Court Systems and Practices Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information
Instructor
Sarah Uselding (Curriculum Vitae)Office Location
First Responders Academy, 3891 Plains Blvd, Office# 1046
Office Hours
Office hours are an excellent opportunity to receive individualized support, and I encourage you to take full advantage of them. During these times, I’ll be available for scheduled in-person appointments, FaceTime calls, Google Meet sessions, or virtual assistance through prompt message or email responses. My weekly office hours are as follows:
| Monday | 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. |
| Friday | As Needed |
| Saturday/Sunday | As Needed |
Virtual office hours can and will be scheduled as needed. I regularly check Blackboard messages, emails, phone messages, and texts outside of the times listed above. However, these scheduled office hours provide dedicated opportunities for you to receive immediate responses and real-time support.
Choosing the Best Way to Reach Me When You Need Guidance or Help
Communication is an essential part of effective learning in an online environment. The type of response or assistance you need will determine the best way to contact me. The chart below outlines some general guidelines to help you choose the most appropriate method.
| Type of Assistance Needed | Suggested Method of Contact | Information |
| Immediate response needed, with very brief explanation required | Text message or phone call | My Cell: 806-290-2727 |
| Immediate response needed, but requiring a more detailed and lengthy explanation | Phone call | My Cell: 806-290-2727 |
| Response needed within 24 hours and brief to lengthier explanation required | Message me within Blackboard OR send me an email | You can message me in Blackboard either by clicking on the Messages link on the options bar in the class shell at the top of the page, or by using the Message link on the Institution page in Blackboard. |
Communication Expectations
You can generally expect a response to your course messages or emails within 24 hours of when you send them. Occasionally, responses may take a bit longer, depending on timing or workload. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable period, please don’t hesitate to follow up with me.
How I Will Communicate with You
My primary method of communication with the class will be through course announcements and messages/emails. All announcements will appear under the Announcements link on the top menu bar of the course in Blackboard, and a copy will also be sent to your AC Google email.
For individual communication, I will primarily use the Message function within the course. If you’re unsure how to access or use this feature, please visit the HOW TO’s page located in the Course Resources folder in the class.
To stay up to date, make sure to check your announcements, messages, and email at least every other day so you don’t miss any important updates or reminders.
Additional Resources for Help
In the event you’re unable to contact me directly, there are some additional resources for assistance:
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The offices for the Criminal Justice department are located in the First Responders Academy, Office #1007. The general phone number is (806) 457-4450. You can leave a message for me at this number as well.
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ASK AC Helpline at (806) 371-5000, or after hours you can email them at askac@actx.edu.
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CTL Student & Faculty Help Center at (806) 371-5992. It’s available to students who are currently enrolled in academic or continuing education courses on a walk-in and/or appointment basis. They are located on the Washington Street Campus, WARE Bldg.
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AC Connect Student Resources at: https://www.actx.edu/student-resources
Expected Courtesies - Course Communications
This course is built on the idea that our diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences make learning richer for everyone. The variety of viewpoints you bring is a real strength, both in and outside of our virtual classroom. To help maintain a positive learning environment, please make sure you’re familiar with appropriate netiquette, which are the guidelines for respectful and professional online communication.
You’ll find helpful information and links about netiquette in the Course Resources folder within the class content. There are also several excellent online resources you can explore for more details.
Always communicate with your classmates and with me in a professional, respectful, and courteous way. Messages, emails, texts, or phone conversations that are rude, discourteous, or aggressive will not be tolerated.
If you have a question, concern, or issue about the course, please reach out to me first. Other students or Amarillo College faculty and staff aren’t responsible for making decisions about my course policies. If we’re unable to resolve the issue together, you may contact my immediate supervisor. His contact information is listed in the Additional Information section at the end of this syllabus.
Course Information
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 Student Service Center office 112. 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:
The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.
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
CRIJ-1306-001 Court Systems and Practices
Prerequisites
Course Description
This course is a study of the court system as it applies to the structures, procedures, practices and sources of law in American courts, using federal and Texas statutes and case law.
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
On Campus Course
Syllabus Information
Textbooks
Supplies
No supplies available
Student Performance
No performance information available
Students Rights and Responsibilities
Student Rights and ResponsibilitiesLog 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
No behavior expectations available
Grading Criteria
No grading criteria available
Attendance
No attendance information available
Calendar
Additional Information
No additional information available
Syllabus Created on:
10/20/21 12:32 AM
Last Edited on:
10/20/21 12:33 AM