Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I request note taking services?
A: In order to receive note taking support you must be eligible for the services. If you are unaware of your elibigibility, you can contact your Accessibility Consultant, and together you can determine if you are eligible for the support. Note taking support also comes with a cost, your Accessibility Consultant will discuss your options with you to cover the costs associated with this service.
If you already have note taking as an accommodation, you can request a note taker for one or more of your courses by completing our 'Note Taking Request Form' found on our website at www.nipissingu.ca/sas. Remember to submit the form as early as possible to ensure that you have note taking in place for the first day of the term.
NOTE: Confirmation of note taking services cannot be provided until you have completed your "Returning Student Form' for the current term.
Q: Can I request a specific note taker?
A: Yes, if you have had a note taker in the past that you really liked, and would like to request that they note take for you once again this term, you may make that request. It cannot be guaranteed, as it all depends on the note taker's schedule, but we will do all that we can to make that arrangement. You can submit your request within the 'Note Taking Request Form' when you complete it for the term.
Q: I don't need a note taker for my class anymore, what should I do?
A: If you no longer need a note taker for one of your courses, or a portion of your course (seminar, lab, tutorial), please let the Student Accessibilty Officers know as soon as possible. Remember, note taking is a paid-for service, and even if you are using the BSWD (Bursary for Students with Disabilities) to cover the cost, there is a limit of funding that is assigned to each student that is eligible. By informing the Student Accessibility Officers of any changes, we can refund your bursary if there are any unused portions, leaving you with more money for any other terms.
Q: For one of my courses the online portal says "Notetaking accommodations not approved for this course. If you require a notetaker please contact your disability advisor", but I thought I was eligible for note taking. What does this mean?
Q: For one of my courses within the online portal, I am not able to access my notes, and it says "N/A" instead of the "Notes" button. What does this mean?
A: This simply means that we are still working on filling your request, and we do not have a note taker matched with this course yet. If you have received confirmation that you have a note taker, but are not able to access your notes, please contact notetaking@nipissingu.ca for support.
Q: I am not getting my notes in a timely fashion. What can I do?
A: If you are not receiving your notes within 24 - 48 hours after the class has ended, it is your responsibility to contact the Student Accessibility Officers and inform them of your concern. We will follow up with the note taker, and work together to resolve the issue. Remember, you stay anonymous to the note takers unless you have chosen to self-identify to them on your own.
Q: The notes that I am receiving are not supporting me well (the format isn't ideal, there is key information missing, etc.). What can I do?
A: If you are receiving notes that are formatted in a way that does not support your learning, or there is important content that seems to be missing lecture-to-lecture , it is your responsibility to contact the Student Accessibility Officers and inform them of your concern(s). We will follow up with the note taker, and work together to find a solution. The note takers are required to be flexible with their note taking techniques, and note takers are put in place to support you, so do not be afraid to bring up any concern(s). Remember, you stay anonymous to the note taker unless you have chosen to self-identify to them on your own.
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