Draft Syllabus: MGT 4923.002 [Hybrid] Spring Semester 2018 Leading Organizations and Making Decisions Office Hours: Thursday, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., BB 4.04.29 Class Hours: Thursday, 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., BB 3.01.02

Web site: http://faculty.business.utsa.edu/bjwilson/index.php (Updated Jan. 23, 2018: All Dates & Times are Central Time Zone)

NOTE:  Only the online version of this syllabus is current. Both PC and Mac users must use the Mozilla Firefox or Chrome browsers to access UTSA Web sites and Blackboard Learn. Access Blackboard Learn at http://learn.utsa.edu/. In instances of conflicting information with other documents, the provisions of this syllabus take precedence.

Table of Contents & Important Contacts

Professor’s Welcome ………………………………………………… 2University Services & PoliciesDescription/Prerequisites/GoalsRequired/ Course Materials

Computer Software & Hardware ………………………………………………… 3Study Resources

Technical Support ………………………………………………… 4

Course Guidelines & Policies ………………………………………………… 5Assignments & Exams

Extra Credit ………………………………………………… 9Grading & Attendance Policies ………………………………………………… 10Frequently Asked Questions ………………………………………………… 13

Link to Weekly Class ScheduleCOURSE TEAM EMAIL ADDRESSES PHONE OFFICE HOURSProfessor BB 4.04.29

Dr. Bennie WilsonEmail: Bennie.Wilson@utsa.edu Documented emergency absence Point deductions

Email Message preferred

TR: 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. And by appointment

Teaching Assistant BB 4.04.29Email Quizzes, exams Miscellaneous points

Message preferred

TR: 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. And by appointment

McGraw-Hill Text and ConnectMelissa LowryPublisher Rep.

Melissa.Lowry@mheducation.com Questions regarding “Connect”

ATTENTION: You must complete many assignments in the course online. Because of their unreliability, using Wi-Fi computer connections are highly discouraged for completing course

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assignments, particularly on the deadline date and increased connection traffic. You do so at your own risk, without any assignment “do-overs.” Wi-Fi reliability increases when you open your connection in a “stable” environment that is quiet, stationary, free of distractions, and away from multiple users (dormitories, apartment complexes, etc.2). Consider using a hardwired computer, modem, and router, or a reliable Ethernet cable connected to your laptop. See below section on “Important Notes Regarding Online Assignment Connectivity.”

WELCOME TO THIS COURSE: This course will challenge your time-management skills, meaning you will have to do planning regarding completing assignments before their deadlines, particularly the online Connect chapter quizzes and LearnSmart adaptive exercises. Effective time management and meeting deadlines promptly are valued and critical skills both in this course and in the real world of work.

This is an experiential course. Students will learn from discussions, readings, presentations, cases, and applications, and will apply their learning to events they experience outside of class. The course focuses on managing self, others, goals, and processes. Students will develop leadership and management capabilities that are ethically sound, globally aware, and environmentally sustainable.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: MGT 4923. Leading Organizations and Making Decisions. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and MGT 3013 with a grade of “C-” or better and a declared major in the College of Business or department or instructor approval. This is an advanced course focusing on traditional and contemporary perspectives on leadership. Because the leader is a decision maker, individual and organizational issues surrounding effective decision-making are addressed in detail.

COURSE ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL GOALS: Global And Civic Responsibility : Students will be able to identify and define social, ethical, environmental

and economic challenges at local, national and international levels. Students will also be able to integrate knowledge and skills in addressing these issues. Via readings and case analysis, students, will see how issues that exist within organizations are influenced by other factors occurring at a local, national, and international level.

Intellectual Innovation and Creativity : Students will be able to demonstrate their resourcefulness and originality in addressing extemporaneous problems. Students will face problems to solve throughout the semester, specifically in the form of case analysis and integration of ideas across readings.

Synthesis : Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines incorporating learning from both classroom and non-classroom settings in the completion of complex and comprehensive tasks. Students will integrate ideas from various sources to solve problems, explain positions, etc.

Communication Skills : Students will demonstrate the ability, via both written and spoken word, to effectively present, critique, and defend ideas in a cogent, persuasive manner. The majority of the assessment in this course will be in the form of written and verbal analysis. Exams will be essay based, and several written assignments are due. As part of their grade, students will engage in oral discussion of a case analysis, submitting a written analysis of the case.

