First Year Seminar - Learning Framework Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information
Instructor
Sarah Uselding (Curriculum Vitae)Office Location
First Responders Academy, 3891 Plains Blvd, Office# 1046
Office Hours
Office hours are an excellent opportunity to receive individualized support, and I encourage you to take full advantage of them. During these times, I’ll be available for scheduled in-person appointments, FaceTime calls, Google Meet sessions, or virtual assistance through prompt message or email responses. My weekly office hours are as follows:
| Monday | 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. |
| Friday | As Needed |
| Saturday/Sunday | As Needed |
Virtual office hours can and will be scheduled as needed. I regularly check Blackboard messages, emails, phone messages, and texts outside of the times listed above. However, these scheduled office hours provide dedicated opportunities for you to receive immediate responses and real-time support.
Choosing the Best Way to Reach Me When You Need Guidance or Help
Communication is an essential part of effective learning in an online environment. The type of response or assistance you need will determine the best way to contact me. The chart below outlines some general guidelines to help you choose the most appropriate method.
| Type of Assistance Needed | Suggested Method of Contact | Information |
| Immediate response needed, with very brief explanation required | Text message or phone call | My Cell: 806-290-2727 |
| Immediate response needed, but requiring a more detailed and lengthy explanation | Phone call | My Cell: 806-290-2727 |
| Response needed within 24 hours and brief to lengthier explanation required | Message me within Blackboard OR send me an email | You can message me in Blackboard either by clicking on the Messages link on the options bar in the class shell at the top of the page, or by using the Message link on the Institution page in Blackboard. |
Communication Expectations
You can generally expect a response to your course messages or emails within 24 hours of when you send them. Occasionally, responses may take a bit longer, depending on timing or workload. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable period, please don’t hesitate to follow up with me.
How I Will Communicate with You
My primary method of communication with the class will be through course announcements and messages/emails. All announcements will appear under the Announcements link on the top menu bar of the course in Blackboard, and a copy will also be sent to your AC Google email.
For individual communication, I will primarily use the Message function within the course. If you’re unsure how to access or use this feature, please visit the HOW TO’s page located in the Course Resources folder in the class.
To stay up to date, make sure to check your announcements, messages, and email at least every other day so you don’t miss any important updates or reminders.
Additional Resources for Help
In the event you’re unable to contact me directly, there are some additional resources for assistance:
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The offices for the Criminal Justice department are located in the First Responders Academy, Office #1007. The general phone number is (806) 457-4450. You can leave a message for me at this number as well.
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ASK AC Helpline at (806) 371-5000, or after hours you can email them at askac@actx.edu.
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CTL Student & Faculty Help Center at (806) 371-5992. It’s available to students who are currently enrolled in academic or continuing education courses on a walk-in and/or appointment basis. They are located on the Washington Street Campus, WARE Bldg.
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AC Connect Student Resources at: https://www.actx.edu/student-resources
Expected Courtesies - Course Communications
This course is built on the idea that our diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences make learning richer for everyone. The variety of viewpoints you bring is a real strength, both in and outside of our virtual classroom. To help maintain a positive learning environment, please make sure you’re familiar with appropriate netiquette, which are the guidelines for respectful and professional online communication.
You’ll find helpful information and links about netiquette in the Course Resources folder within the class content. There are also several excellent online resources you can explore for more details.
Always communicate with your classmates and with me in a professional, respectful, and courteous way. Messages, emails, texts, or phone conversations that are rude, discourteous, or aggressive will not be tolerated.
If you have a question, concern, or issue about the course, please reach out to me first. Other students or Amarillo College faculty and staff aren’t responsible for making decisions about my course policies. If we’re unable to resolve the issue together, you may contact my immediate supervisor. His contact information is listed in the Additional Information section at the end of this syllabus.
Course Information
Recording Policy
Disability Statement
If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.
Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement
Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.
If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.
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
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
Student Withdrawal Procedures
Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:
- consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
- consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
- consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
- consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
- NOTE: The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.
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
EDUC-1100-LC5 First Year Seminar - Learning Framework
Prerequisites
Course Description
A study of the: research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition and motivation; factors that impact learning; and application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level student academic strategies. Students use assessment instruments (e.g., learning inventories) to help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and become effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to continually draw from the theoretical models they have learned.
Student Resources Student Resources Website
Department Expectations
Occupational License Disclaimer
Hours
(1 sem hr; 1 lec, 1 lab)
Class Type
Hybrid
Syllabus Information
Textbooks
Lessons and supplemental materials are accessible for printing via the Blackboard course. You are encouraged to print lessons and create your own "textbook" by placing copies of lessons in a 3-ring binder.
Supplies
• Thumb drive
• Notetaking materials
• Internet access
• 2" 3 ring-binder
• 5 tab dividers
Student Performance
1. Increase self-awareness.
2. Take charge of your life.
3. Identify and interact within your communities.
4. Demonstrate effective study skills.
5. Demonstrate creative and critical thinking skills
Students Rights and Responsibilities
Student Rights and ResponsibilitiesLog 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
- You are expected to behave in the classroom in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment. Behaviors that are not supportive include, but are not limited to: tardiness/leaving early; electronic device noises; talking during lectures; abusive, offensive or disrespectful behavior/language.
