Title: From peer notetakers to Genio Notes: How University of California, Berkeley saved $250,000 and improved student outcomes | Genio

URL Source: https://genio.co/blog/-how-university-of-california-berkeley-improved-student-outcomes-with-genio-notes

Published Time: 2026-06-12T11:42:03.000Z

Markdown Content:
[Skip to main menu](https://genio.co/blog/-how-university-of-california-berkeley-improved-student-outcomes-with-genio-notes#main-menu)[Skip to footer](https://genio.co/blog/-how-university-of-california-berkeley-improved-student-outcomes-with-genio-notes#footer)

*   [Sign in](https://app.genio.co/account/sign-in)
*   [Get started for free](https://genio.co/pricing/get-genio-free)
*   [Activate a licence](https://app.genio.co/notes/activate)Activate a licence

[](https://genio.co/)Genio logo - home

*   Products
*   Pricing
*   Resources
*   About Genio

[Watch a demo](https://genio.co/watch-demo)

[Genio Notes](https://genio.co/notes)Genio Notes

![Image 1: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg)

Genio Notes
The #1 note taking solution to boost knowledge, skills and confidence

[The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass](https://genio.co/the-confident-notetakers-masterclass)The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass

![Image 2: The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_studying%20mh%20challenge.svg)

The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass
An on-demand online note taking course that helps you prepare for your studies

[Genio Present](https://genio.co/present)Genio Present

![Image 3: Genio Present icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/present%20icon.png)

Genio Present
Our brand new tool to reduce presentation anxiety and build lasting communication skills

[Genio Notes app](https://genio.co/notes/notes-mobile)Genio Notes app

![Image 4: genio mobile icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/genio%20mobile%20icon.png)

Genio Notes app
Take your notes wherever you go with the Genio Notes mobile app

Enter search term Search

[Genio for institutions](https://genio.co/solutions/institutions)Genio for institutions

![Image 5: Implement Genio in your institution icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_higher%20ed.svg)

Genio for institutions
Learn why over 1,000 institutions around the world choose Genio

[Genio for students](https://genio.co/solutions/students)Genio for students

![Image 6: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg)

Genio for students
Over 160,000 students are using Genio tools to unlock better learning

[Recommend Genio](https://genio.co/resources/assessors-toolkit)Recommend Genio

![Image 7: Recommend Genio in needs assessments icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/recommend-glean-icon.svg)

Recommend Genio
Confidently demonstrate and recommend Genio's solutions

[Why choose Genio](https://genio.co/solutions/why-choose-genio)Why choose Genio

![Image 8: Genio website favicon 300x300-1](https://genio.co/hubfs/Genio%20website%20favicon%20300x300-1.svg)

Why choose Genio
Explore all the reasons Genio is the #1 note taking solution to boost knowledge, skills and confidence

[Packages for institutions](https://genio.co/pricing/institutions)Packages for institutions

![Image 9: roi-calculator-icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/roi-calculator-icon.svg)

Packages for institutions
Explore our packages and provide Genio Notes for students

[Individual plans for students](https://genio.co/pricing/individuals)Individual plans for students 

![Image 10: Individual plans for students icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/icon_individual%20pricing.png)

Individual plans for students 
Purchase a Genio Notes subscription for your studies or on behalf of someone else

[Get Genio Notes free](https://genio.co/pricing/get-genio-free)Get Genio Notes free

![Image 11: icon_get genio free](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/icon_get%20genio%20free.png)

Get Genio Notes free
Find out if you can get Genio Notes through government programs or your institution

Enter search term Search

[Institution Wide](https://genio.co/pricing/institution-wide)Institution Wide

![Image 12: Institution Wide icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/faculty-support-icon.svg)

Institution Wide
Drive student engagement and retention at your institution

[ROI calculator](https://genio.co/resources/roi-calculator)ROI calculator

![Image 13: ROI calculator icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_balancing%20work.svg)

