Principles of Marketing Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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

MRKG-1311-003 Principles of Marketing

Prerequisites

Course Description

Introduction to basic marketing functions; identification of consumer and organizational needs; explanation of economic, psychological, sociological and global issues; and description and analysis of the importance of marketing research.

Student Resources Student 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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Connect Access Code Required

Supplies

Student Performance

Learning Objectives:

The primary objective of this course is to educate students on the principles and practices of selling in modern business environments. Additionally, we aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in sales roles and navigate the complexities of the selling process. Throughout this course, students will gain insights into the following:

• Strategies for successful selling: Students will learn various strategies and techniques for effectively selling products or services, including understanding customer needs, building rapport, overcoming objections, and closing sales.
• Essential selling skills: Students will develop essential selling skills, such as active listening, persuasive communication, negotiation, and relationship building. They will understand how these skills contribute to successful sales outcomes and customer satisfaction.
• The process of sales preparation: Students will learn the step-by-step process of preparing for sales interactions, including researching prospects, developing sales presentations, and creating persuasive sales pitches. They will understand the importance of thorough preparation in achieving sales objectives.

Students 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

Section 1: Your Role in a Successful Semester

1. Take charge and responsibility for your learning.
2. College is an investment in your future—and your success depends on how much you put into it. Instructors are here to guide and support you, but learning happens when you:
   1. Show up prepared and engaged
   2. Ask thoughtful questions
   3. Put in consistent effort, even when it’s challenging
3. This course is designed to help you grow. The more you commit, the more you’ll gain.
4. Professionalism in Practice
   1. Business is a professional field, and this course reflects that. Professionalism isn’t just about how you dress—it’s how you show up, communicate, and collaborate.
   2. In class and beyond, you’re expected to:
      1. Be respectful and attentive
      2. Stay focused and avoid distractions
      3. Contribute meaningfully to discussions
      4. Treat others with courtesy and integrity
5. Expectations at a Glance:

In Class:

1. 1. Arrive on time and ready to participate
   2. Silence phones and avoid multitasking
   3. Stay for the full session
   4. Engage fully in all activities
   5. Uphold academic honesty

Outside Class:

1. 1. Communicate professionally in emails and messages
   2. Be courteous when interacting with faculty, staff, and peers
   3. Keep appointments and follow through on commitments
   4. Dress appropriately when meeting professionals
   5. Take care of campus spaces and technology
2. Academic Integrity & Assignment Policies
   1. Academic integrity is essential to your growth and credibility. All work submitted must be your own. This includes:
      1. No plagiarism or copying from websites, articles, or other students
      2. No use of AI-generated content
      3. No submitting work that is not your original creation
         1. By submitting any assignment, you affirm the following:

“I certify that the work presented is entirely my own original creation. I affirm that I have not used any AI-generated content, nor have I copied or plagiarized any part of this assignment from external sources, including websites, articles, or other individuals. I acknowledge that any failure to comply with this policy, including submitting work that is not of my own origin, may result in academic penalties, including but not limited to a failing grade for the assignment or course. I understand the importance of academic integrity and pledge to uphold these standards in all aspects of my work.”

1. 1. The instructor reserves the right to review any submission using tools that detect plagiarism, cheating, or AI-generated content.
   2. Violations will result in a zero on the assignment and may lead to further disciplinary action per Amarillo College’s Code of Conduct.
   3. The burden of proof for the originality of submitted work rests with the student. Students must be prepared to provide drafts, research notes, or other supporting materials upon request to verify the authenticity of their work. Plagiarism or academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action in accordance with university policy.
2. Assignment Guidelines & Deadlines
   1. Deadlines Are Firm:
      1. No late work is accepted. Plan ahead and manage your time wisely.
      2. Assignments are due Sundays by 11:59 PM, unless otherwise noted [Week 8].
   2. Submission Requirements:
      1. You may use Google Docs, but you must download and upload your file to Blackboard as a .doc or .docx file.
      2. Do not submit a hyperlink to a Google Doc unless specifically instructed to do so.
3. Formatting Checklist:

• Font: Times New Roman, Size: 12 pt
• Margins: 1 inch
• Spacing: Double
• File format: .doc or .docx only
• Before You Submit:
  • Proofread carefully—use Grammarly for grammar support only (not for rewriting).
  • Double-check that the correct file is uploaded and opens properly.
  • Submissions that are blank or incorrectly uploaded will be graded as submitted.
  • Important: If your file is blank or incorrectly uploaded, it will be graded as submitted. Always double-check your submission.
  • Your Effort = Your Outcome
    • Your grade reflects your effort, preparation, and professionalism. If you’re struggling, reach out early—support is available, but it’s your responsibility to use it.

