College Algebra Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

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

MATH-1314-040 College Algebra

Prerequisites

Prerequisite:Scores on a state-approved test indicating college-level math skills Corequisite: MATH 0314

Course Description

In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. Additional topics such as sequences, series, probability and conics may be included.

Student ResourcesStudent 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

Students will need a graphing calculator for this course.  The recommended calculator is a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus.  Other forms of Texas Instruments or Casio graphing calculators will be permitted at the instructors discretion.  Note that no TI-89s or TI-Nspires will be permitted.  You may download a free calculator emulator for 90 days to use at https://education.ti.com/en/downloads/trial-software.

Free Apps: Calculator84 for iphone or Wabbitemu for Android

Students need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection to complete online homework assignments and access to a printer to produce class notes.

Students may also need the ability to scan and upload documents in the case we go virtual.  

Student Performance

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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

Class Days:  We will meet in person Monday and Wednesday at the Hereford campus of Amarillo College.  This is not a tech-supported course.  

Student Responsibilities:   Students are expected to be ON TIME and PREPARED for class daily.  Students should participate in class in a positive manner.  Using foul language in emails or discussions will not be tolerated and may result in possible removal from the course.  You are expected to express yourself with courtesy and consideration at all times.  For a full discussion of appropriate behavior and student responsibilities, please refer to the Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook http://sites.actx.edu/catalog/notices/.  Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or Student Rights & Responsibilities will be subject to disciplinary action.  

Food/Drink: It is the policy of the Mathematics & Engineering Department that food and drink be allowed in the classroom setting, at the instructor’s discretion. Food and drink are not allowed in the computer labs or in classrooms when laptop computers are in use by the student. 

Phones/Pagers: It is the policy of the Mathematics & Engineering Department that cell phones and pagers must be turned off or in silent mode in the classrooms and the computer labs.  

Guests/Children:  It is the policy of the Mathematics & Engineering Department that only students enrolled in this course attend this course.    

Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism:  Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated in any math course at Amarillo College. Students that cheat, or attempt to cheat, on any test will receive an automatic “F” in the course.  This grade will go on your permanent transcript and cannot be removed.  Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones, copying or leaving the Math Testing Center with a test or questions from a test. Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students to cheat on a test regardless of the testing venue.

 

Proper Emailing Format: First, please make sure to add a message to your journal in Seesaw as the first attempt to contact your instructor and wait at least 24-48 hours for a response. Responses will often come within hours or even instantly from your instructor through Seesaw. If you decide to email your instructor after attempting to contact through Seesaw, the required emailing format is shown below.

You must use this format when emailing your instructor for this course.
A generate response of "Please refer to the syllabus under Expected Student Behavior for the required emailing format."
will be sent if your emails are not formatted as required above.

Dear Instructor Mitchell,
In the first sentence, state the date and time which you attempted to contact your instructor through Seesaw. Then, put your questions or information you wish to relay over to your instructor. Please refrain from any "text" language or unprofessional language. When emailing, you should uphold the highest professionalism since all emails can be permanently saved. 
Sincerely,
First and Last Name
MATH 1350- Section#

EXAMPLE:

Instructor Mitchell,
I added a note to my journal in attempt to reach out to you on Tuesday around 3:30pm and have not received a response. I am stuck on question number 13 on section 1.4 MyMathLab assignment. I have attached a picture of the original problem and a picture of my attempted work to the seesaw messages. Can you give me guidance on how to proceed from here or let me know why my answer is not coming out correct? I have viewed the "view example" but seem to be missing something because MyMathLab is not accepting my answer.
Karla Romas
MATH 1314-040

You must use this format when emailing your instructor for this course.
A generate response of "Please refer to the syllabus under Expected Student Behavior for the required emailing format."
will be sent if your emails are not formatted as required above.

