Notetaker Training

Notetaker Training

This Notetaker Training was created for CSUN students who have been recruited to be a notetaker for a student who is registered with Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) and/or the NCOD: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.

There are two ways you can be recruited as a notetaker in a specific class:

1. A student registered with the DRES/NCOD: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services department contacts you and requests for you to be their notetaker for the semester.
2. A student registered with the DRES/NCOD: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services department sends out a group email to the entire class, requesting a notetaker.

In order to be recruited, you must be enrolled in the same class as the student requiring a notetaker and you must receive a notetaker recruitment email to be considered.

Thank you for expressing your interest in participating in the Notetaker Program. By being a part of this program, you are enhancing everyone's learning experience.

Once Recruited, Sign-up as a Notetaker

• Log-in to the Notetaker Application at https://notes.studentaffairs.csun.edu/ to commence the process.
• Review the training materials below, that will help you perform in your role
• Once the training is finished, you will be able to enter the notetaker application and specify which classes you are interested in sharing your notes.
• We encourage you are to actively monitor your CSUN email account throughout the semester; you will receive important information regarding the notetaker application process.

Notetaker Responsibilities
I will:

• Attend each class session as required by the instructor
• Communicate with the student often about the quality and legibility of the notes. If there is a problem, which cannot be resolved, consult with the Disability Resources & Educational Services (DRES) or NCOD: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services department
• Contact DRES or NCOD: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services regarding any problems associated with my notetaking responsibilities
• Provide copies of notes to student needing notes regularly, in the manner agreed upon
• Maintain student’s confidentiality at all times
• Contact the student needing the notes to give him/her as much notice as possible to make other arrangements for notes, if unable to attend class

Note: You may contact DRES at 818-677-2684 or email dres@csun.edu and NCOD: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at 818-677-2054 or email at ncod@csun.edu.

Quick tips for taking effective class notes:

• Have a good understanding of the information being taught in class and provide a thorough set of class notes the student can use to study and complete assignments
• Effectively transcribe course information in a complete, legible, and organized manner. Copy all information from the board, screens and overheads
• Identify important information using symbols, such an asterisk (*), a text box, stars, or other indicators consistently to mark items such as key formulas, main concepts, assignments, due dates, and class announcements (such as cancellations or room changes)
• If the professor refers to a textbook, video, or other resource, identify it so the student receiving the notes can refer to that material if necessary

Additional strategies to help improve your class notes:
Quick Tips for notetaking
Cornell Notes
5 R’s of note taking

You may also use the step-by-step  Notetaker Application Guide to learn more about the Notetaker Application process.