Section 2: Communication Expectations & Email Etiquette

• Professional communication starts here in business—and in this course—how you communicate matters. Whether you're speaking in person or writing an email, your tone, clarity, and professionalism reflect your readiness for the workplace.
• Best Ways to Connect
• Face-to-Face or Phone (Preferred): Stop by during office hours or stay after class for quick questions or conversations. These moments help build rapport, clarify expectations, and often lead to valuable insights and support.
• Email (When Needed): Email is a professional tool, and your messages should reflect that. Use the following guidelines to make sure your communication is clear and respectful:
  
  Email Do’s:
• Use your Amarillo College email account.
• Include your course and section number in the subject line.
• Begin with a greeting like “Dear Dr. Stovall.”
• Write in full sentences with correct grammar and punctuation.
• Be concise and respectful.
• End with a polite closing and your full name.
• Proofread before sending.
  
  Email Don’ts:
• Don’t use slang, emojis, or casual language.
• Don’t send vague messages like “Did I miss anything?”
• Don’t expect immediate responses—allow up to 24 hours on weekdays.
• Don’t send multiple emails within a few minutes of each other.
• Example of a Professional Email:

Subject: BUSG:2309-001, Chapter 1 Question
Dear Dr. Stovall,
I will be absent on October 1 due to a family obligation. I’ve reviewed the syllabus and am working on the Chapter 1 assignment and Week 1 discussion board. For question 3, should I provide a specific example or a general reflection?
Thank you for your guidance.
Sincerely,
Michael Scott

Section 3: Mandatory Tutoring & Academic Support

1. Why This Policy Exists

• We want you to succeed—and sometimes that means getting extra support. If your grade falls below a 75%, you’ll be required to complete tutoring to help you get back on track.

2. How It Works

Step 1: Notification

• • If your grade drops below 75%, you’ll receive an email alert within 24 hours.
  • It’s your responsibility to check your Amarillo College email daily.

Step 2: Schedule Tutoring

• • You must complete a tutoring session within 7 days of the alert.
  • In-person students: schedule with your nearest AC Tutoring Center.
  • Online students: schedule with the Ware Tutoring Center.

Step 3: Follow-Up

• • If you don’t complete tutoring within 7 days, a second alert will be sent (with your advisor and success coach copied).
  • You’ll have 3 more days to complete the session.
  • Even if your grade rises above 75% after the alert, you are still required to complete the tutoring session. This ensures that the root cause of the grade drop is addressed and that you are fully supported moving forward.

3. What happens if you don’t complete tutoring?

• Grade Freeze: No new grades will be posted until tutoring is completed.
  • A grade freeze means that temporary zeros will be entered into the gradebook for any assignments or discussion boards affected during the freeze period. Once the required tutoring is completed, these zeros will be replaced with the actual earned grades.
• Final Grade of Incomplete (“I”): If tutoring is still not completed by the end of the semester, you’ll receive an “I.”
• You’ll have 7 days after the semester ends to complete tutoring. If not, your grade will convert to an F.
  • Support Is Here for You
  • Tutoring sessions may include help with:
    1. Blackboard navigation
    2. Time management
    3. Study strategies
    4. Course-specific content
• This policy is designed to support—not punish—you. Use it as a tool to stay on track and succeed.

