How Colgate University shifted accessibility from compliance to learning independence

Discover how Colgate University replaced its $100,000 annual peer note-taking system with Genio Notes, achieving massive ROI and empowering 1,000+ students.

Executive summary

The implementation of Genio Notes has fundamentally changed the student experience, providing discreet access and ownership of learner’s academic journeys.
Colgate University transitioned from a passive, compliance-based model to an active, student-led learning approach, serving over 1,000 students.
By replacing a manual peer note-taking system that cost $100,000 annually, Colgate University achieved significant ROI while eliminating logistical challenges.
Through internal partnerships with the Computer Science department, faculty were converted into strategic allies.
Beyond traditional disability support, Genio Notes has seen organic adoption by international students (ESL) and streamlined medical transcriptions.

At Colgate University, the Office of Student Disability Services isn't just a compliance department, it’s a "loud and proud" hub serving nearly a third of the student population.

Evelyn Lester, the Executive Director and a clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience, has seen the landscape of higher education accessibility shift dramatically. Evelyn’s journey has led her to a pivotal realization: true accessibility isn't about handing a student a piece of paper; it’s about handing them back their independence.

Collaborating with Genio Notes has helped her achieve this mission, empowering learners to own their academic journeys while bringing significant time and financial savings to the Disability Services department.

Watch interview highlights below

The challenge for Colgate University

Can you tell us a bit more about Colgate University and the types of students that attend?

Colgate University is a small, prestigious liberal arts institution, often referred to as a "Little Ivy", nestled in upstate New York.

With a student body fluctuating between 2,900 and 3,100, it attracts highly ambitious, high-performing individuals. Evelyn Lester, the Executive Director for the Office of Student Disability Services, notes that the university has become a significant draw for neurodivergent students.

Because the institution offers a vast range of majors, from STEM and pre-med to the classics and literature, students have the freedom to follow a rigorous professional track while "dabbling" in the liberal arts, a mix that requires intense focus and high-level organizational skills.

What sort of challenges do students normally come to the Disability Service department with?

The landscape of student needs shifted dramatically following the pandemic. Historically, the office primarily supported individuals with learning disabilities and executive functioning concerns.

While those remain prevalent, mental health diagnoses have surged, now rivaling ADHD as the leading disability category. Evelyn’s office, consisting of a specialized team of four and a half professionals, currently supports 1,000 registered students, roughly one-third of the entire campus.

"It’s a loud and proud office, which I really like. There is no shame in our students' game. We have our tentacles really far and wide across campus."

The variety is immense, covering everything from physical disabilities and diabetes to students on the spectrum. This "loud and proud" culture means students aren't just looking for a way to get by; they are looking for ways to be fully present and competitive in a rigorous academic environment.

What were some of the challenges of the peer note taking approach?

Before Genio, Colgate relied on human peer note-takers, a system Evelyn describes as "anti-academia."

The flaws were systemic. Information is processed differently by everyone, meaning a student was essentially receiving a stranger's summary rather than a direct record of the lecture. Logistically, it was a "mess".

The office dealt with illegible handwriting, note-taker absences, and the awkwardness of students having to physically pick up copies of notes.

It was a model that fostered dependence rather than development, failing to provide a real "reimbursement on investment" for the student's learning experience.

Building a business case for Genio Notes

What were you looking to achieve by implementing Genio Notes?

The primary driver was a desire to move from a compliance-based model, simply checking a box that a student had access, to a prevention-based and empowerment-focused model.

Evelyn sought a tool that would put the power back in the student's hands. "I wanted a system where they could sort of be learning as they're using it," she explains.

Beyond the pedagogical benefits, there was a glaring financial case. Colgate University was spending approximately $100,000 annually on peer note-taking services that were often below par and frequently resulted in failure.
Genio Notes offered a way to slash those costs while providing a superior, "state-of-the-art" service that included transcription, closed captioning, and note taking in one place.

How important was it that the student could go through the note taking process themselves?

With a background in clinical psychology, Evelyn understood that handing a student someone else's notes was a missed opportunity for character and skill development.

It often fed into insecurities or a lack of confidence. By using Genio Notes, the student takes ownership of their own work.

"This is leaning right into developing a learner instead of just handing them material and hoping that they absorb it in the way that you want them to."

It removed the excuse of poor peer notes and placed the student front and center in their own education. This shift to independence is critical for long-term success, helping students develop note taking skills they will use throughout their professional lives.

Securing buy-in for Genio Notes

Did you experience any resistance to the new approach?

The timing of the rollout was challenging. Arriving in early 2024 amidst a polarized political climate and a general misunderstanding of AI, the team faced scepticism. The resistance was almost entirely from faculty who feared being recorded or felt unnerved by the concept of AI.

