Genio Software

Genio (formerly known as Glean) is an intuitive educational platform that helps students by recording audio, syncing instructional materials, and generating organized lesson outlines. It enables students to better capture, organize, and review their notes and class resources.

Students that receive this accommodation are also provided The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass, which includes:

• Seven short modules that cover key note taking skills and strategies
• Lessons on how to prepare for class, what to do during class, and how to study from notes afterwards
• Encouragement for you to think about your learning through self reflection

 

SmartPen

SmartPen is an audio note-taking program that allows students to write hard-copy notes while also taking audio recordings. Students use a specialized rechargeable pen and set of notebooks in order to organize their information by both written notes and audio simultaneously. 

Students that receive this accommodation are provided with:

• SmartPen, charger, and pen cap
• LiveScribe Notebook
  • Specialized notebooks, comes in 1- or 3-subject
  • DSS provides the first notebook, all others are to be purchased by the student through Livescribe
• SmartPen Ink
  • Usually lasts for a whole semester
  • DSS provides the first ink cartridge, all others are to be purchased by the student through Livescribe
  • If ink runs out within the first few weeks, DSS will replace it

Students that receive this accommodation will also be provided with in-person training by a DSS staff member or Learning Skills Advisor. 

 

DSS Loan Agreement

Any DSS student that is loaned Note-Taking or Assistive Technology will be required to sign a Loan Agreement. 

This agreement includes a specific return date. If the item(s) are not returned in a timely manner or return in a broken state beyond repair, the student will be responsible for the cost of the equipment.

In these instances, students are first reminded 3 times to return the equipment. If the equipment is not returned or returned in a broken state beyond repair, DSS will provide instructions to the student on how to repay the equipment amount owed through Cardinal Cash on their Cardinal Card with the Dean of Students. If the student does not pay the fine, a hold will be placed on their Cardinal Station account.

 

Recorded Lecture Agreement 

In cases of accommodations for audio recording (SmartPen, Genio, and general recorded lectures), students must inform their professors that the class is being recorded and present them with the Recorded Lecture Agreement, which can be found here.

 

Training or Questions?

If you are provided either of the above technologies with your accommodations and need assistance learning the tool or have questions, please reach out to the DSS office. We are here to help you make the most out of your accommodations. 

 

 

 

Updated August 2025