It is the responsibility of note-takers to succinctly record the main points presented in each class. This means that a note-taker must highlight important key topics or themes that the professor or instructor emphasizes during lecture or in discussion, define new vocabulary, and format all of this material and information in a style that best communicates the content and purpose of each class.

Note-Taker Responsibilities

The service you provide as a note-taker for the Office of Accessible Education

is a legally mandated service, ensuring that Palo Alto University remains in compliance with equal opportunity and civil rights laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Providing notes and maintaining confidentiality are critical requirements of these laws.

Responsibilities:

1. It is very important that you attend every class throughout the term. If you are absent from class, you are still responsible for sharing notes from that class meeting by perhaps asking another student for a copy of their notes.
2. Sit near the front of the class or in a place where you can hear clearly and see everything written on the board or presented in a slide.
3. Within 24 hours, send a digital file as a Microsoft Word document to the Office of Accessible Education at [email protected] of each scheduled class, x-hour, and/or lab session.

Note-taking Format

The Office of Accessible Education prefers that note-takers type their notes for every class, but we also understand that in some courses, the material may be difficult to type out due to the

complexity of the information. If you are the note-taker for a course in which the information is better conveyed via handwritten notes or drawings, please let the Note-taking staff know.

Otherwise, here are some general guidelines to follow when formatting your notes:

• At the top of each page, record the DATE, PROFESSOR, and the NAME OF THE CLASS/COURSE NUMBER.
• Number the pages either at the top or the bottom of the page.
• If you need to hand write the notes, use dark ink and write on only one side of each page.
  • If this is the case, please write neatly and make sure that the scan of each page is complete and can be easily read by the recipient(s).
• Please leave plenty of space along the borders and on the pages so that the recipient(s) can add their own comments.
• Write down all related information presented about the class, including:
  • Any changes to an assignment
  • Important due dates for papers
  • Any changes in class times/meetings
  • Upcoming exam information
  • Study session meeting times

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Ana Castrillo

Director for the Office of Accessible Education

Associate Director for Students Services Palo Alto University