Just tell 'em Kyp sent you!!! ;-)
Q: What do I do if I walk into a classroom and the professor doesn't know I'm supposed to be there? Or what if the professor isn't familiar with the TypeWell system?
A: Unfortunately, transcribers sometimes find themselves in a situation where the professor is not expecting a transcriber in the classroom. It's usually the responsibility of the site coordinator or agency contact to get in touch with the professor, let them know they'll have a transcriber in their class, and provide some literature explaining how the TypeWell system works, what the site policies are, etc. But sometimes this communication gets lost, especially in the busy period at the beginning of the semester.
You should be prepared to give your name, the office/department for which you work, and a brief explanation that you are providing services for someone in the class. As always, keep ALL information about the consumer confidential (even if that means asking the professor to step out into the hall or to talk with you after class). If you're new, ask your site coordinator or mentor to help you understand the site policies and protocol, and even "coach" you with some role playing.
Advice from the field . . .
If you're an independent contractor, or providing services at a site that's new to TypeWell, you may find that it's your responsibility to educate both the teacher and the student, in a kind and professional manner.
You lay the ground work for the next transcriber, interpreter, or service provider this teacher and student may encounter. Their experience with you will set the tone for how they interact (professionally or unprofessionally) with their next service provider, and where the boundaries are set.
-- Chanel (Portland, Oregon)
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