Peer Note Taking may be approved for students whose documented disability creates barriers to taking notes during class. When approved, students may receive notes from a peer note taker enrolled in the same course. SAS facilitates this accommodation and works collaboratively with students and faculty to support access to course content.
Students interested in this accommodation must be registered with SAS and meet with a SAS counselor during their Welcome Meeting or schedule an appointment with a SAS counselor to discuss the need for this accommodation if it has not been previously authorized.
During this conversation, you and the SAS counselor will discuss how your disability impacts your ability to take notes or process information and whether a peer note taker may be an appropriate accommodation.
Requesting Peer Note Taking
Meet with a SAS counselor to discuss your accommodation needs.
If authorized, Peer Note Taking will be added to your accommodation form, and you will receive a Note Taker Application.
Share your Accommodation Letter and Note Taker Application with your instructor.
Your instructor will assist in identifying a peer note taker.
If a note taker cannot be identified, contact SAS as soon as possible so alternative options can be explored.
Student Responsibilities
- Attend class regularly whenever possible.
- Notify SAS if notes are not being received or concerns arise.
- Communicate with your instructor and SAS regarding accommodation-related needs.
Students interested in serving as a peer note taker may complete the online interest form, obtain an application from their instructor, or contact SAS directly.
Expectations
Peer note takers are expected to:
- Attend class regularly.
- Share notes as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours.
- Maintain student confidentiality.
- Notify the instructor or SAS if they can no longer serve as a note taker.
Tips for Successful Notes
Helpful notes often include:
- Key concepts, terms, and definitions.
- Information emphasized by the instructor.
- Examples, procedures, and important class discussions.
- References to assignments, textbooks, and other course materials.
- The course name and date on each set of notes.
Recognition and Compensation
Peer note takers may be eligible to receive a $100 stipend and/or a letter of commendation in recognition of their service.
Peer Note Taking may be authorized when a documented disability creates barriers to a student's ability to take notes during class.
When a student presents an accommodation form indicating Peer Note Taker, faculty are encouraged to:
- Review the back page of the accommodation form, as there is a prompt and instructions related to this accommodation.
- Consider whether lecture slides, guided notes you created, Canvas materials, outlines, or other course resources are already available that may support the student's access needs. Please let the student know about these resources and ask if they would still like a Peer Note taker.
- Be prepared to share the Note Taker Application with the Peer Note Taker.
- Protect student confidentiality throughout the process.
- Facilitate anonymous note sharing if requested by the student.
- Contact SAS if a peer note taker cannot be identified so alternative solutions can be explored.
Faculty are encouraged to contact the SAS counselor listed on the student's accommodation form or the SAS office at (760) 795-6658 or sas@miracosta.edu if they have any questions or concerns related to implementation of this accommodation.
