Notetakers and Educational Attendants: Frequently Asked Questions

Which notetaking positions are available with Student Accessibility Services? What are the duties of a Notetaker/Educational Attendant?

There are two types of notetaking positions: Notetaker and Educational Attendant. A Notetaker is hired to attend each class, take notes, and provide these notes to the student as soon as possible (suggested turnaround time is 48 hours). The Educational Attendant position includes all duties of a Notetaker  plus additional duties, including but not limited to: assisting the student with setting up in the classroom, collecting lecture handouts and other materials, accompanying the student to the library to gather books for research, and so on. In general, an Educational Attendant position can involve 1-3 additional hours of assistance per week.

What are the criteria for hiring notetakers?

A Notetaker/Educational Attendant must meet the following criteria:

• 2nd year Undergraduate or above, and in good academic standing
• Experience in the given subject matter
• Display effective written communication skills, and have sound judgement
• Be punctual, reliable, and committed to the position
• Able to abide by the rules of confidentiality and display sensitivity to the needs of the student

I am already registered in a class where a notetaker is required. Can a classmate act as a paid notetaker?

Yes, absolutely! SAS is open to hiring a classmate so long as the classmate meets the other requirements for the position.

I've been hired - what comes next?

Notetakers will receive a confirmation email with information on how to register with SAS, how to submit payment information, and the contact details for their student(s). 

What is the rate of pay?

Notetakers and Educational Attendants are paid $16 per hour. In instances where there is more than one student in a given class receiving notes, the hired Notetaker will be paid a full hourly rate for the first student, and one hour per week (at $16) for each additional student.

How does a Notetaker/Educational Attendant submit hours for payment?

Hours are submitted through a webform on the Student Accessibility Services website: http://ucalgary.ca/access/timesheet

Hours are submitted for payment at the end of each month. The exact submission deadline date for each period will be communicated to service providers multiple times before the deadline. Late submissions will be carried forward for payment in the next payment cycle.

What are the pay days?

Notetakers/Educational Attendants are generally paid on the 10th of each month.

What are the rules of confidentiality involved in a Notetaker position?

Notetakers must abide by the following rules of confidentiality as a condition of employment:

• Any information related to the student provided to a Notetaker by Student Accessibility Services must remain strictly confidential and should not be shared by the Notetaker with any third party without the permission of the student and Student Accessibility Services.
• Under no circumstances should a Notetaker disclose to third parties that the student is registered with Student Accessibility Services unless expressly asked to do so by the student and Student Accessibility Services.

Should I ask the student about their disability?

Absolutely not. The nature of the student's disability is private. The student can disclose to you if they wish, but under no circumstances should a notetaker make this inquiry.

How should I take notes?

The method of taking notes will vary somewhat according to the class (subject matter, method of instruction) and the student.  Please discuss with your student whether there are specific things they wish for you to concentrate on during the lecture and/or if they have a preferred method for taking notes.

It is recommended that notetakers also consult the following resources from the University of Dartmouth toward developing effective notetaking strategies and practices:

• Taking Lecture Notes
• Taking Lecture Notes for Others
• Using the Cornell Note Taking System

How should notes be supplied?

Please consult your student about how they would like their notes supplied. Some options include: photocopying handwritten notes; scanning handwritten notes and sending electronically; sending typed notes by email; setting up a shared Dropbox account where notes can be uploaded/downloaded.

What is the turnaround time for supplying notes?

Ideally, notes should be provided after each class. In circumstances where this is not possible, notes should be provided no later than 48 hours after the class.

Can I be paid for the time I spend typing up/photocopying notes?

Yes. Notetakers can submit up to 1 additional hour per week on their timesheet for these activities. 

Should I meet the professor of the class?

It is recommended that you meet the professor of the course during the first week of class to introduce yourself as a Notetaker/Educational Attendant with Student Accessibility Services (there is no need to discuss the student you have been hired to assist). This meeting will allow the professor to know that you are a not a registered member of the class and so should not be called upon to participate in any class activities.

What if another student in the class asks me to provide notes?

The notes you produce are for the use of the SAS student only - please do not share these notes with any other student.

Should I sit with my student?

At your first meeting with the student you can ask if they have a preference for seating. Some students may ask that their notetaker sit apart from them - please respect this request. In general, it is recommended to notetakers (as well as students) that they sit in the location which will best allow them to concentrate on the lecturer.

Does the student have to attend? What should I do if my student is not in class?

Students receiving paid notetaking support through Student Accessibility Services are expected to attend class on a regular basis. Owing to the nature of a student's disability, occasional absences may be expected. Students are expected, where possible, to alert their notetaker in advance to any absences.  

If you notice that your student is not in attendance please remain in the lecture and take notes as normal. If you notice a pattern of absences by your student please alert the Advisor, Assistive Services and Technology as soon as possible.   

What if I need to miss a class?

In you know in advance you must miss a class please let your student know ahead of time. You will also need to ensure that you obtain a copy of the missed notes to provide to your student.

What if my student drops the class I have been hired for?

If your student drops the class you have been hired for then Student Accessibility Services will attempt to find you a replacement class. Given the limited number of positions available, however, this may not be possible.   

What if I have a change in my schedule/need to withdraw from notetaking?

Please alert the Advisor, Assistive Services and Technology as soon as possible.

What are the responsibilities of the student?

A student receiving paid Notetaker support through SAS has the following responsibilities:

• To attend all classes (to the best of their ability) and to notify the Notetaker in advance of any expected absences
• To notify Student Accessibility Services, the Notetaker, and the Instructor of any prolonged absences or other issues
• To be respectful and professional in all communication and interaction with their Notetaker(s)
• To be prepared to engage in the pursuit of learning, and to meet the stated requirements of the course

What if the student alerts me to a personal situation/crisis?  

All such revelations should be treated seriously. Please alert the Advisor, Assistive Services and Technology immediately if your student reveals a personal situation or crisis. Student Accessibility Services will get in contact with the student to inquire about the situation and offer support.

What if I am not getting along with my student?

It is important to get in contact with the Advisor, Assistive Services and Technology as soon as it becomes apparent that you are having a personality conflict with your student.  

Is it okay to have a friendship with my student?

As employees of Student Accessibility Services, it is expected that Notetakers establish and maintain a pleasant but strictly professional relationship with their student. Engaging in any other type of relationship with your student would be inappropriate.

Should I be meeting my student outside of class?

Meetings outside of the class are appropriate so long as they take place on campus and are strictly for the purpose of discussing something related to the notes being provided and/or the notetaking process.