Public 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-1315-008 Public Speaking

Prerequisites

Course Description

Application of communication theory and practice to the public speaking context, with emphasis on audience analysis, speaker delivery, ethics of communication, cultural diversity and speech organizational techniques to develop students' speaking abilities, as well as ability to effectively evaluate oral presentations.

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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

The Art of Public Speaking eBook through McGraw-Hill Connect.

Where can students purchase access?

1. Amarillo College Bookstore
2. Directly through the Blackboard Ultra course links

Purchasing directly through the course links is a little cheaper but must be paid out of pocket (cannot use Financial Aid funds to purchase the text). Students have 14-days of complimentary access to the text, but must purchase access to be successful in the course.

Students should not purchase any other type of access to this book. Connect is a required tool for the course.

All daily work, exams, and final are completed through McGraw-Hill Connect.

More Information:

• Connect Access Code and Purchase FAQ
• Connect Where to Go for Help with Connect
• Connect Loose Leaf Option

Supplies

• Mozilla or Chrome 

• A subscription to McGraw-Hill's Connect for Lucas' The Art of Public Speaking.

  • Students must purchase this to successfully complete this course.

  • McGraw-Hill Connect offers two free weeks of access.

  • Students who do not purchase this access will not be able to complete the last speech of the term as well as other assignments each week.

• Microsoft Word or Google Docs, Google Slides or PowerPoint

• Browser permissions for Proctorio (this is used for exams in the course)

• You must have regular access to a computer for this course. Proctorio will not work on tablets (Surface Pro/iPad) or mobile devices (Android/iPhone).

  • McGraw-Hill Connect has a free app

    • iPhone

    • Android

Supplies for Speech Delivery with GoReact

As part of this course, you will deliver practice speeches via McGraw-Hill's GoReact platform to get AI-generated feedback on your performance. To ensure a successful experience, the following supplies and preparations are required:

1. Reliable Internet Connection
   You will need a stable internet connection to access GoReact, upload your speech recordings, and engage with feedback.

2. Computer or Device with Camera and Microphone
   Use a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone equipped with a functioning camera and microphone for recording your speeches. Test these features before recording.

3. Headphones or Earbuds (Recommended)
   These can help reduce background noise and improve audio quality for your recordings.

4. Access to McGraw-Hill Connect
   Ensure you have purchased or activated your access to McGraw-Hill Connect, which integrates with GoReact for assignments and submissions.

5. Quiet Recording Environment
   Find a space free from distractions and background noise for recording your speech. This will help ensure a clear presentation for your audience.

6. Professional or Appropriate Attire
   Dress in a manner suitable for your topic and audience, as the camera will capture your presentation. This enhances your credibility as a speaker.

7. Preparation for Online Delivery
   Practice speaking clearly and maintaining good posture, eye contact, and vocal variety while recording. Remember, your nonverbal cues are as important as your verbal delivery. If you read a speech, it earns a zero.

Skills*

By attempting this course, you are acknowledge you have a basic understanding of all of the skills listed below or you are willing to learn them to be successful in the course. If needed, you may visit the Underground or one of AC's various tutoring centers for assistance with technology.

• knowledge of basic computer skills including, but not limited to

  • navigation of Blackboard

    • how to write journals

    • how to submit an assignment

    • how to participate in a discussion board

      • how to upload a video into a discussion board post

    • how to participate in a group discussion/assignment

  • navigation of Google Drive & associated apps

    • how to convert Google Doc to .pdf

    • creation of Google Slides

  • willingness to continue learning (aka: Growth Mindset)

*If you find you do not know how to do any of these skills, please reach out to me as quickly as possible so I can get you in contact with the correct tutoring center.

If you're on any Amarillo College campus, you may access the college's free WiFi.

WIFI PASSWORD: AmarilloCollege

Student Performance

Speech Performances and Expectations

Basic Course Structure

• This course requires students to deliver a speech in front of an audience of five adults (18+ years of age - who are paying attention to you), record it, and upload it to the assigned discussion board. This process takes planning and preparation. It is not a quick assignment submitted in a few minutes.