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REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS Text: Manning, George & Curtis, Kent (2014). The Art of Leadership (5th Edition). McGraw-Hill.

o Bookstore : Price ($145) . You can purchase your all-digital offer in the bookstore, to include the Connect access code with option to purchase loose-leaf upgrade for $25.00. (ISBN – 9781260047240)

o Online : Price ($110) . You can purchase a downloadable eBook with the Connect access code with option to purchase a loose leaf upgrade for $25.00 by following the linked purchasing instructions at https:// create .mheducation.com/ shop / and searching ISBN -9781308878942.

o Connect Registration Instructions for all options listed above : Sign into your school's Blackboard; go to your instructor's course. Click on the "McGraw-Hill" link or “Content” folder on the left navigational menu. Below "My Connect Section,” click Go to My Connect Section or click on the first McGraw-Hill

assignment. Using your student email address, follow the on-screen instructions to register. When prompted, enter your Connect Registration access code (packaged with your text), select “Buy

Online” to purchase Connect Plus, or you can “Courtesy Access” if you don’t have an access code. See print screen below.

Complete the registration form; click “Submit.” An access code to “Connect,” an online (via the course Blackboard site) study learning management system

required for access to the e-Text and LearnSmart adaptive study system, is required for this course.

Approximately 20 copies of ParScore test form number X-101864-PAR-L (50 questions per side), to be used for completing examinations and for recording class attendance.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE & HARDWARE: The primary software requirement for accessing UTSA networks is Microsoft Windows 7, 8, or 8.1. If you use a MAC computer, you must be able to produce documents that are compatible with Microsoft Office 2010 or 2013. (NOTE: Do not submit documents as zip files or files that are not compatible with Microsoft Office 2010 or 2013, e.g., Google docs, etc.)

IMPORTANT UNIVERSITY SERVICES/POLICIES: For easy access to University policies and information on the following important subjects, please go online to http://provost.utsa.edu/syllabus.asp: Counseling Services Student Code of Conduct and Scholastic Dishonesty Students with Disabilities Transitory/Minor Medical Issues Supplemental Instruction Tutoring Services The Roadrunner Creed

STUDY RESOURCES:

Study and Learning Assistance

o Tomás Rivera Center (TRC) : Learning Assistance Services for Undergraduate Students at the TRC provides one-on-one Academic Coaching, which can assist with many educational concerns, such as time management, overcoming procrastination, reading strategies, note taking, and study skills.  To schedule an Academic Coaching appointment at either the Main Campus or the Downtown Campus, call 210.458.4694 or email Learn.Assist@utsa.edu.  Visit the TRC website (www.utsa.edu/trcss) and the UTSA LearnAssist Facebook page for more information on any of these services

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o McGraw-Hill Connect : This interactive eLearning and assignment program is available at the course Blackboard site, located at the links on the left side of each Blackboard page. It provides many extensive study and evaluation tools to assist your success in reading and understanding chapter materials in the text. These include practice chapter pre- and post-quizzes, simulation exercises, etc. In addition, this program is required to access Connect-based quizzes and writing assignment.

Register on Blackboard for Connect by accessing the Connect tab at the course Blackboard site. http://highered.mheducation.com/olc2/dl/866234/Connect_Blackboard_FDOC_First_Day_ofClass_814.pdf.   You must register for Connect via Blackboard only using an access code purchased at the Campus Bookstore via Connect. (NOTE:  Access and register Connect only at the course Blackboard site—do not register for Connect via a McGraw-Hill web link.)

Connect also includes access to:

LearnSmart “SmartBook ”: See description of these graded assignments below.

LearnSmart “Achieve ”: Improves writing editing skills and empowers students to put responsible writing into practice. It is an adaptive learning system to help students learn faster, study more efficiently, and retain more knowledge. It pinpoints concepts the student does not understand and maps out a personalized study plan. Based on students’ self-diagnoses of their proficiency, it provides students with a series of adaptive questions. This provides students with a personalized one-on-one tutor experience.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Follow the following instructions immediately if you believe there has been a systemic network outage affecting your access to Blackboard or McGraw-Hill Connect.