Section 4: Technology Requirements & Online Learning Expectations

1. What You’ll Need

• To succeed in this course—especially if you're taking it online or in a hybrid format—you’ll need:
  • A reliable computer (not just a smartphone)
  • A stable internet connection
  • Basic computer skills (e.g., uploading files, using email, navigating Blackboard)
  • Online/hybrid courses are not the place to learn how to use a computer. Come prepared with the tools and skills you need.
• Required Tools & Platforms
  • Blackboard: All course content, assignments, and grades are accessed here.
  • Amarillo College Email: Used for all official communication.
  • Microsoft Word/Google Doc: Required for submitting assignments in .doc or .docx format.
  • Grammarly: Required for proofreading (not rewriting) your work.
  • Google Chrome
  • Proctoring software

2. Tech Skills You Should Have

• You should be able to:
  • Upload, download, and save files correctly
  • Use word processing and presentation software
  • Send professional emails with attachments
  • Navigate Blackboard and troubleshoot basic issues

3. Tech Support & Resources

• Amarillo College provides computer labs, tutorials, and tech support
• If you run into issues, try troubleshooting first (browser, file format, etc.)
• For help, contact Student Technical Services or the ITS Help Desk

Section 5: Final Notes & Withdrawal Policy

1. Withdrawal Policy
   1. If you’re considering dropping the course, please talk to your instructor first. There may be options or support available to help you succeed.
   2. It is your responsibility to officially withdraw through the Registrar’s Office.
   3. If you stop attending but don’t officially withdraw, and your average is below 70%, you will receive an F.
   4. Once you withdraw, your grade records are deleted from Blackboard and cannot be recovered.
   5. If your grade falls below 75% during the first or second week, an academic alert will be sent to your advisor and financial aid office. You may also be required to attend tutoring.

2. Accessing Your Grades

To view current grades:

• • Go to www.actx.edu
  • Log in to AC Connect
  • Click on your course (e.g., BMGT-1305)
  • Select My Grades from the menu

To view final grades:

• Log in to AC Connect
• Scroll to Self Service > Current Student
• Click Academic Profile > Grades

3. Grades cannot be shared via phone, email, or with third parties due to FERPA regulations.

4. Additional Course Policies & Success Tips

a. A Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment

This course is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students. Every learner is valued, and diverse perspectives are welcomed. Discrimination, harassment, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. Let’s work together to create a space where everyone can thrive.

b. Student Support Resources

If you’re facing challenges—academic, personal, or technical—please check the Student Resource Guide on your Blackboard “Institution” page or contact your Success Coach. Amarillo College offers a wide range of services to support your success.

c. Weekly Time Commitment

• This course requires approximately 9 hours per week, including:
• Class time
• Reading and studying
• Completing assignments, quizzes, and discussions
• Plan ahead and block off time in your schedule to stay on track.

d. AI Use Policy

• Use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Quillbot, etc.) is not permitted in this course.
  You may use Grammarly to check for:
  • Spelling
  • Grammar
  • Punctuation
• However, using Grammarly (or any tool) to rephrase or rewrite sentences is not allowed and will be treated as a violation of academic integrity.

e. Emergencies & Extensions

• • • Just like in a professional setting, communication is key. If you experience an emergency:
    • Contact your instructor before the assignment deadline
    • Extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but only with timely communication

f. Tips for Success

• • Subscribe to your Blackboard calendar (see tutorial videos provided)
  • Check your Amarillo College email daily
  • Block off 9 hours per week for this course
  • Aim to complete weekly work by Friday, even though the deadline is Sunday
  • Ask questions before Friday at 5:00 PM—emails are not monitored over the weekend

g. Extra Credit & Make-Up Work

• There are no extra credit opportunities and no make-up work in this course. Please stay on schedule and reach out early if you need help.

Grading Criteria

Section 6: Grading & Course Components

1. How Your Grade Is Calculated
2. Your final grade reflects your effort, consistency, and professionalism across all course components:

1. 1. Grading Scale

Note: The instructor may consider class participation, attendance, and attitude when finalizing your grade.

Discussion Boards & Participation

Why Discussions Matter

1. 1. Discussion boards are more than just assignments—they’re a space to:
   2. Practice professional communication
   3. Share insights and experiences
   4. Think critically and collaborate with your peers
   5. These conversations help you apply course concepts in real-world ways and build confidence in your communication skills.

Weekly Expectations

• • Each week (unless otherwise noted), you are expected to:
  • Post one original response (minimum 150 words) by Tuesday at 11:59 PM
  • Respond to at least three classmates (minimum 50 words each) by Sunday at 11:59 PM
  • Include a relevant quote from the textbook with proper citation (author’s last name, page number)
  • Late discussion posts are not accepted, so plan ahead.

What Makes a Strong Post?

