laptop
  • Recording the class using a digital recorder or other recording device – consider the Livescribe Pen (www.livescribe.com) or an app downloaded to a tablet device
  • Using notes that your instructor posts on LU Connect (Blackboard)

If these options do not work, talk with the Director of the Accessibility Resource Center. Your active engagement is essential in ensuring that the notes are effective.

Setting up Note-Taking

For each class were notes will be useful, you can:

  • Ask a classmate directly to make copies or scan and email notes to share with you
  • Ask your instructor to make an announcement for a volunteer who is willing to share notes
    • Print email the note-taking announcement for your instructor (In Class Announcement)
    • Ask the instructor to read the announcement at the beginning of two classes
    • Discuss best ways to share notes with the notetaker
      • Copies of the notes can be made at the Accessibility Resource Center
      • The notetaker may choose to email you a scanned copy of the notes
      • Carbon (NCR) paper, which makes an immediate duplicate of the notes, can be picked up from the Accessibility Resource Center.

Talk to the Director of the Accessibility Resource Center for assistance

Managing Your Notes

  • If you are using notes for a classmate, you are the manager of your note-taking experience.
  • Be in class each day so that the notes are meaningful to you.
  • Do not share a notetaker’s notes to others in class. This disrespects the efforts the notetaker is making
  • Give feedback to the notetaker so that the notes are as useful as possible. If current notes don’t work for you, you can find a different notetaker at any time
  • Let the Accessibility Resource Center know immediately if your notes are ineffective.

Notetaker’s Role

  • Attend class on a regular basis
  • Talk with the student about how to share notes:
    • Email notes that are taken on an electronic device or scan hand-written notes.
    • Use Carbonless copy paper provided by the student
    • Make copies at the Accessibility Resource Center
    • Be creative…what works for the two of you?
    • Share notes with student at least weekly
    • Have a back-up plan in place with another student if you miss class
    • Register with the Accessibility Resource Center by registering through our AIM database.
    • As a general rule, it’s best to not broadcast that you are a class notetaker. Student have a right to privacy and how their information is shared.
    • Let the Accessibility Resource Center know if you have any questions: 409-880-8347 or arc@lamar.edu

Terminating Services

Occasionally a student may have preferences for notes that do not match the note-taking style of the notetaker. If this happens with you, the student may let you know that he/she will not need your notes any longer.

Likewise, if you find sharing your notes is not working out for you, please let the student know so that he/she can identify another volunteer.

Become a Notetaker