General Psychology Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

PSYC-2301-DC001 General Psychology

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

General Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Myers, D.G. (2011). Exploring Psychology (8th ed.) Worth Publishers. ISBN: 1429238267 (Required)

\ Straub, R.O. (2011). Study Guide to Accompany Exploring Psychology (8th ed. or 7th ed.), Worth Publishers. (This book is suggested because it has many example test questions.  It is not required.  You should be able to get this used on Amazon for as little as $3. An older edition of the study guide will work for this class.)

\ * REBT articles – (This information is provided in the web course under the Lessons Tab, then click on Supplemental Reading.)

Supplies

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Student Performance

\ COURSE DESCRIPTION:
\ The course is an introduction to psychology covering the principles of human behavior relating to heredity, maturation, intelligence, learning, motivation, perception, emotions, personality, psychological disorders, therapies, and social context.

\ Learning Outcomes:

\ Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

\ 1.      Identify various research methods and their characteristics used in the scientific study of psychology.

\ 2.      Describe the historical influences and early schools of thought that shaped the field of psychology.

\ 3.      Describe some of the prominent perspectives and approaches used in the study of psychology.

\ 4.      Use terminology unique to the study of psychology.

\ 5.      Describe accepted approaches and standards in psychological assessment and evaluation.

\ 6.      Identify factors in physiological and psychological processes involved in human behavior.

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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

I want you to use the more user friendly version of the Course Syllabus in this course by going to the Home Page for the course and then going to the Lessons tab.  Then click on the Course Syllabus.

Critical Information on How To Use Email in This Course!

In order to receive email from the instructor you must use your AC Connect Google Email account.  If you do not activate and use your AC Connect Google Email account, you will be lost in this course because you will not be able to receive email from your instructor. 

There is one way to email your instructor.  You must use your AC Connect Google Email account, and you will have to construct your email from within the course you are taking.  Go to the top left hand corner of the home page of the course and click “Send Email” to construct your e-mail from within the course.  Next, you will click on “All Instructor Users,” and make sure your email is being sent to Jeffery Kee (your instructor for this course). 

Also, students are responsible for accessing e-mail messages sent to their AC Connect Google Email account; thus, students are responsible to check their AC Connect Google Email account on a daily basis.  The instructor will only respond to e-mails sent from the student’s AC Connect Google Email account.  These e-mails must identify the applicable class in the subject line; this information is automatically included in messages sent from within the course when you use your AC Connect Google Email account.  

If you do not follow these instructions, you email is at risk of getting lost.  I teach six courses per semester, and I have to create folders in my Outlook e-mail for each class.  If you follow these instructions, your email will automatically go into the proper folder for your course, and I will then be able to respond to you in a timely manner. 

You will need to learn how to use email in this course by viewing two tutorial videos on how to access email as a student in the portal and on how to send email from Blackboard.

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What are the ground rules for group discussion?

The objective of establishing ground rules is to honor free speech and the dignity, respect, and worth of everyone in the classroom.
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\ • In order to create a climate for open and honest discussion and to encourage the broadest range of viewpoints, it is important for class participants to treat each other with respect. Name calling, accusations, verbal attacks, sarcasm, and other negative exchanges are counterproductive to successful teaching and learning about topics.

\ • The purpose of class discussions is to generate greater understanding about different topics. The expression of the broadest range of ideas, including dissenting views, accomplishes this goal. However, in expressing viewpoints, students should try to raise questions and comments in a way that will promote learning, rather than defensiveness and conflict in other students. Thus, questions and comments should be asked or stated in such a way that will promote greater insight into and awareness of topics as opposed to anger and conflict.
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\ Example of a question that may put students on the defensive: Why do you insist on calling yourself Hispanic? That's wrong. It seems to me that Latino is the correct term? Can you explain to me why you insist on using the term Hispanic?
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\ Example of a non-defensive question: I don't understand. What is the difference between the terms Hispanic and Latino?
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\ • Learning is both about sharing different views and actively listening to those with different views. Students in this class are expected to do both. Learning is maximized when many different viewpoints are expressed in the classroom.

\ • Keep the discussion and comments on the topic, not on the individual. Don't personalize the dialogue. Rather than personalizing the dialogue, please direct challenging comments or questions to the instructor or the entire class.

\ • Remember that it is OK to disagree with each other. Let's agree to disagree. The purpose of dialogue and discussion is not to reach a consensus, nor to convince each other of different viewpoints. Rather, the purpose of dialogue in the classroom is to reach higher levels of learning by examining different viewpoints and opinions.