Speech Deadlines, Performance, and Upload Expectations

Speech days are an essential part of this course. They provide an opportunity to showcase your preparation and progress. To ensure fairness and respect for all, the following policies apply.

Major speech performances are due:

• Week Four

• Week Six

• Week Eight, as needed

All major speech performances are due by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday of the assigned week.

• Your video must be fully uploaded and submitted by the deadline.

• Starting an upload at 11:58 p.m. does not count.

• An incomplete upload at 11:59 p.m. earns a zero.

This process takes time and cannot be rushed on the day a speech is due.

Submission Requirements

• Outlines: Outlines must be submitted to the designated assignment in Blackboard. Submissions via email or Blackboard Messages will not be accepted. Outlines are due on Monday by 11:59 p.m. CDT. Preparing this early allows you time to practice. If you practice with your outline, you do not have to say each word exactly as written. You SHOULD make it sound like a conversation you have practiced. If you need to make changes after practicing, you do not need to resubmit your outline. 

  • Important Differences in Speech Deliveries

    This course requires students to deliver speeches using extemporaneous delivery. According to Lucas and Stob (2025, p. 68), an extemporaneous speech is carefully prepared and practiced in advance, delivered from notes, and worded naturally during the presentation.

    Speeches delivered as manuscript speeches, or speeches “written out word for word and read to the audience” (Lucas & Stob, 2025, p. 228), cannot be graded using the course speech rubric. Speeches delivered as impromptu speeches, or speeches “delivered with little or no immediate preparation” (Lucas & Stob, 2025, p. 229), also cannot be graded.

    The speech rubric is designed to assess extemporaneous speaking skills, including preparation, organization, audience connection, eye contact, vocal delivery, and natural presentation. Reading a speech word-for-word or speaking without preparation does not meet the assignment requirements.

• Please see the course due date calendar for specific dates for each outline.

Late Speeches

• Late speeches will receive a grade of 0 (zero) for the assignment.

Audience

• For each major speech, you must arrange five adults, age 18 or older, to serve as your live audience. A good plan is to coordinate with your classmates to serve as each others audiences.

• Audience requirements:

  • Physical audiences:

    • Must be visible at the beginning and end of the speech.

    • Must remain for the entire performance.

    • Must be engaged as good listeners. This means they should not be scrolling social media, checking email, texting, or using their phones during the speech.

  • Virtual audiences:

    • Must show themselves on camera during the entire speech. No off-camera moments.

• Audience members may not be edited in later. They must be present in real life. You will do this two to three times for online courses during the term.

• NOTICE: The week before each speech performance, students may opt in to a class teleconference session to present their speeches to their classmates. The time will be set by the faculty member and they will send a link out to students via Blackboard Messenger. Students must stay the whole time and be actively engaged in the process with their cameras on. Students must be in a location where they are not distracted by work, small children, etc. They are serving as the audience for their classmates and as such have the same responsibility as those mentioned above. Additionally, students must present in the speaking order outlined by the faculty member.

Online Speech Performance Rules

• No editing. Speeches must be recorded in one continuous take. Editing results in a zero.

• No reading. This is public speaking, not public reading. Reading from a script results in a zero.

• Stay on camera. If you cannot be seen, your speech cannot be graded. This includes poor lighting and being off-camera. Off-camera results in a zero.

  • A good idea is to set the camera up behind the audience and have it record their backs with you in the front of the room. If you opt for this setup, make sure you can be heard on the recording. This is an important thing to do BEFORE you ask your audience to listen to your speech performance.

• Audience visibility is required. No audience or edited-in audience results in a zero.

• Any evidence of AI alteration, creation, editing, or reading will result in a zero.

A Controlled and Distraction-Free Filming Environment

• You are responsible for lighting, background, sound quality, and camera framing.
• Your face and gestures must be clearly visible at all times. If I cannot see you, I cannot grade your performance.
• Poor lighting, framing, or sound directly affects your grade.
• Speeches may not be recorded in cars, bathrooms, while clocked in for work, or spaces where you cannot control noise or interruptions.
• The AC Underground offers excellent spaces where you can record and invite your audience.
• If you need help locating a suitable space, contact me early so we can plan.

