Clinical - Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, General Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Disability Statement

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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.

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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-2260-001 Clinical - Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, General

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: MRTS 1310 and MRTS 1260 Corequisites: MRTS 2432 and MRTS 2244

Course Description

A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Focus and emphasis in the portion of clinical experience will be concentrated in the area of embalming and restorative technique.

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

(2 sem hrs; 9 clinic)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

MRTS 2260 Embalming Lab Manual - may be downloaded and printed from withing the course.

Suggested Text: Embalming History, Theory and Practice by Mayer ISBN 0-07-143950-1, McGraw-Hill.

Funeral Compend - Professional Training Schools

The Conference National and/o0r State Board Exam - The International Conference

 

Supplies

TEXTBOOKS: Embalming History, Theory and Practice By Mayer ISBN 0-07-143950-1

Funeral Compend - Professional Training Schools

National Board Review Book For Students of Funeral Service Education and Mortuary Science - Thomas Taggart

 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.

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:

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

1. Explain the concepts of sanitation, disinfection, temporary preservation and restoring of a dead human body.
2. Demonstrate the proper disposal of contaminated materials and safe work practice from an embalming that involves blood borne pathogens and hazardous chemicals.
3. Demonstration of proper usage of instruments supplies and equipment that are used in embalming.
4. Describe and demonstrate the various techniques of embalming procedures.
5. Demonstration of completing the embalming case reports associated with a deceased.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION AND NOTEBOOK:

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

1. Secure a clinical site location for completion of 144 hours of clinical work throughout the semester. This work is to consist of funerals only(no embalming).

2. Download and print ALL clinical documents.  Fill out preliminary paper work and obtain appropriate signatures required (preceptor/funeral establishment, etc.) and send these documents to instructor. 
   Follow mailing directions at the bottom of this list.
    
3. Complete your clinical documents (throughout semester).  I will sign my portion at the end of the semester when the completed notebook arrives.
    
4.  Refer to the observation example for reference of how to prepare your written (paragraph form) observations.  If in doubt, please call me.
    
5. Complete minimum of 10 observations/daily reports (known as the 'individual funeral director training reports'), you must fill out the comments section of each report to receive full credit.  You must participate in 10 funeral services.  The names of these individuals will be put on the 'individual funeral director training reports' along with a description of the activities you were involved in.  Include a copy of the deceased's memorial folder at the end of the semester.  Keep in mind, if you go in for clinical hours on a day there are no funerals, fill out a report and make note that there were not funerals, but what you did do while there.  Therefore, you may have more than 10 daily observations turned in at the end of the semester.

6. Obtain a 3-ring notebook to place all clinical documents, copies of completed assignments and discussion posts.  (This will be turned in or mailed in at the end of the semester.) You WILL be graded on neatness as well.  Therefore I strongly suggest using labeled dividers to separate the different sections.
    
7. Place all of your documents in order in your folder  as well as a copy of all exercises/assignments.
    
8. Make sure your complete folder/binder with all documents are postmarked no later than Tuesday, April 30th, 2019.  (IF YOUR COMPLETED CLINICAL NOTEBOOK IS NOT RECEIVED IN MY OFFICE AT THE END OF THE DAY ON Tuesday, April 30th, 2019, YOU WILL RECEIVE A 0 (ZERO) IN THE GRADE BOOK.  THIS WILL RESULT IN YOU FAILING THE COURSE.)  (Make a copy for yourself and when mailing, I suggest sending it certified 2-3 day mail.) 

      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 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.

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.

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

Clinical Notebook is 50% of your final grade

Prep-room Project is 30% of your final grade

Discussions/Online Collaborations/Participation are 10% of your final grade

Preceptor Information is 10% of your final grade

Grading Scale

• A= 100-96
• B=95-88
• C=88-60
• 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 will be removed from the program. Students who receive an F in two or more major course requirements, , PSYT 1325 or HPRS 2301 will be removed from the program.

Each student is responsible for insuring the integrity of his or he 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.  Students can not start their clinical hours until all signatures are signed on the Basic Memorandum   Agreement and the Preceptor Paperwork.  The Program Director/instructor will notify you when you are able to start counting your cases and hours.

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 Count as 10% of your final grade. Participation Grading Scale:

In addition to 200 word minimum on your original post and 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.

The grading rubric for discussions is attached to the back of the syllabus.

*

*Online Collaborations (2)

There are TWO scheduled Online Collaborations.  Because most of you work in the funeral business, I understand that you may not be able to attend one due to schedule changes.  Therefore, you will have two opportunities to attend each one.  You are allowed one absence without affecting your grade.  If you miss both collaboration sessions, your class grade will drop by one letter grade.  These collaborations are for YOUR benefit and are specifically scheduled to help you when you need it.  Please plan on attending both of these.

Class Writing Assignments:

Format for all assignments.                     Title page

IF YOUR assignment calls for THREE typed, double-spaced pages PLUS a Bibliography and you turn in TWO and ONE-HALF pages plus a Bibliography, you will receive a grade of ZERO on that assignment. ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED, HANDWRITTEN WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! APA style Format: Use 8.5” x 11” paper Type double-spaced with 1” margins on all edges. Page number should be in the top right corner. Indent each new paragraph Use Times Roman 12 pt. font.   Every assignment you turn in must have the following cover page attached. If the cover page is missing 10 points will be deducted from your grade.   Title of paper Your name MRTS 2260 Fall 2018 Instructor Davis

LATE WORK (Assignments/Projects):  THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!

• 1st and 2nd day after due date (includes Saturday and Sunday) will result in an automatic 10 point deduction.
• 3rd and 4th day after due date (includes Saturday and Sunday) will result in an automatic 20 point deduction.
• 5th day after due date (includes Saturday and Sunday) will result in an automatic 30 point deduction.
• If an assignment/project is not completed and turned in by 11:59 PM of the 5th day after the due date, you will receive a ZERO (o) for that assignment.  NO EXCEPTIONS.
• 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 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 for this course is your completed clinical notebook.  If you miss the Final Exam, no make-up will be allowed. 

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

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 a minimum of three times a week.  It is recommended that you log-in at the beginning, middle and end of a week.  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:  Each module will contain a checklist.  Follow this as a guideline as well as the calendar.  The instructor will make announcements of unexpected changes through course email and course announcements.  It is IMPORTANT that you log-in at least three times a week not only for course material, but for emails and announcements as well.

Deadline to drop the course is: November 26, 2019

Calendar

Additional Information

COURSE MATERIAL DELIVERY METHOD:

• The Spring 2020 semester is a 16-week semester.  Spring Break will occur during the middle of the semester, therefore, it is technically 17 weeks long.
• 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 Mortuary Science Program Director, 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___________________________________.