Grading Criteria

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE EXAMS?
\ 1. This is a three hour course. An estimate of study time outside of class is 3 hours for every 1 hour in class. Therefore, you need to plan on spending at least 9 hours per week in studying for this class outside of class. 

2. Studying in college is a complex task in that it involves many factors such as time management skills, reading ability, nutrition, exercise, study skills, motivation, sleep, and stress among others. The guidelines offered in this section may help to some degree. However, I recommend that you take the course on Student Success at AC (First Year Seminar), which teaches important areas such as study skills, motivation, time management, and stress management.
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\ 3. Achieving success in this course will require a time commitment. I recommend that you prepare for your exams and for class by ACTIVELY reading and outlining (taking detailed notes) the assignments.
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\ 4. I recommend that you use a word processor to create your own outline of the reading material. After you complete this process, you have a way to test your knowledge level and you will have covered the material in a systematic and comprehensive manner. This process will allow you to “chunk” the material into smaller pieces, which is more effective than trying to “digest” it all at once by cramming or just “reading over” or skimming over the reading.
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\ 5. If you are having difficulty with the material, you may want to receive tutoring or study skills training free of charge from the Access Center (Library; 3rd floor). There are also many web sites on study skills and strategies.
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\ 6. Study "How To Prepare For Exams" and “How to Study by Summarizing and Marking the Text.”  This information will help you to develop effective study skills. These documents can be found under the Lessons Tab.   

7.  Students report that it is helpful to make a flash card for each paragraph of reading material.  They ask a question on one side of the card and answer it in their own words on the other side of the card.  Then, they have a way of testing their understanding of the content. 

EXAMINATIONS:

1. There will be four multiple choice EXAMS.  All exams will be taken online.  Each exam is scored on a 100 point scale.  The four exams include Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3 and a Comprehensive Final Exam.  The lowest exam score out of the four is automatically dropped.  Therefore, if you are happy with your scores on Exam 1, Exam 2, and Exam 3, then you have the option to not take the Comprehensive Final Exam.  The three exams that are not dropped will count for a total of 80% of your grade in the course. 

2. The lowest exam score will be dropped.  Because the lowest exam score is dropped, there will be no make-up exams.  If you miss a scheduled exam for any reason, that exam will be the exam score that will be dropped.   The purpose for the drop grade is so that you can miss an exam for any reason, such as death in the family, illness, vacation, having a baby, not able to get your books on time, not having access to a computer, having to work, forgetting to take an exam, etc. 

3. Each exam will have 50 questions that will be randomly selected from a test generator.  The exams start at 12:00 am on the scheduled start date, and they will turn off at 11:55 pm on the last day scheduled for the exam.  Therefore, you will need to be sure to allow plenty of time to take the exam.  You need to allow an hour and a half to take an exam, even though most students will finish in about 50 minutes. 

4. You will be able to see only one question at a time, and you will have one attempt for each question.  You are not penalized for guessing.  You will not be able to go back and review or answer questions.  Remember to click the “submit” button at the end of your exam.  

5. For test security purposes I do not release the tests or allow additional time to go back and review the exams.  I offset this policy with open book / open note exams, simulated practice test questions, participation grade, and grade adjustments for each exam based on the number of questions missed by the class.  Also, there is a recommended study guide with many similar practice test questions. 

6. There is not an “extra credit” option.  I want you to learn how to do college level work and do well in your class as opposed to passing a class based on extra credit.  I want you to learn the study skills necessary to be successful as you continue taking courses in college.  I recommend that you take the First Year Seminar course at AC on how to be a successful student - you would need to talk to your advisor about this class.  That course teaches you how to study and take exams so you can be successful in your future college courses.

7. I round up grades that are “borderline”, for example, 79.5 would be rounded up to a “B”, and a 79.4 would round to a “C.”   

8. In order to check your grades, you can go to “My Grades” on the Home Page for the course. 

9. Each online exam will consist of 50 questions. Each online exam will have a time limit of 75 minutes.  You will be notified of the amount of time when you start your exam.  You will have approximately 1.5 minutes per test item.  After you answer a test item, you may not go back to that test item at a later time during the exam.  The questions for each exam will be presented to you one at a time.  The questions must be answered in the order given.  Do not skip any questions. If you do, the question will be counted as incorrect. There is no penalty for guessing.  For test security reasons, the exams are not released for review.

10. All exams will be taken online.  You are allowed to use your notes on the exams.  The exams are timed (approximately 1.5 minutes per test item) so you will not have much time to look up the answers.  In other words, you will need to know the information well before you take the online exams. 