ROI calculator
See how much you could save by improving retention and persistence with Genio Notes

[Request a demo account](https://genio.co/solutions/recommend-genio/demonstrator-account)Request a demo account

![Image 14: Request a demo account icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/tool-for-admins-icon.svg)

Request a demo account

[Activate a Genio Notes licence](https://app.genio.co/notes/activate)Activate a Genio Notes licence

![Image 15: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg)

Activate a Genio Notes licence

###### Explore

[Product and feature guides](https://genio.co/resources/product-and-feature-guides)Product and feature guides

![Image 16: Product and feature guides icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/video_guides-icon-01.svg)

Product and feature guides

[Learner support and retention](https://genio.co/resources/learner-support-and-retention)Learner support and retention

![Image 17: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg)

Learner support and retention

[Recommend Genio in needs assessments](https://genio.co/resources/assessors-toolkit)Recommend Genio in needs assessments

![Image 18: Recommend Genio in needs assessments icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/recommend-glean-icon.svg)

Recommend Genio in needs assessments

[Tips and advice for students](https://genio.co/resources/tips-and-advice-for-students)Tips and advice for students

![Image 19: Tips and advice for students icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_learning%20accessible.svg)

Tips and advice for students

[Implement Genio in your institution](https://genio.co/resources/implement-genio)Implement Genio in your institution

![Image 20: Implement Genio in your institution icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_higher%20ed.svg)

Implement Genio in your institution

[Accessibility and compliance](https://genio.co/resources/compliance-and-accessibility)Accessibility and compliance 

![Image 21: Accessibility and compliance icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/it-icon.svg)

Accessibility and compliance 

[Genio AI Hub](https://genio.co/ai-hub)Genio AI Hub

![Image 22: Genio AI Hub](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/about-us-icon.svg)

Genio AI Hub

[Support for STEM students](https://genio.co/notes/stem-study-support-tools)Support for STEM students

![Image 23: roi-calculator-icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/roi-calculator-icon.svg)

Support for STEM students

Enter search term Search

###### Browse

[Events and webinars](https://genio.co/resources/events-and-webinars)Events and webinars

![Image 24: Events and webinars icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/events-icon.svg)

Events and webinars

[Case studies and user stories](https://genio.co/resources/case-studies-and-user-stories)Case studies and user stories

![Image 25: Case studies and user stories icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/case-studies-icon.svg)

Case studies and user stories

[Blog](https://genio.co/blog)Blog

![Image 26: Blog icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/blog-icon.svg)

Blog

[Research and insights](https://genio.co/resources/research-and-insights)Research and insights

![Image 27: Our Brand Story icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/guides-icon.svg)

Research and insights

[Help center](https://help.genio.co/)Help center

![Image 28: Help center icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/customer-support-icon.svg)

Help center

[Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders](https://genio.co/resources/learning-outcomes-leaders-podcast)Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders

![Image 29: Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders](https://genio.co/hubfs/mic.png)

Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders

[About us](https://genio.co/about)About us

![Image 30: About us icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/Genio%20website%20favicon%20300x300.svg)

About us

[Careers](https://genio.co/about/careers)Careers

![Image 31: Careers icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/careers-icon.svg)

Careers

[Research Accreditation Hub](https://genio.co/about/research-accreditation-hub)Research Accreditation Hub

![Image 32: Research Accreditation Hub icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/icon_research%20accreditations.png)

Research Accreditation Hub

[Our Brand Story](https://genio.co/about/our-brand-story)Our Brand Story

![Image 33: Our Brand Story icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/guides-icon.svg)

Our Brand Story

[Life at Genio](https://genio.co/about/careers/life-at-genio)Life at Genio

![Image 34: Life at Genio icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_faculty%20staff.svg)

Life at Genio

[Contact us](https://genio.co/contact)Contact us

![Image 35: Contact us icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/contact-us-icon.svg)

