Note-taking Accommodations

Policies

1. Students must first be registered with the Office of Disability Services and approved for note-taking accommodations before arrangements can be made for a note-taker.
2. Students requesting note-taking services must submit the online request form listing each course for which they require note-taking services. Instructors will be contacted to verify that notes are not already provided through other sources (i.e., Canvas, Box, professor’s own notes)
3. Students are encouraged to submit their requests as early in the semester as possible.
4. ODS will only be responsible for providing notes from the date the request is received.
5. Students should be prepared to provide the following information for each course requested:
   1. Name of course
   2. Course code, section, and index number
   3. Time and location of classes
   4. Professor’s name
   5. Professor’s e-mail

Available Tools

Your accommodation for note-taking may be provided in one of the following methods:

1. GLEAN
   Glean is an application that can be used from a computer or mobile device for recording lectures. Users can embed PDFs to accompany the audio recording. Students can add their own text notes alongside the recording and can highlight sections of the audio for future reference. More information and tutorial videos can be found at www.glean.co. If you would like to try it, let us know, and will send you an email invitation. 
2. Messenger Pigeon (formerly Note Taking Express)
   Messenger Pigeon is a service that provides transcripts and summary notes from lecture recordings. The student can record from the tool's web application or software download or they can upload a recording to the platform. From there, the student can view AI generated transcripts or request summary notes from a professional note-taker. Typed summary notes will be returned within 48 hours. Students can also upload PowerPoint slides, syllabi, and other course materials that may help the note-taker with context, vocabulary, or references when requesting summary notes. Arrangements for this service are made through ODS. Additional information can be found at https://www.habitatlearn.com/partnerships/rutgers-x-habitat-learn. 
3. Written notes by an in-class note taker
   An in-class note-taker may be assigned to your class to record notes. The note taker will upload a copy of the notes with 24 hours of the conclusion of each class to an online folder. You can download the notes at your convenience from that folder. In nearly all cases the note taker will be a student enrolled in the class, and the identity of students receiving notes is confidential.
4. Notes provided by the professor
   Some professors provide comprehensive notes for each class, eliminating the need for additional note-taking assistance. These notes may take the form of PowerPoint slides, Canvas notes, or other formats. If we determine from the professor that additional notes are not necessary, then the instructor-provided notes will suffice for this class.
5. Digital recorders
   Our office has digital recorders available for loan if you do not wish to use one of the other tools but want to record the lectures.

If you are unsure which method might be best for you, please check out our note-taking options page or feel free to contact us!

Student Portal

The ODS Student Portal is where you can find out if you have submitted your requests for this semester and their status. Although you cannot submit requests or changes through the Portal, you can see the latest updates to your requests in real time. 

Contact

Main Office Phone: 848-202-3111

Email: notetake@echo.rutgers.edu