DSS Note taker Job Expectations
1. The note taker provides a written record of the main points and supporting details that occur during class
meeting times to designated DSS student(s).
2. The note taker should provide the DSS student with their contact details (phone number / e-mail address)
to ensure appropriate communication and a good working relationship throughout the semester.
3. Note takers should be punctual, reliable and act professionally at all times including maintaining
confidentiality about the DSS student(s), asking for feedback on notes from the student (where
appropriate), delivering the notes in a timely manner (within 24-48 hours) and in the agreed form, and
informing the appropriate person if you are unable to attend a scheduled class.
4. The note taker is only expected to take notes during actual class meeting times when the student is
present. The provision of a note taker is not a replacement for a DSS student’s attendance in class. The
note taker is NOT expected to take notes on assigned readings or other homework related activities.
5. The note taker should be notified of the preferred form of note delivery (i.e. NCR paper, e-mail or
photocopies of notes). The note taker is responsible for the copying costs or can choose to use the NCR
paper provided by the DSS office.
6. The note taker has the ethical responsibility to provide the person being served with accurate and complete
rendering of concepts and details that occurred during class meeting times. Notes should include details
regarding lecture material, class discussions, demonstrations/experimental learning, and videos/films in
class.
7. Notes are not a word-for-word transcription; however, notes should always include all learning points and
other important information. This includes all major topics or themes, basic concepts, new or difficult
vocabulary, assignment details, class announcements and due dates for tests, quizzes, and projects.
8. The note taker must read and complete the “Note Taker Packet” and submit required paperwork by the
designated date. If the note taker has not completed the required contract paperwork with the DSS office
by the aforementioned date, the note taker’s pay will be pro-rated according to the date in which they
completed the required paperwork at the DSS office.
9. If one note taker provides notes for 2 DSS students in the same class, the note taker will receive an
additional payment amount as designated in the “Note Taker Packet.” If more than 2 DSS students in a
class require a note taker, an additional note taker will be hired.
NOTE TAKER SERVICES & GUIDELINES
Note taker services are provided to eligible students who have a documented disability and have registered with the
Disability Services for Students (DSS) office. DSS students should meet with their DSS advisor to discuss the functional
limitations of their disability to determine if a note taker is an appropriate accommodation.
The note taker has the ethical responsibility to provide the person being served with accurate and complete rendering of
concepts and details that occurred during class meeting times. Notes should include details regarding lecture material,
class discussions, demonstrations/experimental learning, and videos/films in class.
The note taker is only expected to take notes during actual class meeting times when the student is present. The provision
of a note taker is not a replacement for a DSS student’s attendance in class. The note taker is NOT expected to take notes
on assigned readings or other homework related activities.
The DSS student should notify the note taker of the preferred form of notes (I.E. NCR paper/email) as well as set an
appropriate timeline of note delivery (within 24-48 hours).
HOW TO RECRUIT A NOTE TAKER
1.
Most students find that asking a classmate if she/he is interested is the fastest and easiest way to recruit a note
taker.
2. You might ask your professor if you can make a short announcement at an appropriate time (first week of
classes), briefly describe the note taker position and ask for anyone who is interested to see you after class.
3. Or, if you prefer, you might ask the professor to make the above announcement. Be sure to provide the
professor with a sign-up sheet to circulate for the names of all those who are interested in the note taker
position.
4. You must contract with your note taker. It would be beneficial to obtain the note taker’s contact details in
case you need to communicate directly with the note taker. Make sure that you can read his/her handwriting
and that you have a clear understanding of class attendance expectations. If absences become an issue, DSS
must be made aware so that intervention can take place.
5. When you set up your note taker accommodation for the semester, your Disability Management Advisor will
give you the “Note Taker Packet”. You need to give this packet of information to the student who will
become your note taker. The note taker must complete and return the required paperwork to the DSS office
by the designated date in order to become your note taker and get paid for their services.
Remember: You are the employer of the note taker. If you are not receiving the notes in a timely manner or the notes are
unacceptable, it is your responsibility to inform the Administrative Support Assistant at DSS and the note taker that their
services are no longer needed. If you require assistance in obtaining a new note taker, please contact the DSS office at
707-664-3932.
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DSS Student
Date
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DSS Advisor
Date