Boston University - Office of Disability Services - Policies and Procedures - Specific Policies and Procedures

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The Office of Disability Services, where appropriate, and subject to the approval of the Dean of the student's School or College, may recommend that a student with a qualifying disability be permitted the use of a Notetaker for in-class lectures.

What Are Notetaker Accommodations?

Notetaker Accommodations are approved by the Office of Disability Services. They are provided as a reasonable academic accommodation for students with documented disabilities that interfere with the individuals ability to take notes in class.

Notetaker Accommodations are administered through the Office of Disability Services. The student making the request must have complied with the University�s accommodation approval process and have submitted a Request for Accommodation Form to the Office of Disability Services.

It is the responsibility of the student requesting the accommodation to work with the Office of Disability Services in order to determine in which classes Notetakers are needed.

The student is encouraged to attend classes first in order to best determine which classes will most necessitate the Notetaker Accommodation. It is the responsibility of the student approved for the Notetaker Accommodation to locate the person who will takes notes for them and to refer this individual to the Office of Disability Services in order to facilitate the paperwork for their pay.

If the student receiving the Notetaker Accommodation is unable to locate a Notetaker for themselves, they may ask their Professor to make a recommendation or to ask the class if anyone is interested in becoming a Notetaker. It is recommended that you speak to your professor about confidentiality before they make such an in-class announcement.

Policies for Students Receiving Notetaker Services

It is your responsibility, as the student requesting the Notetaker Accommodation, to locate and recruit the individual who will work for you as a Notetaker.
It is your responsibility to work with your Notetaker to ensure that you get the class notes in a timely manner.
We request that Notetakers provide you with class notes within 24 hours. It is recommended that you ask your Notetaker when he/she will have your notes available.
Having a Notetaker does not relieve you of the necessity to attend class(es) If you do not attend class, the Notetaker is not obligated to provide you with materials from the missed class(es). If there is a medically documented reason for you missing class, then notes may be distributed. It is recommended that you discuss the reason for missing class with your Notetaker.

Procedures for Notetakers

Notes are to be delivered directly to the student approved for the service.
Notes should be delivered to the student no later than 24 hours after the class meeting.
Please notify the student if you will be absent from class. This will give the student the opportunity to make alternate arrangements.
The Notetaker service is confidential. Please do not divulge to anyone the name of the student(s) for whom you are taking notes, or any information about that student.
Notetakers are recruited by the student receiving the notes. Notetakers are paid employees.
Notetakers are responsible for any necessary paperwork related to their employment. They must complete and return their weekly time sheets to the Office of Disability Services.
Having a Notetaker as an academic accommodation should not be viewed as a substitute for attending class, nor should it be seen as an excuse for missing class. The purpose of the accommodation is to support the academic needs of the student and compensate for their difficulties in taking notes for themselves.

Why is the relationship between You and Your Notetaker so important?

The relationship between you and your Notetaker is very important! The Notetaker is providing a service for you and is being paid for this service. It is important that you work with your Notetaker to make these notes the best possible notes for you. Your feedback will help the Notetaker know how to improve the notes they take. If you feel your notes are excellent and no improvements could be made, please tell your Notetaker. Let him/her know they are doing a good job.

If you feel there are some areas in your notes which could use improvement, try these approaches to the following situations:

Problem: Notetaker uses abbreviations which you do not understand.
Solution: Ask your Notetaker to use (and include) a key to commonly used abbreviations with the notes.

Problem: Homework assignments are missing.
Solution: Ask the Notetaker to please include this information.

Problem: Examples of information (calculations, formulas, etc.) from the blackboard or overheads are not always included or are incomplete.
Solution: Ask your Notetaker to please write this information down for you. Tell him or her this information is critical for your comprehension of the concepts being explained by the Professor.

How do I know if my notes are good?

Can you read them?
Do they include important information from lectures?
Do they include information that was written on the board?
Do they include homework assignments?
Do you understand the Notetaker�s abbreviations?
Are they available to you within 24 hours of the class?

What happens if my Notetaker misses class?

Your Notetaker is responsible for contacting you if he/she will be absent from class.
If possible, alternate arrangements should be made for note taking.
It may be possible to tape the lecture so that the notes can be transcribed.
Please keep in mind that Notetakers, like all students, may have legitimate reasons for which they cannot attend class.

Does being absent from class affect my getting notes?

Yes!!! If you do not attend class, you will have to speak with your Notetaker to discuss why you were not in class before receiving notes. Permission from your professor, instructor or the Office of Disability Services may be required.

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