What do notetakers do?
Notetakers anonymously provide a copy of their class lecture notes to a classmate with a documented disability through an online portal called Access ODS. Notetakers are not tutors or interpreters, and do not provide any academic assistance or advantage for students who utilize the notetaking accommodation.
If you are a skilled notetaker, you could provide a valuable service to your fellow classmates. Every semester, ODS seeks reliable students who take comprehensive and clear notes, and are willing to help other students gain access to class lecture material. Notes are uploaded to Access ODS, the online portal, making it super convenient and easy to be a notetaker!
Why do students need notetakers?
Students eligible for the notetaking accommodation have a disability that inhibits their ability to take notes. It may be a physical (dexterity impairment, low vision, hearing impairment etc.) or non-physical reason (an attention disorder, or a learning disability that affects their writing or verbal processing, etc).
By signing up to be available as a notetaker, you are making a commitment to ODS to assist in providing required accommodations. More importantly, you make a commitment to the student for whom you are taking notes. Your notes are a vital component of a fellow peers’ academic access.
Interested in Getting Paid for your Class Notes?
The Office of Disability Services maintains a list of students who are interested in providing a copy of lecture notes in a specific course, should they be needed for a student with a disability. If selected as a notetaker, you will be compensated for your effort in uploading high-quality notes to our online portal.
If you are interested in identifying courses in which you’re currently enrolled and for which you’d be willing to provide notes, please visit the following link: https://accessods.mu.edu/clockwork/user/notetakingnotetakers/login.aspx
When your services are needed, you’ll receive an email notification from ODS.
If you have been selected as a notetaker:
- You’ll receive an email notification from ODS. You can also log in to the Access ODS portal (linked above) to see your status as a notetaker for the courses you've selected.
- If you do not take many notes in class because the instructor provides PowerPoints/other notes to use before class, or the class is mostly discussion-based, let us know. We typically do not secure notetakers in these instances.
- Tell us if you have worked on campus or not. If you have not worked on campus, and therefore have not completed your I-9 with Marquette, you will need to bring in documentation in order to be hired in accordance with federal employment laws. The page linked below has a list of appropriate items. These items must be the originals, not photocopies or pictures.
Notetaker Responsibilities:
- Please read the Frequently Asked Questions below
- You are required to upload a copy of your notes taken during class in a Word doc or scanned PDF file in the Access ODS portal at least once per week. (NO JPEGS - do not take just a picture of your notebook!)
- Provide a copy of your lecture notes only – not any notes on readings, homework, study guides you make, etc.
- You will be paid $4 per day of uploaded notes (max 3x per week) for your effort in uploading high-quality notes, for each class in which you are assigned as a notetaker. Notetakers must upload all class notes at least ONCE per week. If you choose to upload notes from all class periods on one day at the end of the week, you’ll be paid $4 for that upload. If you upload notes after each class period, for example, Monday night, Wednesday night, and Friday night, you would be paid $12 for those uploads, since you uploaded notes on 3 separate days, allowing for quicker and consistent access for your note recipient.
Tips for Successful Notetakers
- Write the date and the name of the class at the top of the first notes page
- Capture relevant info: anything written on the board, emphasized, or repeated by instructor
- Review notes and fill in gaps before uploading
- Write legibly and clearly enough for others to follow
- If notes are handwritten, writing on only one side of the page makes notes easier to read when scanned
- It’s most helpful to upload within 24 hours of the class session
- Make sure all class notes are uploaded at least 2 days prior to exams
Frequently Asked Questions
Log in to Access ODS, upload your notes file, select which day the lecture notes are from, and submit.
In what file format should I upload my notes?
- Notes may be uploaded in a PDF or Word Doc. However, ODS will notify you if notes are required to be uploaded in a Word Doc.
- If you type your notes: you may upload the saved Word Doc file from your computer.
- If you handwrite your notes: you may scan your notebook for free on any campus copier and email the PDF file to yourself using the “scan and send” feature. Copiers are located in the library, AMU, residence halls, etc.
- JPEG FILES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.
What do I do if we have an exam, class is cancelled, or there’s another reason I don’t take notes in class?
Where you normally upload your notes file, instead submit a comment in the textbox, choose the lecture date to which it applies, and submit. Ex: “exam day” or “class cancelled”. It is important for ODS to know that you are staying on top of your notetaking duties and not just forgetting to upload.
What if I miss a class for which I am assigned as a notetaker?
Please provide notes from a friend or classmate that you receive for yourself, with their permission.
How and when do I get paid?
- Notetakers will be paid $4 per day of uploads, with a maximum of 3 uploads or $12/week. If you are taking notes for more than one course, you will be paid $4 per day for each course.
If you choose to upload notes from all class periods on one day at the end of the week, you’ll be paid $4 for that upload. If you upload notes after each class period, for example, Monday night, Wednesday night, and Friday night, you would be paid $12 for those uploads, since you uploaded notes on 3 separate days, allowing for quicker and consistent access for your note recipient.
- Notetakers typically get paid in a lump-sum at the end of the semester. Notetakers are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit; otherwise they will need to pick up a paper check from the Payroll Office in Straz Tower, 175, on the specified payment date (normally the Wednesday after finals week). Please contact ODS if you have any questions or concerns about your payment as a notetaker.
