Volunteer Notetaker Information

Steps to Become a Volunteer Notetaker

Stipend for Volunteer Notetakers

• Volunteer Notetakers will be given a stipend in gratitude for their work
• Stipend amounts are determined by the portion of the class notes that are taken. If a Notetaker:  
  • Submits notes the whole quarter, they will receive a $100 stipend  
  • Submits notes for half of the quarter (Fall/Winter/Spring: weeks 1-5 or 6-10/11, Summer: 1-4 or 5-8), they will receive a $50 stipend 
• Stipends are processed after the quarter is finished and sent in the mail to the address listed in ctcLink. If you need to change your address, use the Update Contact Information tutorial

Notetaker Responsibilities   

• Submit a Notetaker Application 
• Use MyDRC to volunteer for courses and complete Notetaker Agreement
• Upload notes in MyDRC within one (1) business day of each class session
• Make notes legible and comprehensive 
• Upload PDF and Word files to MyDRC 
  • Written notes can be uploaded as a PDF using the free ‘Genius Scan’ app, Adobe Scan, or personal scanner 
• Maintain the confidentiality of the student’s identity, disability (if disclosed), as well as confidentiality of anything or anyone observed while in the DRC 
• Attend each session and take notes faithfully. Contact the DRC immediately if you are unable to come to class or continue as a notetaker. 
• Be aware if the student with the notetaker accommodation drops the course or no longer needs notes, your assignment may be stopped at any time during the quarter. You will be provided with a stipend according to the stipend structure.  
• Confirm your mailing address is correct in ctcLink if you want to earn a stipend
  • Update your mailing address in ctcLink using the Update Contact Information tutorial

Tips for Notetaking   

• Notes should be taken on:   
  • Instructor or guest instructor lectures  
  • Group or individual presentations  
  • Informational/how-to videos  
  • Information presented to an entire class  
• Notes should not be taken on:   
  • Feature films  
  • Modules or videos presented on Canvas or other online platforms  
  • Homework  
• Notes should include:  
  • Major topics, themes, subtopics, and subthemes  
  • Overarching concepts  
  • Vocabulary, Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Definitions  
  • Processes/Timelines  
  • Announcements and Reminders  
• Instructors often use phrases to clue students into what is important, take notes on what they relay next:  
  • Now this is important 
  • Remember that 
  • The important idea is 
  • You will need to remember this 
  • This will be on the test 
• Sometimes instructors will provide a structure for you to take notes. If an instructor relays any of the following, these are structural cues to follow:  
  • There are three reasons why 
  • The first (second, third…) example is 
  • For instance 
  • In addition 
  • On the other hand 
  • However 
  • In contrast 
• Useful formatting tips:  
  • Use a heading at the top of each page indicating the class and the date 
  • Skip lines between topics so if the instructor returns to a point, you have room to write 
  • Signal important information by underlining or staring that bullet point  
  • Use short, concise sentences 
  • Note who is relaying the information (the instructor, a guest, a student, etc)  
• Be sure to review your notes before uploading for the following:  
  • Check spelling 
  • Label and indicate important information 
  • Rewrite any sloppy or illegible words 
  • Make sure any false starts or material to be ignored is completely crossed out 
  • Add headings or number lists to provide additional structure 

Last Updated April 13, 2026