You may not have another person with you at the time that you are taking one of the online exams.  If there is indication that you received help during an online exam, the penalty will be an F in the course and likely expulsion from Amarillo College.  

11. Please review the test dates in this course schedule. If your schedule cannot accommodate these dates and times, you will need to drop this course and find a course that will work with your schedule. No exams will be given after the deadlines posted in your course schedule with the exception of a true emergency such as death in the family or serious illness. In such a case you must provide documentation from a physician or psychologist indicating that you were not able to complete the final exam.

12. How do I calculate my grade in the course?

Here is an example of how to calculate your grade.  Let us say, for example, that you made an 82 on exam 1, a 79 on exam 2, a 93 on exam 3, a 100 on the Psychology Science Lab, a 100 on Discussion #1, an 80 on Discussion #2, and an 80 on Discussion #3.  Remember, the exams are worth 80% of your grade and the Psychology Science Lab plus the three Discussions are worth 20% of the grade in the class. 

First take the average of the exam grades: 82 + 79 + 93 + 245/3 = 84.67.  Then, multiply the average exam grade score by 80%:  84.67 x .80 = 67.73. 

Then take the average of the Psychology Science Lab plus the three Discussions grades: 100 + 100 + 80 + 80 = 360/4 = 90.  Then, multiply this average score 20%: 90 x .20 = 18. 

Add 67.73 + 18.00 = 85.73; your grade in the class would be a "B."

13. Final Grades Scale

            A = 90-100

            B = 80-89

            C = 70-79

            D = 60-69

            F = 0-59

14. An explanation of how Blackboard (the software that runs the exams in your course) grades your exams.

The lowest exam grade out of the four exams will be automatically dropped.  After you have taken exam 1, that test grade will NOT be calculated in the Course Average until you have completed exam 2.  If you have only taken exam 1, then that exam score is being dropped for now, meaning that it will not show in the Course Average.   

Let’s look at another example.  Let us say that you have only taken exam 1 and exam 2 and that you made an 82 on exam 1, and a 79 on exam 2.  Under “Exams AVG” (Exams Average) Blackboard is going to show that you have an Exams Average grade of 82 at that time because it is automatically dropping the lowest exam grade (the grade of 79). 

Now, let us say, for example, that you made an 82 on exam 1, a 79 on exam 2, and a 93 on exam 3.  Under “Exams AVG” (Exams Average) Blackboard is going to show that you have an Exams Average grade of 87.5 at that time because it is automatically dropping the lowest exam grade (the grade of 79).  Here, Blackboard is averaging the 82 and the 93 to get an Exams Average grade of 87.5.  

Now, let us say, for example, that you made an 82 on exam 1, a 79 on exam 2, a 93 on exam 3, and a 63 on the final exam.  Under “Exams AVG” (Exams Average) Blackboard is going to show that you have an Exams Average grade of 84.67 at that time because it is automatically dropping the lowest exam grade (the grade of 63).  Here, Blackboard is averaging the 82, 79, and the 93 to get an Exams Average grade of 84.67. 

Please be careful toward the end of the semester after you have taken the first three exams because the Course Average grade will not be accurate until after the final exam has been completed for the class.  Here is an example.  Let us say that you have a 50 on exam 1, a 75 on exam 2, and an 80 on exam 3.  Let us also say you have a 100 on all of your Unit Assignments (Discussions).  Your Course Average will say you have a 97.5.  If you think at this point that you will not need to take the final exam because your score in the course is 97.5, you will be mistaken!  This score of 97.5 is actually not accurate because it is dropping the lowest of the exams you have taken so far.  If you have not taken the final, then it is dropping the lowest of the first three exams.  After the class takes the final exam, your score for the final would be a 0.  The zero on the final exam would be the lowest grade, so it would be the grade that is dropped.  Now, when we do the math, you get a 74.67 for your Course Average: [50+75+80=205 and 205/3=68.33.  68.33x.8=54.67 (exams average) and 100x.2=20 (discussions average).  54.67+20=74.67]  As you can see from this example, you would have wanted to take the final exam hoping you could have done well enough on it do make your 50 on exam 1 your drop grade! 

I hope this will help you interpret your grade as you begin taking exams in this course!  If you have any questions call me at 336-2143.

PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS:

I recommend you use the Study Guide To Accompany Exploring Psychology by Richard Straub; it will have many example test questions that will be similar to your actual exams.  The Study Guide To Accompany Exploring Psychology is not required for this course.  You should be able to order a used copy inexpensively.  You could even order an older edition of the study guide and it would still be of great help. 

