The past two semesters there has been a scribe shortage on campus that has affected the schedules of many disabled Bakersfield College students.

A scribe is a student that gets paid $10 per hour to take notes for a disabled student that is incapable of taking notes on their own.

Although it seems like an easy opportunity for some quick cash, scribe coordinator Cynthia Garbett wants students to know that it is a real job with qualifications and great responsibilities.

In order to become a scribe, a student must be enrolled in at least six units and have an A or B in the course or have tested out of it.

On top of those qualifications, students must also be willing to be on time and take the job seriously.

“This means you’re willing to help someone, and I’m grateful for that. But it also means you’ll be here on time to take accurate notes and provide that service,” said Garbett. “This is a real employment opportunity.”

One possible reason for there being scribe shortages every semester could be that students who actually qualify and may be interested are not aware of how to get started on an application.

“I’ve been getting the word out the best that I can,” said Garbett. “I’m trying to get the word out to go to collegecentral.com because I keep everything listed there, and when I get a position I place it there.”

Disabled students that are left without a scribe have to ask either their classmates or instructors for help with getting their notes. Garbett mentioned that the instructors have been very helpful and understanding with the students that are in need of assistance.

As of now there is only one scribe position needed to be filled, but Garbett still wants students to know that it is important for anyone interested in the job to stay posted on collegecentral.com due to the fact that at any given moment another disabled student can become in need of a scribe.

Whenever a new position is needed, Garbett immediately updates the listings on the website.