Noel Center Student Handbook

Alternate Format

Policy

Textbooks and other materials are available in alternate format for students whose documentation supports this need.

Due to copyright laws, the student must have ownership of his/her textbooks and show proof of ownership before textbooks can be provided in alternate format. Students obtain ownership of textbooks and materials in a variety of ways, i.e., borrow, rent, or purchase.

  • The student may keep the digital alternate format as long as he/she has ownership of the book; if at any time the student no longer has ownership of the book, the digital format must be deleted or returned.
  • If the student rents textbooks, proof of the rental agreement must be provided; the digital file must be deleted or returned once the rental period is over.
  • If a student borrows a book from any library service (Bookshare, Learning Ally, GWU library, for example), the book does not have to be purchased by the student, but the alternate text must be deleted or returned after the borrowed time designation.
  • Students will act in accordance to copyright laws for all alternate format material – the student will not copy, permanently save, edit, tamper, upload, share or disseminate the material in any form to any person.

The Noel Center for Disability Resources will make every effort to provide materials in a timely manner and in the specific format requested. Some text items do not lend themselves to certain alternate formats; in this situation, the student and alternate text coordinator will collaborate in finding an appropriate alternative.

In the event, the student borrows any alternate text materials (example: braille Bible and maps) from the Noel Center, he/she will return these materials to the program secretary at the end of each semester.

The University provides alternate format materials without charge. However, students will be financially responsible for alternate formats checked out which are lost, damaged, or not returned by the end of the semester. Failure to return or reimburse for materials will result in the student being blocked from registration and/or a hold on the transcript.

Procedure

  • The student should check Alternate Format in the accommodation request section of the AIM Module.
  • All materials are processed in the order of receipt.
  • The student will sign an Alternate Format Agreement.
  • The student will bring in books and/or show proof of ownership.
  • The student will provide clear text materials to ensure accurate scanning.
  • The alternate text coordinator or designated assignee will order and/or scan the text and upload it to the student’s account.
  • If the student needs to check out any alternate text materials, he/she may do this through the Noel Center secretary and return materials to the secretary at the end of the semester.

Notetaking

Gardner-Webb University provides a comprehensive system of accommodations that enables students with disabilities access to the University community. Reasonable accommodations are determined based on current documentation, and other supporting information and are made on a case-by-case basis. It is generally considered non-discriminatory to adhere to academic standards that are essential to a course of study. Each student will be assigned an accessibility advisor who will assist with the arrangements for accommodations. The accessibility advisors adhere to the Association of Higher Education and Disability Code of Ethics.

Policy

Notetaking Services are available for students whose documentation supports such an accommodation. The preferred notetaking accommodation for qualified students is access to an audio notetaking system. For situations in which an audio notetaking solution is unable to be used, alternative notetaking services may be approved. These alternative accommodations should only be considered in consultation with the student’s Accessibility Advisor in situations where a student’s disability or the classroom setting restricts effective use of audio notetaking.

As of 2021, GLEAN is the system of choice provided for notetaking accommodations. GLEAN allows students to integrate personal notes and class presentation materials with an audio recording. While a GLEAN recording is in process, students may also mark the content for later review.

Procedure

  • For audio notetaking, the student will check GLEAN, Use of Laptop, and Preferential Seating in the AIM Accommodations section for each class where notetaking services are requested.
  • The GLEAN Administrator will send a GLEAN email invitation to the student, which allows them to register for access to audio notetaking.
  • From the GLEAN email, the student follows the link to the GLEAN application, establishes a password, then can view a video to learn the basics of using the application.
  • For each class session in which GLEAN is used, the student is responsible for bringing an adequately charged laptop with sufficient space for storing notes. During class, the student should sit near the professor to enhance audio quality.
  • In GLEAN, the student creates an event to store the recording, a PDF version of presentation materials, any audio marks, and their personal notes.
  • For ease of reference, the student can organize multiple events for each course into a Collection.
  • Once an event is created, the student can access it immediately while online or offline from the internet to review, revise, and supplement the notes taken within class.
  • The student is encouraged to use GLEAN for studying in all courses but should only actively use GLEAN within the classroom for courses in which they specifically requested the accommodation.
  • If the GLEAN Administrator determines the student is not actively using the applications, access may be revoked or expired.
  • If the student has any questions or concerns regarding use of the audio notetaking accommodation, they should contact their Accessibility Advisor, the GLEAN Administration, or designated Notetaking Coordinator.

Alternative Notetaking

If a student is unable to use audio notetaking, they must consult with their Accessibility Advisor. Together, they will determine an alternate accommodation. Depending on which alternative notetaking options are selected, the Accessibility Advisor will provide instructions for the student to access the notes.