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-1100-002 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) Students must purchase this text to succeed in the course.

Common Reader: Free copy of The Things They Carried (borrowed from 4^th floor of WARE Student Commons)

Supplies

• Thumb/flash drive
• Note taking materials
• Access to etext
• Microsoft Word or Google Drive/Docs for typing papers and turning assignments into the dropbox
• Ability to save Word or Google Docs file as .PDF
• 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. 

Resources

• Student Rights and Responsibilities (found within the current course catalog)

Student Performance

Learning Objective 1	Students will identify their academic strengths and weaknesses.
Learning Objective 2	Students will apply practical skills such as organization and time management, and stress and conflict management.
Learning Objective 3	Students will demonstrate knowledge of, and interact with, college resources.
Learning Objective 4	Students will experiment with a variety of academic strategies.
Learning Objective 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

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.

This is not a lecture-based course.  A large majority of the content is from conversations with your classmates, instructor and peer mentors and individual activities.  You must participate in online course discussions and written assignments/journals to earn a passing grade in this course.

Do not plan to work ahead.  Weekly content will be posted/opened on Monday mornings at 12:00 a.m.  Feel free to work in the week we are covering, exploring the issues.  You will get out of this class what you put into it.

You should expect to have all homework completed before coming to class.  This is especially true for course readings.  Throughout the term, you will read chapters/stories from the Common Reader.  If you do not read the chapters/stories you will complete the assignments associated with the readings on your own, or, you will write a 3-page book report.  If assigned the book report, students must also make an appointment with the Writer's Corner prior to submitting the report to a faculty member(s).

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.

Classroom Behavior

You are expected to behave in the classroom in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment.  Online classroom behaviors that are not supportive include, but are not limited to:

• tardiness/leaving early (completing all discussion based assignments at the last minute, responses that add little or nothing to the conversation, etc.);
• incomplete work (failure to grammar/spell check assignments, failure to submit in the proper format, etc.);
• electronic device noises (failure to control technology when you are online trying to complete assignments, i.e., checking Snapchat while you’re answering emails/posting to a discussion board, etc.);
• abusive, offensive or disrespectful behavior/language (use of slang, abbreviations, texting, emoji’s, failure to grammar/spell check assignments, failure to submit in the proper format, failure to read directions/assignments, etc.).  

Online Communication

In-class Discussions

Our classroom is completely online.  This unique experience is amazing, and yet, it’s also troublesome for students who: 1) don’t like to read, 2) aren’t organized, and/or 3) inattentive/emerging writers.  To address #3, please make use of the free spelling/grammar checking features within your chosen word processor.  In addition, I highly encourage you to set up a free Grammarly account.  This service can tie into Chrome (and other internet platforms).  Using Grammarly or another spell/grammar checker allows you and your ideas to shine.  Failure to do this step shines an unfair light on your ideas and makes them seem less credible/educated. 

Email Communication

As a rule, all email conversations are a form of business writing.  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.  In that, I reserve the right to request clarification as needed understand the question posed.  I also expect our conversations to be collegial, or that of a partnership.  Please ensure you are using appropriate grammar/punctuation.  When referring to yourself, please use “I” and not “i.”  Please use periods, questions marks (more than one is inappropriate), and exclamation points (more than one is inappropriate) to clarify where your individual thoughts end.  If you struggle with grammar (as I do), again please consider using Grammarly.  Additionally, please consider the tone of your email.  Below is an example of a poor communication attempt (both in tone and in grammar).

Campus Email

Amarillo College students receive all official College information through their @amarillocollege.com account.  As a rule, I will be contacting you through your @amarillocollege.com account for all things related to our class.  Emails act as a final notification of important class information.  Oftentimes, I send class messages to the announcement section of the online classroom as well as to your campus email address.  If a student has further questions or needs clarification, it is up to the student to contact the faculty member via email, text or phone.  Email and text are the preferred methods of communication.

Grading Criteria

Checking Grades

Periodically checking your course grade through the “My Grades” feature will help you be successful in the course.  More specifically, if you see a small blue speech bubble next to your grade I have left comments/feedback on the assignment.  You should check this for more information.  

Those comments help drive your success in the course.  I may ask for resubmissions, specifically rewriting, clarification, or other information within a stated period.  I assume students read and review the feedback given.  Students who fail to reply or follow through with feedback comments within the extended timeframe will lose the opportunity.

If you see a yellow circle with an exclamation point, those are assignments awaiting grades.

Grading Criteria
Type	Percentage
Written/Classroom Assignments	40%
MindTap Assignments (students must purchase the etext to be successful)	30%
Quizzes	15%
Journals/Discussion Boards	15%

Earning Your Grade

All grades in this course are earned.  They are not given.  As a student you will be required to complete the necessary work to earn your grade prior to or by the specified due date.  There is no “grade recovery” in my course.  You will be awarded the grade that you have earned (both on assignments and in the class). 

All work must be turned in on time.  Students who do not complete homework will be required to attend a mandatory tutoring session during the week the homework assignments are completed; however, students will automatically lose 15 points for late homework submissions.  If the assignments are not completed during the week assigned, students will earn a zero for any assignments not completed that week. 

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

There is no late work accepted

Finding your way through a college course is a process.  There are challenges in each class and there are challenges each of you has, or will have, in your personal lives.  Those challenges can overwhelm you.  Because of these, and the amount of content we will cover in the course, I have intentionally set up the course structure to all you the best opportunity to learn and master the content. 

In general, I do not accept late assignments or late work; however, if after speaking with a student during an appointment about the extenuating circumstances, I may decide to alter upcoming assignment due dates to prevent personal issues from being a barrier to success. 