Technology Requirements for GoReact

• Using the work you completed in Week One, including upload speeds and backup upload locations, make a plan to get your audience together and record your speech.

• How to Avoid GoReact Upload Problems

  Use these strategies early so you do not get stuck watching your video spin at 11:58 p.m.:

  1. Upload at least an hour before the deadline. Two hours is even better. This gives GoReact time to process your video in case there is a traffic spike.
  2. Never start an upload right before 11:59 p.m. Starting your upload at 11:58 p.m. is the fastest way to miss the deadline. If the upload is incomplete at 11:59 p.m., it is a zero.
  3. Upload from a strong, stable internet connection.

  Avoid:

  • Public Wi-Fi
  • Mobile hotspots
  • Crowded networks

  Aim for a stable home connection or a campus lab.

  Close other apps or devices that may be using your internet. Streaming, gaming, or having multiple people online will slow your upload.

  Test your upload setup outside of GoReact. Since GoReact only gives you one upload attempt per speech performance, test your upload speed using:

  • Google Drive
  • YouTube, set to unlisted
  • Your phone or devices native uploader

  Use the GoReact practice assignment in Week One as your official tech check. This is the safest way to test GoReact before your first graded speech. This practice upload will confirm:

  • Your browser works
  • Your device handles recording
  • Your internet supports GoReact uploads
  • Your settings are correct

  Identify your backup upload location now. Before Week Three, know exactly where you will go if your home connection fails:

  • The AC Underground
  • Campus computer labs
  • A friend or family members home
  • A workplace, if allowed and quiet

  Always leave time for a re-record. Technology hiccups are normal. Planning keeps them from becoming emergencies. Prepare your audience for this and let them know what kind of time commitment you need from them.

Kindness and Willingness to Learn

This course is designed to guide you toward becoming a confident and effective communicator. I am here to support you, provide resources, and offer feedback to help you succeed. However, mutual respect and a collaborative approach are key to making this journey successful for everyone.

Guidelines for Success

1. Approach the Course with an Open Mind

   • The assignments and resources provided are carefully designed to help you achieve success. Please approach the material as an opportunity to grow, even if the process is challenging or outside your comfort zone.

2. Respectful Communication

   • Treat your peers and me with respect, even when disagreements arise. Disrespectful or condescending behavior will not be tolerated.

3. When I Have to Say No

   • There may be times when I am unable to solve a problem or meet a specific request, especially in areas like technology support where I may not have the tools or expertise required. Please know that any limitations are made with the best interest of you, your classmates, and the course as a whole in mind.

4. Available Resources

   • If you encounter technical issues or need additional support, please visit the AC Underground in the WARE Student Commons for assistance: AC Underground Information. This resource is equipped to help with many challenges related to technology and other academic needs.

Weekly Work Requirements

Our course has due dates throughout the week. Please do not plan on submitting all assignments on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. The course due dates are listed below and within the course.

Course Navigation

This course is built to be navigated through the Content area, not through the Grade book. Students who never look at the weekly content folders will miss key details and information, especially in the first half of the course.

When you need help learning or navigating, please reach out to the following people at AC:

• Me

• Amarillo College Tutoring Centers

• Online Tutoring

• The Underground

So, how can you engage with me and your classmates?

Get ready to dive into a journey through the world of communication. This course is an adventure where you and your relationships are the stars.

• Call me Courtney! Professor sounds too stuffy for this crew. Remember that day you signed up for this class, picturing yourself conquering it with a flourish? Thats the spirit. My mission is to guide you to victory, so buckle up and prepare to unleash your inner communicator.

Communication Channels: Lets Stay Connected!

Open communication is critical. Remember, all communication with each other should focus on being clear and kind.

To ensure timely responses, I prefer these channels, in this order:

Preferred:

• Blackboard Ultra Messaging: This pathway is directly linked to your coursework, making it easy for me to understand your needs.

