Note-taking FAQs

What is a volunteer note-taker?

A volunteer note-taker shares the notes they are already taking in class with a student who has a disability who has been approved for a note-taking accommodation. By getting a copy of notes from a classmate, students can make sure they have all the information presented in class. While typed notes in Word documents are preferred, you can also take pictures of handwritten notes and upload the notes as photos. However, your writing must be legible and the pages must be numbered. We prefer if you compile the pages of notes for each lecture into one document. This could be done by adding the images into a single Word document. Note: Peer notes do not extend to textbook readings or external sources. The notes uploaded should only cover lectures and any discussion sections.

 

Interested? Here are your next steps!

1)  Sign in to the D&A Student Portal with your UT EID and password.

2)  Build your profile with the required information.

3)  Choose the classes you are available to provide notes for (You must be registered for the course. You can add a course after Add/Drop if necessary).

4)  You will be asked to upload a sample of notes. You can also accomplish this step after the first class day with your lecture notes.

 

What are my responsibilities as a volunteer note-taker?

Volunteer note-takers are responsible for attending class regularly, taking notes, and uploading notes after each class. 

 

What happens once I sign-up to be a note-taker?

Once you have created a profile on the D&A portal, added a course, and added sample notes, your profile will be checked by a staff member. Once confirmed, you will receive an email notification with the next steps. 

 

Am I guaranteed to be a volunteer note-taker if I apply?

There is no way to know which classes might require a note-taker so there is no guarantee you will be selected. Since students can be approved for accommodations at any time during the semester, you may receive a note-taking assignment during the first week of class or toward the end of the semester.

 

Will I know who I am taking notes for? Will the student know I am their note-taker? 

Within the D&A Portal, your identity will not be shared with students. You will be assigned a note-taker number and the student's identity will not be shared with you. Important: Your note documents may contain your name by default. Follow this help page to remove information from your shared documents: Help protect your privacy - Microsoft Support 

 

What if I drop the class or don't want to be a note-taker anymore?

Please only sign-up for the courses you can commit to providing notes all semester. However, we understand situations can occur at any time. If you need to remove your availability, be sure to log in to your D&A Portal profile and remove the course from your availability. This action will send an email to the student notifying them they need to find a new note-taker.

 

Do I have to sign-up to be a note-taker every semester?

You do not need to create a new profile. Each semester you will need to add your course(es) to your Note-taker Profile in the D&A Portal. 

 

What do I get for being a note-taker?

D&A can provide proof of service hours in appreciation for the time you spend taking and sharing your notes. 

 

Additional information is available on the D&A website: Student Volunteer Note-takers Page.

If you run into difficulties please email ATEC.access@austin.utexas.edu.