Pathways to success: A Scenario

What does this mean?  Well, here’s a scenario: Maria is a single mom of two girls.  She takes classes throughout the year and hopes to graduate in the upcoming term.  During our class, Maria’s youngest daughter falls from a swing and breaks her wrist.  In the next few weeks, Maria’s daughter will have doctor’s appointments and possibly surgery.  Those important items force Maria to make changes to her work schedule, and because of this, cause Maria to have to miss class meetings/deadlines.

Knowing I do not accept late work, here are the options she may have when it comes to her schoolwork:

1. Maria can continue on the path she’s on now, trying to make all of the doctor’s appointments, work shifts, and class sessions.
2. Maria can drop the course and pick it back up next term.  Doing this will delay her graduation by a full semester.
3. Maria can set an appointment where we can visit.  She can tell me what’s happening and see how I can help her continue on her path to graduation.

If this was you, what do you think you would do?

The worst-case scenario is option #2.  Dropping the course, unless there’s no other way around it, is always my last choice.  Option #1 – well, I don’t recommend it either, but hey – some people are stronger and more private than others.  Option #3 – it’s my recommendation.  Why?  Well, it means Maria knows how to use her support system and now I know how I can walk along with Maria on her path to help her succeed.

If Maria chooses Option #3, we will visit and discuss what options were available for her success.  It may mean she has longer to get assignments done, or it may mean I work to extend the class beyond the original 8 weeks.  Any assignments not submitted prior to our conversation will be considered missing and earn a zero.  However, future assignment due dates are potentially negotiable (but may or may not have a late point deduction).  I make this decision on a case-by-case basis.  The standard deduction is 10 points off the final grade earned for the assignment.

Pathways to success: In action

If you find yourself in a situation, please visit with me as soon as possible.  Students may meet with the faculty member prior to any excused absences to develop a timeline for homework submission.  Excused absences are determined at faculty discretion.  Please contact your faculty member as soon as you know you must miss a class session.  Whenever I can, I will work with you to find a pathway to success.  I will work to be flexible with the course requirements; however, this will require the student to be flexible with their expectations as well.  Please know that sometimes – especially toward the end of the term – I cannot say “yes.”  Know when that happens, I have exhausted all avenues.

What not to do: A Guide

Do not email assignments to me trying to skirt around a closed dropbox.  I will not grade them.  If there is an error or technical issue, please check the announcements section of our AC Connect Class to see if I have made a note.  If you do not see a note in our class, please check your AC email account.  If after checking these two spaces, please feel free to text me to alert me.  Don't assume I am aware of the issue or that it is your technology. 

Attendance

Attendance Policy – Online Courses

Eight-week classes move quickly.  Regular attendance is essential for satisfactory completion of this course.  Online courses measure attendance differently.  To attend, you need to check into class for about 30-40 minutes three-four times a week.  This timeframe mimics the time you would spend in the course if it were on-campus.  During your time online, expect to complete MindTap assignments, complete assessments, review PowerPoint slides, watch videos and participate in class discussions and/or complete journals.  All of these things combined equal your class attendance.  Students should make regular class attendance a priority for all of their courses.  Your participation in class and online helps you learn more and makes the class more interesting.  Mark your calendar today to indicate when you will be logging into class to participate.  If you are unable to attend class by logging in and participating in the course content and your classmates, please follow the guidelines discussed above to begin the conversation with your instructor.

One report I can pull shows a student’s interaction with the content.  Based on this one graphic, I can see if a student is not spending enough time inside the course.

Census Day Roster

Students who have not attended class prior to the Census Day (June 11, 2018) are reported as “non-attending.”  In online classes, course assignments and student interaction with the content are measures of attendance.  Students must have completed the “Our Virtual Meeting Space” Collaborate Session (WEEKLY COURSE CONTENT > WEEK ONE > OUR VIRTUAL MEETING SPACE) by June 6, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. AND complete the “Wk 1: About Me Discussion” requirements (WEEKLY COURSE CONTENT > WEEK ONE > “Wk 1: About Me Discussion”).  Students missing either of the two sessions will be required to attend a tutoring session with one of the two Peer Mentors assigned to the course prior to the Census Day.  Students who do not complete tutoring will be withdrawn from the course.  Non-attending students will be removed from courses by the Registrar’s Office.

Withdrawal Policy

No administrative withdrawals will be initiated by the instructor.  If you stop attending class but do not officially withdraw from the class, your name appears on the ending roll sheet.  Grades will be assigned based on the work completed.  The final day to withdraw from the class with a guaranteed grade of “W” is July 16, 2018.

Calendar

Additional Information

Office Hours

My job is to help ensure your success.  To that end, I am willing and able to visit with you.  Please follow these directions to ensure I’m where I need to be when you need me to be there.

1. Visit courtneymilleson.youcanbook.me
2. Review the available appointment times
3. Select the time that works best for your life and mine by clicking on the time
4. Complete the short form – IMPORTANT: tell me how we are meeting, in person or virtually (Collaborate)
5. Update your calendar to show our appointment date, location and time

OF NOTE: Meetings must be scheduled at least 8 hours in advance of proposed meeting time.  Please don't plan on "just dropping by" my office to chat.  If I don't have a scheduled appointment, I use the time to work on my other responsibilities both on- and off-campus.  I may or may not be in my office.  I don't want to waste your time!

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.

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: ______________________________________________________

Peer Mentor: ______________________________________________________

Courtney Milleson, cgmilleson@actx.edu, 806-371-5427

There is no final exam for this course.

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

Teaching Evaluations

You will have the opportunity to evaluate your instructor through teaching evaluation forms.  It is extremely important that you complete these surveys and provide feedback about the class and the instruction you received.