Peer Notetaker Guide for Instructors
Recruiting Notetakers
Peer notetakers are generally students enrolled in the same class who volunteer to regularly share copies of their notes.
To help us identify a peer notetaker, we ask that you help us with the recruitment process and will reach out to you via email to start the process.
- Make an announcement in class. If you choose to make an announcement, please do not identify the student with the accommodation. Information about the individual student should be kept confidential.
- Post an announcement of the Notetaker Request slide on Canvas. The Disability Center can provide you with an example slide, if needed.
- Ask someone in your class who you feel would provide sufficient and adequate notes if they’d be willing to volunteer.
- Ask a TA/GA to share their notes (if possible).
During the recruitment phase, we ask that you provide the following support to the student requesting the accommodation:
- Provide the student a copy of your slides and/or class notes, if available.
- Allow the student to record the class using their own device (e.g. cell phone, laptop) so they have access to the audio for review.
Benefits of Being a Peer Notetaker
Notetaking is an easy volunteer opportunity for students who attend class and take notes regularly.
Benefits to serving as a peer notetaker include:
- The ability to include the volunteer experience on a resume.
- Enhanced learning as peer notetakers report taking better notes and listening more attentively.
- Notetakers who are consistent and timely with note submissions may also be eligible to receive a stipend at the end of the semester (up to $100).
Students interested in becoming notetakers can email the accommodations coordinator, who will then instruct them on how the program works and how to get signed up.