Basic Computer-Aided Drafting Syllabus for 2026-2027
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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 .

Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College

For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

DFTG-1309-001 Basic Computer-Aided Drafting

Prerequisites

Course Description

An introduction to basic computer-aided drafting. Emphasis is placed on drawing setup; creating and modifying geometry; storing and retrieving predefined shapes; placing, rotating and scaling objects; adding text and dimensions; using layers; coordinating systems; as well as input and output devices.

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

Hours

(3 sem hrs 2 lec 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Discovering AutoCAD 2024 - ISBN 9780138232375 - Mark Dix, Paul Riley, Lee Ambrosius

Textbook is REQUIRED - Access Code optional

This textbook will be used for 3-4 classes!

Supplies

Folder or notebook for handouts and assignments.

Flashdrive 4GB – Please do not save work to the Lab computers.

Students may download AutoCAD 2026 from http://students.autodesk.com free of charge. You will need to log in or create an account in order to download the software. Autodesk may require additional documentation for proof that you are a student.

A PC (Personal Computer) - A Windows-based computer with at least 12GB of RAM, a 1 GB Graphics card, and enough space to install the program. Students will have access to The Underground, located in the basement of Ware Student Commons. It has computers with the appropriate software installed and available for your use. - This will suffice for all programs for the drafting program. 

• I have had limited luck using a Mac/Apple computer. Most drafting software is not compatible.
• A Chromebook will not suffice for drafting 

Student Performance

Students will

• Understand the AutoCAD interface
• Learn file management and how to be organized
• Understand all drawing and modifying tools
• Create text and dimensions
• Create blocks
• Get extra drawing tips and tricks to enhance productivity
• Set up workspaces, sheets, and learn how to print

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

Student Responsibility Web Site http://catalog.actx.edu/content.php?catoid=19&navoid=855

• Students are expected to maintain a high standard of individual honor in their scholastic work. Students who are guilty of cheating, plagiarism, copying, or dishonesty may receive a 0 on an assignment; may be excluded from class with a grade of F; or, in flagrant cases, may be suspended from the College (see Student Rights and Responsibilities)

• Students who give another student their files or allow another student to use their work are committing a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.  Students who engage in this unethical behavior risk being subject to disciplinary action in accordance with College policy.

• It is the responsibility of the student to initiate drop or withdrawal procedures.  Students who stop attending a class but do not officially drop or withdraw from this course will receive a letter grade at the end of the semester.  

• Communicating regularly with your instructor, reading course announcements, reading email, responding to email, informing your instructor in advance of missing assignment due dates, etc. are important to successful completion of this course.

• Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the Student Service Center, phone 371-5436 as soon as possible

Grading Criteria

The final grade will be computed as follows:

Attendance - 15%

Daily Assignments - 30%

Exams - 25%

Projects - 30%

Grading criteria

A  100 to 90

B 89 to 80

C 79 to 70

D 69 t0 60

F below 60

• ALL ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE DUE SUNDAY OF THE WEEK THEY ARE ASSIGNED.
• LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!

Attendance

All Week 1 assignments must be completed by SUNDAY of Week 1 (August 30 @ 11:59 pm), in order to be considered Present in the course. 

• Stay organized! Students are responsible for their grades. Due dates exist to keep you on track in the class. Keep up with your work and reach out if you need help!

• Assignments are due at 11:59 pm each SUNDAY. Students should plan accordingly for upload time, file size, and any other issue that may take a significant amount of time to upload the document to the drop box. Late assignments are not accepted.

COMMUNICATION

• INSTANT MESSAGE - REMIND- I utilize REMIND for instant messaging with students. It is easier than email. It is a free app from the app store. Download it to your phone. Can also be used on a desktop/laptop. The link to join the class will be shared on the first day of class. 
• EMAIL - Check your email and log into Blackboard daily.  The email address used by your instructor is the @amarillocollege.com email address issued to each AC student. I send emails in order to address the entire class. These emails will also be under Announcements in Blackboard. Please add your AC email to your phone. If you need help, ask in the Underground. 

Daily attendance will be based on

• Present – 100
• Excused Absence – 50 
• No Show – 0 
  • Communication is key. For an excused absence, please message/email the instructor before missing the class. 

TUTORING POLICY

• A student whose overall course average falls below a 75 will be required to attend a Mandatory tutoring session with one of Amarillo College's Academic Success Centers. This action is to ensure you have access to necessary resources to successfully complete the course.
• Multiple resources are available to assist you with course content, including the Tutoring/Success Center, your instructor, and course learning materials and videos. Please reach out to your instructor, so that your needs and concerns can be addressed quickly.

Calendar

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES FOR THIS COURSE:

• August 24:                           Fall Classes Begin
• August 31:                           Census Day (Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance
• September 7:                       Labor Day Holiday (AC Closed)
• October 6:                            Last Day to Withdraw from Course
• October 15:                          Last Day of Course
• October 17 - October 25:     Fall Break (AC offices open regular hours Monday-Friday)
• October 26:                          Second 8-Week Courses Begin

CLASSROOM CONDUCT:

• IF YOU ARE RUNNING A FEVER, DO NOT COME TO CLASS. Email the instructor that you will be absent. 
• Food is not allowed in the lab. Drinks are allowed ONLY if they have a LID.
• Cell Phones
  • are turned off or set to “vibrate” during class and put away. Phone are disruptive for you and everyone around you.
  • If you must take a phone call, please take it outside in the hallway.
• Headphones may be worn while working on an assignment (not during lecture), but the volume must be kept at a level that does not disturb others. 
• Students can work on other class assignments only after the assignments for this class are complete.

STUDENT HELP RESOURCES:

• Center for Teaching and Learning Student and Faculty Help Center - www.actx.edu/ctl/helpcenter
• Center For Teaching and Learning - www.actx.edu/ctl/
• Blackboard Student Help Page - www.actx.edu/ctl/blackboard-student-help
• AskAC - www.actx.edu/contact-us/
• Academic Success Center - www.actx.edu/successcenters/index.php
• Advocacy and Resource Center - www.actx.edu/arc/index.php
• Career & Employment Services - www.actx.edu/career/
• Advising Home Page - www.actx.edu/advising/
• Counseling Center Home Page - www.actx.edu/counseling/