• Thoughtful, relevant, and clearly written
• Directly addresses the prompt
• Includes examples, experiences, or references
• Encourages further discussion and engagement
• Avoid short replies like “I agree”—instead, build on ideas, ask questions, or offer a new perspective.

Important Reminders

• Do not upload documents—post directly in the discussion thread.
• If the board is set to “Post-First,” you must submit your original post before viewing others.
• Posting a blank thread to bypass this setting is considered cheating.

Semester Project – Group Marketing Project

For this semester-long project, students will operate as a professional marketing agency tasked with solving a business challenge for a real-world client. This simulation requires teams to move beyond academic theory and apply strategic thinking to a live market environment.

Project Overview

Working in assigned groups, you will be responsible for the end-to-end development of a Market Research Brief and a subsequent strategic proposal. Your goal is to identify a specific information gap for your client, design a methodology to gather data, and translate those findings into actionable creative and business insights.

Expectations and Participation

Success in this project is dependent on professional collaboration. Because this is a simulation of a workplace environment, the following standards apply:

• Active Participation: Every member is expected to contribute equitably to the research, analysis, and final deliverables. Passive "observation" is not sufficient for a passing grade.

• Professional Communication: Teams must maintain consistent, clear, and respectful communication. You are expected to be responsive to your group members and meet all internal and external deadlines.

• Accountability: To ensure fairness, your individual grade will be informed by two formal evaluations (at the midpoint and the final). These evaluations are an opportunity to provide honest feedback on the distribution of labor and the quality of contributions within your group.

Evaluation and Grading

While the final project represents a collective effort, individual grades may be adjusted based on peer and self-evaluations. Honesty in these assessments is mandatory. In the professional world, team members rarely contribute at identical levels; therefore, it is expected that your scores will reflect the actual reality of your group’s dynamics.

Quizzes, Exams & Assessments 

1. Purpose of Assessments. Quizzes and exams are designed to help you:

• Check your understanding of course material
• Practice applying concepts in real-world scenarios
• Strengthen your analytical and time management skills
  1. These assessments are not just about memorization—they’re about demonstrating your ability to think critically and communicate effectively.
  2. What to Expect
     • Module Quizzes will test your comprehension of weekly readings and lectures.
     • The Final Exam will assess your overall understanding of the course and your ability to apply key concepts.
     • Stay on top of your weekly work—quizzes and exams build on everything you’ve learned.

Be aware that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended) does not permit instructors to disclose information regarding grades over the phone, via email, or to a third party. Therefore, if you need to discuss your grades, you must do so in person.

Attendance

Attendance

Attendance Certification Requirement:

To be certified as attending for the census roster, students must complete at least 75% of the Week 1 module by the Sunday deadline. This includes reviewing all required materials and completing any assigned activities or assessments. Failure to meet this requirement may result in being marked as not attending.

Students must arrive on time and be present for all scheduled classes. Students who are late do not have to be admitted by the instructor. If students add or enroll in classes after the first day of class, the students are counted as absent from any missed class meetings.

Classes with a scheduled meeting time (traditional/hybrid): 

1. attendance is required and expected

2. students are aware of the course meeting times prior to registering for the class and agree to the posted schedule. By registering for this course students are accepting the schedule as written, this includes consideration of work schedules, child care, and other responsibilities. 

3. the student is entering the course agreeing to attend all classes as scheduled unless an extreme emergency prevents them from attending. Extreme (rare) circumstances will be communicated to the instructor within 24 hours of class meeting time.

4. excused absences will only be considered at the discretion of the instructor and if communicated before the class meeting occurs 

5. students are expected to attend the entire class session without leaving early unless dismissed

Classes without a scheduled meeting time (online):

1. Student attendance is determined by the instructor and requires substantial participation in the course content, such as working on assignments or participating in a course discussion throughout the week, versus the final hours before a deadline

2. Students are expected to log in to BlackBoard within the first 48 hours of the weekly module being available. Example: course modules open on Monday at 12:01 am, students are expected to log in and review content, and submit an assignment or discussion board post before Tuesday at 11:59 pm.

3. Students are expected to address any concerns or questions before Friday at 5:00 pm

4. Technical obstacles including internet disruptions, personal computers issues, or failure, do not excuse participation in the class. Amarillo College provides resources to students needing assistance in these areas (see STUDENT RESOURCES).

