An instructor writing notes on a white board,  in the foreground, students sitting in desks facing the instructor

How to Apply for Services and Student Accommodations

To obtain eligibility to receive reasonable accommodations through Student Disability Services, students will need to follow the Accommodation Process.

The Note-taking Request Form

Students approved for note-taking accommodations should make their requests for notetakers two weeks prior to the start of the semester by completing and submitting the notetaker request form below:

Notetaker Request Form

Who are the notetakers? 

Notetakers are students recruited from your courses via email, or in-class announcements. Notetakers share their notes with you to enhance/complement the notes you are taking in class. Notetakers are not tutors or personal assistants. 

Can the notetaker type my notes? 

We will always try to accommodate your preference by asking the notetaker when the notetaker is hired, but please know that notetakers are not required to type notes. Notetakers are required to type notes for students that have provided documentation to SDS that supports the request for typed notes. 

Will I have a notetaker on the first day of class?

SDS will always try to have a notetaker assigned to your course as soon as possible. you should know It can take up to two to three weeks (or more) to have a notetaker assigned to your course. You can borrow a digital recorder from SDS until a notetaker is assigned, or download a recording app for your smartphone. 

What happens if a notetaker cannot be assigned to me?

Students approved for note-taking services are also approved to use a digital recording device, or a recording app to download on their smartphones, that would take the place of a notetaker. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with the Learning Success Center to get assistance on how to get the best notes from their recordings. 

What does choosing anonymous on The Note-taking Request Form mean?

If you choose the anonymous option on the Note-taking Request Form, the notetaker will be directed to email the notes to the SDS email address (sds@nieu.edu) within 24-48 hours after the class has met. The notes will be forwarded from sds@neiu.edu to the student's University email.  

In some instances the notetaker will drop off notes within 24-48 hours after the class has met at the designated drop-off locations (below) on the campus where the course takes place. 

  • Main Campus: Student Disability Services, D 104 
    Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Carruthers Center: Room 307 
    Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • El Centro: Administrative Suite
    Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
    Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

 Students needing assistance completing this form should contact SDS at sds@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4595.