Alternatives:

• Watermark: I check this occasionally, but it is not as reliable.
• Email: If you must, use this method. Include your full name, course name and section number, and a clear subject line. Without the section number, I may not be able to engage with your message quickly.

Tone Matters: Communicating with Kindness and Respect

In this communication course, your tone is powerful. It can charm and delight or cause unintended mischief. As we practice our skills, remember kindness and respect are the secret ingredients to successful interactions with me and your classmates.

While I understand that lifes challenges can sometimes feel like battling a dragon, I want to ensure that our learning space remains a safe haven, free from hateful or inappropriate communication. If you are unsure about your tone in written messages, consider using Grammarly, a tool with a free access option that can help you maintain an appropriate tone in various situations.

When speaking in person, remember that your tone matters.

While I do not anticipate needing these steps, I want to outline what would happen if a student uses an inappropriate tone in writing or verbal communication with a classmate or faculty member. If this happens, we will use a three-step process to help the student find their way back to respectful communication:

• First Occurrence: Coaching Session
  • I will invite the student to a meeting to discuss the inappropriate behavior and provide guidance on proper communication etiquette.
  • I will clearly explain the expectations for respectful communication and the consequences of not adhering to these standards.
  • The student will have the opportunity to express concerns and ask questions during this coaching session. If a student does not attend, the matter will escalate to the final step.
• Second Occurrence: Formal Warning
  • If the student continues to engage in inappropriate communication after the coaching session, I will issue a formal written warning.
  • The warning will outline the specific instances of inappropriate communication and reiterate the expectations for respectful interaction.
  • The student will be informed that further violations will result in escalation to the third step.
• Third Occurrence: Referral to the Campus Behavior Team
  • If the student persists in using inappropriate communication or fails to attend a required coaching session, the matter will be referred to the Campus Behavior Team.
  • The Campus Behavior Team will review the case and determine appropriate disciplinary action, which may include mandatory counseling, probation, suspension, or expulsion, depending on the severity and frequency of the violations.
  • The student will be notified in writing of the Campus Behavior Teams decision and any associated consequences.

Remember, we are all on this journey together. By treating each other with kindness and respect, we can create a strong learning experience.

Remember: Clear communication is our goal. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions, need clarification, or feel lost. I am here to guide you.

Use of AI Tools in This Course

You may use AI to:

• Brainstorm ideas
• Check clarity or grammar
• Ask questions about course concepts

You may not use AI to do the thinking, writing, analysis, or speech content for you.

Misuse of AI

If I determine that AI has been used to complete the majority of the work on any assignment:

• The assignment will receive a zero.
• I will document the concern in your student record as suspected AI misuse.
• You will be required to complete tutoring specific to that assignment.
• After tutoring is verified, you may submit a replacement version of that assignment.

This is a one-time opportunity for the entire course.

If AI misuse happens again, the zero will stand and no re-submission will be allowed.

How do I determine if AI has done a majority of the work?

Special Rule for Speech Outlines

Your outlines must reflect your original thinking and communication skills.

If an outline is reasonably determined to have been generated primarily by AI:

• The outline will receive a zero.
• The zero is final.
• There is no opportunity to rewrite.

This consequence applies even if your one-time tutoring re-submission has not yet been used.

PDF or Word Documents

In this course, I do not accept links to assignments.

The reason for this is that I have had several experiences where I am unable to open the file or the student submitted a link because they were still working on the assignment.

Students must upload finished files in one of the following formats: .docx or .pdf. For the essay only, JPEG or JPG files are allowed only for worksheets completed by volunteers and self.

If a student submits a link to an assignment, they will earn a zero, with no re-submission attempts allowed. If you are unsure how to download your Google Doc as a .pdf or .docx file, please reach out to me, the AC Tutoring Centers, or learn more by doing a Google search.

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

Welcome to the Journey: Charting a Course for Success

Welcome aboard! Over the next eight weeks, we’ll embark on a fast-paced and engaging journey to master the art of communication. This hybrid course combines online flexibility with the structure of in-person sessions, offering a balanced approach to learning.