Problems with Blackboard Learn-based Assignments : First, access the UTSA Office of Information Technology (OIT) public alert web page at https://utsacloud-public.sharepoint.com/alerts, which has a history of Blackboard outages and what time they occurred. Notify me if you believe a Blackboard outage affected you.

Second, if no outages occurred, and you still cannot access Blackboard, email OIT Tech Support at OITConnect@utsa.edu and provide the following information:o Your name, email address, banner ID/Usernameo Details of your problemo Whether or not you were using Wi-Fi connected to a hard-wired computer.o Phone number where you can be contactedo Your course and section number, and the name of your professoro Your computer’s operating system & version number, e.g. Mac OSX, Windows 7, Windows XP, etc.o The name and version of internet browser in which you are using blackboard, e.g., Safari version 5.1.2,

Internet Explorer version 8, Mozilla Firefox version 12, etc.o If you used a UTSA-owned computer, provide your computer’s inventory/asset number

Problems with McGraw-Hill Connect-based Assignments : Phone or email McGraw-Hill technical support. Be sure to inform them you registered on “Connect” via Blackboard, not via the McGraw-Hill Web site.

o Call Tech support at (800) 331-5094 during below times (Central Standard Time):

Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. Monday thru Thursday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

o Email Tech support by accessing http://mpss.mhhe.com/contact.php. Complete “Your Information” on the form. Select “Connect” under “Product Name.” Click “Submit Question” and provide the following information:

The specific course and section you are referring to, e.g., MGT 3003.001 The specifics of your problem and the date and time of your issue Ask whether there was a systemic Connect systems outage, and the date/times thereof. Record the incident reference number they provide you. Whether or not you were using Wi-Fi connected to a hard-wired computer Ask them to notify your professor of their findings at his or her email address:

Bennie.Wilson@utsa.edu or Sandra.Flores3@utsa.edu.

o Whether or not McGraw-Hill tech support is able to resolve the issue, contact our McGraw-Hill representative, Melissa Lowry, at Melissa.Lowry@mheducation.com , and provide her the technical support reference number the tech support folks provide you and the user ID and password you use to access Blackboard.

COURSE GUIDELINES & POLICIES:

Professional Behavior : Please be respectful of each other at all times. Be on time; be good listeners.

Laptop and Electronic Devices : Treat these classes as business meetings—do not use laptops, cell phones, and other electronic devices in class. Treat these classes as business meetings—do not use laptops, cell phones, and other electronic devices in class. Further, please turn off and remove your cell phones from sight by putting them in your pockets, your purses, etc.

Assignment Submissions &Returns : If you must submit a hardcopy of an assignment by a specific date and/or time, and class is not in session or the professor is not in the office, you may slide the assignment under the office door or scan it and email—on or before the deadline. If you are not present when the TA returns a graded assignment in class, you must pick it up during office hours.

Delinquent Registration Fees : Students who do not make payment or payment arrangements by the due date will be assessed a $100 registration late payment fee.

Important Notes Regarding Online Assignment Connectivity :

o The University drops students from class if they are delinquent in paying University fees (tuition, fines, etc.) by the end of the 20 th day of classes (see class schedule) . These students cannot attend classes and cannot submit course assignments— in hard copy or online, either in advance or retroactively--during the time dropped from classes, even if eventually the student pays his/her fees.

o Computer systems are notoriously subject to unforeseen and uncontrollable situations that may cause them to crash. Failure to complete online assignments on time due to the following unfortunate events will not be a basis for deadline extensions or “do overs” of online writing lab (OWL), Blackboard, “Connect” based assignments, or for non-CAP résumé assignments.

o Lack of confirmed Connect or Blackboard systemic systems outages at the time assignment access is attempted.