Calculator: Students will need a graphing calculator for this course.  The recommended calculator is a Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus. Note that no TI-89s or TI-Nspires will be permitted. There are FREE APPS available on your smart phone device that will resemble the ti-84 calculator. Please note, although you can use these in the classroom, you cannot use them on a monitored exam. You can also check with the Math Academic Success Center for calculators available for rental.

FREE Calculator APP or Website for iPhones: 
Select Ti 83/84 Plus SI 

Calculator 84 App

https://www.calculate84.com/

 

FREE Calculator APP or Website for Androids:
Select Ti 83/84 Plus SI

http://wabbitemu.org/

Internet Access: Students need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection to complete online homework assignments, attend virtual meetings and access to a printer to produce class notes and other handouts.

Printer: Printers are available located in THE UNDERGROUND lab located in Ware Building. Hours of operation are located on their AC Webpage and at the bottom of your syllabus.

College ID: Students need an official Amarillo College student ID to scan into the Underground and Outreach Center and to present in the Math Testing Lab before each exam. If you do not have an ID, please know your student ID number.

Seesaw APP or Website Access:Students will be asked to download and use the FREE communication app called SEESAW or to log into this system from a computer. This server allows for more effective communication between you and your instructor throughout the week. Seesaw information will be sent out to each student before the course begins.
https://web.seesaw.me/

Video on how to use Seesaw:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1_mBy1EI0M

 

Enrolling in the Course:

You do not need an actual hardback textbook for this course. You will only need and Etext which is an online book and assignment program call MyMathLab. You will gain access to this Etext system by purchasing an ACCESS CODE.

You can purchase this ACCESS CODE through the bookstore through financial aid or you can use the FREE 14 day access!

 

Accessing Your MyMathLab Assignment System:  
Here is a step by step process that can show you how to access your online MyMathLab assignments for this course RIGHT NOW. 

1. Log into your AC Connect Blackboard
2. Select the MATH 1350 Course
3. Click on "MyMathLab" tab that should be located on the left of your screen 
then click on MyMathLab All Assignments.
 

4. Click ACCEPT on the privacy statement.

5. Log into your Pearson Account that you have previously used 
OR create a new account using your AC Email. 

6.  Enter your Access Code you have purchase from the bookstore... OR... You can use the

"Get temporary access without payment for 14 days" 
which will allow you access to your online assignments IMMEDIATELY.  You do not have to have to purchase the MML access code at this very moment because you can use this temporary access option.
 

7. Click "Go to Your Course"

8.  It is possible the course will load and you will see all the assignment immediately. If it does NOT load, give it some time and try closing out your browser, clearing your cache, clearing your history, or restarting your computer. 

Return to ONLY steps 1, 2, and 3 to access all the assignments after you completed step 7.

Optional Video Directions: You can use this video to show you what was just explained above  
but some of the locations are slightly different from what you will see on your screen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--heDdwarh4 

Course Homepage Menu:

1. To work on an assignment, click on MyLab and Mastering Course Home, the Assignments tab on the left column and then throughout the assignment you are wanting to work on.
2. Each homework problem will usually have some of the following buttons to the right of the problem:  Help me solve This, View an Example, Video, Animation, Textbook, Connect to a Tutor, Print, Study Plan, Tools for Success, Multimedia Library and HTML eBook. 

3. The Grade book will show you the assignment you have worked, the scores, and give you the chance to review any assignment.  These grades are transferred to the Blackboard grade book once or twice a week. They do not transfer immediately.                                                                                  

Other Information:

1. In general, you get 3 attempts on each problem.  The following equal 1 attempt.

1. Entering an incorrect answer on a short answer or numeric problem 3 times.
2. Entering an incorrect answer on a multiple choice problem 1-2 times depending on the number of answer choices.
3. Using the Help Me Solve This button. (View an Example does not use an attempt.)