Purpose

This course is designed to help you develop the confidence and skills needed to communicate effectively in academic, professional, and personal settings. Through readings, activities, and hands-on practice, you’ll learn to navigate the challenges of public speaking and apply communication principles in meaningful ways.

How to Navigate the Course

To succeed, you’ll engage in these key activities each week:

• Engaging with readings and resources: These materials provide the foundation for understanding communication concepts and strategies.

• Applying concepts through practice: Weekly activities and exercises allow you to build skills and prepare for major assignments.

• Completing assignments and projects: Speeches and related tasks will help you refine and showcase your communication abilities.

• Participating in discussions and activities: Sharing insights and learning from others will deepen your understanding and foster a collaborative learning environment.

Participation

Regular participation is mandatory for your success in this course. Since this is a online course, each week represents significant content that cannot be easily replicated.

How Much Time Will This Take?

This is a 3-credit course condensed into 8 weeks. For each credit hour, expect to spend 6–9 hours on coursework. Practicing for speeches requires time. Some of that time isn't always active, hands-on, but you do need to give yourself time to think and consider how you want to speak about the topics given.

Remember, learning isn’t a solo journey. If you find yourself struggling with the material or assignments, reach out early! Amarillo College offers numerous resources to support your success, including:

• Instructor office hours: Schedule time to discuss questions or concerns.

• Tutoring centers: In-person and online options are available to help with coursework.

• The Underground: A resource center offering academic and personal support.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

• Plan ahead: Use a calendar or planner to manage deadlines and allocate time for coursework.

• Ask for help: Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Reach out to me or use the college’s resources early and often.

• Take care of yourself: Balance work with breaks and self-care to maintain energy and focus.

Together, we’ll chart a course toward mastering public speaking and building valuable communication skills. I’m excited to work alongside you as you navigate this journey. Let’s make this a productive, meaningful, and enjoyable experience!

Grading Criteria

Speaking Assignments

Speech Performance #1: This is Me

• Purpose: Build confidence and introduce yourself to the audience.
• Task: Create and deliver a 2-3 minute introductory speech. Practice effective online delivery techniques.
• Criteria for Success: Speech will be graded on time, but, students will receive feedback on content relevance, creativity, and delivery as per the rubric.

Speech Performance #2: Persuasive Speech

• Purpose: Practice persuasion skills by advocating for a career choice's importance.
• Task: Create a 5–7-minute persuasive speech using at least four credible sources to support your argument.
• Criteria for Success: Graded on persuasiveness, use of evidence (through verbally cited sources), and delivery quality.
• NOTE: Students who earn a 90% or higher on this attempt do not have to participate in the revision Speech Performance #3 assignment. Eligible students will have their grade for the speech performance and the self-assessment counted for both assignments in the overall grade calculations. Students who earn 89.9% or lower are required to participate in Speech #3. Failure to participate will result in a zero in both the speech performance and self-assessment.

Speech Performance #3: Revised Persuasive Speech

• Purpose: Practice speech revision techniques utilizing faculty and peer feedback. 
• Task: Revise previous speech outline and delivery and recreate the 5–7-minute persuasive speech using at least four credible sources to support your argument. Students must incorporate changes to performance based on peer and faculty feedback.
• Criteria for Success: Graded on ability to make changes to performance based on feedback, persuasiveness, use of evidence (through verbally cited sources), and delivery quality.
• NOTE: Students who earn a 90% or higher on the first attempt of this speech do not have to participate in this assignment. Their grade will be counted twice in the overall grade calculations (Speech Performance and Self-Assessment grades).

9% Presentations: Peer Reviews & Self-Evaluations

Students who do not submit speeches are not eligible to earn grades for Peer Reviews or Self-Evaluations for that speech. Students who miss the speech will earn zeros in all three categories for that speech performance.

Final Exam Due Date:

The final exam for this course will be due on the last Wednesday of the term by noon. This unconventional due date is necessary to allow me sufficient time to grade the exams and submit final course grades by the college's final grades deadline. No late exams will be accepted after the Wednesday noon deadline, and no extensions can be granted for the final exam.  

