Notetaking accommodations provide access to a volunteer's copy of class notes. They are intended to supplement a student's own notes — not replace them or serve as a substitute for attending class. Notetaker availability is not guaranteed.
If you have questions about how this accommodation can support a specific student, contact the assigned access coordinator.
How Notetaking Works
When an accommodation letter includes notetaking accommodations, students may ask a peer for notes or ask their instructor for assistance finding a volunteer notetaker. There are several ways notes can be exchanged depending on what works best for the course.
If you are recruiting a volunteer on behalf of a student, keep the student's identity confidential when making the request. To increase the chance of finding a volunteer, post the request in multiple formats: an in-class announcement, an email to the class roster and a Canvas announcement.
Sample Text for Recruiting Volunteer Notetakers
Disability and Access (D&A) is seeking student volunteers to serve as notetakers. Serving as a volunteer means sharing the notes you're already taking in class. Volunteers are eligible to receive volunteer hours in recognition of their time. If you attend class regularly, take notes and are willing to help make our class more accessible, please contact me after class or visit the Student Volunteer Notetakers page on D&A's website.
Sharing Notes
Instructors and students should discuss which notetaking method works best for the course. Options include:
Instructor-provided notes
The instructor shares presentation notes or slides directly with the student.
Access to a shared UT Box folder
The instructor creates a UT Box folder shared with the volunteer notetaker and the student to exchange notes anonymously. Instructors may need to monitor that notes are being uploaded consistently.
D&A Student Portal
The student volunteer shares notes through the D&A Student Portal. This system is anonymous and the instructor is not involved after the notetaker is recruited.
Assistive Technology
Free technologies are available that allow students to record, transcribe and take notes independently. These tools may be used instead of or in addition to a volunteer notetaker. Visit the Assistive Technology page for a list of available tools.