Notetaker FAQs

What is a volunteer notetaker?

A volunteer notetaker shares the notes they are already taking in class with a student who has a disability who has been approved for a notetaking 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)  Click the Profile tab above to sign in. Use 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)  Your sign-up form will be sent to D&A staff for confirmation. You will get a follow-up email with next steps on how to upload your sample notes. You will be asked to upload a sample of your notes taken in lecture.

What are my responsibilities as a volunteer notetaker?

Volunteer notetakers are responsible for attending class regularly, taking notes, and uploading notes after each class. 

What happens once I sign-up to be a notetaker?

Once you have created a profile in 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 notetaker if I apply?

There is no way to know which classes might require a notetaker, 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 notetaking 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 notetaker? 

Within the D&A Portal, your identity will not be shared with students. You will be assigned a notetaker number and the student's identity will not be shared with you. Important: Your notes 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 notetaker 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 notetaker.

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

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

What do I get for being a notetaker?

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 Notetakers Page.

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