Note takers
Our note taking program
A service to a fellow student with a documented disability, this
position takes notes in class as a student normally would and then
turns these notes over to the note taking coordinator, located in
the Learning Center in the bottom of the O’Grady Library. Please
visit our General Policy
for more information on defining a disability.
Good to know
Note takers ARE responsible for notes, unless an unexpected
illness or emergency arises. In this case, it is required to
make up any missed notes by speaking with a fellow classmate.
Being a note taker teaches responsibility for both attendance
and good notes. Note takers are paid for their service; this
looks good on a resume as well. Note takers are chosen based on
need and are selected on a first come, first serve basis. Those
with previous note taking experience at Saint Martin’s are given
priority.
AlphaSmart (word processers) are available for checkout through
the DSS office. Carbon copy notebooks are also available for
notes. Notes can be turned in either via hard copy or by e-mail.
Confidentiality
DSS students are not disclosed to note takers unless the student
chooses to do so. Note takers are to maintain confidentiality if
they discover who their student is. Please fill out
this packet
and return to the note taking coordinator upon employment.
Job duties/requirements
Attend and take notes for every class day of the semester. Notes
must be turned in twice a week at minimum, either by e-mail or
by hard copy. Report to the note taking coordinator if there are
any issues/problems with notes in class. The student whom you’re
taking notes for is the quality control. You may be asked to
take more detailed notes or type your notes. File a W4 and I9
with the office of finance in order to be paid at the end of the
semester. It is a good idea to do this early in the semester to
ensure quick payment! If you do not adhere to your job duties,
we reserve the right to terminate employment.
Formatting
A header is required on each page of notes. This is to ensure
notes are sent to the right student in the right class. Each
page of notes must have the following:
- Class #, professor, date and page/page
- For example: BIO105 Fulton 8/10/11 4/6
*Please note: in some cases you will be required
to include the section number. It is imperative
the right course number and section letter
are present to ensure the right notes
are sent to the right student.
Training
All note takers are required to undergo a
training session once a year, including rehired note
takers. Times are determined by the note taking
coordinator.
Note taking systems
Students are free to use a note taking system that works
best for them. Note takers are not required to use a
particular note system. Writing notes word for word in a
lecture is not required, although in some courses this
may be a necessity. History courses, for example, tend
to move at a quick pace in lecture with lots of details;
it may be wise to dictate a lecture as opposed to
generalizations. Please visit
Cal Poly for examples of alternate note taking
systems.
How do note takers get paid?
All note takers are required to file a W4 and I9 with
the office of finance in order to be paid at the end of the
semester. These forms can be found on the
IRS website. Please visit or e-mail
Laura Baldovin for
more information. This is a paid position. Each credit hour is
$50 in paid stipend. A three credit class pays $150 at the end
of the semester. Work study is not required for this position.