Contact us

Enter search term Search

[Home](https://genio.co/)

*   [Sign in](https://app.genio.co/account/sign-in)
*   [Get started for free](https://genio.co/pricing/get-genio-free)
*   [Activate a licence](https://app.genio.co/notes/activate)
*   [Watch a demo](https://genio.co/watch-demo)

Enter search term Search

*   Products  
    *   [Genio Notes](https://genio.co/notes)Genio Notes![Image 36: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg) Genio Notes
The #1 note taking solution to boost knowledge, skills and confidence   [The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass](https://genio.co/the-confident-notetakers-masterclass)The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass![Image 37: The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_studying%20mh%20challenge.svg) The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass
An on-demand online note taking course that helps you prepare for your studies   [Genio Present](https://genio.co/present)Genio Present![Image 38: Genio Present icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/present%20icon.png) Genio Present
Our brand new tool to reduce presentation anxiety and build lasting communication skills   [Genio Notes app](https://genio.co/notes/notes-mobile)Genio Notes app![Image 39: genio mobile icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/genio%20mobile%20icon.png) Genio Notes app
Take your notes wherever you go with the Genio Notes mobile app    
    *   [Genio for institutions](https://genio.co/solutions/institutions)Genio for institutions![Image 40: Implement Genio in your institution icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_higher%20ed.svg) Genio for institutions
Learn why over 1,000 institutions around the world choose Genio   [Genio for students](https://genio.co/solutions/students)Genio for students![Image 41: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg) Genio for students
Over 160,000 students are using Genio tools to unlock better learning   [Recommend Genio](https://genio.co/resources/assessors-toolkit)Recommend Genio![Image 42: Recommend Genio in needs assessments icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/recommend-glean-icon.svg) Recommend Genio
Confidently demonstrate and recommend Genio's solutions   [Why choose Genio](https://genio.co/solutions/why-choose-genio)Why choose Genio![Image 43: Genio website favicon 300x300-1](https://genio.co/hubfs/Genio%20website%20favicon%20300x300-1.svg) Why choose Genio
Explore all the reasons Genio is the #1 note taking solution to boost knowledge, skills and confidence    

*   Pricing  
    *   [Packages for institutions](https://genio.co/pricing/institutions)Packages for institutions![Image 44: roi-calculator-icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/roi-calculator-icon.svg) Packages for institutions
Explore our packages and provide Genio Notes for students   [Individual plans for students](https://genio.co/pricing/individuals)Individual plans for students ![Image 45: Individual plans for students icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/icon_individual%20pricing.png) Individual plans for students 
Purchase a Genio Notes subscription for your studies or on behalf of someone else   [Get Genio Notes free](https://genio.co/pricing/get-genio-free)Get Genio Notes free![Image 46: icon_get genio free](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/icon_get%20genio%20free.png) Get Genio Notes free
Find out if you can get Genio Notes through government programs or your institution    
    *   [Institution Wide](https://genio.co/pricing/institution-wide)Institution Wide![Image 47: Institution Wide icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/faculty-support-icon.svg) Institution Wide
Drive student engagement and retention at your institution   [ROI calculator](https://genio.co/resources/roi-calculator)ROI calculator![Image 48: ROI calculator icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_balancing%20work.svg) ROI calculator
See how much you could save by improving retention and persistence with Genio Notes   [Request a demo account](https://genio.co/solutions/recommend-genio/demonstrator-account)Request a demo account![Image 49: Request a demo account icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/tool-for-admins-icon.svg) Request a demo account   [Activate a Genio Notes licence](https://app.genio.co/notes/activate)Activate a Genio Notes licence![Image 50: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg) Activate a Genio Notes licence    

