Note-Taking Policy: University Responsibilities
When individuals with disabilities are eligible for, and request note-taking as an accommodation in the academic environment, eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis by the University.
The University will issue an Accommodation Verification Letter (AVL), which is an informational sheet for faculty and staff regarding the individual with a disability’s verified accommodations. The AVL states that the Office of Disability Services (ODS) relies on faculty and staff to solicit qualified, volunteer note-takers. Note-takers are supplied with free, carbonless, two-ply, lined paper. ODS offers two training workshops for note-takers during the first week of each term. The workshop is designed to enhance note-taking skills.
When individuals with disabilities share their AVL with faculty and staff, an announcement needs to be made by the faculty or staff member to the participants of the class or program, without identifying who the notes are for. The following announcement is provided to assist Drexel University faculty and staff in securing note-takers:
When individuals with disabilities present note-taking concerns, including not receiving notes, receiving notes more than twenty-four hours after each course/program, the inadequacy of the notes, and other legitimate concerns, the University is responsible for resolving each complaint, up to and including replacing the note-taker in a timely manner. Please note that the University can only respond in a timely manner when ODS is properly notified by the student with a disability.“The Office of Disability Services needs a volunteer in this class/program to share notes with an individual with a disability this term. Note-taking is an excellent way to enhance your learning and listening proficiency. It is also a recognized volunteer community service activity. If interested, please remain after class today to learn more about this service and your involvement as a note-taker. ODS will reward note-takers with a gift certificate to the University Bookstore for your assistance at the end of the term.”