2. After each attempt, you will be presented with the correct answer and the Submit Answer button will become Similar Exercise (until 3 attempts have been used).  To get another attempt on your problem, click on Similar Exercise and a similar problem (same problem, different numbers) will appear.
3. You can print your assignments, work on them away from the computer, and then return to enter the answers.  On each problem, there is a button that will open a popup and ask if you want to print that page or the entire assignment.
4. Always click e"SAVE", even when printing. Once you click on Submit answer and see either a green check mark or a red box with hints, the answers are saved but it is always a good idea to click save before exiting the assignment.
5. If you open a homework assignment and see a green check next to a problem, you have received full credit for that problem.  A red X means you have attempted the problem, but have not received any credit.  If you have both a green check and a red X, you have received partial credit.

6. Be VERY careful when entering an answer.  There are instructions written in blue below most problems, if you do not enter the answer in the specified format or with the requested rounding, the answer will be considered incorrect.  Recall that entering an incorrect answer three times is one attempt.

Watch the Basic Navigation Intro Video of MML by Clicking the Link Below

https://youtu.be/w0-hXG5ROR8

Print all your assignments before working them in order to keep track of your work and if you are wanted the notebook extra credit:

1. Click in the assignment
2. Click on Question 1
3. Click the Settings gear in top right.
 
4. Click Print
5. Select "Print Homework Assignment" 

6. Print the assignment SINGLE sided.
7. Click SAVE. You must click save or you will get different homework problems the next time you open the assignment.

Grading Criteria

 

NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED

Online Homework:  All homework will be completed online using the MyMathLab website.  Help buttons will be available for each problem in MyMathLab, and you may rework problems multiple times until you get the correct answer.  Due dates will be announced in class and also posted on the calendar in Blackboard and on the MyMathLab website.  Though homework will be submitted online, I strongly recommend that you keep an organized log of written work to accompany each homework assignment to better learn the process of solving problems.

Exam Reviews:  Reviews will be assigned before each major exam and will be turned in to the Math Testing Center prior to taking each exam.  Reviews will be graded on a completion basis.  Students will get credit for each problem done in pencil and completed with work shown and will receive no credit for those left undone, those with no work shown, or not completed according to the stated directions.  Students will not be allowed to take an exam without first turning in a COMPLETED exam review including all necessary work.  Late reviews will not be accepted after the exam due date.  

Exams: Five exams will be given and completed in the Math Testing Center outside of class time. No late exams will be given, no matter the reason.  The Math Testing Center rules are included at the end of the syllabus.  Students must show an Amarillo College ID and turn in an exam review before testing.  If you know in advance that you will be gone during the assigned exam dates, you MUST make arrangements with your instructor to take the exam early in the Math Testing Center.  At the end of the semester, if you miss an exam or score low on an exam you may replaced the score with the grade you make on the final exam.  All graded exams will be kept on file in your instructor's office. If you score below a 70 on any unit exam, you will be required to complete 1 hour of tutoring in the Math Academic Success Center (https://www.actx.edu/successcenters/) before being allowed to take the next exam.

Final Exam:  The final exam is optional under certain conditions.  Students may opt out of taking the comprehensive final exam if they have not missed any unit exams AND have an overall average greater than a 70.  If a student misses a unit exam, they will be required to take the comprehensive final exam to replace the missed exam grade.  Students with overall averages less than a 70 will be required to take the comprehensive final exam and the final will replace the lowest unit exam grade, even if the final is lower.  Students who have taken all exams and have an average greater than a 70, but wish to try and improve their average may also choose to take the final exam.  In this case, students will determine which unit exam grade will be replaced by the final exam.  The final exam will count even if the score is lower on the final than the original exam.           

Notebook Extra Credit: 

A notebook will be checked for the awarded extra credit points through a Seesaw video due by  Sunday May 8^{th  .
This is an ALL or NONE extra credit opportunity that is only collected at the very end of the course. You must keep up with this notebook on each and every assignment to receive your extra credit.}

Title Page: labeled according to heading requirements below, hole punched and located at the first page within the binder.

