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

Digital Note-taking Software Services

SDS has moved away from peer-to-peer note-taking and migrated students to state-of-the-art recording software for note-taking, which students can start using immediately.

Student that have completed their intake for accommodations meeting with their SDS Specialist and are approved for use of a digital device or software to record lectures and courses are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment for a brief training on how to use note-taking recording software effectively. 

You can schedule a virtual appointment with Fernando Riascos at f-riascos@neiu.edu.

The Note-taking Request Form (for approved students only)

Student's need to verify with their SDS Specialist if they are approved for peer-to-peer notetaking. Students approved for peer-to-peer note-taking accommodations should make their requests for note-takers two weeks prior to the start of the semester by completing and submitting the note-taker request form below:

Will I have a note-taker on the first day of class?

SDS will always try to have a note-taker assigned to your course as soon as possible. You should know It can take two to three weeks (or more) to have a note-taker assigned to your course. You can download a recording app for your smartphone or laptop until a note-taker is assigned. 

What happens if a note-taker cannot be assigned to me?

Students approved for note-taking services are also approved to use a digital recording device, or a recording software or app to download on their smartphones and laptops that would take the place of a note-taker. Students are encouraged to make an appointment to learn about recording software for note-taking regardless whether a note-taker has been assigned or not. Contact Fernando Riascos at f-riascos@neiu.edu.

Who are the note-takers? 

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

Can the note-taker type my notes? 

We will always try to accommodate your preference by asking the note-taker when the note-taker is hired, but please know that note-takers are not required to type notes. Note-takers are required to type notes for students who have provided documentation to SDS that supports the request for typed notes. 

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

If you choose the anonymous option on the Note-Taking Request Form, the note-taker will be directed to email the notes to SDS at 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 note-taker 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, Room D 104 
    Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  • Carruthers Center: Room 307 
    Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
  • El Centro: Administrative Suite
    Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
    Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

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