Using McGraw-Hill Connect for This Course

This course uses McGraw-Hill Connect to access digital content from Floyd, Interpersonal Communication, 4e. You will use Connect to complete readings, homework, quizzes, and tests.

Access Codes and Purchasing

• Each student must have an access code for the digital content.
• You may purchase the access code through the link inside our course. This is usually lower cost than the Amarillo College Bookstore.
• Connect provides two free weeks of access. You must secure full access after the trial period to complete the course.

Proctoring with Proctorio

The eBook quizzes and exams use Proctorio, a proctoring tool that installs in your web browser.

• Install the Proctorio extension in a supported browser before your first quiz or exam.
• If your device blocks extensions (for example, some school-managed Chromebooks), you may not be able to install Proctorio.
• The first week includes a low-stakes, proctored assignment to test your computer. Please complete it early.
• McGraw-Hill offers a Proctorio Orientation with a pre-check. Complete this before your first graded quiz or exam.

Orientation link: Open the Proctorio Orientation and Pre-Check

If You Have Trouble

If you cannot complete the low-stakes practice assignment, you need a solution right away. Options include:

• Take all quizzes and exams at The Underground (basement of the Ware Student Commons). More info
• Ask for help at any AC Tutoring Center or at The Underground to enable Proctorio on your device.

Get Technical Support

• McGraw-Hill Connect Technical Support (Live Chat)
• Call McGraw-Hill Support: 1-800-331-6090
• Visit the McGraw-Hill Support Page

Course Requirements

Technology and Access

• Reliable access to the Internet (many assignments are completed and submitted online).
• A reliable computer or laptop, with the ability to charge and maintain the device.
• Important: The Proctorio feature on some assignments does not work on tablets or iPads. You must use a desktop or laptop computer for these assignments.
• Access to the eBook, Interpersonal Communication, through McGraw-Hill’s Connect platform.

In-Class Supplies

• Note-taking materials (loose-leaf paper, spiral notebook, or composition notebook).
• Writing aids (pens, pencils, highlighters).
• If you use a tablet or laptop, please ensure the device is charged and ready for class.

Skills Needed

By enrolling in this course, you acknowledge you already have—or are willing to learn—the following skills to be successful. If you need support, please visit The Underground or one of AC's tutoring centers.

• Basic computer navigation.
• Navigation of Blackboard.
• How to submit assignments.
• How to join group discussions and complete group assignments.
• Navigation of Google Drive and related apps.
• How to convert a Google Doc to a PDF.
• Creation of Google Slides presentations.
• A willingness to keep learning (growth mindset).

Campus WiFi

Amarillo College provides free WiFi on all campuses.
WiFi Network: AmarilloCollege
Password: AmarilloCollege

Attendance, Participation & Daily Work (20% of Final Grade)

Attendance is Required

You are expected to attend all scheduled in-person class sessions. This is a hybrid course that combines on-campus learning with independent, online activities. On-campus class time is not optional. Participation during our in-person meetings is essential and directly tied to your success in this course.

• In-person sessions include graded daily work that supports key course concepts.
• Daily work equals 20% of your total course grade.
• Daily work grades cannot be made up after class, regardless of the reason for the absence.
• Missing class means missing opportunities for points, participation, and real-time engagement.
• Frequent absences will negatively affect your performance and final grade.
• If you miss class, check Blackboard, review posted materials, and reach out if you need clarification or support.

Hybrid Course Format

• We meet on campus for scheduled sessions to collaborate, apply content, and participate in activities.
• Outside class, you complete readings, watch lectures, and submit online assignments.
• Attendance in class is not optional. This is not a fully online course.
• Plan ahead and use the course schedule to stay organized.

Grades & Academic Expectations

• Your final grade reflects work completed across the term, not just at the end.
• Daily work, assignments, discussions, and assessments all contribute.
• Avoid cramming in the last week. It leads to stress and lower quality work.
• I provide regular feedback. Use it to improve.
• Stay engaged, ask questions, and keep up with the pace of the course.
• If you are struggling, please contact me immediately. Help is available, but you must take the first step.

Final Grade Requests

I do not round up final grades based on requests. Your final grade reflects the total number of points earned over the term.

• Use potential extra credit opportunities during the course to boost your grade.
• Do not rely on last-minute fixes. Your grade is built assignment by assignment.
• Use the rubrics. They show exactly how work is assessed.
• Visit tutoring centers or contact me if you need help before submitting work.

