Supplies

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/.

Microsoft 360(includes Word) may be downloaded FREE from:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office

Assistance with Computer Access

If you do not have a computer, you may access the computers at the AC Library on the 4^th floor of the WARE Building. Click on the link below to access phone numbers, hours of operation and locations for all Amarillo College libraries and computing centers:

https://www.actx.edu/library/

The Amarillo College Bookstore has a laptop rental program as well. You may contact them to find out more information about the requirements and terms of the program.

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/.

Microsoft 360(includes Word) may be downloaded FREE from:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office

Assistance with Computer Access

If you do not have a computer, you may access the computers at the AC Library on the 4^th floor of the WARE Building. Click on the link below to access phone numbers, hours of operation and locations for all Amarillo College libraries and computing centers:

https://www.actx.edu/library/

The Amarillo College Bookstore has a laptop rental program as well. You may contact them to find out more information about the requirements and terms of the program.

Amarillo College Writer’s Corner

The Writer’s Corner is an excellent resource available to you for assistance in the writing needs of the course. You can access additional information at https://www.actx.edu/english/writerscorner.

EMAIL ADDRESS:  writerscorner@actx.edu 

Phone: 345 5580   

LOCATION:  Ordway Hall, Room 102

Course Requirements

There are certain requirements that will be necessary for the successful completion of this class.  The requirements are mandatory and are explained fully in this syllabus.

1. Read the chapters; take good notes
2. Complete all assignments on time
3. Study for the exams

The workload for this course will require due diligence and integrity on students' part. Students are individually responsible for ensuring they understand all requirements of the course, have access to all supplies needed and complete assignments accordingly.

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.

Complete all readings and course preparation as assigned. This is imperative for successful completion of the course.  

Complete all assignments in a timely manner and be aware of all relevant due date.

Scholastic Integrity

Scholastic honesty is not only assumed, but required, of all students in all coursework and exams as they relate to this course. This instructor maintains a zero-tolerance policy with regards to occurrences of scholastic dishonesty. Occurrences of scholastic dishonesty will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and will result in a grade of zero for the applicable assignment and/or removal from the course. Scholastic dishonesty is defined in the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct as “…shall include, but not be limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.” Determinations of scholastic dishonesty may be substantiated if a student engages in any of the following behaviors:

• Function as a substitute for another student in any assignment or exam, or utilizes a substitute in any assignment or exam
• Utilizes the assistance of others, including other students, or engages in “collusion” in relation to any assignment or exam to the extent the work is not characteristic of the student's capabilities. Collusion is defined in the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct as: “… the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements.”
•  Affords excessive assistance to another student in relation to any assignment or exam, including the unauthorized use of camera phones, text messages, photocopies, notes or other means to copy or photograph materials used or intended for academic submission.
• Commits plagiarism; refer to the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct which defines plagiarism as: “…the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.”
• Uses information and/or materials from the Internet or any other source without citing full and applicable credit
• Knowingly permits his or her work to be submitted by another student in connection with any assignment or exam
• Claims credit for or submits work done by another student

Exam procedures

Exams:  

Each student will be required to take six chapter exams and a mandatory comprehensive final during the semester. 

All test will open at 9:00am on Monday and will remain open until 11:59p.m on Monday. While these exams ARE NOT OPEN BOOK, I realize you will have access to your book, you will not have enough time to look up the answers. Having the test online does not mean you will not have to study for the exams.  Please do not wait until 11:30p.m. to start your test, should you have computer problems it would be too late to try and fix the issue and still have time to take the test.  You will only have one attempt at the test. Once the test is started you cannot pause the test, so be prepared to start and finish the test in one sitting. Once you begin the test, should you have any technical difficulties please text me and I will assist you the best that I can.

TEST DATES ARE LOCATED IN THE COURSE CALENDAR IN BLACKBOARD

Grading Scheme:

Chapter exams                           30%

Final                                           25%

Writing assignments                  20%

Assignments                               15%

(Discussions, lecture quizzes, etc.)

Syllabus quiz                              10%

Total                                           100%

A = 100%-89.5%

B = 89.4%-79.5%
C = 79.4%-69.5%
D = 69.4%-59.5%

F = 59.4% and below

You get the grade you earn.  At the end of the semester, if you have a final grade of an 89.5 you will receive an A, if you have a final grade of 89.4 you will receive a B. DO NOT CONTACT ME AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER AND ASK ME TO ADD POINTS TO YOUR GRADE.

Makeup Policy:

Makeup Policy:

There will not be an opportunity to make up any test, quizzes, or assignments. PLEASE DO NOT ASK TO MAKE UP WORK. It is critical that you learn to turn assignments in on time and to take tests when scheduled. This policy is in place because in the field of criminal justice it is critical that things such as (police reports, court reports, etc.) get done and turned in on time.