*   Resources  
    *   [Product and feature guides](https://genio.co/resources/product-and-feature-guides)Product and feature guides![Image 51: Product and feature guides icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/video_guides-icon-01.svg) Product and feature guides   [Learner support and retention](https://genio.co/resources/learner-support-and-retention)Learner support and retention![Image 52: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg) Learner support and retention   [Recommend Genio in needs assessments](https://genio.co/resources/assessors-toolkit)Recommend Genio in needs assessments![Image 53: Recommend Genio in needs assessments icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/recommend-glean-icon.svg) Recommend Genio in needs assessments   [Tips and advice for students](https://genio.co/resources/tips-and-advice-for-students)Tips and advice for students![Image 54: Tips and advice for students icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_learning%20accessible.svg) Tips and advice for students   [Implement Genio in your institution](https://genio.co/resources/implement-genio)Implement Genio in your institution![Image 55: Implement Genio in your institution icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_higher%20ed.svg) Implement Genio in your institution   [Accessibility and compliance](https://genio.co/resources/compliance-and-accessibility)Accessibility and compliance ![Image 56: Accessibility and compliance icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/it-icon.svg) Accessibility and compliance    [Genio AI Hub](https://genio.co/ai-hub)Genio AI Hub![Image 57: Genio AI Hub](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/about-us-icon.svg) Genio AI Hub   [Support for STEM students](https://genio.co/notes/stem-study-support-tools)Support for STEM students![Image 58: roi-calculator-icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/roi-calculator-icon.svg) Support for STEM students    
    *   [Events and webinars](https://genio.co/resources/events-and-webinars)Events and webinars![Image 59: Events and webinars icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/events-icon.svg) Events and webinars   [Case studies and user stories](https://genio.co/resources/case-studies-and-user-stories)Case studies and user stories![Image 60: Case studies and user stories icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/case-studies-icon.svg) Case studies and user stories   [Blog](https://genio.co/blog)Blog![Image 61: Blog icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/blog-icon.svg) Blog   [Research and insights](https://genio.co/resources/research-and-insights)Research and insights![Image 62: Our Brand Story icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/guides-icon.svg) Research and insights   [Help center](https://help.genio.co/)Help center![Image 63: Help center icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/customer-support-icon.svg) Help center   [Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders](https://genio.co/resources/learning-outcomes-leaders-podcast)Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders![Image 64: Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders](https://genio.co/hubfs/mic.png) Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders    

*   About Genio  
    *   [About us](https://genio.co/about)About us![Image 65: About us icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/Genio%20website%20favicon%20300x300.svg) About us   [Careers](https://genio.co/about/careers)Careers![Image 66: Careers icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/careers-icon.svg) Careers   [Research Accreditation Hub](https://genio.co/about/research-accreditation-hub)Research Accreditation Hub![Image 67: Research Accreditation Hub icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/icon_research%20accreditations.png) Research Accreditation Hub   [Our Brand Story](https://genio.co/about/our-brand-story)Our Brand Story![Image 68: Our Brand Story icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/guides-icon.svg) Our Brand Story   [Life at Genio](https://genio.co/about/careers/life-at-genio)Life at Genio![Image 69: Life at Genio icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_faculty%20staff.svg) Life at Genio   [Contact us](https://genio.co/contact)Contact us![Image 70: Contact us icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/contact-us-icon.svg) Contact us    

*   [Watch a demo](https://genio.co/watch-demo)

1.   [Blogs](https://genio.co/blog)
2.   [Success Stories](https://genio.co/blog/tag/success-stories)

# From peer notetakers to Genio Notes: How University of California, Berkeley achieved significant cost savings and improved student outcomes

Discover how University of California, Berkeley reduced its peer notetaker headcount by 76% and achieved significant cost savings annually by switching to Genio Notes, giving students the independence and confidence to take ownership of their own learning.