"People were naturally fearful, they pictured it like a robot coming in and taking over our planet." Despite the pedagogical facts, fear was the primary driver of the initial concerns.

How did you approach getting stakeholders on board?

Evelyn’s approach was one of strategic education and alliance-building. She didn't try to fight the battle alone; she reached out to the Computer Science department.

By having AI experts explain the tool in layman’s terms, comparing it to everyday technology like spell-check or banking apps, she was able to demystify the software.

Evelyn also leaned heavily on Genio’s Data Protection Agreement, emphasizing that because the company is UK-based, it adheres to even stricter privacy laws than those in the U.S.

Finally, she adopted a "try it and see" policy, issuing licenses to the most vocal critics so they could experience the productive, rather than destructive, nature of the friction the tool provides.

Who did you collaborate with to advocate for Genio Notes?

The legal and IT departments became crucial allies. Evelyn’s boss helped translate "legalese" into common language that reassured the faculty.

Additionally, the qualitative narratives from students who were already using the tool discreetly began to shift the perspective. When faculty realized that Genio Notes allowed students to be more private about their accommodations, since everyone has a laptop out anyway, the benefits of reduced stigma became clear.

Implementing Genio Notes

Could you talk us through your timeline for implementation?

The implementation was smooth, aided by a dedicated Genio Customer Success Manager, Tamsin.

The process began in the fall with campus-wide initiatives and presentations at faculty meetings. By January, the software was ready for the spring semester.

A unique part of the implementation was the "Buddy System." Evelyn paired Genio Notes super-users with students who were hesitant.

"They're not going to listen to this old lady. So, pairing students together, like two deaf students where a high user worked with a hesitant user, was really helpful."

This peer-to-peer training allowed students to see the nuances of the tool, including its high accuracy transcription and captioning, through the eyes of someone with a similar lived experience.

How would you summarize your experience working with the Genio team?

The relationship was characterized by high-level support and preventative case management.

Evelyn highlighted that Genio didn't just provide a product; they provided a partnership.

Whether it was helping to answer specific questions or responding within an hour to faculty concerns, the support was exceptional compared to other software providers.

This collaboration even led to the development of certain showing a level of responsiveness that was previously unknown to Colgate University.

Quantifiable gains for Colgate University

What impact has Genio Notes had on your students?

The most significant gain has been the restoration of student presence. Before Genio Notes, students with accommodations were essentially experiencing the class at 50%, waiting days for the other half of the experience to arrive via peer notes.

"Being able to say on day one, you are ready to go and you own it, was so empowering that it was actually very emotionally touching for my students."

The clunkiness of other apps was replaced by a single, streamlined dashboard. Students no longer have to juggle separate apps for slides, writing, and transcription; everything is in one place, allowing them to be fully prepared and present.

Who has benefitted the most from Genio Notes?

The English as a Second Language (ESL) and international student community saw an immediate benefit.

While Evelyn’s department doesn't officially offer ESL services, Genio Notes’ multi-language support acted as a critical backup during rigorous economics or STEM lectures.

If a student became fatigued or missed a complex word, the native language transcription allowed them to catch up instantly without impeding their learning.

Similarly, the deaf and hard-of-hearing community found the tool life-changing. Traditional FM systems or lanyards were outing and often imperfect, picking up background noise or failing in discussion-based courses. Genio Notes’ ability to identify different speakers in real-time provided a level of accessibility that previously didn't exist.

"When talking with students about how it was impacting them, I was just sobbing with happiness. They don't have to explain their disability anymore. The tools are right in their hands."

How has Genio Notes streamlined your internal processes?

The team uses Genio Notes for their own meetings and focus groups. It allows them to be present and observe body language or subtle reactions instead of being buried in their own notes.

The future for Genio and Colgate University

What are your future plans for the department over the next five to ten years?

Evelyn’s goal is continued growth and the celebration of different abilities. The office recently constructed a Disability Cultural Center on campus, a space designed to celebrate disability identity just as one would at a Women’s Center or an LGBTQ+ Center.

As for Genio Notes, the plan is to continue upping the license count. Evelyn is seeing a self-advocacy trend where students who don't necessarily have a registered disability are seeking out the tool because they've seen its benefits for focus and organization.

How do you see the narrative around disability shifting?

The "traditional learner" is becoming a concept of the past. Evelyn is excited to see society lean into the benefits of neurodivergence, particularly in the workforce.

"I'm really excited that people are seeing the benefits of differences. Disability isn't a dirty word. I truly believe that there are students we’re seeing right now who would have dropped out ten years ago."

By providing tools like Genio Notes, Colgate University is ensuring that those different abilities aren't just accommodated, but are given the space to lead.

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