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Division of Academic and Student Affairs 
Disability Resource Office

Volunteer Notetakers

The Disability Resource Office (DRO) is looking for volunteer student note-takers who are enrolled in courses, and are willing to share their notes. If you take detailed, well-organized notes, this is a wonderful way to make a positive difference for a fellow classmate. As a volunteer note-taker, you will make an impact!

WHO NEEDS NOTE-TAKERS?

The Disability Resource Office provides access to note-taking accommodations for students with documented disabilities, such as mobility impairment, learning disabilities, dyslexia, blind/low vision, D/deaf/hard of hearing, or individuals with PTSD or chronic illness.

Most students with a disability are able to attend class regularly, however their disability may interfere their ability to take notes. They may not be able to take their own notes because they may have to watch a sign language interpreter closely, they may have low vision or have very limited use of their hands, or they may have difficulty listening and writing at the same time.

Some students with a disability may miss class sometimes due to illness, hospitalizations, or to attend therapy or medical appointments.

Notes provided by a volunteer note-taker help these students fill-in the gaps in their own notes, or provide notes for those unable to take their own notes due to a variety of reasons.

If you are a good note-taker, you may use your skill to provide a valuable service to the campus community.

As a volunteer note-taker you are making a commitment to assist NC State in meeting its obligations and more importantly making a commitment to the student for whom you are taking notes. These notes will help give a fellow student the opportunity to achieve academic success.

NOTE-TAKING BENEFITS:

  • Volunteer note takers receive up to 45 hours of community service. (In order to receive the community service hours, note takers must provide comprehensive notes and be prompt with note submissions. Request a certificate at the end of the semester from the DRO.)
  • Enhance your resume – your service can be indicated on resumé.
    Example Resumé Statement:
    Volunteer Note-Taker (Semester and Year)
    NC State, Disability Resources Office 
    Provided detailed notes, for qualified students registered with the Disability Resource Office. Forty-five hours of accommodation note-taking service was completed.
  • It’s convenient to be a volunteer note-taker. You never have to give up your notebook or visit the Disability Services Office to make copies or upload your notes; notes may be uploaded using any scanner and computer with internet access.
  • Feel good about helping a fellow student. You don’t have to be the best note-taker in the world to volunteer. We’re looking for people who write legibly, get the main points, and want to help.

NOTE-TAKER RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • To become a volunteer note-taker you must have a 2.5 GPA and complete note-taking training located at this link
    Note-Taker Training.
  • Notes should be submitted/up-loaded within 24 hours of the class meeting to Clockwork
  • Notes may be handwritten, however, notes typed and saved as a PDF or Word format (any word version is acceptable) are best. Even if no notes were taken, upload a document stating why there were no notes.
  • Note-takers scan their notes and upload them to a secure website. The notes are then accessed through Clockwork by the student.
  • If you drop a class or are no longer able to be a note-taker, notify the Disability Resource Office immediately.
  • Always make sure notes are uploaded within 24 hours of the class.
  • Put the date & course (i.e. 3/15/15,  BIO 101) on the first page.
  • Number all pages in sequence: 1,2,3,…….
  • Explain all abbreviations when you use them for the first time.
  • Note-takers are required to make arrangements for a substitute note-taker or get notes from another student as soon as possible in the case of an absence from class.