Calendar

Additional Information

Accommodations/Modifications beyond Disability Services:

Instructor policy: As your instructor, I will provide any accommodations required by Disability Services upon receipt of the Student Accommodation Plan. Please know that I am here to support you to the best of my ability and can provide additional tools and resources that specifically support this course and its objectives (some are listed below). Disability Services works closely with each instructor to support student success, however, Disability Services is limited on the options they can provide through the accommodation plan. It is important to know that we all work better when we work as a team. Disability Services cannot disclose your disability to the instructor without your consent, just as the instructor cannot disclose your course grade/status without your consent. If you are comfortable discussing your specific disability or concern with the instructor, we are able to better formulate a strategy for success - together.

As a student, it is your responsibility to visit Disability Services and find out if its services and accommodations are suitable for your specific needs. It is not necessary to inform the school of your specific needs and it is completely voluntary. However, if you want the school and instructor to make school adjustments for you, you will need to inform Disability Services of your disability and, most likely, provide evidence of your disability.

1. Amarillo College has several computers equipped with text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and graphics organizing programs to assist students with learning disabilities. The Disabilities Coordinator is available to work with students, individually or in small groups, who have problems with organization, time management, or study skills. These services are open to all students, with the use of assistive technology and learning skills prioritizing students with documented learning disabilities.

Technology Requirements and Expectations:

This course requires the use of technology. While students are not expected to have any specific technology for this course, they will need to use technology to access course content, complete and submit assignments, communicate with the instructor and other students outside of scheduled class times.

The university has provided each student with an Amarillo College ID to access institutional resources. Electronic communication with students is expected to take place through the Amarillo College ID and Amarillo College email system.

1. Your Amarillo College ID and password are your primary resources for accessing Amarillo College systems.  Password Self Service systems allow university network students, teachers, and employees to reset their own network passwords quickly and independently. Course materials are provided through the BlackBoard Learning Management System.
2. Students are expected to use their Amarillo College ID and password to access and submit assignments and other courses through the BlackBoard system.
3. This course may include online activities such as live (synchronous) or outside of scheduled class time (asynchronous) activities.
4. For online activities, the instructor may require the use of computers with webcams and microphones. For these types of activities, students are expected to have access to and set up the necessary equipment before the online class. For more information on technology support for online course activities, see (STUDENT RESOURCES).
5. Student Technical Services manages and maintains a number of computer labs and services for multimedia and digital media at the various Amarillo College campus locations. Students can visit the labs to test different technologies, get tips, and access different types of training for the courses.
6. While the instructor provides access to certain technologies and course materials within the BlackBoard learning management system, students may require additional technical assistance. The Information Technology Services (ITS) helpdesk provides general technical support. Please note that the ITS help desk offers extended support times, but it is not a 24-hour service.
7. Students new to BlackBoard are expected to take advantage of the BlackBoard Student Tools and Tutorials available within the course shell.

Expectations

To successfully take an online/hybrid course, you must have access to the Internet and be familiar with a computer. Online courses are not the place to learn how to use a computer! You should have these resources and skills before starting an online/hybrid course. These resources and skills include:

1. You need access to a reliable computer and a stable Internet connection; smartphones will not adequately perform the requirements of this course.
2. As an online/hybrid student, you should have a backup plan in case you encounter technical problems with your main computer.
3. Requires technical problem-solving skills.
4. Instructors are experts in their fields, not tech experts. As an online/hybrid student, you may need to troubleshoot technology yourself or contact technical support if a problem arises. Technical support may not be available 24/7.
5. Problems must be handled methodically and rationally.
6. As an online/hybrid student, you should try to troubleshoot before contacting your teacher and /or technical support. Have you checked your browser? Looking for a file in the right place? Have you checked the start and finish dates for a specific task? Are there tutorials or how-to files?
7. Basic knowledge of computers and the Internet is required.
8. As an online/hybrid student, you should be able to: upload, download, name, and save files correctly; use word processing, spreadsheet, and/or presentation software; download and install software; use a web browser, browse and search the Internet; and send an email with an attachment. You should also be familiar with navigating and using BlackBoard Learning Software.
9. Standard file formats are .doc, .docx, .pdf, .ppt, .xlsx. It is the student’s responsibility to learn about different file formats and practice document conversion. Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Numbers are not currently compatible with BlackBoard.