Disability Services for Students (DSS) authorizes access to class notes as an
accommodation to eligible students who have a disability that adversely
affects their ability to take their own notes.
Notes are for the student’s personal study only. They are not a substitute
for attendance, and instructors may withhold notes when a student is absent.
Notes must adequately reflect the information covered in the lecture for which
the student will be responsible. Notes do not have to include class discussion
based on personal opinion and/or observation. It is the student’s
responsibility to monitor the quality of the notes and take the appropriate
steps to correct any concerns.
The accommodation may be suspended if the Class Notes Policy and
Procedures are not followed.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Request class notes from DSS.
Notify DSS if a class is dropped or notes are no longer needed.
Follow the class notes policy and procedures.
Attend class regularly. Notes are not a substitute for attendance.
Notes are for the student’s personal study; they cannot be copied or sold.
Report any problems to DSS immediately, so appropriate steps can be taken to correct the situation.
DSS will not support requests for changing test or assignment deadlines, if the problem was not reported in a timely manner.
FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES
Decide how notes will be provided, when notified by DSS that class notes have been requested as an accommodation.
Some options for notes include: copies of the professor’s personal lecture notes, copies of
detailed overheads or Power Points, enlisting a departmental GTA, or recruiting a notetaker from the class.
Review prospective notetaker’s notes for accuracy and check that the notes reflect the information for
which students’ will be responsible.
Notify DSS when to withhold notes because the student has not attended class.
NOTETAKER RESPONSIBILITIES
Participate in the training provided by DSS.
Take notes on the entire lecture, including any directions for class assignments, test dates, etc.
Provide a readable copy of the notes within the agreed upon time frame.
Make no modifications or changes in the provision of this service, unless instructed by DSS.
DISABILITY SERVICES RESPONSIBILITIES
Determine if class notes is an appropriate accommodation for an individual student.
Work with the instructor to insure that the student receives class notes only when in class, if
requested by the instructor.
Disability Services for Students (DSS) authorizes access to class notes as an accommodation
to eligible students who have disabilities that adversely affect their ability to take notes.
Notes are for the student’s personal study only. They are not a substitute for attendance,
and instructors may withhold notes when a student is absent. Notes must adequately reflect the
information on which the student will be tested. Notes do not have to include class
discussion based on personal opinion and/or observation. It is the students’ responsibility
to monitor the quality of the notes and take the appropriate steps to correct any concerns.
If a student does not follow the Class Notes policy and procedures, this accommodation may be
suspended until the student has contacted their Disability Specialist and cleared up any difficulties
or misunderstandings.
OBTAINING THE ACCOMMODATION
Attend each of your classes in order to determine if you
will need the accommodation. You will not need to request notes from DSS, if the notes are available
on the Internet or Blackboard, directly from the professor or you have a friend who would share his/her
notes.
Contact your Disability Specialist and complete the Class
Notes Request form.
DSS will notify your professor that a student needs
class notes.
Check your class notes file at DSS in approximately one
week. If you do not have any notes, ask the DSS receptionist to check the status of your request.
PICKING UP NOTES
Notes are put in the DSS class notes file, unless other
arrangements are made. The goal is to provide notes within 24 hours of the class period.
Exception: When tests are scheduled the day after a weekend
or a holiday, notes will be provided before the
weekend or holiday.
You are encouraged to pick up your notes on a regular
basis or at least once a week. If notes accumulate, DSS may suspend the accommodation until you
talk to your Disability Specialist.
If you drop the class or no longer need notes, notify
DSS immediately so the accommodation can be canceled.
PROBLEM SOLVING
Notify DSS immediately if a problem arises, e.g. notes
are late, not complete, or illegible.
It is more difficult to correct a situation that has gone on for a period of time so
it is important to take immediate action.
DSS will not support requests for changing test or assignment due dates if the
problem was not reported in a timely fashion.