First Year Seminar - Learning Framework Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

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 course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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-1100-015 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

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(1 sem hr; 1 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

• Cengage Learning 1st ©2017 
  LMS Integrated for MindTap® College Success Toolkit, 1 term (6 months) MindTap (9781337275927)
• Free copy of The Things They Carried

 

IMPORTANT: Students enrolling in this class will need their e-text the FIRST WEEK of the course.

MindTap content may be purchased via the following methods:

~In person at the Amarillo College bookstore in the College Union Building (CUB) on the Washington Street Campus at 24^th and Jackson. Students can contact the bookstore at 806-371-5304 or via email at bookstore@actx.edu. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm and in addition to these regularly scheduled hours, extended hours are announced for the beginning and ending of each semester (Fall, Spring and Summer).  **Make sure you keep your receipt(s) for any purchases made at the college bookstore. They will not allow exchanges or returns without them.

~Online through the Amarillo College bookstore or another online vendor. Access the bookstore's home page at https://www.actx.edu/bookstore/. Additional information is also available within the course on the “Student Resources” page.

The correct ISBN for the required class textbook is cited above. Students ordering their book online through the Amarillo College bookstore or through another vendor should ensure they order the correct edition of the textbook and allow enough time for delivery so as to have the book the first week of class. 

Supplies

All students enrolling in this class must have access to a working computer, active and functioning internet service, Microsoft Word or some other type of word processing program, Adobe Acrobat Reader and exhibit computer competency.

Adobe Acrobat Reader may be downloaded FREE from https://get.adobe.com/reader/.

Assistance with Computer Access

If you do not have a computer, you may access the computers at the AC Library on the 4^th floor of the WARE Building. Click on the link below to access phone numbers, hours of operation and locations for all Amarillo College libraries and computing centers:

https://www.actx.edu/library/

The Amarillo College Bookstore has a laptop rental program as well. You may contact them to find out more information about the requirements and terms of the program.

Amarillo College Writer’s Corner

The Writer’s Corner is an excellent resource available to you for assistance in the writing needs of the course. You can access additional information at https://www.actx.edu/english/writerscorner.

EMAIL ADDRESS:  writerscorner@actx.edu    Phone: 345-5580    LOCATION:  Ordway Hall, Room 102

Fall & Spring Semesters

Monday – Thursday

8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Summer Sessions

Monday - Thursday

8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Student Performance

1. Students will identify their academic strengths and weaknesses.
2. Students will apply practical skills such as organization and time management, and stress and conflict management.
3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of, and interact with, college resources.
4. Students will experiment with a variety of academic strategies.
5. Students will identify an academic community that aligns with their long-term goals.

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

This is not a lecture based course.  A large majority of the content will be derived through discussion boards and activities.  You must participate to earn a passing grade in this course.

 

~Course Workload and Preparation Requirements~

The workload for this course will require due diligence and integrity on students' part. Students are individually responsible for ensuring they understand all requirements of the course, have access to all supplies needed and complete assignments accordingly.

Log into the class on a regular basis (at least 3-4 times per week) to check for class announcements/emails and ensure understanding of all applicable requirements.

Complete all readings and course preparation as assigned. This is imperative for successful completion of the course.  

Complete all assignments in a timely manner and be cognizant of all relevant due dates.  

Respond to requests from professor in a timely manner.

 ~Scholastic Integrity~

Scholastic honesty is not only assumed, but required, of all students in all coursework and exams as they relate to this course. This professor maintains a zero-tolerance policy with regards to occurrences of scholastic dishonesty. Occurrences of scholastic dishonesty will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and will result in a grade of zero for the applicable assignment and/or removal from the course. Scholastic dishonesty is defined in the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct as “…shall include, but not be limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.” Determinations of scholastic dishonesty may be substantiated if a student engages in any of the following behaviors:

~Function as a substitute for another student in any assignment or exam, or utilizes a substitute in any assignment or exam

~Utilizes the assistance of others, including other students, or engages in “collusion” in relation to any assignment or exam to the extent the work is not characteristic of the student's capabilities. Collusion is defined in the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct as: “… the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Students are not to work together on assignments or exams unless otherwise directed.

~Affords excessive assistance to another student in relation to any assignment or exam, including the unauthorized use of camera phones, text messages, photocopies, notes or other means to copy or photograph materials used or intended for academic submission.

~Commits plagiarism; refer to the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct which defines plagiarism as: “…the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.”