If you miss the final because for any reason, you will receive a zero for that test, no makeup exam will be given.

.

Extra Credit:

There is not an “extra credit” option.  I want you to learn how to do college level work and do well in your class as opposed to passing a class based on extra credit.  I want you to learn the study skills necessary to be successful as you continue taking courses in college.   DO NOT ASK ME FOR EXTRA CREDIT

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.

Administrative Drop Policy

Withdraw procedures

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date (January 27,2021) will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Syllabus Quiz

Students must log on to this course through AC Connect on the first day of regular classes and complete the syllabus quiz. The quiz will be due by 11:59p.m on JANUARY 22, 2021.  NO LATE QUIZZES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

 Innocent Confession Assignment

Detailed information will be provided on the first day of class. Instructions will also be available in BlackBoard.

Post Morten Assignment

Detailed information will be provided on the first day of class. Instructions will also be available in BlackBoard.

Format for assignments. 

ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED AND TURNED IN THROUGH BLACKBOARD.  HANDWRITTEN WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!

APA style https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

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.

Blackboard

• Check Blackboard DAILY.
• Students will be responsible for printing off any material that is posted to Blackboard.

Additional Information

Recordings in Class

Students are prohibited from recording any portion of this class without written permission from the instructor of record or authorization through Disability Services. This includes, but is not limited to, lectures, class discussions or other class activities. For purposes of the policy herein, “recording” applies to audio, video, or any other type of digital recording.

Students who create and/or share an unauthorized recording via any means, including social media, are violating an instructor's intellectual property rights and could potentially be subjected to disciplinary actions under the Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, should any footage be shown of proprietary materials, the student who created or shared the unauthorized video may also be subject to copyright laws.

This policy has been adopted by all instructors in the Criminal Justice Department. Questions or concerns should be directed to Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Director. 

Tutoring/Assistance with Course

The Criminal Justice Department at Amarillo College endeavors to support each student’s goals for success by providing additional academic support services to those in need. If your cumulative grade average for this course falls below a 70, you will be strongly encouraged to access tutoring and other academic resources the instructor feels is appropriate.

Any student needing assistance with any aspect of the course content should contact their instructor to schedule a tutoring session. Tutoring sessions are offered at no charge and can be conducted on campus or via telephone. Arrangements can be made to schedule a time that is convenient for the student.

Student Academic Help/ Student Resources

There are a variety of resources available to help students with issues they may be experiencing throughout the semester. You are encouraged to contact your instructor with any questions or problems you might have while taking the course. In addition, you may access many of the various student resources at: https://www.actx.edu/student-resources.

Reproduction of Course Materials

Students are prohibited from reproducing any portion of this class without written permission from the instructor of record or authorization through Disability Services. This includes, but is not limited to, lecture notes, class discussion boards or any other class materials. For purposes of the policy herein, “reproducing” applies to photographic reproduction, audio, video, or any other type of reproduction of course materials.

Students who create and/or share an unauthorized reproduction of course materials via any means, including social media, are violating an instructor's intellectual property rights and could potentially be subjected to disciplinary actions under the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, should any reproduction be shown of proprietary materials, the student who created or shared the unauthorized reproduction may also be subject to copyright laws.

This policy has been adopted by all instructors in the Criminal Justice Department. Questions or concerns should be directed to Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Director. 

Extra-Credit Opportunities

Determinations regarding whether or not extra-credit opportunities will be afforded to students is at the discretion of the instructor. In the event an option for extra-credit is offered by the instructor, comprehensive guidelines and information will be provided to the student. Students are not required to participate in extra-credit opportunities.

This policy has been adopted by all instructors in the Criminal Justice Department. Questions or concerns should be directed to Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Director.

Student Complaints

A complaint is an allegation of improper, unfair, arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by college personnel. Students should attempt to resolve concerns informally with the instructor before filing a formal complaint. Any student or group of students may file a complaint concerning any campus issue. The Amarillo College Student Complaint Policy is described in detail in the Student Rights and Responsibilities document.

If you have a complaint regarding the instructor or some aspect of the course, you should first contact your instructor immediately in person or via email and attempt to resolve the situation. If the situation can’t be resolved to your satisfaction, you should then contact Sarah E. Uselding, Assistant Professor/Program Coordinator at seuselding@actx.edu or Eric Wallace, Director of Criminal Justice Programs at ecwallace@actx.edu.

Questions, advice, etc…

Please note; I am more than happy to talk to you about whatever may be on your mind. If you need someone to talk to, need resources for food/gas, rent etc.., or if you just have questions about criminal justice or life in general, I will be more than happy to visit with you, just text, call, or email me!