If you do not have the Study Guide To Accompany Exploring Psychology, then you may use the Book Companion Website for Exploring Psychology.  I recommend the study guide over the Book Companion Website for Exploring Psychology; the study guide book has more examples of test questions.

You can access the Book Companion Website for Exploring Psychology by going to

www.worthpublishers.com/myers and click on your textbook. You will need to register before you can access the Book Companion Site for Exploring Psychology.  You have to have an email address in order to register.  Once you get into the Book Companion Site for Exploring Psychology, you can you can review the concepts by doing the practice Quizzes.  You do not turn in any of the assignments from the Study Guide To Accompany Exploring Psychology or from the Book Companion Site for Exploring Psychology.  These resources provide similar practice exam questions.  They are not required, but they are highly recommended.   

GENERAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

When you go to Lessons Tab and then to Discussions, you will see General Questions and Answers.  Here, you can ask a question or provide comments that the entire class (including your instructor) can see. 

If you have general questions (and answers) that other students may benefit from, please direct them to the instructor (or class) by posting them in General Questions and Answers. When I answer the question (or when you answer a question) in "General Questions and Answers", all students will be able to see my (and your) responses.
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DISCUSSIONS / PARTICIPATION:

How do we participate in this online class?

There are three important Unit Assignments that provide you with a way to participate in the course.  Your Course Schedule (found in the Lessons Tab) will give you the instructions for each Unit Assignment as you proceed through the course.  By participating in class, the class will become more interesting and rewarding as more students actively share their ideas.

Furthermore, the group discussion will be a safe place to share ideas. The rules of the group do not allow group members to put another person down for their idea. I will respect you, and I expect you to respect me and the other group members. I also expect you to have carefully read the assigned chapter before you post your response.

The reason for assigning the discussions (participation homework) is because it will help you become more actively involved in the reading.  This activity improves learning.  By participating in class, the class will become more interesting and rewarding as more students actively share their ideas.

Where do we go to post our Unit Assignments in the class?

Participation occurs in this class by clicking on Discussions (on the Home Page for the course), and then click on the specific Unit Assignment you are working on.  You will then post your paper into the appropriate Unit Assignment.   

It is the student’s responsibility to make sure the paper for a Unit Assignment is posted.  You should post directly into the Discussion for the specific assignment.  Do not post your paper as an attachment.  After the paper is posted, it is the student’s responsibility to check to make sure that their discussion in fact was posted. 

Where do we find the homework assignments?

The way in which you participate is by following the instructions in your course schedule (found under the Lessons Tab), which will indicate the type of homework assignment.

What types of homework assignments will we have?

Homework assignments consist of reading and outlining the assigned reading material, watching video lectures, and completing three Unit Assignments. 

Are we required to respond to other students posts?

Yes, depending on the assignment.  You are not required to respond to a peer for Unit One Assignment (Psychology Science Lab Project).  You are required to respond to at least one other student’s paper for Unit Two Assignment and Unit Three Assignment.  I do believe that the class will be more interesting if you do make some genuine responses to other people's responses. When you respond to another person's paper, please do not just say "I agree." or "I couldn't have said it better." These responses are not really contributing to the discussion. Instead, provide some details about the other person’s response. 

I want to see that you gave your peer’s paper some real thought.  You need to relate to your peer’s paper by connecting your personal experience and/or observations to their response.  You can also relate ideas from the text or some other source (movie, article, book, news) to their response (paper).  Your response to your peer must be a minimum of 100 words.  You can also engage your peer by adding a follow-up question about their response to stimulate a brief exchange of ideas.  A 20 point penalty will be assessed to your peer response if it does not meet the minimum requirement of 100 words.  Your word processor should give you a word count for your discussion papers.

Do we need to save a copy of our responses?

Yes. I recommend that you write your response in Word, and save a copy in your files. If there is a problem with the online course, then you will have a backup copy. You also need to run spell check, grammar check, and then post it into the course. Do NOT post your paper as an attachment.

How much will the Unit Assignments count in terms of the overall grade in the course? Participation (Unit Assignments) will count as 20% of your final grade. The maximum score for each of the three Unit Assignments is 100 points.  There is a 30 point penalty for turning in a late Unit Assignment.  At the end of the semester, all of the Unit Assignment scores will be averaged. 

