Mortuary Management II Syllabus for 2020-2021
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

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

MRTS-2342-001 Mortuary Management II

Prerequisites

Corequisite: MRTS 1342 and MRTS 1260

Course Description

Examination of the management of a funeral home as a small business. Topics include funeral service merchandising and marketing, human resource functions and professional practice.

Student ResourcesStudent 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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

1.  Fundamentals of Funeral Directing: Building A Professional Cornerstone - IBSN:978-0--9979261-3-2

2.   Funeral Service Compend 6th addition

3.   Types of Funeral Services and Cermonies 2nd Edition - IBSN: 978-0-692-67590-8

4.   Fires of Change: A comprehensive Examination of Cremation - IBSN: 978-0-692-67590-8

5.   National Board Examination Review Book for Students of Funeral Service Education/Mortuary Science - Thomas Taggart 

Additional Resources: Quizlet: https://quizlet.com

Supplies

TEXTBOOKS:  See textbooks on this syllabus.

COMPUTER or ACCESS TO A COMPUTER:  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.

LockDown Browser + Webcam Requirement
This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be the type that's built into your computer or one that plugs in with a USB cable.

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 will 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.
• Follow guidelines set forth by the Mortuary Science Program and Amarillo College.  www.actx.edu/mortuary
• Communicate with the instructor when you are having difficulty with course.  

   COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. Define management functions as they relate to funeral service
2. Identify the parts of funeral merchandise, including materials used, types of styles, finishes, dimensions and functions of caskets and vaults.
3. Discuss merchandising, retailing and promotion as they relate to funeral service.
4. Identify various casket styles and designs.
5. Identify trends in the funeral service industry in relation to compliance and seeking advise from other professionals, such as legal, accounting and insurance (pre-need).
6. Compare the relationship of cost to revenue.
7. Recall selected business terminology

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 DAILY and check your email DAILY.
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 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.

Grading Criteria

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

• Discussions (5) / Assignments (9) - 10% of final grade
• Casket Selection Room Project - 15% of final grade
• Quizzes (6) - 15% of final grade
• Exams (2) - 15% of final grade
• Final Exam (comprehensive) - 35% of final grade
• Midterm 10%
• Web Assignment 5%

Grading Scale

• A=100-96
• B=95-88
• C=88-80
• F=79 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.  Be aware of this as you take this class and all other MRTS courses.)

• Per our Amarillo College Course Guide for the Mortuary Science Program:

   To continue in the program, a student may repeat a MRTS course only one time and may repeat no more than two MRTS courses while enrolled in the program. The term “repeat” shall be interpreted to mean re-enrollment following withdrawal, drop or unsatisfactory grade. A grade of C or higher is required for satisfactory completion of all major course requirements, PSYT 1325 or HPRS 2301. Students who receive an F in two or more major course requirements, PSYT 1325 or HPRS 2301 will be removed from the program. A student will have 36 months to complete all major requirements.

   

  Each student is responsible for insuring 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 IN 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.

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.

ALL EXAMINATIONS WILL BE COMPREHENSIVE.

Class Discussions Participation Grading Scale - In addition to  a 200 word minimum on your original post and a 100 word minimum for your replies to two other students' posts, correct grammar, punctuation and spelling will be considered: 

• 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.

• Online Collaborations 

  I will be online in the collaboration room every Wednesday,  from 6:00-7:00 p.m.  Everyone should attend the first collaboration on Tuesday, October 25.  I will take attendance every Tuesday, even just to "check in" and let me see your face.  You don't have to stay on with me for the entire hour but it is important that you at least check in.  It is a time for you to ask questions, see you classmates and most importantly, feel like you belong to a group of people who care about you. These collaborations are for YOUR benefit and are specifically scheduled to help you when you need it.  

LATE WORK (ASSIGNMENTS AND PROJECTS...THIS IS IMPORTANT !!!

•   If an assignment/project is not completed and turned in by 11:59 PM of the due date, you will receive a ZERO (0) for the assignment. No exceptions unless prior arrangements have been made with me IN ADVANCE OF THE DUE DATE
  Expect exam questions to be from lecture material, assigned textbook readings, handouts, etc. Expect multiple choice, True/False and essay questions. PRINT OFF ALL YOUR QUIZZES AND EXAMS AS MANY OF THE QUESTIONS FOR THE MID TERM AND FINAL COME FROM EARLIER EXAMS
•  

QUIZZES/EXAM MAKE-UP POLICY:

• No quiz or exam make-ups will be given.  You are given at least 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 will be given during the week of final exams.  It will be offered one day only.  The exact time and day will be announced during the semester.  If you miss the Final Exam, no make-up will be allowed.
• *******Note: In this Class, your Mid-term and Final Exams are take via Lock-Down broswer and use of a Web-Cam*******

• There is a new requirement also for Mid-Terms and Final Exams:

  This is your ONLY option this semester so please make sure you are ready for it with your computer/laptop equipment

• LockDown Browser + Webcam Requirement
  This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be the type that's built into your computer or one that plugs in with a USB cable.

  Watch this brief video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature.

  https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml

  Download Instructions
  Download and install LockDown Browser from this link:

  https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=481934155

  Once Installed

• Start LockDown Browser
• Log into Blackboard Learn
• Navigate to the test

• Note: You won't be able to access tests with a standard web browser. If this is tried, an error message will indicate that the test requires the use of LockDown Browser. Simply start LockDown Browser and navigate back to the exam to continue.

  Guidelines
  When taking an online test, follow these guidelines:

• Ensure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted
• Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them outside of your reach
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and also that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Clear your desk or workspace of all external materials not permitted - books, papers, other devices
• Remain at your computer for the duration of the test
• If the computer, Wi-Fi, or location is different than what was used previously with the "Webcam Check" and "System & Network Check" in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to the exam
• To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
  • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
  • Ensure your computer or device is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move
  • If using a built-in webcam, avoid readjusting the tilt of the screen after the webcam setup is complete
  • Take the exam in a well-lit room, but avoid backlighting (such as sitting with your back to a window)
• Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted

• Getting Help
  Several resources are available if you encounter problems with LockDown Browser:

• The Windows and Mac versions of LockDown Browser have a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues. If an exam requires you to use a webcam, also run the "Webcam Check" from this area
• [As applicable, insert information about your institution's help desk, including details about how to contact them. Some help desks want students to run the "System & Network Check" and the "Webcam Check" before they are contacted - and even, to forward the results of these checks at the time of opening a ticket.]
• Respondus has a Knowledge Base available from support.respondus.com. Select the "Knowledge Base" link and then select "Respondus LockDown Browser" as the product. If your problem is with a webcam, select "Respondus Monitor" as your product
• If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue with LockDown Browser, go to support.respondus.com and select "Submit a Ticket". Provide detailed information about your problem and what steps you took to resolve it
•        

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 flexibility.  However, it is still the same time frame of a full 16-week semester.  You are expected to make an effort to log-in at least twice a week.  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 IN 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:  The instructor will make announcements through course email and course announcements.  It is IMPORTANT that you log-in at least twice a week not only for course material, but for emails and announcements as well.

Deadline to drop the course is: April 22, 2021.

Calendar

Additional Information

 COURSE MATERIAL DELIVERY METHOD:

• The Spring  2021 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 & Week 2 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 3 and so on.  Sometimes things change, so it is important to log-in at least 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.

I have read the above information and I hereby am in accordance with the obligations set before me by signature:___________________________________________________________.