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Remember, there is no such thing as a “highly reliable internet connection.” Three of the most important safeguards against faulty computer connectivity include the following prior to attempting to access all online assignment. If you do not know how to do these with your specific browser, then “Google It.”:

Use a hard-wired computer via an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi

Run a browser check to ensure compatibility at http://connect.mheducation.com/connect/troubleshoot.do and at https://en-us.help.blackboard.com/Learn/9.1_2014_04/Administrator/020_Browser_Support/Browser_Check

Periodically clear your cache (pronounced “cash”), which is a form of computer memory designed to speed up computer functions. It can also connect slowly or improperly to online files; thus, clear the cache periodically. Access wikihow.com to determine how to clear the cache associated with your specific browser.

o Use compatible browsers; Mozilla Firefox or Chrome. Turn off pop-up blockers Clear your browser cache Start with a new browser session Use a wired connection; wireless connections can be interrupted by interference from other devices

or due to saturation of wireless access points in public areas. Close all other programs, e.g., movies, music, e-mail, and anything not needed to run the test.

o Do not use Wi-Fi connections for online assignments—use only hardwired computers such as those in UTSA computer labs, the library, and elsewhere on campus. AirRowdy and other wireless connections--particularly those serving apartment complexes, dormitories, and other high-volume areas--are prone to disconnecting unexpectedly.

Again, an Ethernet cable is one of the most popular forms of network cable used on wired networks to connect from your laptop to wired computers, often located in businesses, libraries, hotels, etc.

Whether or not you use a hard-wired computer and/or a wired connection with an Ethernet cable, there are serious hazards involved in waiting until near the deadline time to complete online assignments. Risky high-volume times to complete assignments that might experience connection issues will not be a basis for a “do-over.” Accordingly:

Without overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the assumption is that systems problems with Blackboard and/or Connect that prohibit online access and/or creates outages on the assignment deadline date are the result of system overload created by an inordinate number of students attempting to access these assignments on the deadline date. Your attempt to complete online assignments during this period is at your own risk.

Bad weather such as electrical storms and the like that may result in computer disruptions.

Depending on the day and time of a computer systems crash, and waiting until the “last minute” to complete your online assignment, there is a high probability that there will likely not be timely support from the Blackboard or McGraw-Hill staffs to assist you with your technical issues.

At the risk of causing quizzes to terminate prematurely, do not attempt accessing OWL modules or Connect-based content while connected to the assessment.

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Do not set your computer to “time-out” during a level of inactivity that may “time-out” the quiz.

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ASSIGNMENTS & EXAMINATIONS

“Connect LearnSmart” (LS) Exercises: These assist you in preparing for course quizzes and exams. There are 13 exercises (see below chart)—

assessed through “Connect” on Blackboard—each worth 5 points. LS is an adaptive, personalized reading regimen that highlights the most important concepts an individual student needs to learn within each text chapter. The student’s text reading continuously adapts by highlighting content based on what the student does and does not know. This ensures focus on the content he or she needs to learn, and promotes long-term retention of material.

o There are no time limits for completing each LS assignment; however, you must complete each assignment by the due date. You may exit and re-enter LS until the due date. Since there are no time limits for these exercises (except for the due date/time, of course), point updates to Blackboard for LearnSmart take place after the assignment due date and time, or when completed, whichever comes first.

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Summary of Regular Assignments Max.Points

Deadlines

Connect LearnSmart Adaptive Exercises (“LS 1,” etc.) 65 See below chartChapter Quizzes via Connect (”Quiz 1,” etc.) 130 See below chartTeam In-Class Chapter Presentations 100 Feb. 1 – Apr. 26Exam 1 (Chap. 1 -5 ) 150 Feb. 22Exam 2 (Chap. 6 – 9) 150 Apr. 5All 25 Self-Assessments via Connect (“Self-Assessments”) 100 Apr. 23Exam 3 (Chap. 10 – 13) 150 May 8Total [excluding extra-credit points] 845Absent from, arriving late, or leaving class early -10 ea.

LearnSmart (LS) ScheduleLS

ChapterPoints Available LS Deadline (or Earlier)

(By 11:59:00 p.m.)1 5 Jan. 11 Jan. 172 5 Jan. 11 Jan. 243 5 Jan. 11 Jan. 314 5 Jan. 11 Feb. 75 5 Jan. 11 Feb. 146 5 Jan. 11 Feb. 287 5 Jan. 11 Mar. 78 5 Jan. 11 Mar. 219 5 Jan. 11 Mar. 2810 5 Jan. 11 Apr. 1111 5 Jan. 11 Apr. 1812 5 Jan. 11 Apr. 2513 5 Jan. 11 Apr. 29

