First Year Seminar - Learning Framework Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Instructor Information

Office Location

Parcells Hall 204P 

Office Hours

~ S T U D E N T      H O U R S ~

Contact me through the Messages area within Blackboard.  These types of messages are best for situations where you're having difficulty understanding how to submit something or have a quick question about an assignment.  From these messages, I have easy access to your grades within the course (and I don't need to seek clarification on what course you're enrolled in).

More in-depth questions about your class performance, and/or grades should be discussed during a student/faculty appointment.

Please schedule an appointment with me here.  All meetings can be held via Teams or in person in Parcells Hall, Suite 204, Office P. If I have someone in my office, please let our departmental administrative assistant, Shauna Jefferson (Parcells Hall, Suite 204, Office F), know you're here to see me for an appointment and then have a seat in our lobby area. Please do not assume that you may interrupt other conversations.  We practice what we teach in this class!

With all of that out of the way, know I love getting appointments from you.  When I do, I know I can focus directly on you and you alone.  Otherwise, it's a first-come, first-served world and I may miss out on an opportunity to understand what it is you need.  Appointments come first!

Please make an appointment here to visit with me. Don’t see a time that matches your world? Please let me know via Blackboard Messages or email! My job is to enhance your learning experience. I am glad to meet with you at a mutually convenient time and coach you to success.  

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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

EDUC-1100-007 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 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

(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  

 

 

Supplies

Thumb/flash drive

Notetaking materials

Access to E-text

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

The Underground is a new facility for students, faculty, and staff to utilize state-of-art technology.  The Underground will open in early November 2019.  Look for more details coming soon.

Computer Services Center

Additionally, the AC Bookstore operates a laptop rental program.  They also provide basic computer troubleshooting.  

Student Performance

  1. Students will identify their academic strengths and weaknesses.

  1. Students will apply practical skills such as organization and time management, and stress and conflict management.

  1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of, and interact with, college resources.

  1. Students will experiment with a variety of academic strategies.

  1. 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

Students should have a mindset wherein they are ready to learn. You must participate to earn a passing grade in this course.

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. *All emails from your instructor will go directly to your AC GMAIL account.

Honesty, integrity, and respect will guide this course. You are expected to treat your instructor and all participants with respect at all times.  In discussing controversial issues, it is important that students feel comfortable expressing their opinion and as such it’s imperative students refrain from using derogatory or offensive 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. 

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

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.

Your grade for this course will be comprised of the following percentages:

30% - Written / Classroom assignments

25% - MindTap

20% - Resume & Scholarship Essay

15% - Journal & Discussion Boards

10% - Quizzes & Culmination Case Study

All work must be turned in on time.  Students will automatically lose 15 points for late homework submissions.  Students may be referred to the FYS Peer Mentor Tutors (located in WARE 205K) due to submitting late work.

There is no final exam for this course.

Final grades for the course will be assigned utilizing the below grading schema:

A (90-100)

B (89-80)

C (79-70)

D (69-60)

F (59 and below)

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.

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

Calendar

This content for this course is divided into weekly sections, with a corresponding checklist for each week that contains all required preparation, reading and assignments.   Please review each checklist carefully to ensure you understand the requirements therein.  It is strongly suggested you print the checklists, however it is not mandatory. Students will be required to turn in assignments on specified dates, as referenced on the course calendar which can be accessed via the “Calendar” link under the course menu on the left sidebar of the course.

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the course schedule when deemed appropriate and/or necessary. Any and all changes made will be clearly communicated in a timely fashion. Below is a basic outline of the course and the topics covered therein. The course calendar provided on the class site contains more detailed information and includes due dates for all assignments.

Additional Information

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.

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

  1. Maria can continue on the path she 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 that I know how I can walk along with Maria on her path.

If Maria chooses Option #3, we could visit and discuss what options were available for her success.  It may mean she gives two speeches on one performance day, or it may mean she gives a speech a week later than her classmates do.  Any assignments not submitted prior to our conversation will be considered missing and earn a zero.  However, future assignment due dates are negotiable which 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.  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.

Success Team

In this course, you will have several people surrounding you and helping you to achieve 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.

Courtney Milleson, cgmilleson@actx.edu, 806-371-5427, (text) 806-680-6814

Joelysbeth Valle-Perez, j0519825@amarillocollege.com

Peer Tutoring

Peer Mentors are available daily 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 an "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 an "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

Syllabus Created on:

10/27/19 4:34 PM

Last Edited on:

10/27/19 4:56 PM