![Image 71: Clock](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/clock.svg) 4 min read ![Image 72: Calendar](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/calender.svg)Published: 12 Jun 2026

![Image 73: Author](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/author.svg)Arpita Utham

![Image 74: From peer notetakers to Genio Notes: How University of California, Berkeley achieved significant cost savings and improved student outcomes](https://genio.co/hubfs/BLOG_how%20to%20study%20better%20THUMB.png)

![Image 75: Sticky notes on a board next to a sand timer and open notebook](https://genio.co/hubfs/BLOG_how%20to%20study%20better%20HERO.png)

**Key takeaways:**

*   **Achieving significant cost savings :**University of California, Berkeley made the shift to [Genio Notes](https://genio.co/notes) and reduced their peer notetaker headcount from 406 to just 99, achieving significant cost savings annually.
*   **Supporting student agency:** The decision to switch to Genio Notes was driven by giving students ownership over how they learn. Beginning with 25 Genio Notes licenses over the summer term, made the transition evidence-backed before scaling.
*   **Less anxiety, stronger engagement:** Students reported feeling less overwhelmed in lectures and more confident in their academics since switching to Genio Notes.
*   **Finding the right balance:**Technology-based note taking support hasn’t replaced peer notetakers entirely, but it directs the right resources to the students who need them the most.

* * *

In a [**recent webinar**](https://genio.co/webinars/how-uc-berkeley-centralised-note-taking-accommodations) hosted by Genio, **Christian Yee, Auxiliary Services Supervisor at****University of California****,****Berkeley** shared how switching from a peer notetaker program to [**Genio Notes**](https://genio.co/notes) helped the institution achieve significant cost savings while modernizing student support.

Prior to the switch, a student would be assessed, a peer notetaker would be assigned, and the department would spend significant time and energy in coordinating that match.

The[**peer note taking model**](https://genio.co/blog/higher-ed-is-rethinking-peer-note-taking), however well-intentioned, was built around filling a gap rather than building a skill. And, as the number of students registered with disabilities continued to rise, that model was becoming harder to sustain. University of California, Berkeley needed a solution that could scale student support without increasing administrative burden and put students back in control of their own learning.

By introducing [**Genio Notes**](https://genio.co/notes), the University of California, Berkeley, reduced its peer notetaker headcount by **76%** in under two years, achieving significant annual cost savings and giving students more **confidence, independence**, and **ownership**over their learning.

## Why is student independence so important in note taking accommodations?

The peer note taking model has served students for many years and played an important role in higher education, but there's a[growing case for why it needs to change](https://genio.co/blog/higher-ed-is-rethinking-peer-note-taking). When someone else captures the lecture, the student reads it back later, and the loop closes without them ever having to engage actively with the material. The cognitive work that makes note taking valuable never happens.

[**Independent note taking**](https://genio.co/webinars/why-you-should-encourage-independent-note-taking-in-2025-genio) shifts who is in control of the learning experience. When a student chooses when to record, what to bookmark and how to interact with a transcript, they are proactively participating and building the kind of [**self-efficacy and academic confidence**](https://genio.co/resources/research-and-insights/how-does-genio-notes-increase-academic-self-efficacy) that follows them far beyond the classroom.This is what **Genio Notes**empowers learners to achieve.

_"Now they can choose when they want to record, when they don't want to record, what they want to do with their slides. They're back in the driver's seat." - Christian Yee, Auxiliary Services Supervisor at_ _University of California_ _Berkeley_

The [practical impact](https://genio.co/resources/research-and-insights/learner-impact-report-2026) shows up in the classroom. Students who were previously spending lectures typing to create their own transcripts, or straining to capture every word at the expense of actually listening, can now **sit back**, **engage** with their instructor, and **trust**that the content is being captured for them to review during their study sessions.

**_To read more about how Genio Notes is transforming the college student experience_**[**_click here_**](https://genio.co/blog/how-genio-notes-is-transforming-the-college-student-experience)**_._**

## How can colleges transition from peer notetakers to technology based note taking support?

University of California, Berkeley started with a pilot of **25 Genio Notes licenses**, run over a three month summer term. Students already using audio recording accommodations were invited to try **Genio Notes**. Feedback was gathered, confidence was built, and by the following Fall, the department had **scaled to 50 licenses.**

From there, disability specialists referred new registrants directly to Genio Notes. Existing students frustrated with inconsistent peer note taking were offered the option to switch.