Connect Chapter Quizzes : You may access each Connect quiz at any time through the Blackboard Connect Quizzes link, starting now until its “deadline.” Once you start a quiz, you have until the time limit to complete it. There are no “do-overs” or “extensions” under any circumstances unless the McGraw-Hill tech support staff certifies that there was a systemic Connect outage. When you reach the time limit, the quiz stops, and Connect grades the questions you answered. After the deadline passes, you may re-access the quiz site for feedback on how you did on each quiz question.

o There are seven quizzes—one (Chap. 1) covering one chapter, and six quizzes covering two chapters each; see the below schedule. Each quiz has 20 multiple-choice questions, and you have a time limit of 10 minutes per chapter quiz.

o Connect generates quiz questions randomly. You may access each quiz any time between when its “available” and its “deadline.” After the deadline passes, you may re-access the quiz site for feedback on how you did on each quiz question.

o Before attempting to access each Connect assignment, click on Check My Computer to see if your computer meets the requirements for Connect. If not compatible for listed reasons, correct the issue and troubleshoot again. If compatible, click “Connect Quizzes & Writing Assignment” at your Blackboard site, to access the assignment.

In-Class Examinations: There are three non-comprehensive, in-class exams, each consisting of 75 multiple-choice questions from

the publisher’s test bank, with each question worth 2 points, for a total of 150 points for each exam. Exam time limits are 75 minutes. See the above “Summary of Regular Assignments” chart and the class schedule for the exam dates and the chapters they cover.

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Connect Chapter Quiz Schedule(By Deadline Date & Time)

Chapter Possible Points

Time Limit (Minutes)

# of Questions

Quiz Available

Quiz Deadline (or Earlier)(By 11:59:00 p.m.)

1 10 10 20 Jan. 11 Jan. 17

2/3 20 20 40 Jan. 11 Jan. 31

4/5 20 20 40 Jan. 11 Feb. 14

6/7 20 20 40 Jan. 11 Mar. 7

8/9 20 20 40 Jan. 11 Mar. 28

10/11 20 20 40 Jan. 11 Apr. 18

12/13 20 20 40 Jan. 11 Apr. 29

Team Chapter Presentations: Each student will exhibit quality leadership, team, and communication skills as part of an assigned team to thoroughly plan, build, practice, and deliver a professional oral presentation on a specific text chapter to fellow classmates. (See the following chart showing presentation delivery dates and team/sub-team members.) The grade for individual team members will be a combination of the team points and individual points (see this link to grading rubric), determined significantly by the proficiency of the team as a whole and the individual contributions of each team member.

Chapter Presentation TeamsSub-Team “a” Sub-Team “b”

Date Team Chap Name Name Name Name Name Name Name NameFeb 1 1 3 Catie Ana C. Ivy Colin Larissa Sean JustinFeb 8 2 4 Terra Francisco Madisson Patrick Karen Nicolas Candy S. Alexus R.Feb 15 3 5 Gabrielle Daniela Anthony Zakary Jasmin Victoria L. AlecMar 1 4 6 Nisha Zachary Jessalyn Brandon Kirk Darian James Shane M.Mar 8 5 7 Tusaba Chibuzo Jaclyn Colton Frida Aarzu AdejuwonMar 22 6 8 Coya Samuel Taylor Fulton Elizabeth Helen Sy Anh Lauren K.Mar 29 7 9 Benjamin C. Kara Cara Allexis Vanessa Caitlin MarleneApr 12 8 10 Benjamin T. Victor Liubov Matthew Michelle Deidra Luke Brandon KApr 19 9 11 Sarina Isaac Phillip Victoria P Minh Isaac SimranApr 26 10 12 Daniel Cassandra David Abran Mauricio Andrew Stephen Savannah S.

Self-Assessments: It may seem easy to evaluate and form opinions regarding others; however, personal opinions about oneself have little objectivity. To get “another view” of how others may view you, and to help you learn what your personal and professional strengths and weaknesses might be, you will complete 25 self-assessments via Connect, all of which are due on or before the deadline in this syllabus and the course schedule

Pace yourself in completing the assessments throughout the semester, ensure that you SAVE prior to exiting “Connect” and when you access the assessments again, you can resume where you left off.   Do not exit “Connect” in the middle of an assessment, finish the assessment, then “SAVE”—you will see the points that you have accumulated toward the maximum of 100 points for this assignment.