Unit One Assignment (Psychology Science Lab Project) is worth a total of 100 points.  You do not respond to a peer for this assignment.  Unit Two Assignment (Social Responsibility Research Paper on Stigma) consists of a research paper and a peer response.  The paper is worth 75 points and the peer response is worth 25 points.  Unit Three Assignment (Discussion Question) consists of answering an assigned Discussion Question and a peer response.   The paper is worth 75 points and the peer response is worth 25 points.

The quality of your participation is based on what you bring to the course with regard to your papers and your responses to your peer’s papers. You will be able to determine the student who puts his or her heart into the discussion in contrast to the student who provides very little to the group.

By reading how your peers connect to specific concepts from the assignments, you will likely improve your understanding of the reading because you will see another person’s specific connection to the material.  When you make meaningful connections to the material, you are more likely to remember and apply the concepts. 

What rubric is used to grade the Unit Assignments?

The rubrics used to grade the Unit Assignments are found in the course schedule.

Is there a penalty if my Unit Assignment does not meet the required length?

There is not a required word length for Unit One Assignment (Psychology Science Lab Project).  Unit Two Assignment (Social Responsibility Research Paper on Stigma) requires 2000 words minimum.  I will not accept this assignment if it does not meet the required 2000 word minimum.  Unit Three Assignment (Discussion Question) requires 600 words minimum.  I will not accept this assignment if it does not meet the required 600 word minimum.

If you turn in a paper below the minimum required word count, you may redo the paper and incur a 30 point penalty.  You should use a word processor to write your papers. Your word processor should give you a word count.    

What are the ground rules for group discussion?

The objective of establishing ground rules is to honor free speech and the dignity, respect, and worth of everyone in the classroom.
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\ • In order to create a climate for open and honest discussion and to encourage the broadest range of viewpoints, it is important for class participants to treat each other with respect. Name calling, accusations, verbal attacks, sarcasm, and other negative exchanges are counterproductive to successful teaching and learning about topics.

\ • The purpose of class discussions is to generate greater understanding about different topics. The expression of the broadest range of ideas, including dissenting views, accomplishes this goal. However, in expressing viewpoints, students should try to raise questions and comments in a way that will promote learning, rather than defensiveness and conflict in other students. Thus, questions and comments should be asked or stated in such a way that will promote greater insight into and awareness of topics as opposed to anger and conflict.
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\ Example of a question that may put students on the defensive: Why do you insist on calling yourself Hispanic? That's wrong. It seems to me that Latino is the correct term? Can you explain to me why you insist on using the term Hispanic?
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\ Example of a non-defensive question: I don't understand. What is the difference between the terms Hispanic and Latino?
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\ • Learning is both about sharing different views and actively listening to those with different views. Students in this class are expected to do both. Learning is maximized when many different viewpoints are expressed in the classroom.

\ • Keep the discussion and comments on the topic, not on the individual. Don't personalize the dialogue. Rather than personalizing the dialogue, please direct challenging comments or questions to the instructor or the entire class.

\ • Remember that it is OK to disagree with each other. Let's agree to disagree. The purpose of dialogue and discussion is not to reach a consensus, nor to convince each other of different viewpoints. Rather, the purpose of dialogue in the classroom is to reach higher levels of learning by examining different viewpoints and opinions.

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS:
\ If you experience a technical problem with some online aspect of the course, you will need to contact the Helpdesk at 371-5992.

\ DROPPING/AUDITING THE CLASS:
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\ The last day to withdraw is November 18.  You must officially drop a class in the Registrar's office. If you simply stop attending, a grade of F will appear on your transcript. An F will have a strong negative effect on your GPA. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE WITHDRAW DATE!  YOU DO NOT WANT AN “F” ON YOUR TRANSCRIPT BECAUSE IT WILL SERIOULSY HURT YOUR GPA.  AND A LOW GPA WILL HURT YOUR CHANCES OF BEING ACCEPTED INTO ACADEMIC PROGRAMS THAT YOU MAY APPLY TO IN THE FUTURE.

Attendance

\ DISABILITY STATEMENT:

\ Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Location: Student Service Center, Room 119, Phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

\ ATTENDANCE POLICY:

\ Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. It is the responsibility of the student to attend class.

\ MAKEUP POLICY:

\ Please review the test dates in this course schedule. If your schedule cannot accommodate these dates and times, you will need to drop this course and find a course that will work with your schedule. No exams will be given after the deadlines posted in your course schedule with the exception of a true emergency such as death in the family or serious illness. In such a case you must provide documentation from a physician or psychologist indicating that you were not able to complete the final exam.

Calendar

Additional Information

No additional information available