_“Being more confident in my notes because of Genio Notes, allows me to thus be more confident in my studying. I am more sure of my notes, and therefore am more sure of myself when reviewing these notes.” - Autumn, Student at University of California, Berkeley_

_“Genio Notes helps me study more effectively because I can capture the full lecture and then review it in a structured way instead of relying on rushed notes.” - Parshv, Student at University of California, Berkeley_

**_To learn more about Genio Notes’ impact on student outcomes,_**[**_click here_**](https://genio.co/resources/research-and-insights/learner-impact-report-2026)**_._**

## How much can Disability Services departments save by replacing peer notetakers with Genio Notes?

In Spring 2024, University of California, Berkeley was still running **406 peer notetakers** across campus. By Fall 2025, that number had dropped to **99**, thanks to Genio Notes. The department now records approximately **4,000** classes per semester and students have logged tens of thousands of **hours of recordings** since the program began.

The financial impact has been equally stark. **Peer note taking**, when you factor in recruitment, coordination, monitoring, and employment administration, **costs roughly four times more than Genio Notes**.

Freed from the administrative weight of coordinating hundreds of notetaker assignments, Christian’s team can spend more time on the students who genuinely need intensive, individualized support.

_"Peer notes still have a place. There are students who physically cannot engage in this process themselves. The goal isn't to remove peer notetakers. It's to make sure we're using the right tool for the right student."_ _- Christian Yee, Auxiliary Services Supervisor at University of California, Berkeley_

**_To learn more about how streamlined accommodations can improve student outcomes and reduce admin time for accessibility teams,_**[**_click here_**](https://genio.co/blog/how-streamlined-accommodations-can-improve-student-outcomes)**_._**

## How can departments collaborate with faculty for AI note taking and lecture recording tools?

Proactive collaboration with faculty on the topics of recording and AI in the classroom is highly valuable, and having clear guidance in place helps build trust and confidence early on. University of California, Berkeley approached this proactively by establishing clear communication and expectations from the outset.

Working with the institution's policy analysts, Christian's team developed **clear guidance** for faculty on how the accommodation works, what data is captured, how it is stored, and what AI does and does not do within the platform.

Genio Notes **does not use student data**to train **AI models**. The recordings belong to the student. For institutions that don't yet have a formal audio recording policy or an [AI use policy](https://genio.co/resources/research-and-insights/ai-policy-template) in place, these conversations are worth having proactively.

**_To learn more about Genio’s AI policy,_**[**_click here_**](https://genio.co/ai-hub)**_._**

## What does sustainable note taking accommodation delivery look like for growing Disability Services teams?

University of California, Berkeley's experience points to something broader. As [Disability Services](https://genio.co/blog/how-disability-services-offices-can-be-the-drivers-of-strategic-goals-genio) teams face rising registration numbers, tighter budgets, and growing expectations, they need to focus on how to build a model of accommodation that is **sustainable, scalable**, and **centered on the learner's development.**

[**Evidence-backed**](https://genio.co/about/research-accreditation-hub) note taking tools like [**Genio Notes**](https://genio.co/notes) do something peer note taking never quite managed. It makes the student a [**proactive participant**](https://genio.co/resources/research-and-insights/how-does-genio-notes-increase-academic-self-efficacy) in their own learning rather than the recipient of someone else's interpretation of a lecture.

Genio Notes also generates data using an array of [**admin features**](https://genio.co/resources/product-and-feature-guides/genio-notes-admin-guide)that helps Disability Services teams understand how students are engaging and where they might need more support, freeing up human capacity.

