If a notetaker is needed in a course, the instructor will make an announcement asking for volunteers. You can then let them know you're interested and provide your notes for review.
You could also let the instructor know that if someone ends up needing notes in the course, you are willing. You should show the instructor an example of your notes.
You can sign up to be a notetaker on the Accommodation Request Portal before an announcement is made, as well. If a notetaker is required, you will receive an email pairing you with a student.
Attend all classes - if you must miss a class, alert both the student(s) receiving your notes and the instructor
Take clear and concise notes
Make sure your notes are legible (or use a computer)
Be prepared for class
Sit near the front, or in the place you're best able to pay attention
Upload your notes to ARP as soon as possible - preferably within 24 hours, but no more than 48 hours after class
Properly label your notes:
Class number OR Name of class AND
Section number AND
Instructor name AND
Date of notes AND
Number each page
Check your notes before uploading them - be sure they're good quality, clarify things that need clarifying, correct spelling errors, add additional information if necessary
Keep the name of the student(s) you are taking notes for confidential
Track your volunteer hours and turn in the tracking page at the end of the semester
Through the Accommodation Request Portal. PLEASE NOTE: If you are registered with the Center for Students with Disabilities as a student receiving services (even if you are not actively using them), you will need to contact Patty Beran to have the Notetaker designation added to your profile. You will NOT be able to use the usual notetaker registration process, as you already have a profile in the system. Once the Notetaker designation is added, you will be able to search for and verify the courses in which you will be providing notes.
Remember - this not only assists a student/students in your class, but it also helps you become a more effective note taker!
Feel free to use understandable abbreviations and symbols (for example, etc., misc., i.e.).
Drawings are good too as long as they are clear and not too complicated.
Listen for big ideas and key words
Facts o Connections
Main ideas
Questions to Ask Yourself
What is the topic?
What do I need to know about the topic?
Why is this topic important?
What is an example of this topic?
How did this event or procedure come about?
Look for instructor's verbal cues o Repeating information
Pausing or slowing down
Talking louder
Saying things like...
"The main cause was..."
"Something you should remember is..."
Look for instructor's non-verbal cues
Hand gestures
Pointing at words on the board - be sure to copy all of the information the instructor writes on the board
Instructor looks at students' notes to make sure they are writing things down correctly
Avoid using pen colors other than black, dark blue, and red; light colors can be difficult to scan
Pen is better than pencil for the same reason; if writing in pencil, be sure your marks are dark
Avoid using highlighters, unless you are careful to scan in color every time
If using highlighters, stay away from light blue and any shade of red, orange, and pink; the scanner may miss the blue, and may translate the red/orange/pink as black
Skip lines
Box formulas
Identify videos, books referenced, etc.
Indicate if the information is from someone other than the professor (i.e. a student from the class)
Emphasize important points by
Underlining o Using bigger letters
Using symbols such as stars
Leave blank spaces in your notes if you're unsure of the information
