Note-taker Accommodation
Information for Students
If you are a student approved for the note-taker accommodation at Messiah University, we warmly welcome you to visit the Office of Academic Accessibility to discuss this specific accommodation need. Our office is available for appointments throughout the week, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding holidays). We are eager to engage in a meaningful conversation with you! Feel free to reach out, and we look forward to assisting you in any way we can.
Information for Faculty
While the need for the note-taking accommodation might not be immediately apparent, it serves a crucial purpose for individuals with various disabilities, both visible and invisible. Many students who benefit from the note-taker accommodation do so because it allows them to better engage with lectures without the added pressure of extensive note-taking. For instance, those with reading or writing disabilities may struggle to maintain accuracy, risking the loss of significant information. Individuals with processing delays can fall behind in the attempt to listen, process, and write simultaneously, potentially missing a substantial portion of a class presentation or discussion.
Moreover, students with visual or hearing impairments find the notes provided by a designated note-taker invaluable, ensuring they don't miss any vital information presented in class. While students with note-taker accommodations are encouraged to follow along and take notes to the extent possible, the unique nature of each student and their situation means that their ability to take notes will vary. For some, focused listening may be the most effective way to ensure optimal learning in the classroom.
If a student in your class requires the note-taker accommodation and intends to utilize it during the semester, you will receive notification from the Office of Academic Accessibility (OAA). The notification will include several documents designed to assist in finding a volunteer note-taker. Additionally, you can access this information through the following links:
Your partnership in this endeavor is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions about the note-taker accommodation at Messiah University, please feel free to contact our office at oaa@messiah.edu, by calling extension 7260, or by visiting our office suite in Murray Library.
Information for Note-takers
Thank you for your willingness to share your notes with one of your classmates! A volunteer note-taker can have a valuable and meaningful role in the success of a fellow student who is working towards graduation and a college degree. Utilizing shared notes allows your classmate to focus more fully on in-class instruction and activities without the worry of missing something important. Past volunteer note-takers have reported that volunteering helped them academically as well since they took better and more thorough notes. It’s a win-win!
Here are a few of the details related to volunteer note taking:
- You should plan to attend class regularly and take complete and legible notes that you would normally be compiling for yourself.
- After class and within 24 hours of it, you will simply email the Office of Academic Accessibility (at oaa@messiah.edu) with a PDF copy of your notes.
- If you faithfully and consistently provide notes throughout the semester, you will receive a $25 gift card to spend at the bookstore. It is as easy as that!
You will be asked to sign the Note-taker Agreement to confirm your commitment to note taking for the semester and to ensure that your contact information is on file for your gift card. If you have any questions about the expectations for a volunteer note-taker accommodation, please come by the Office of Academic Accessibility (OAA) in Murray Library. Thank you!