Instructions for Note-Takers

Note takers are very important to the access of the student. Students who need note-taking services generally need sentence summary notes which reflect the statements of the instructor and comments of other students in complete sentences with simple structure.

When taking notes the DSO

Attend class each time it meets. Contact the student and the DSO Program Assistant, as soon as possible, if you will not be able to attend class.
Keep note taking assignments and all information about the student you are note taking for confidential.
DSO students are eligible to receive note taking services if they are in attendance or are absent for disability-related reasons.
Contact the DSO service provider if you have any questions about attendance and note taking.
Arrive at class on time. Important announcements are made at the beginning of the class. Be careful to take notes on the dates that assignments are due or tests will be given.
Record all references, assignments, and special notices accurately and in detail.
Number, title, and date each page.
Write clearly and legibly. Printing may be preferable.
Record all the principle points made by the instructor. Write them in complete sentences or phrases.
Write in sufficient detail so that the notes have meaning without additional explanation.
Include all diagrams, examples, and board work in notes.
Define difficult concepts and unfamiliar key words. Clarify new vocabulary as much as possible.
Include as many examples, jokes, and class discussions as possible. These will help the student recall the notes.
Organize material clearly. Emphasize main points and indent minor points and examples. Use headings and sub-headings when possible. Be certain to relate your notes to the preceding idea.
Spell correctly. If you do not know how to spell a word, look it up after class.
Do not use abbreviations unless they are commonly accepted or defined in the notes.
Keep your personal opinions out of your notes.
Do not answer questions for the student in class. All questions should go to the instructor.
If you miss something during the lecture, leave a blank in your notes and check after class.

Instructions for Using NCR Paper

It is the student's responsibility to obtain the NCR paper from the DSO if the student uses a volunteer note taker. If the student uses a paid note taker, obtaining the NCR paper is the responsibility of the note taker.
It is important not to take too much paper at a time since it may get damaged and be unusable.
Use individual sheets on a hard surface.
Never stack several sheets of NCR paper while taking notes because the writing will go through on all the sheets.
Use a ball point pen so your writing will go through both pages of the NCR paper.
Define a regular time and place to give the notes to the student for whom you are taking notes.
Separate the NCR paper. The original is given to the student and the copy is given to the note taker if enrolled in the course or to the DSO with your time sheet.