Please mark this important date on your calendars now:
Final Exam Due - Last Wednesday, July 29, 2026, by 12:00 PM noon

I encourage you to put this date in your phone with a reminder or employ memory techniques like memory palaces, acronyms, or associations to commit this unusual Wednesday exam deadline to memory from the start of the term. Do not let this unconventional due date catch you off guard. Plan accordingly, and let me know if you have any questions!

There is no late work accepted.

Please see the "Additional Information" section for more guidance, and perhaps, a bit of help.

Attendance

I know this is an online course, so absences shouldn't be a thing, but there are times when you may be affected by life. 

• Short-Term: If you're only out for a day or two (examples: sick kids/family/self, job chaos, etc), fret not! A quick Blackboard message is all it takes. Give me a quick timeline for getting re-engaged and ask for extensions on the work.
• Extended Gales: Please make an appointment to visit together. 

Remember, communication is key! The sooner you let me know about the challenges you're facing, the more tools I have to help you succeed.

Calendar

Additional Information

Communication and Grading

My goal is to communicate with students regularly and clearly throughout the course. I check Blackboard Messages at least once each weekday, Monday through Friday, excluding college holidays, closures, and scheduled time away.

Please allow up to two business days for a response to Blackboard Messages. I often respond sooner, but this timeline allows me to give thoughtful answers while also managing teaching, grading, meetings, department responsibilities, and life outside the computer.

I want to support you, but I am not the only support available to you. Amarillo College has many resources to help with tutoring, Blackboard, technology access, and student success. When a question or issue can be answered by a campus support office or technology support team, please start there and then message me if you still need course-specific help.

Some automatically graded assignments may take time to sync between McGraw-Hill Connect and the Blackboard gradebook. Because syncing times can vary, please wait at least 24 hours or until the next business day before contacting me about a missing or delayed synced grade.

If you completed the assignment in McGraw-Hill Connect, please take screenshots showing the completed assignment, score, submission time, or confirmation page. These screenshots can help document the issue if the grade has not synced after the waiting period.

This waiting period applies to grade syncing only. If you are unable to access, complete, or submit an assignment, contact the appropriate technology support resource right away. Then notify me with the support case number or documentation so I can follow up if needed.

My goal is to return grades within one week of the assignment due date. Manually graded assignments, including speeches, outlines, reviews, and similar work, are my grading priority.

During heavy grading periods, travel, professional obligations, or unexpected schedule changes, grading may take longer. All manually graded work will be returned within two weeks of the due date. If I am unable to meet that two-week timeline, I will post a Blackboard Announcement with an updated grading plan.

Technology Support Expectations

This course uses several online tools, including Blackboard and McGraw-Hill Connect. While I can help clarify assignment directions and course expectations, I am not the first line of support for technical problems.

If you experience a technology issue, please start with the appropriate support resource:

• For McGraw-Hill Connect issues, contact McGraw-Hill Connect Support first. Their support team is available almost 24/7 and is best equipped to troubleshoot access, syncing, assignment, browser, and account problems.

• For Blackboard issues, use Amarillo College support resources first. Blackboard support may be available through campus offices such as Tutoring, the Center for Teaching and Learning, The Underground, or other student support services.

After contacting the appropriate support resource, please send me a Blackboard Message if the issue may affect your coursework, assignment submission, or grade. Your message should include:

• What happened

• What assignment or tool was involved

• What support resource you contacted

• Any screenshots or error messages, if available

• Your McGraw-Hill Connect case number, if you contacted McGraw-Hill Support

Providing this information helps me understand the issue, document your effort to resolve it, and follow up if needed. I am happy to help once the correct support process has started, but students are expected to use available technology support resources first.

Citing Sources

It's crucial to remember that this knowledge isn't ours alone. We stand on the shoulders of giants, borrowing wisdom from those who came before us. We use APA 7th edition style for citations. If you're not familiar with this style, please check out the AC Library LibGuide on APA Style.

Late Work

This course has a no late work policy. All assignment must be submitted by the due date with three exceptions: Extensions, Oop Token, and Week 1 Carte Blanche. Details about each of these are below.

