Information for students using note takers at UCL
What is the note taker’s role?
Note takers are required to take notes as if they were a student in the lecture. This means that note
takers are not expected to take verbatim notes. Instead, they will take notes on what they think is
relevant for your course. Unless it has been agreed otherwise with your Disability Adviser your note
taker will not take notes for lectures that you do not attend.
Who will my Note taker be?
Note-takers are generally graduate students.
Students and note takers are matched according to subject area and time-slot availability. It may be
necessary for you to have more than one note-taker.
Student Disability Services (SDS) provides basic guidance to note-takers, and screens prospective
note-takers to ensure a basic level of competence in note-taking. Students are encouraged to
communicate directly with note-taker and/or SDS to ensure quality control.
What format will I get the notes?
You will receive an electronic copy of typed notes.
How soon should I get my notes?
Typed notes should arrive to your email account within 48 hours of the lecture.
Do I have to sit with the note taker?
That is up to you. Let your note taker know your preference.
In which classes will my note taker be present?
Typically only in lectures. You will only have note taking in seminars and tutorials if this has been
specifically recommended in your DSA report or by a Disability Adviser.
How will I contact the note taker?
You will be given their email address; the note taker will be given your UCL email address. We would
recommend that you meet just before your first lecture.
Will my lecturer know that I have a note-taker?
The note-taker may need to tell the lecturer their role but they will not mention which student they
are working for. You may wish to introduce your note-taker to the lecturer – this is your choice.
What if the notes are delayed or unsatisfactory?
Provide immediate feedback to your note-taker, as they may be able to remedy the problem. If this
doesn’t work, please inform a Disability Adviser who will try to deal with the issue.
What if I don’t like the layout or style of note-taking?
Provide feedback to your note taker, as soon as possible so they can better suit the notes to your
requirement. If the problem persists inform the Disability Adviser.
What if I can’t attend a class?
Contact your note taker and Disability Adviser at least 24 hours before the session.
Will my note-taker be informed of lecture changes?
No, you will need to inform the note taker of any changes to your lecture. It is your responsibility to
inform note takers of lecture changes and cancellations – if your note taker does not know of these
changes then they will not attend the lecture.
I am not longer happy with my note taker and wish to change. What should I do?
You will need to discuss this with a Disability Adviser to try to arrive at a solution. The student and
note taker should continue as normal until a solution is found.
How will my note taker be paid?
Note takers are employed via Student Disability Services. You will need to sign the note taker’s
timesheet: by signing the timesheet you are agreeing that the note taker has provided you with the
notes. Please do not sign the timesheet if you haven’t received the notes.
What do I do if the note taker does not turn up the lecture?
If the lecture was not on the original timetable, it may be that your note taker was not aware of the
rearranged or additional lecture.
Student Disability Service will make every possible and reasonable effort to ensure all lectures are
covered, but exceptionally there may be unforeseen circumstances where there is no note taker in a
lecture and SDS cannot otherwise get the notes for the lecture session. In this case, you are
encouraged to contact other students for copies of their notes or meet with the lecturer to review
material. It is important that you use all of the available resources (e.g. Moodle) to enhance learning
and keep up with course readings and lecture content.
Further information
It is expected that note takers and Disability Service staff will treat students with respect and that
this will be reciprocated by students. If a student behaves unreasonably the discontinuation of
support will be considered.
Do not ask the note taker to undertake additional work for you without the express permission of
your Disability Adviser.