First and Last Name
MATH 1314- Section #
Mitchell

Divider 1 Course Info: Syllabus, course calendar and any other info located within this divider.
Divider 2 Notes: All notes placed in order, and completely copied behind this divider. Notes are not required for the WEB section of the course. Yet, if you want the extra credit for the course you must watch the lecture videos and record your notes for all sections covered. 
Divider 3 MML HW: You will need to have shown work for ALL your MML homework in this section. Please make sure you are organized in your work. The easiest and best way to receive credit for this sections is to print off your MML assignments, clicking save after each print, and have work shown neatly throughout these pages. This is the easiest and most organized method. An image is shown below demonstrated the recommended way to organize your work.
Divider 4 MML Reviews:All MML reviews work placed behind this divider with work shown on each and every problem.

Divider 5 Written Reviews: All written work placed behind this divider with work shown on each and every problem
 

Grading Policy:  Your grade (90-100% A, 80-89% B, 70-79% C, 60-69% D, less than 60 F) will be determined using the following weights:

Category	Percentage of Total Grade
Attendance	5%
Online Homework (Drop 2 lowest grades)	20%
Exam Reviews	5%
Exams (5 Exams, no drops)	70%
Conditional Final Exam	---------

Attendance

Attendance:  Attendance will be taken every day at varying times during class.  To get counted as present, you must attend class the entire time we are meeting and participate in the chat. You are allowed to miss one day without penalty. 

The deadline to drop this course is May 3, 2022.  To complete the drop process, you must submit your drop form to me for my signature by 5pm.  If you stop attending class and your average drops below a 60 due to missed assignments and you do not officially drop the course by this deadline, you will receive an F for the course.  

Note:  Late course drops will NOT be given under any circumstance.

Calendar

Additional Information

Free Help:  If you feel yourself getting behind in class or having problems with certain concepts covered, get help immediately.  It is YOUR responsibility to get help outside of class.

The following are a few ways to get FREE help outside of class:

1. Contact your instructor to make an appointment for help using your Seesaw APP.
2. Hereford campus Academic Success center https://www.actx.edu/successcenters/hereford-campus-tutoring
3. Get free tutoring from the  WASHINGTON STREET Academic Success Center - Math (Outreach Center) (Durrett Hall, Room 104, 371-5119).  You will need your AC ID to sign in.  
   Hours:    Monday - Friday  8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sunday closed
4. If you need help with AC Connect, you can contact the AC Help Center at 371-5000, or via email at askac@actx.edu.
5. Smarthinking (link on the left of Bb shell)

A Note from the Instructor:  As you already know, success in a math class takes work, commitment, and perseverance. As your instructor, I am here to facilitate your efforts to reach your educational goals. I am looking forward to working with each and every one of you this semester. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need help.

COVID-19 UPDATE:  Tutoring may be completed in the Academic Success Center for Math in person on campus (Durrett Hall Room 104) or virtually by Zoom. FREE ONLINE TUTORING!!! Find more information at https://www.actx.edu/successcenters/.

To join an ongoing Zoom Meeting for tutoring, go to  https://zoom.us/j/541139851.  Use the Meeting ID:  541 139 851

An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take a test in the Math Lab. MATH TESTING CENTER RULES

• Books can be placed in the bookshelf before you request a test but Amarillo College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• Once you have begun work on a test that is considered one attempt. You cannot leave the Math Lab and return to finish that test at a later time.
• In the testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same colored test. All purses must be on the floor.
• The Math Lab will not hand out a test less than one hour before closing time.
• The Math Lab personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing time.
• The Math Lab hours are posted on the outside door and in this syllabus.
• Please come prepared. If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the Math Lab for 25 cents.  Please bring exact change. Pens are not allowed on any test.
• Childcare arrangements must be made prior to testing. Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
• CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
• Cell phones must be turned off as not to disturb other students who are testing. NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!