Week 1  Carte Blanche

This is the only week with carte blanche or a "blank page." This means if you don't get a Week 1 assignment done by the due date, I will extend the due date for you. Here's the fine print:

• All missed Week 1 assignments must be requested for reopening by the Tuesday of Week 2.
  • I will not review the Week 1 work and open assignments up for students. Students must request to complete the missed Week 1 work by the Week 2 deadline mentioned previously.
• After this deadline, no further extensions will be offered.

Oops Token

Each student has one "Oops" token to use on an assignment during the term. Here are the details on when and how to use this:

• The Oops token must be used within the next week of a missed assignment. Example: A student misses the Week 2 exam. The student has until Sunday of Week 3 to request to use the Oops token for that assignment.
• Assignments in Weeks 2-6 are eligible for token use as long as they are requested in a timely fashion (see below) or in the following categories:
  • 17% Assignments
  • 15% Exams
• The student must request the assignment using the exact assignment name. I will not assume or infer meaning to messages regarding student grades.
• Students must be professional, polite and kind when making their request. 
  • Students must be professional, polite and kind when making their request. 
    • Example request sent through Blackboard Messages:
      • "Hi, Courtney. I missed the Exam 1 in Week 2 of our class. If possible, I would like to request the use of my Oops token to make this up. If that's okay, I can have the exam completed by Wednesday of Week 3. I'm happy to answer any additional questions or hear your suggestions about this. Thanks for the opportunity."
• Assignments in the following categories are not eligible for Oops token use:
  • 36% Presentations: Speeches
  • 9% Presentations: Reviews & Self-evaluations
  • 15% Presentations: Outlines
  • 8% Final Exam

Extensions

Each student may request additional time to complete an assignment so long as they do so before the due date has passed. Here are the details on when and how to use this:

• Here's my thinking: Student's are busy. Between family, work and school, there are simply some days that are too busy to get it all done. When that happens, I would rather have students ask for the time they need to get their work done. There is no need to stress out because all of the world piled up on you this one week. I can take one of those piles off and let you breathe a little. So, ask for extra time. Get the other class work done. Spend some time with a loved one. Make the cookies. Do what it takes to keep your mind focused on the larger goal. We are all adults here. Adults know what they need. All I'm asking is that you ask for what you need. Now, with that said, how do you ask and what can you asked about. Read on.
  • Assignments in Weeks 2-6 are eligible as long as the extension is requested before the assignment due dates.
  • I will give extensions in the following categories:
    • 17% Assignments
    • 15% Exams
• The student must request the extension using the exact assignment name. If there are multiple, please list them all. I will not assume or infer meaning to messages regarding student grades.
• Students must be professional, polite and kind when making their request. 
  • Example request sent through Blackboard Messages:
    "Hi, Courtney. I would appreciate some additional time to take Exam 1. If possible, I would like to request an extended due date for the exam until Wednesday of Week 3. I'm happy to answer any additional questions or hear your suggestions about this. Thanks for the opportunity."
• Assignments in the following categories are not eligible for extensions:
  • 36% Presentations: Speeches
  • 9% Presentations: Reviews & Self-evaluations
  • 15% Presentations: Outlines
  • Assignments in Weeks 7 & 8 including the final exam.
• I reserve the right to say no to an extension request. With that said, I have never had to say no to a student extension request because they were being used too often, but, I do reserve the right to say no if that happens. Often students are much harder on themselves that I could ever be. So, if we're in Weeks 2-6 - and you need time - ask for the extra time in the assignments and exam categories.

Week 1 Carte Blance, Oops Token, and Extensions: What I will not do

• I will not search for assignments on your behalf. 
• I will not guess which assignment you mean.
• I will not reopen Week 1 work after Tuesday of Week 2.
• I will not make exceptions to assignments in Week 7 or 8.
• I will not make exceptions to the categories that are not eligible.
• I will not respond to vague requests.
  • If your message is unclear, I will not follow up for clarification, I will refer you to the syllabus.
  • I will not assume about a student's grade(s).
  • Clear communication matters here, too. Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.