Business and Professional Speaking 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

SPCH-1321-004 Business and Professional Speaking

Prerequisites

Course Description

Study and application of communication within the business and professional context. Special emphasis will be given to communication competencies in presentations, dyads, teams and technologically mediated formats.

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

Using McGraw-Hill Connect for This Course

This course uses McGraw-Hill Connect to access digital content from The Art of Public Speaking 2023 Release Stephen E. Lucas and Paul Stob. You will use Connect to complete readings, homework, quizzes, and tests.

Important: Students who do not use McGraw-Hill Connect will not be successful in this course.

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

Supplies

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, The Art of Public Speaking, 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

Student Performance

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.

Oops Tokens are for emergencies. Once you use it, it is gone. 

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

Classroom Expectations (Speech Days)

1. Late Arrivals: If you arrive late, do not enter the classroom while a speech is in progress. Please wait outside until the speaker has finished.
2. Cell Phones: All cell phones must be silenced before entering the classroom.
3. Presentation Attire: Students should dress appropriately on the day they present. Baseball caps, tennis shoes, and workout clothes are not permitted. Points will be deducted.
4. Respect for Speakers: When a classmate is presenting, give them your full attention. Do not work on other assignments, use your phone, or talk to others. Being a respectful and attentive audience member is part of your participation grade.

Grading Criteria

Course Requirements

• Attendance & Participation (33.5%): 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.
• Presentations: Speeches (24%)
• Presentations: Outlines (10%)
• Presentations: Peer Reviews & Self Evaluations (6%)
• Assignments (11.5%): 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!
• Exams (10%): 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.
• Final Exam (5%): 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, May 14, 2026, by 12:00 PM (noon) (P.S. This 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.

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.

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 to start the process.

Attendance

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.

We’ll meet Monday and Wednesday from 5:30–6:45 PM. Attendance will be taken at the end of each class through a quick exit quiz. It’s not graded — it’s just there to help you reflect on what we covered and start applying it. That said, if you get all the questions correct, you’ll earn 3 extra credit points each time — so it’s definitely worth taking seriously.

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.

Calendar

Additional Information