Bottom line: Grades are earned, not negotiated. This ensures fairness and prepares you for future academic and professional expectations.

Oops Tokens: 1 Late Pass Per Student

Life happens. Each student gets one Oops Token per semester, no questions asked.

What it Does

• Grants a 48-hour extension on one assignment of your choice.
• No explanation required, but you must notify me prior to the due date via Blackboard to activate it.

Rules

• Valid for one assignment only.
• Must be used within one week of the original due date.

Not Valid For

• Group projects.
• Assignments due in the final week of class.

Welcome to the Course

We’re about to kick off an 8-week crash course in communication that’ll go by faster than you think. It’s going to be a mix of learning, connecting, and practicing real-world communication skills. There’s a lot packed in—but don’t stress! I’m here to help you stay on track and make the most of it.

Think of this course as a hands-on experience. You’ll get out what you put in, and by the end, you’ll have sharpened some skills you’ll actually use in everyday life.

What You Can Expect Each Week

• Show up: Be present, participate, and stay engaged.
• Keep up with readings: They’re designed to help you understand key concepts.
• Practice what you learn: Through class discussions and activities.
• Complete assignments: They’re how you’ll apply and demonstrate your learning.
• Engage online: Share your thoughts and collaborate with classmates.

Plan to spend around 12–18 hours a week on this course (roughly 4–6 hours per credit hour). It’s a fast-paced class, but totally doable with consistency.

Support on Your Journey

You’re not alone in this! If you ever feel stuck or overwhelmed, reach out early. Amarillo College has great support systems:

• Me (your instructor!)
• Amarillo College Tutoring Centers
• Online Tutoring
• The Underground

Engagement Expectations

• Call me Gissel—no formal titles needed.
• Participate and ask questions (even if you’re unsure).
• Think critically—AI tools can help, but your own ideas matter most.
• Reach out if you hit an obstacle; I’ll point you toward helpful resources.
• Be kind and respectful—we all learn better in a positive space.
• Celebrate differences—everyone brings something unique to the table.
• Stay focused—give your full attention during class.
• Use the syllabus as your guide—it has everything you need to stay organized.

Communication Channels

• Best option: Blackboard Messaging (it’s connected to our course).
• Other options:
  • Email (include your name, course + section, and a clear subject line)

Tone Matters

How you communicate makes a difference. Keep messages respectful and professional—it builds trust and keeps our class community strong.

If tone becomes an issue, here’s what happens:

1. First Occurrence: Coaching session with me.
2. Second Occurrence: Formal written warning.
3. Third Occurrence: Referral to the Campus Behavior Team.

Understanding Communication: Your Course Guide

Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore the many ways people connect, express, and understand one another. This course is designed to challenge you, inspire you, and help you develop skills you can use in everyday life.

Course Requirements

• Assignments (30%): Weekly assignments are due by 11:59 PM on their due dates. They’re designed to help you apply what you’ve learned—so don’t skip them!
• Bi-Weekly Exams (20%): You’ll have exams during Weeks 2, 4, and 6 that cover two weeks of material at a time. Think of these as checkpoints to see how your understanding is growing.
• Essay (15%): “The Way We See Me” — an opportunity to reflect on your own communication style and how others perceive you. This includes the department-assigned final essay.
• Final Exam (15%): Your final exam brings everything together. It’s cumulative, meaning it’ll cover all the material from the course. Use it as a chance to show how much you’ve grown as a communicator!
  • Due: Thursday, December 18, 2025, by 12:00 PM (noon) (P.S. This earlier Thursday deadline gives me enough time to grade everything and submit final grades by the college’s Friday deadline.)
  • No late exams or extensions will be accepted, so mark this date in your calendar now.
• Attendance & Participation (20%): Engagement is a major part of your success. Attendance isn’t just about being in class—it’s about contributing, asking questions, and participating in discussions and activities.

Assignment Submissions

• Acceptable File Types: Use only the approved file formats (see “Additional Information” below).
• How to Submit: Turn in all work through Blackboard assignments—no email, Google Drive links, or Pages files, please.
• Questions? If you’re unsure about how or where to submit, reach out! I’m happy to walk you through it.

