Funeral Service Clinical Orientation Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

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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withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education.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

MRTS-1310-001 Funeral Service Clinical Orientation

Prerequisites

Corequisites: MRTS 1301 and MRTS 1342

Course Description

Preparation for a funeral service career facilitated with on-site observation and participation. Instruction in equipment use, procedures and functions in the daily operation of a funeral home.
 

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 clinic)

Class Type

Clinical

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 None - All material is printed through your AC Online.  Selected readings will be provided and required.

Supplies

TEXTBOOKS:  See textbooks on this syllabus.

COMPUTER or ACCESS TO A COMUTER:  You MUST have access to a computer with active internet service, Mozilla Firefox (free download available & recommend), Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, RealPlayer and exhibit computer competency.

PRINTER:  You must have a printer or access to one.  It is recommended you print off your weekly materials and create a notebook for the class.  It will help you remain organized and better prepared for success in this class.

Student Performance

STUDENT PERFORMANCE:

• Regular  log-in and keeping current with all discussions, assignments, projects, quizzes and exams is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  There is no foreseeable excuse for not being able to log on and complete any activity.  There are several libraries and numerous computer labs on the AC campus.  If your computer is inoperable, you should be responsible and make plans to access a computer at another location to do the work.  Incomplete work will result in a poor grade and may put you in danger of failing the course. YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR ACTX EMAIL FREQUENTLY AS THIS IS HOW I WILL COMMUNICATE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS OR CHANGES IN CURRICULUM
• Follow guidelines set forth by the Mortuary Science Program and Amarillo College.  www.actx.edu/mortuary

• Communicate with the me immediately if  you are having difficulty with course.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Minimum Competencies: After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the Mortuary Science Department at Amarillo College:

• This course is an orientation course. Its purpose is to prepare you for a career in funeral service. You will observe the daily operations of a funeral home. You will complete documents provided to you through the course regarding your observations.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION AND NOTEBOOK:

You will be completing assignments, participation in class discussions and completing your orientation to funeral directing clinical through the following outline:

1. Secure a clinical site location for completion of 80 hours of clinical work throughout the semester. This work is to consist of observation of funerals and day to day operations of a funeral home only(no embalming). IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A CLINICAL SITE SECURED BY JANUARY 30TH, 2017, CONTACT ME AT ONCE. IT IS IMPERATIVE TO YOUR SUCCESS IN THIS CLASS THAT YOUR START WORKING AT YOUR CLINICAL SITE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

2. Download and print ALL clinical documents.  Fill out preliminary paper work (Clinical Folder 1) and obtain appropriate signatures required (preceptor/funeral establishment) and send these documents to instructor by the end of the first week (the dates and instructions for these are found in Module 1).  Follow mailing directions at the bottom of this list.

3. Complete your clinical documents (throughout semester).  I will sign at the end of the semester.

4. Refer to the observation example for reference of how to prepare your observations.

5. Complete minimum of 10 observations/daily reports, you must fill out the comments section of each report to receive full credit.

6. Obtain a 3-ring ringer folder with pockets (no notebook/binder) to place all clinical documents, observation reports and memorial folders. Be sure your name and course number are on the front of the notebook.  (This will be turned in or mailed in at the end of the semester.)  MAKE A SECOND COPY OF YOUR NOTEBOOK.  IF IT WERE TO GET LOST IN THE MAIL, YOU WILL NOT GET CREDIT. THIS HAS HAPPENED !! I RECOMMEND THAT YOU MAIL IT CERTIFIED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

7. Place all of your documents in order in your folder.  Please use labeled dividers to separate.

8. Make sure your complete folder/binder with all documents are postmarked no later than Thursday, April 27, 2017.  Again, you should mail it certified and 2-3 day delivery to ensure that I receive it in time.  (IF YOUR COMPLETED CLINICAL NOTEBOOK IS NOT RECEIVED IN MY OFFICE AT THE END OF THE DAY ON Monday, May 1, 2017, YOU WILL RECEIVE A 0 (ZERO) IN THE GRADE BOOK.  THIS WILL RESULT IN YOU FAILING THE COURSE.
      Mail to:

 

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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

STUDENTS SHOULD:

1. Log-in at least two times per week. (Recommended: Once at the beginning of each week and once at the end of the each week.)
2. Read assigned text book material.
3. Read all other assigned material.
4. If in doubt, ask...
5. Actively participate in discussions (these are graded and are considered class participation).
6. Do not judge other students.
7. Respect each others opinions.
8. Respect deadlines and turn in assignments on time.
9. DO NOT procrastinate. (As the saying goes...a lack of planning on your part does NOT constitute an emergency on mine.)
10. *Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class and will result in a grade of ZERO on the exam or assignment involved that cannot be replaced or dropped. Please see Student Rights and Responsibilities for a specific description of academic dishonesty. Any cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Students at Amarillo College.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU AT YOUR CLINICAL SITE:

• Always show respect to the Funeral Home establishment, its owner(s), employees and patrons.
• Dress according to the guidelines set forth by Amarillo College Mortuary Science Program.  www.actx.edu/mortuary
• Remember that you are a guest as well as a student.
• Although your clinical experience is unpaid, you should always look to the owner(s) and preceptor(s) as your supervisor(s).

Grading Criteria

IMPORTANT!!!  YOUR COMPLETED CLINICAL NOTEBOOK WILL COUNT AS YOUR FINAL EXAM.  FAILURE TO COMPLETE AS REQUIRED WILL RESULT IN YOU FAILING THIS CLASS.

Keep in mind grades are not GIVEN. Grades are EARNED based on student performance.

Student grades will be calculated on the following criteria:

1. Directed readings

2. Online participation/discussion posts

3. Quizzes/Exams

4. Observations/Clinical documents presented in notebook

Discussions are graded in this course. 100 WORD MINIMUM. You must present college level discussions; proper grammar, complete sentences and well thought out posts. You must post a thread and reply to at least two other peers in order to receive full credit for each discussion. I WILL COUNT OFF FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS. THIS IS A COLLEGE COURSE AND YOUR WORK SHOULD REFLECT COLLEGE LEVEL , THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS TO YOU ONLINE FOR SPELL CHECK ABD SITES FOR CORRECT USE OF GRAMMAR.

Your grades for this class will be broken down into the following categories.  Each category will count a percentage towards your final grade.

• Discussions (11) - 20% of your final grade
• Assignments/Quizzes (5) - 12% of your final grade
• Military Honors Assignment - 6% of your final grade
• PPE Assignment - 6% of your final grade
• OSHA Assingment - 6% of your final grade
• Clinical Folder - 50% of your final grade

Grading Scale

• A=92-100
• B=83-91
• C=75-82
• F=74 and below
• TO PASS THE STATE AND NATIONAL BOARD EXAMS, YOU MUST SCORE A 75 OR BETTER. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE GEAR OUR GRADING POLICY TOWARDS THAT STANDARD. THIS APPLIES TO ALL MORTUARY SCIENCE CLASSES.

Each student is responsible for ensuring the integrity of his/her own work.  Cases of academic dishonesty will result in either zero points or administrative withdrawal from the Mortuary Science Program.  There will be no tolerance for missed due dates, assignments, projects, quizzes or tests.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET ASSIGNMENTS AND SUCH TURNED IN AND ON TIME.  If you wait until the semester is over to resolve an issue with missing assignments, projects, exams, etc., then it will be too late.  ALWAYS KEEP COPIES OF YOUR WORK (projects, assignments, clinical paperwork, etc.).  Students should have a back up plan for computer problems.  Most public libraries have internet access for students' use.. PRINT OFF THE CHECKLISTS FOR EACH MODULE AND KEEP TRACK OF WHAT’S EXPECTED IN THAT MODULE AND WHEN IT’S DUE.

ALL course work is expected to be typed with correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.  PROOF READ your work before submitting.  Failure to do so will result in a lower grade.

