Notetaking

Notetaking at Cleveland State University is done on a voluntary basis. To the extent possible, notetakers are selected from the enrolled class. Students who require copies of notes should discuss this need with the faculty member when presenting accommodation memos. The faculty member should then ask for a student volunteer to provide notes. The faculty member can get the students together after class. Notes can be copied by the students, or can be brought to the ODS to be photocopied.

It is up to the student receiving the notes to review them with the faculty member for accuracy. It is also the student’s responsibility to notify the faculty member if a need arises for a different notetaker (i.e. notetaker is absent, drops the class, etc.) The student should notify the ODS if there are any difficulties with this process.

Alternatives to Regular Text

Students who need books in audio format, in electronic format, Braille, or any other alternative format must provide the book along with a course syllabus to the ODS as soon as possible after scheduling. Requests will be processed in the order in which they are received. Students should periodically check in with the ODS to see if their books are ready.

Students must return materials from Recordings for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) and other materials that are obtained by or from the ODS at the end of each term. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain their own membership to RFB&D. This service can provide audio text in digital audio format. Their website is: www.rfbd.org.

Attendance

Attendance is expected according to the syllabus for each particular course. If a student has a disability related reason for requesting an exception to the attendance policy the student should contact the ODS to begin a process of examining the essential requirements of the course and determining whether and to what extent a modification to that attendance policy is reasonable. Faculty cannot unilaterally determine essential requirements: this must be done in conjunction with ODS.