Join the Conversation

Your voice matters! Participate in discussions by sharing thoughtful insights, supporting your ideas with examples or sources, and responding to classmates respectfully. The more you engage, the more valuable the experience becomes for everyone.

Readings

Each week includes assigned readings from your Interpersonal Communication textbook. Complete them before working on assignments—they’ll help you understand and apply the material much more effectively.

Late Work Policy

• Week 1 Grace Period: If you fall behind during the first week, reach out by Week 2 to get back on track.

• After Week 1: Late work isn’t accepted, but communication is always welcome. Life happens—if something comes up, let me know as soon as possible so we can talk through options.

Grades and Withdrawals

Grading Scale:

• A: 90–100

• B: 80–89.9

• C: 70–79.9

• D: 60–69.9

• F: 59.9 or below

No Grade Recovery: Final grades reflect your overall mastery of the course material.

Withdrawals: If you decide to withdraw, you’ll need to complete a withdrawal form. Schedule an appointment (link provided in the course) to start the process.

Bottom line:

Stay engaged, keep up with the work, and reach out when you need help. You’ve got this!

Attendance Policy

What You Need to Know

Hybrid = Required Attendance
Attendance is essential. Our hybrid class blends the best of both worlds—online flexibility and in-person connection—but the in-person sessions are not optional. Some students think “hybrid” means they can choose when to come to class—but that’s not the case. On-campus days are a required part of the course, and your success depends on showing up and engaging.

Excused Absences

• You get one excused absence—for any reason. Use it wisely!
  If you’re participating in an official Amarillo College activity (like a game, competition, or organization event), that absence won’t count against you. Just make sure your coach or sponsor emails me or that documentation appears in Watermark.

Plan Ahead & Communicate

If you know you’ll need to miss class, let me know as soon as possible. Life happens—communication helps us stay on the same page and find solutions that keep you moving forward.

Why Attendance Matters

In an 8-week course, missing one class is like missing two weeks in a regular semester. Each session builds on the last, and we cover a lot quickly. Showing up keeps you connected, confident, and prepared to succeed.

Assignment Submissions & Communication Channels

Let’s make sure we’re on the same page when it comes to submitting assignments and communicating throughout the course. 

Submitting Assignments

All assignments must be submitted through Blackboard.

• No file-sharing links: Assignments submitted via Google Drive, OneDrive, or other links will not be accepted and will receive an automatic zero.

• No email submissions: Emails are great for questions, but not for turning in assignments. Submissions must be uploaded as files through Blackboard.

• Reach out if you get stuck: If you experience technical issues or aren’t sure how to submit something, contact me right away so we can troubleshoot together.

Accepted File Types

You may submit the following file formats:

• .docx

• .pdf 

I can’t grade Google Docs, Slides, or Pages files. If you’re working in Google Drive, download your file in one of the approved formats before uploading.

Citing Sources & Using AI Tools

Throughout this course, you’ll engage with a variety of ideas and perspectives. When you refer to or build on someone else’s work, give them credit—it’s a key part of academic honesty and communication ethics.

APA Citation Style

We use APA format in this class. Think of it as a consistent way to show where your information came from.

Textbook example:

• In-text citation: Floyd (2021) emphasizes the importance of active listening.

• Full reference list citation:
  Floyd, K. (2021). Interpersonal communication (4th ed.). McGraw Hill. https://connect.mheducation.com/

• Without page numbers: Use chapter, section heading, and paragraph number (e.g., Floyd, 2021, Chapter 3, Types of Nonverbal Communication, para. 4).

When in doubt, stay consistent and ask me or an AC librarian for help.

Using AI Tools Responsibly

AI can be a great tool for brainstorming or organizing ideas, but it’s not a substitute for your own thinking and should never replace your analysis.

Here’s how to use AI appropriately:

• Verify everything: Always double-check AI-generated information with reliable sources.

• Be transparent: If you use AI to assist your work, mention it in your references.

• Keep your voice front and center: The goal is to enhance your writing, not outsource it.

Examples of citing AI in APA:

• Personal communication: (ChatGPT, personal communication, October 27, 2025)

• Software reference: OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://openai.com/chatgpt

APA style for AI tools is still evolving—just do your best to stay clear and transparent.

Final Note

Academic integrity matters. Citing sources and using tools responsibly shows respect for the work of others and for your own growth. Stay curious, stay honest, and let your critical thinking shine through in everything you create.