Notetaking services

Comprehensive Access to Lecture Materials

WSU Vancouver is committed to providing equal access to educational materials for all students. Student Accommodations & Disability Resources coordinates notetaking services to ensure that students with documented disabilities can fully engage with lecture content. This collaborative process involves students, peer notetakers, and faculty to foster an inclusive learning environment.

Students eligible for this accommodation use the MyAccess portal to manage their requests and retrieve uploaded materials. Because identifying and hiring a peer notetaker can take two to four weeks, students are encouraged to submit requests early and explore supplemental assistive technology and notetaking tools available through the Access Center. These resources provide vital support and ensure continuity in learning while a permanent notetaker is being identified.

Essential Program Guidelines

• Assess Need Regularly: Be prudent with requests. Notify Student Accommodations & Disability Resources immediately if a notetaker is no longer required.
• Eligibility: If you are not currently approved for notetaking services but find that current accommodations do not provide equal access, contact staff as soon as possible to discuss your options.
• Timelines and Alternatives: Finding a peer notetaker often takes two to four weeks. During this time, work with instructors for interim solutions and utilize notetaking tools.
• Peer Recruitment: You can expedite the process by informing peers about the notetaking program and directing interested students to our website.
• Service Feedback: You will receive an email to rate the quality and consistency of your notetaker. These ratings are vital for maintaining high service standards.

How to Request Notetaking

Step 1: Apply for Accommodations

New users must first apply for accommodations to establish eligibility.

Step 2: Log into MyAccess and Sign E-Forms

Visit the MyAccess portal to sign required electronic forms. Review these documents carefully as policies may be updated.

Step 3: Select Your Courses

Navigate to the request accommodations section. Select the Notetaking Services checkbox for every course where this support is needed.

How to Download Notes

Step 1: Access Your Portal

Log into the WSU MyAccess Portal.

Step 2: Select Your Course

Under the My Accommodations section of the dashboard, select Notetaking Services. Classes with assigned notetakers will appear in a list. Select Available Notes for Download for the specific class you wish to review.

Step 3: Retrieve Files

Click the Download Note link next to the specific entry. The file will save automatically to your device.

Important Delivery Details:

• Initial Access: Once a notetaker is hired, you will have access to all previous notes within 48 hours.
• Notification: You will receive an email notification each time a new set of notes is uploaded.
• Reporting Issues: If notes do not appear within 24 hours of a lecture, or if the content is not legible or timely, email van.accommodations@wsu.edu immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the note file not opening?

The file type may not be supported by your specific device. Please email Student Accommodations & Disability Resources at van.accommodations@wsu.edu for technical assistance or file conversion.

What should I do if a notetaker hasn’t been found yet?

Work with your instructor to determine interim supports. We also recommend utilizing assistive technology and notetaking tools to bridge the gap while we continue our recruitment efforts.

What happens if I change my schedule?

Dropped classes are automatically updated in MyAccess. If you add a new course or switch sections, you must submit a new request for notetaking services for that specific section.