Notetaking

Overview of Notetaking Services

If your disability impacts your ability to take notes in the classroom, the DPRC has a few options for you to explore so that you may have equal access to instruction. Eligible students may use any of the following options individually or in combination with each other. We encourage all students to speak with their disability specialist about the notetaking method that may be right for them. Keep in mind that notetaking accommodations are not a substitute for attending class and may change from semester to semester or class to class. 

Notetaking Services Offered

  • Notetaking is provided for classes in which you are enrolled and needs to be requested through myDPRC for each course, every semester. 
  • Notetaking will be provided by a digital platform unless otherwise approved by your disability specialist. 
  • To use, include Digital Notetaking on your accommodation request for any classes in which you need to use it. The DPRC will then submit a referral for you to set up an account on a digital notetaking platform 
  • It is important to submit a Digital Notetaking request for all relevant classes, even if you already have an account on the digital platform, so the DPRC can reactivate your account and/or approve the appropriate amount of recording minutes. 
  • If you drop a class or determine notetaking is no longer needed in a course, cancel your accommodation request for notetaking in myDPRC. 
  • Request for services for each course will be reviewed and approved by DPRC. 
  • Notetaking is not a substitute for attending class. 
  • All materials furnished through the notetaking accommodation (notes, pictures, audio/video recordings, etc.) are for personal, academic use only. 
  • The Student Conduct Code applies to all students and includes use of the notetaking accommodation, audio-recording classes and/or use of the digital notetaking application. This media may not be reproduced or distributed. Please review the standards for Student Conduct, in accordance with Executive Order 1098. 

Some students benefit from being able to type in-class notes to incorporate spell check and built-in layout templates for better organization. The DPRC can facilitate a conversation with any instructors concerned about the use of a computer in their lecture. 

If you are approved for this accommodation, you may select it for all relevant classes when you request accommodations in myDPRC each semester. 

Audio-recording course meetings by eligible students for review after class is listed as an example of a reasonable accommodation within disability access law. As a courtesy, students are encouraged to inform instructors when audio-recording classroom instruction. Instructors are encouraged to contact the DPRC if they are concerned about the intended use of the recording. Audio-recording can be facilitated through a Smart Pen or with a borrowed audio recorder from the DPRC. 

A Smart Pen contains a digital recorder allowing recording of everything written and heard. Following a lecture, tap anywhere on your notes to replay the audio from that moment in time. This is a strategic way to go back and fill in any gaps within your notes. Pens are checked out to students for a semester at a time. 

If you are approved for this accommodation, you may select it for all relevant classes when you request accommodations in myDPRC each semester. If you require training to use a Smart Pen, please contact DPRC to schedule a training. Audio Recorders and Smart Pens can be checked out from the DPRC Front Desk in SSB 110.