Faculty Information RE: Class Notes
Instructions for Faculty: How to Help Students Who Need Class Notes
Access to good notes is essential for effective studying. Students with disabilities (e.g., motor impairment, hearing impairment, or learning disability) sometimes are unable to take adequate notes on their own. These individuals perform better when they have copies of class notes provided to them.
Adequate notes can make the difference between a student's success and failure. Moreover, the provision of notetaking is a legally mandated service that we must provide to certain students with documented disabilities.
How a faculty member can help a student who needs class notes:
1. If a student approaches you and asks for copies of class notes, ask to see a copy of his/her accommodation letter (passport). This letter will specify the need for this service. If they do not have a letter, please have them contact the Student Success Center (SSC) at 851-5179.
2. If you know of a student in the class who could provide notes for the student with a disability, ask this student to stay for a moment after class and solicit his/her help. Ask the interested student to take a copy of his/her class notes to the SSC Program Assistant, who will screen the student, and arrange for the person hired to be paid for a copy of his/her notes.
3. Another solution could involve you providing a copy of your own lecture notes (if you are willing) to the student before each class session.
4. You are legally obligated to keep the disabled person's identity confidential through this process. Note takers are not provided with the disabled person's identity by the SSC. Only the disabled person has the option to reveal his/her status.
5. If you have no idea of someone who could function as a notetaker, please resort to making this announcement in class:
"There is a student in this class with a disability that affects the ability to take notes independently. I have been asked by the Director of Campus Access and the Student Success Center to help locate interested students with solid notetaking skills in this class. An approved student will be paid for copying and sharing good- quality notes. Interested students should contact me after class."
6. When students contact you, take note of their name(s), and refer them to the SSC in the Learning Resources Center (851-5179).
Thanks for your assistance in helping students succeed!