Note Takers

Students who need to focus their concentration and attention on listening or who find taking notes difficult can use a note taker. A note taker allows the student to focus on the lecture without being overly concerned about taking detailed notes. This service is based on volunteers.

The student is encouraged to take responsibility for arranging for note takers. Note takers and students are encouraged to participate in the Note taking Workshop offered at CAAR. If you have difficulty finding an adequate note taker for a class, talk to your CAAR coordinator as soon as possible.

Finding a Note Taker

Students should try to get a note taker on the first day of class. Some ways to find a note taker are:

• Inform the instructor of your need for a note taker. The instructor may be able to recommend a good student in the class make an announcement for you when class begins.
• Request permission to make an announcement at the beginning of class.
• Ask someone you know who is reliable and has good note-taking skills to take notes for you.
• If you have difficulty locating a note taker, or if you have concerns regarding the quality of notes, contact a CAAR coordinator for assistance.
• If two or more students volunteer to be note takers ask them to submit a copy of their notes for your review and the instructor's review. This will help you select a note taker to meet your needs. Ask the other volunteer to be a "substitute" note taker in the event the primary note taker is not available. If you wish, give both volunteers a copy of the "Note Taker Guidelines" (see Appendix). Copies of "Note Taker Guidelines" can be picked up at the CAAR office.

Exchange phone numbers with the note taker so you can contact each other if necessary.

Getting Copies

Carbon paper is available in the CAAR office for your use. You should supply the note taker with paper unless the note taker prefers to use his/her own. In that event, you should volunteer to help pay for the paper. Give the note taker enough supplies for several class sessions. At the end of the class period, get the copies from your note taker.

If more than one student in the class needs copies of the notes, then one of those students should bring the notes to the CAAR office and photocopies of the notes will be made. A "Request for Copies" form should be completed at the CAAR office and the notes left for copying. Copied notes will be left in the students' files to pick up later.

Students with severe visual impairments may choose to have photocopies made instead of using carbon paper. The notes will need to be brought to the CAAR office for copying. This can be done on a weekly basis if preferredy by you or the note taker.

Class Absences

A note taker is not a substitute for class attendance. A note taker is not obligated to give you notes from classes you miss. If you must miss due to illness or other extenuating circumstances, it is recommended that you call your note takers and ask if they would please take notes for you that day. If you are absent from class and do not have notes for that day, like any other student, you may ask to copy another student's notes or photocopy them at your own expense.

Other Suggestions

You should have the class instructor or graduate assistant review the notes for accuracy and consistency. This should be done early in the semester to assure yourself that the notes are sufficient. You may also want to ask the instructor to review them periodically during the semester.

Note: CAAR provides a copy service for classroom notes ONLY. Any other copying for personal and/or study needs is the student's responsibility.