~Uses information and/or materials from the Internet or any other source without citing full and applicable credit

~Knowingly permits his or her work to be submitted by another student in connection with any assignment or exam

~Claims credit for or submits work done by another student

~Falsifies or misrepresents hours or activities in relationship to the service project

~Falsifies required documentation required for the service project

 

~Communicating With Your Professor and Classmates~

Students should make themselves knowledgeable regarding appropriate ‘netiquette’ practices. There are several internet resources explaining the facets of netiquette. One good source is located at: http://learning.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=4.

Students will communicate with their professor in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Discourteous, rude and/or aggressive emails, text messages or phone conversations will not be tolerated.

When you have questions regarding the course, you should contact your professor FIRST. Students or other Amarillo College staff or faculty are not responsible for making determinations regarding my course policies.

In the event you have a complaint or issue regarding this course you should contact me first and if the situation cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact my immediate supervisor.

 

Grading Criteria

Type	Percentage
Written/Classroom Assignments	40%
MindTap Assignments	30%
Quizzes	15%
Journals/Discussion Boards	15%

Grades in this course are not given, they are earned.  As a student you will be required to complete the necessary work to earn your grade.

Overall Course Grades are broken down in this manner:

Letter Grade	Numerical Grade
A	90-100
B	80-89.9
C	70-79.9
D	60-69.9
F	59.9 and below

All work must be turned in on time.  Students who do not complete weekly homework will be required to attend a mandatory tutoring session during the week the homework assignments are completed.  If the assignments are not completed during the week assigned, students will earn a zero for any assignments not completed that week.  

Students may contact the faculty member prior to any excused absences to develop a timeline for homework submission. Please contact your faculty member as soon as you know you must miss a class session.

Attendance

REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS NECESSARY FOR SATISFACTORY ACHIEVEMENT. THEREFORE, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO ATTEND CLASS, EVEN IN AN ONLINE SETTING.

Consistent and adequate involvement in an online class is necessary for satisfactory completion. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to check course postings and emails on a daily basis, follow the prescribed timeline for assignments and exams, etc. If a student is having difficulty with any portion of this course, they should contact me via email, phone, or in person, immediately.

Additional Information Regarding Withdrawals

Per Amarillo College guidelines, students must receive approval from the instructor to withdraw from the course. The last day to withdraw from a class is listed on the course calendar (on the class site) and on Amarillo College’s master calendar on AC Connect.

If a student wishes to withdraw from the course they must complete the following steps:

1. Print out the Administrative Withdrawal Request form and complete it. This form can be obtained from the Registrar’s office or via the link in the course syllabus. Please note the form requires both your advisor’s signature, and (if applicable) your developmental advisor’s signatures in addition to the instructor’s signature.
2. Contact me PRIOR TO 12:00 PM NOON on the last day to withdraw to discuss the withdrawal. The instructor will advise a time and date where the student can call or schedule an appointment to discuss the withdrawal. Withdrawal requests will NOT be approved by this instructor without either a face-to-face visit or a telephone conversation.
3. Do not assume that because you have sent an email to the instructor that you will be withdrawn from the course. Once the instructor has made a decision on the withdrawal, the student will be notified.
4. Every effort will be made to ensure student success is a priority before withdrawals are approved.

Failure to drop or withdraw the course within a timely manner will result in the student receiving a performance grade, usually an “F”.

Calendar

Additional Information

Success Team

In this course you will have several people surrounding you helping you to success.  These people are members of your success team.  Below you will find their contact information.  Please reach out to any or all of these people when you need help throughout the year.

Your Success Team members are:

• Peer Mentor: Lizeth Herrera, Washington Street Campus, WARE 205F,  l0474559@amarillocollege.com
• Pam George, Advising, 806-371-5000

Miscellaneous Information Regarding Course

There is no final exam for this course.

Your participation in the class helps you learn more and makes the class more interesting!

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.

Peer Tutoring

Peer Mentors are available daily in WARE 205F to assist students with homework and navigating Blackboard.  Check with your Peer Mentor for her/his tutoring session schedule.

Once you have completed this course...

You need to update your resume based on your performance in this course.

If you earned an "A"

• Exemplary knowledge of personal academic strengths and weakness
• Exemplary application of practical skills such as organization and time management, and stress and conflict management
• Exemplary experience in learning about resources and strategies to become successful
• Exemplary ability to identify communities supporting personal long-term goals

If you earned a "B"

• Outstanding knowledge of personal academic strengths and weakness
• Outstanding application of practical skills such as organization and time management, and stress and conflict management
• Outstanding experience in learning about resources and strategies to become successful
• Outstanding ability to identify communities supporting personal long-term goals

If you earned a "C"

• Knowledge of personal academic strengths and weakness
• Application of practical skills such as organization and time management, and stress and conflict management
• Experience in learning about resources and strategies to become successful
• Ability to identify communities supporting personal long-term goals