For Christian and the University of California, Berkeley’s team, the journey that started with 25 licenses has become a model for what modern accommodation delivery can look like, built around **independence**, backed by **evidence**, and scaled without sacrificing **quality**.

* * *

**_Ready to give your students the independence and confidence that comes with owning their own note taking?_**[](https://genio.co/watch-a-demo)

**_Book a demo and see Genio Notes in action._**

[Book a demo today](https://genio.co/pricing/institutions)

## Share this blog

 Facebook 

[![Image 76](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgenio.co%2Fblog%2F-how-university-of-california-berkeley-improved-student-outcomes-with-genio-notes%3Futm_campaign%3Dshare-links%26utm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_medium%3Dsocial)

 LinkedIn 

[![Image 77](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/linkedIn.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgenio.co%2Fblog%2F-how-university-of-california-berkeley-improved-student-outcomes-with-genio-notes%3Futm_campaign%3Dshare-links%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin%26utm_medium%3Dsocial)

 Twitter 

[![Image 78](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgenio.co%2Fblog%2F-how-university-of-california-berkeley-improved-student-outcomes-with-genio-notes%3Futm_campaign%3Dshare-links%26utm_source%3Dtwitter%26utm_medium%3Dsocial)

 Email 

[![Image 79](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/email.svg)](mailto:?subject=From+peer+notetakers+to+Genio+Notes%3A+How+University+of+California%2C+Berkeley+achieved+significant+cost+savings+and+improved+student+outcomes&body=https%3A%2F%2Fgenio.co%2Fblog%2F-how-university-of-california-berkeley-improved-student-outcomes-with-genio-notes%3Futm_campaign%3Dshare-links%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Dsocial)

[![Image 80](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/copy_link.svg)](https://genio.co/blog/-how-university-of-california-berkeley-improved-student-outcomes-with-genio-notes)

![Image 81: Time for a simpler, smarter note taking accommodation?](https://genio.co/hubfs/cta_image.svg)

## **Time for a simpler, smarter note taking accommodation?**

Genio Notes is the online note taking tool that makes compliance simple, reduces cost and admin burden, and improves student outcomes.

[![Image 82: Learn More](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/24880982/edb6c600-e949-4a2c-983d-c7e2ecf6eec5.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/24880982/edb6c600-e949-4a2c-983d-c7e2ecf6eec5)

## More from **Success Stories**

[View All](https://genio.co/blog/tag/success-stories)

[![Image 83: From student advocate to campus champion: How Taylor Thornton is transforming learning at Loyola University with Genio](https://genio.co/hs-fs/hubfs/BLOG_navigating%20trio%20sss%20THUMB.png?width=450&name=BLOG_navigating%20trio%20sss%20THUMB.png) ![Image 84: Clock](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/clock.svg) 3 min read ### From student advocate to campus champion: How Taylor Thornton is transforming learning at Loyola University with Genio Discover how Taylor Thornton, a Disability Accommodations Coordinator at Loyola University Maryland, used Genio to drive a remarkable 92% adoption rate and transform note taking into an independent, universally supported skill for all students.](https://genio.co/blog/from-student-advocate-to-campus-champion-loyola-university)[![Image 85: How Genio Notes helped two students become more confident learners](https://genio.co/hs-fs/hubfs/BLOG_confidence%20academic%20performance%20THUMB.png?width=450&name=BLOG_confidence%20academic%20performance%20THUMB.png) ![Image 86: Clock](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/clock.svg) 3 min read ### How Genio Notes helped two students become more confident learners Meet Beki and Samantha, two Genio ambassadors who share how Genio Notes has helped them to developed better learning habits, empowering them to become confident, successful students.](https://genio.co/blog/genio-notes-helped-two-students-become-more-confident-learners)[![Image 87: Returning to education: How mature students are using Genio (formerly Glean)](https://genio.co/hs-fs/hubfs/BLOG_how%20to%20study%20better%20THUMB.png?width=450&name=BLOG_how%20to%20study%20better%20THUMB.png) ![Image 88: Clock](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/clock.svg) 3 min read ### Returning to education: How mature students are using Genio (formerly Glean) It can be daunting returning to education as a mature student, but with the right support, it can be incredibly rewarding. This blog shares the stories of two mature students, and how they successfully navigated new learning challenges.](https://genio.co/blog/returning-to-education-how-mature-students-use-genio)

