Class Notes

Note Taking Assistance

First Steps

• Attend several lectures in order to determine if you need access to class notes as an accommodation.
• Ask your instructor to post in Canvas any instructional materials needed for class.
• Print or download to your computer any instructor-posted instructional materials (e.g., PowerPoint slides, instructor’s personal notes) from Canvas.
  • Pro Tip: Type your notes in the note section of PowerPoint slides.
• You should also explore using the accessibility tools in Microsoft Word, Read & Write, or OneNote (Notability for Apple users) to record lectures. These recordings cannot be shared and are for your use only.
• Explore the use of GLEAN with accessibility office staff.

Policy

Accessibility & Disability Services authorizes the use of technology as an adjustment for students who process information slowly which adversely affects their ability to take notes. If applicable, note-taking assistance is listed as an appropriate adjustment in the student’s adjustment plan. Students are encouraged to to use the accessibility features in the software programs mentioned above.

Note-taking assistance is intended to provide access to the lecture and is not a substitute for full course participation.

If a student does not follow the Policy and Procedures for use of technology to assist with note-taking, this particular adjustment may be suspended until the student has contacted Accessibility & Disability Services and resolved any difficulties or misunderstandings.

Accessibility & Disability Services Responsibilities

The Accessibility & Disability Services office is dedicated to and responsible for the following:

• Determining if the use of note-taking assistance using technology is an appropriate adjustment for an individual student.
• Working with instructors to ensure that students can use the appropriate technology to assist with note-taking.
• Consulting with instructors when appropriate.
• Assisting students in resolving problems.

Student Responsibilities

As a student, you are responsible for the following:

• Adhering to policy on the use of technology to assist with notetaking.
• Attending class regularly and on time. Notes are not a substitute for attendance.
• Reporting any problems to Accessibility & Disability Services immediately so appropriate steps can be taken to correct the situation.

Faculty Responsibilities

Faculty members are responsible for following the course of action below:

• When an adjustment plan indicates a student needs an adjustment for note-taking, faculty will discuss and decide with the student how that assistance will be provided. Options other than the use of technology include:
  • Providing copies of the instructor’s lecture notes before the lecture.
  • Posting on Canvas copies of lecture slides or overhead presentations before the lecture.
  • Posting a blank topic outline on Canvas for students to use for notetaking. Students will fill in the outline during the lecture.
• Consult with Accessibility & Disability Services as appropriate.