- You should address and sign all e-mails sent to your instructor and classmates. E-mails, like all academic work, should be proofread, should not include slang or abbreviations, and should not resemble text messages.
- You should turn off your cell phone or silence it during class.
- If you are caught plagiarizing or cheating, you will receive a failing grade for the assignment. According to the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct, plagiarism is the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another's work and the acknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one's own written work. If you are caught plagiarizing or cheating more than once, the instructor has the right to take appropriate actions as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Please review the Student Code of Conduct for a complete understanding of rules and policies.
Grading Criteria
| 10% | Self-reflection Narratives | ||
| 20% | Attendance (class meetings and lab sessions) | ||
| 10% | Daily Work / Homework | ||
| Includes discussion postings and assignment uploads in AC Connect course | |||
| 20% | AC Online quizzes completed by deadline | ||
| 20% | Connections + Career Research Worksheet + Education Plan | ||
| You must attend/participate in a Connection activity(ies) and complete a short worksheet for the experience. You may attend a workshop in the following locations to fulfill your Connection assignment: Career & Employment Center or Student Money Management Center. You may also complete the following: attend 3 club meetings (club of your choice) or the Fall SGA Leadership Retreat. These activities must be scheduled outside of regular class time during the semester in which you are enrolled in this course (SGA Leadership Retreat unavailable for Spring or Summer students). | |||
| 20% | e-Portfolio | ||
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| A = 90-100 | |||
| B = 80-89 | |||
| C = 70-79 | |||
| D = 60-69 | |||
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F = below 60
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Grades are not given; you earn grades based upon your performance. Please note the requirements for earning the grade you desire and act accordingly throughout the semester. If you complete the coursework in a timely fashion with quality submissions, you should successfully complete this course. You are encouraged to read and apply, as necessary, all feedback from the instructor in order to improve the quality of future assignment submissions. Assignments and exams are due on the dates stated in the course calendar. Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement in all college courses. It is your responsibility to attend each class and/or lab meeting. You are also expected to log in to the online course and complete all assignments according to the class calendar. (See Student Attendance policy above.) If an extenuating circumstance prevents you from submitting an assignment on time, it is your responsibility to let the instructor know immediately. Most assignment deduct points for late assignments. If an assignment will be more than 2 weeks late, the decision to amend a due date or accept a late assignment will be left up to the instructor and will only be considered in extreme cases. Discussion forums will not be available for postings after the date/time deadline. Please read the Course Calendar (below) carefully and be aware of when things are due. A user-friendly, color-coded course calendar is available through the Blackboard course in the "Start Here" folder. While the online portion of the class is available 24/7, you must pay attention to due dates...typically Thursday and Saturday evenings at 11:55 p.m. Due dates for assignments are detailed on the Course Calendar. Print out the color-coded calendar available in the Blackboard course. Check off assignments as you complete them. |
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Attendance
Class and lab sessions are Monday and Wednesday from 9-10:15 in Ware Student Commons room 405. You are expected to attend all class and lab sessions.
- If you must stop attending, withdraw officially by October 4, 2016. No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor.
Calendar
A color-coded calendar will be provided in the Blackboard course.
Instructor reserves the right to make changes to calendar as necessary.
Additional Information
Your participation in class and online helps you learn more and makes the class more interesting. Mark you calendar today to attend each class and lab.
Honesty, integrity, and respect will guide this course. You are expected to treat all participants with respect at all times. In discussing controversial issues, it is important that students feel comfortable expressing their opinion, yet it is imperative that students refrain from using derogatory or offensive language.
Amarillo College Common Reader
The common reader for 2016-2017 is Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford.
For general information on the book you may visit the AC Common Reader website at: https://www.actx.edu/commonreader/pagesmith/15. More specific information about the story can be found at: https://www.actx.edu/pagesmith/349.
Incoming students may obtain copies of the book by attending Badger Boot Camp or New Student Orientation General Sessions. In addition, copies of the book are available to check out at the AC Library. Lastly, the Criminal Justice Department has a number of copies available for students to read on-site, or possibly check out on the West Campus.
If you haven’t already read the book, it’s highly recommended that you participate in the common reader program. When applicable, references are made within the course content that relates to the common reader. Moreover, there will be an opportunity for extra-credit to be earned by reading the book and completing a related assignment.
Students are also encouraged to check out the “Common Reader Corner” on the class site under the COURSE MENU. There are numerous resources and links to help foster conversation and critical thinking in regards to the novel.
2016 Common Reader Selection Author Visit: https://www.actx.edu/commonreader/pagesmith/17.
Syllabus Created on:
08/21/16 9:57 AM
Last Edited on:
08/21/16 7:48 PM