Note Taking

Traditional, In Person Classes

In order to receive note-taking assistance as an accommodation, students must be present for class and be attentive. In rare instances, the student may have an accommodation to receive notes when not present for class.

Options for providing notes to students with this accommodation include:

  • Option 1: Students who volunteer to be note takers can use the OAS's online platform to anonymously upload their scanned notes or computer files for retrieval by the students who need those notes. Instructions to provide to students who wish to use this convenient and easy method are available for download: AIM Notetaker Instructions PDF. Notes must be uploaded within 48 hours of class..
  • Option 2: Note-takers take notes on their laptop computer. The note-takers would e–mail the notes to the instructor, or the student if the student’s email is provided in such a way that the student cannot be identified, at the conclusion of the class. If forwarded to the instructor, the notes should either be forwarded to the student, posted in an accessible location (Canvas or website), or printed and provided to the student. In order to receive this accommodation, students must be present for class and be attentive. This must be done within 48 hours of class.
  • Option 3: Instructors may give copies of classroom lecture notes, fill-in-the-blank notes, powerpoint presentations, transparencies, or overheads that they use for daily lectures. Instructors may utilize Canvas or post notes online. PowerPoint presentations, overheads, and transparencies must be provided to the student prior to the lecture.

If opting for volunteer notetakers, instructors should identify two in–class note–takers for the course; one to serve as the primary note-taker and the other to serve in the primary note–takers absence. Instructors should make sure to inform students that they can earn ServScript hours by being volunteer note-takers.

Please make the following announcement not mentioning the name(s) of the student(s) requesting a notetaker:

There is a student in our class who needs a copy of the class notes. Volunteers are eligible to earn ServScript hours. If you have a 2.5 GPA, take accurate and legible notes, please see me at the end of the class.

Once a volunteer comes forward, please refer them to the step-by-step instructions linked in “Option 1” above.

Online Classes

Supplemental notetaking assistance is not necessary for asynchronous online courses, as Kaltura should automatically provide transcripts on Canvas. Supplemental notes are only for lectures, so a notetaker will not be needed for reading or other non-lecture assignments for online courses.

Supplemental notetaking assistance may be needed for some synchronous online classes. If PowerPoints, nor transcripts of synchronous lectures are provided, supplemental notes should be provided either by a volunteer notetaker, or the professor.


If you have any questions or concerns, please email the OAS at oas-notetaking@fsu or call (850)644–9566.

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