Scribe

Scribes are assigned to students who have physical limitations that prevent them from writing in-class assignments or performing in-class hands-on activities. One of the duties of the scribe is to write (by hand or computer) verbatim what the student with the accommodation dictates. Scribes should be familiar with the necessary formats, but they are not responsible for proof-reading papers.

 

Another duty of the scribe is to manipulate materials for the student. The student with the accommodation will direct the scribe where to place the information, and/or manipulate material (e.g. turn the page, glue the picture onto the bottom left of the page, place worksheet in binder, open the book to a specific page, highlight, etc).

 

A scribe can be any paid position or student volunteer assigned by the professor or the DRC:

• Professor can be the scribe themselves
• A classmate
• A TA
• Staff member in the professor’s department or DRC
• Student worker

 

Please note: Scribes are not allowed to tutor, prompt, or correct the student in any way. A scribe is different from a note taker because they must be directed by the student throughout the class what they need to notate for them and how to manipulate materials for the class. (Whereas a note taker is never told by the student what they need to notate or move for them). In many cases, students who have scribes may also have a separate classmate take notes for them or have the professor provide them with lecture notes.

 

If professor cannot provide a scribe for a student, he/she/they must contact the DRC immediately to secure dates and times that they will need a scribe so that the DRC can make preparations in a timely manner.   After a scribe has been assigned, send the professor(s) the name of the scribe and which specific class they will be attending so that seating arrangements can be made accordingly.