Volunteer Notetakers for PMC Students
A number of students registered with the Paul Menton Centre (PMC) are unable to take lecture notes or can take very limited notes due to disability-related reasons. For such students, one of the services approved based on their disability documentation is a request for a volunteer notetaker. In order to facilitate this service, the course instructors are asked to make in-class announcements as many times as necessary until a volunteer notetaker is found. The example below can be used for that purpose, and provides information about requirements and incentives. However, if the in-class announcements are not successful in securing a volunteer notetaker, please consider the following alternative strategies and suggestions to ensure Carleton continues to meet our provincially mandated responsibility to support students with disabilities:
- Share your personal lecture notes with the student.
- Approach individual students in class who you know are diligent in taking notes to invite them to share their notes with the student.
- Allow the PMC student to audio record lectures (PMC can provide a digital voice recorder).
- Provide students with Power Point slides ahead of class, with slide notes detailed enough to serve as a good alternative to lecture notes.
Example of In-Class Announcement
(This can be read verbatim to the class, displayed as a PowerPoint slide, and/or inserted in a connect email or a message on Brightspace. Please note that you cannot disclose the identity of the PMC student(s) who require volunteer notetakers.)
“The Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities is looking for a volunteer notetaker for this class. The criteria for being a volunteer notetaker includes:
- Attending all assigned classes
- Taking complete and legible notes
- Typing up lecture notes and submitting them electronically within 72-hours after each class (math & other formula heavy notes can be scanned at the Notetaking Office located in room 501 UC)
- Maintaining confidentiality
It is expected that the notes will be typed; however, handwritten, but very legible notes, or notes containing math, symbols, or graphs can also be used.
Volunteers who successfully complete the term will receive a letter of recognition from the Paul Menton Centre. You will be assisting a fellow student meet their disability needs and facilitating their success in the course. Having to take good quality notes as a volunteer notetaker will benefit your learning in the course as well. Lastly, being a volunteer notetaker may prove to be a valuable addition to your resume.
Volunteer work at Carleton, such as the notetaking service for students registered with PMC, can count towards your Co-Curricular Record, the official record of your extra-curricular activities at Carleton University, which may prove beneficial in securing employment or entering graduate school.
Interested students should email volunteer_notetaking@carleton.ca. Volunteers will receive a letter of appreciation from the PMC at the end of the semester/year.
Thank You.”