Extra credit (EC) points: A very limited number of extra-credit points are awarded as follow:

o The one-time 10 extra-credit points to compensate partially for being late or absent from classes where attendance is taken, whether or not the absence is or is not an “emergency” as defined in this syllabus. These points represent the real world use of sick, vacation, bereavement, or other forms of sanctioned leave of absence. (“EC-Misc First Absence”)

o Any points awarded for class participation, at the professor’s discretion. (“EC-Misc “Being There”)

GRADING & ATTENDANCE POLICIES:

Attendance : Students must be on time for every class, be attentive, and participate in class activities until the professor adjourns class. Class attendance may be taken anytime (using the appropriate ParScore form) during each class. Attendance in conjunction with extra-credit events--whether in our class or at another time or location--is taken via attendance slips or lists prepared by the event sponsors.

o For every class: Students must have on-hand at least two appropriate ParScore forms, both with the following information already entered/bubbled on the forms: Banner ID Name, course & section number

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o When attendance is announced (the goal is speed and accuracy): No one may enter the classroom until attendance process is completed. Students enter on the form the “Test Form” and the “Answer to the First Question Response” that

the professor or the TA announces. Students immediately pass a completed appropriate ParScore form to the center aisle. Student sitting on the aisle collects/confirms number of forms equals the number of students in that

row, and gives forms to the professor or TA.

o Arriving in class after the class starting time means you are late. Students who are absent from or late for class will have 10 points deducted from their point totals, except for documented conflicting emergencies or mandatory obligations as discussed below.

o Students completing ParScore attendance forms incorrectly are marked late/absent from class.  (NOTE: See instructions on properly completing the form at this link.)  The forms are machine graded, and the UTSA testing office staff will not hand-score forms not properly completed, to include:

Not printing you name, course, and section number clearly Not dating the form in the identification section Not using a #2 pencil Not writing in and bubbling in Banner ID Recording the wrong Banner ID Not recording the proper test form Putting the wrong attendance answer to question #1 Using ink to record responses

Please ensure this information (except for test form and response the question #1) is recorded on at least two copies of your ParScore forms in advance of coming to each class. 

o Students who are absent from scheduled assignments or exams will receive grades of “zero” if the absence is not the result of a documented emergency or mandatory obligation as discussed below. There are no “make-ups” for these missed assignments; however, you may take and/or turn them in early with the approval of the professor or the TA.

o Students who sit in classroom areas in violation of fire laws, who have their laptops and cell phones open, who engage in “texting” (or reading, writing, or other inattentive activities), or who engage in disruptive conversation or other activities, are considered “absent” from class and will have 10 points deducted.

o If you miss or are late for a class for one of the below reasons, you will not have points deducted after your award of the 10 extra-credit points for all initial absences.

Documented, verifiable emergencies of immediate family members. A verifiable, written documented emergency involves you or a member of your immediate family, i.e., spouse, parent, guardian, sibling, or other relative who resides full time with you, and is of the nature of a major issue, e.g., death, funeral, extremely serious illness or injury, etc.

Written documentation of a personal/private nature, e.g., medical information, legal transactions, etc., is neither desired nor required. The documentation should simply state that, for example, the

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medical situation was of a sudden, emergency nature, or that the legal situation was under the purview of appropriate court officials requiring your presence.

“Significant others,” boyfriends/girlfriends, grandparents or other relatives are not considered members of your immediate family unless they currently live full time with you.

Excused absences do not include viruses preventable with appropriate immunizations, but for which you have not received the vaccination.

Excused absences do not scheduled appointments since they are not considered emergencies—appointments should be scheduled so as not to conflict with class attendance.

Please refer to http://provost.utsa.edu/syllabus.asp (quoted below) for university policy regarding “Transitory/Minor Medical Issues,” which in this class are not considered “emergencies.”

Documented conflicting, mandatory UTSA obligations (for example, on UTSA athletic team, participant in Leadership Challenge program, etc.). To be eligible for this provision, an appropriate UTSA official must certify the UTSA mandatory obligation in writing and in advance of the date of the event, and you must complete scheduled conflicting assignments and examinations early. (NOTE: Registering for overlapping classes/labs is not eligible for this exception—students may not register for classes or associated labs that conflict with the days and times that this or other classes meet.)

