What are my responsibilities as a note-taker?
Your job as a note-taker is to take clear, concise, complete notes during every class period, then scan and upload those notes to the SDS Accommodate Software via the Note-taker Drop Off Portal. You do not need to capture every word in class, but rather your notes should capture any important lecture content or practical details. This includes information about when the next quiz or test is happening, information about upcoming assignments, etc. Of course, you must also summarize the content of the lecture and discussion in the class. Notes may be hand-written as long as they are clearly legible when scanned to PDF. In rare circumstances, we may require notes to be typed, and would alert you to this requirement in your match email.
Your commitment is to take notes for the entire semester. However, if you are no longer able to take notes, you should immediately notify SDSnotetaking@umbc.edu so a replacement can be assigned.
I’m applying to be a note-taker, but I am a new or transfer student without a UMBC GPA, what should I do?
In the application form, please enter the GPA from your previous institution. If you are a first-year student, entering your high school GPA is acceptable.
When will I be matched?
If there is a request for a note-taker in a class for which you applied, SDS will choose the qualified note-taker who applied first. This means you may receive a match email within the first week or two of class. However, accommodated students may request peer note-taking at any time during the semester.
Why have I not been assigned to a class yet?
There is only one note-taker per class, and note-takers are matched only in classes where an accommodated student has requested a peer note-taker. There may not be a request for your classes, or another note-taker may have already been matched. Only those note-takers that have been assigned to a class will receive email notification regarding the match and the next steps in the application process.
When should I upload my notes?
Notes must be uploaded within 24 hours of the end of the class meeting. Note recipients must be able to download the notes before the next class period.
How should I upload my notes?
Notes should be uploaded through the Accommodate Note-taker Drop Off Portal found at https://umbc-accommodate.simplicity.com/notesdropoff. Be sure to provide notes in the one of the applicable file formats (pdf, word doc, jpeg) and label the notes correctly with accurate course information and the date of the lecture. Make sure that the file name is not too long. If the file name is too long, the file will not be able to open or download properly in Accommodate.
Do I need to meet with the student(s)?
No. Notes must be uploaded to the Accommodate software. If you know the note recipient and want to give them a paper copy of the notes, you are still required to upload a scanned copy of your notes to Accommodate. Also, if you know the note-recipient/s, you are expected to keep all information confidential. If a note recipient has concerns about the format or quality of notes, they will notify the SDS note-taking administration staff at sdsnotetaking@umbc.edu and the staff will contact you.
What do I do if there are no notes for a particular day?
If there are no notes for a particular day due to class cancellation, presentations, or exams, you must leave a comment in the description box of the Note-taker Drop-off Portal in Accommodate stating the date and the reason there are no notes.
When do I get paid?
Note-takers are paid after the end of the semester up to two months after the completion of the course(s) to allow time to check the quality and quantity of notes, and for UMBC payroll to prepare the stipends.
How much do I get paid?
Note-takers are paid a $200 stipend per course based on the quality of their note-taking services after all notes have been uploaded and verified.
What is the process for applying again next semester?
Returning note-takers will need to complete the application again for their current classes. In addition, they will need to complete all necessary paperwork (note-taker agreement, payroll paperwork, etc.), however, repeating the note-taker training is optional.
I have applied to be a note-taker, is there anything else I need to do?
At this time there is nothing you need to do. If you are matched to a class, you will receive email notification regarding the match and instructions on completing the next steps of the application process. Please carefully read and follow the instructions in any email sent to you from SDS Note-taking before emailing with questions.
Where do I find additional information?
You can refer to your Note-taking Handbook. If you still have questions or concerns, please email the SDS note-taking administration staff at sdsnotetaking@umbc.edu.