Class Discussions Participation Grading Scale (In addition to 100 word minimum; and correct grammar, punctuation and spelling): 

• Outstanding Contributor: Contributions in class reflect exceptional preparation. Ideas offered are always substantive, provide one or more major insights as well as direction for the class. Challenges are well substantiated and persuasively presented.
• Good Contributor: Contributions in class reflect thorough preparation. Ideas offered are usually substantive, provide good insights and sometimes direction for the class. Challenges are well substantiated and often persuasive.
• Adequate Contributor: Contributions in class reflect satisfactory preparation. Ideas offered are sometimes substantive, provide generally useful insights but seldom offer a new direction for the discussion. Challenges are sometimes presented, fairly well substantiated, and are sometimes persuasive.
• Non-Participant: This person says little or nothing in class. Hence, there is not an adequate basis for evaluation.
• Unsatisfactory Contributor: Contributions in class discussions reflect inadequate preparation. Ideas offered are seldom substantive, provide few if any insights and never a constructive direction for the class. Integrative comments and effective challenges are absent.

LATE WORK (Assignments/Projects):

• If an assignment is not turned in by the DUE DATE given, it will receive and automatic 20 point deduction.
• Be sure to look at the calendar and modules for the last day to turn late work in to avoid receiving a 0 (ZERO). 
• Unless a specific deadline is given within the course, all assignments and projects not received by the day of the final, will result in a grade of  0 (ZERO).

QUIZZES/EXAM MAKE-UP POLICY:

• No quiz or exam make-ups will be given.  You are given atleast 3 days to take a quiz or exam.  There is ample time given to plan ahead to take your quiz or exam.  Remember to have a back-up plan in case of computer problems.
• The FINAL EXAM for this course is your COMPLETED CLINICAL FOLDER.

 

MANDATORY SKILLS BUILDING/TUTORIALS

     In an effort to improve student retention, the following policy is in place for this course:

If a student fails an exam (excluding the final), they will be required to schedule a visit with the instructor (over phone or in person), complete an additional assignment and retake the exam.  All this must be done prior to being able to take the next assigned exam.  If you fail the second attempt, the higher of the two grades will be entered in the grade book.  Failure to complete the tutorial and retake the exam during the required time will result in not being able to take the next assigned exam.  This will result in a zero (0) on the next exam and place you in serious jeopardy of failing the course.  Exams, quizzes and assignments in this course deserve serious attention on your behalf, and the tutorial requirements are instilled in this program to help you succeed.

Attendance

ONLINE ATTENDANCE:  This is an online course and is intended to give you flexibilty.  You are expected to log-in atleast twice a week.  Once Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday AND once on Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.  It is recommended that you log-in at the beginning of a week and at the end.  Often times, changes have to be made and are announced through course e-mail and announcements.  If you fail to log-in regularly, you may miss vital information concerning changes within the course.  Online learning requires the student to be disciplined to keep up with online participation, assignments, scheduled quizzes and exams.   IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET ASSIGNMENTS AND SUCH TURNED IN AND ON TIME.  If you wait until the semester is over to resolve an issue with missing assignments, projects, exams, etc., then it will be too late.

COURSE COMMUNICATION:  l will make announcements through course email and course announcements.  It is IMPORTANT that you log-in at east twice a week not only for course material, but for emails and announcements as well.

Calendar

Additional Information

COURSE MATERIAL DELIVERY METHOD:

• The  2016 Fall semester is a 16-week semester.
• The course material will be divided into 8 Modules.
• Beginning with the 1st day of the semester, Module 1 will be opened.  It will contain Week 1 materials (readings, assignments, dates, etc.).  Once a Module is opened, it will remain open until the day of the final exam.
• Module 2 will be opened on the Monday of Week 2 and so on.  Sometimes things change, so it is important to log-in atleast two times a week as stated before.

NOTE:  The instructor may change materials, assignments, due dates, quiz/exam dates and such at his discretion. 

 

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:

If a student has a grievance with the course instructor, the following "due process" protocol will apply.  The student must follow the protocol steps in the order shown.

1. Make every effort to resolve the concern directly with the course instructor.  The instructor should be contacted by the student before the conclusion of the course.
2. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the course instructor, the student should seek satisfaction from the immediate supervisor of the instructor within one week of the student-instructor meeting.
3. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the Allied Health division chairperson, the student should seek satisfaction from Dean of Health Sciences within one week of the student-division chairperson meeting.
4. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the dean, the student should seek satisfaction from the Vice-President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) within one week of the student-Dean meeting.
5. If the concern cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the student after meeting with the Vice-President of Academic Affairs, the student should seek satisfaction from the college President within one week of the student-VPAA meeting.  The decision of the President will be final.