[View All](https://genio.co/blog/tag/success-stories)

[Genio logo - home](https://genio.co/)

*   Products
    *   [Genio Notes](https://genio.co/notes)
    *   [Genio Notes app](https://genio.co/notes/notes-mobile)
    *   [The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass](https://genio.co/the-confident-notetakers-masterclass)
    *   [Genio Present](https://genio.co/present)
    *   [Genio Admin](https://genio.co/notes/genio-admin)

*   Pricing and plans
    *   [For institutions](https://genio.co/pricing/institutions)
    *   [Institution Wide package](https://genio.co/pricing/institution-wide)
    *   [Individual user quote](https://cc.genio.co/genio-individual-user-quote-request)
    *   [ROI calculator](https://genio.co/resources/roi-calculator)
    *   [For individuals](https://genio.co/pricing/individuals)
    *   [Get Genio Notes for free](https://genio.co/pricing/get-genio-free)

*   Why choose Genio
    *   [Genio for institutions](https://genio.co/solutions/institutions)
    *   [Genio for students](https://genio.co/solutions/students)
    *   [Recommend Genio](https://genio.co/resources/assessors-toolkit)

*   Resources
    *   [Blog](https://genio.co/blog)
    *   [Events and webinars](https://genio.co/resources/events-and-webinars)
    *   [Case studies and user stories](https://genio.co/resources/case-studies-and-user-stories)
    *   [Product and feature guides](https://genio.co/resources/product-and-feature-guides)
    *   [Research and insights](https://genio.co/resources/research-and-insights)

*   [Sign in](https://app.genio.co/account/sign-in)
*   About us
    *   [About us](https://genio.co/about)
    *   [Careers](https://genio.co/about/careers)
    *   [Our Brand Story](https://genio.co/about/our-brand-story)
    *   [Our history](https://genio.co/about/our-history)
    *   [Research Accreditation Hub](https://genio.co/about/research-accreditation-hub)
    *   [Media Kit](https://genio.co/about/media-kit)

*   Contact and support
    *   [Get in touch](https://genio.co/contact)
    *   [Help centre](https://help.genio.co/)Opens in a new tab
    *   [Device compatibility](https://genio.co/specification)
    *   [Service status](https://status.genio.co/)Opens in a new tab

*   [Visit us on our social](https://www.facebook.com/GenioLearn)
*   [Visit us on our social](https://www.instagram.com/geniolearn)
*   [Visit us on our social](https://uk.linkedin.com/company/geniolearn)
*   [Visit us on our social](https://www.youtube.com/@geniotools)
*   [Visit us on our social](https://www.tiktok.com/@geniolearn)

*   [![Image 89: Icon](https://genio.co/hs-fs/hubfs/website/vectors/Google_Play_Store_badge_EN.png?width=120&name=Google_Play_Store_badge_EN.png)Download app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.genio.notes)
*   [![Image 90: Icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/Download_on_the_App_Store_Badge_US-UK_RGB_blk_092917.svg)Download app](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/genio-notes/id6758772863)

*   [Privacy Notice](https://genio.co/privacy-notice)
*   [Service Agreement](https://genio.co/service-agreement)
*   [Accessibility Statement](https://genio.co/accessibility-statement)
*   [Data Security](https://genio.co/security)
*   [Third Party Licenses](https://genio.co/third-party-code-licenses)
*   [Cookie Preferences](https://genio.co/cookies)

[](https://genio.co/blog/-how-university-of-california-berkeley-improved-student-outcomes-with-genio-notes)