Documented conflicting, mandatory religious obligations prohibiting working during the time of a scheduled class. You must provide each of your professors (whose courses take place during the absence) advanced written documentation and notification of your intention not to attend classes on the dates and/or times of mandatory religious obligation. Documented evidence includes credible evidence of the mandatory nature of the absence.

Written military mobilization orders, copies of which you provide each of your professors prior to the date of the mobilization.

Written city, county, state, or federal order/subpoena, a copy of which you provide each of your professors prior to the day of the event, e.g., to report to court, jury duty, court witness, or other mandatory legal proceeding, e.g., immigration/citizenship proceedings, etc., on a specific date. (NOTE: Excluded here is traffic court in which you voluntarily decide to challenge or otherwise adjudicate a traffic ticket.)

Off-campus events, e.g., State and national professional association meetings and conferences, etc., with expenses paid completely or in part by UTSA, with a copy of the written UTSA approval provided each of your professors prior to the day of the event. Participation in events/activities under sponsorship of other classes and that conflict with attending class, are not excused absences—they are non-emergency, unavoidable absences that meet the criteria of the one-time 10 extra-credit points that all students receive at the beginning of the semester.

Course Grades : This course will use the plus/minus (+/-) grading system in assigning course letter grades (see below grading chart showing grading points for each course letter grade).

o Challenging Grades: If you disagree with a grade you receive (either for a course assignment, for an extra credit event, or a deduction), bring the matter to my attention in writing (Blackboard Learn message, email, letter, etc.) within seven calendar days from the date I post the grade on Blackboard Learn. Otherwise, the grade will remain as is. It is your responsibility to check Blackboard at least twice a week for announcements, course messages, and posted grades.

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I will not change assigned grades without concrete, factual information for my consideration. Frivolous claims of incorrect points are not honored.

o Assignment Grading Protocols :

Only one attempt is available for each graded assignment. Randomized exam/test questions are presented one question at a time, without the ability to

backtrack. After the due date, students may access grading feedback that is provided on the day after the

assignment due dates.

o “Curved” Grades: There is no grading “on the curve” in this class for individual assignments since there are opportunities for extra-credit points. However, once grades are calculated after final exams are completed, if the average total points for the class reflects fewer than 733 points (“C“), each student’s total points will be adjusted upward to reflect an average total score for the class of 733 points.

o Incomplete/Late Assignments: All assignments not submitted on time are graded “zero.” Unless otherwise noted on the class schedule, all assignments that are due in class are due by the beginning of class.

o Course Grade Determination

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Course Grade Determination(Based on Max 845 Assignment Points plus Extra-Credit Points)Course Letter

GradeGrade Points Course Points Between

A+ 4.00 816.52 845.00+A 4.00 788.38 816.51A- 3.67 757.62 788.37B+ 3.33 733.71 757.61B 3.00 703.88 733.70B- 2.67 675.66 703.87C+ 2.33 647.52 675.65C 2.00 619.38 647.51C- 1.67 591.16 619.37D+ 1.33 563.02 591.15D 1.00 534.88 563.01D- 0.67 506.66 534.87F 0.00 0 506.65

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. If I previously took this course from Dr. Wilson (but I am now retaking his course), must I again complete the regular and extra-credit assignments in order to again get credit for them? Yes.

2. May I email assignments to you? No.

3. Whom do I contact regarding questions about my assignment points? Excused absences and documentation of emergencies (Dr. Wilson) Quizzes and Exams (Dr. Wilson or TA) Extra-credit points: (TA) Deducted points (Dr. Wilson)

4. I will not be in class next week; are there any other assignments (a paper, etc.) that I can complete to help make up points for missing class? Other than the extra-credit opportunities listed in this syllabus, there are no other assignments to help you make-up missed points.

5. How do I appeal an assignment or course grade? To appeal an assignment grade given or confirmed by me, you must meet with me and discuss the

assignment grade. You may appeal my decision in writing to Dr. Robert Cardy, chair of the Department of Management, at Robert.Cardy@utsa.edu.

To appeal a course grade, you must appeal in writing to Dr. Robert Cardy, chairman of the Department of Management, BB 4.01.06, within 90 calendar days from the end of the semester. You must have "compelling evidence" that your course grade reflects "discrimination, differential treatment, factual mistake, or violation of a relevant University policy" (reference appendix E of the UTSA Information Bulletin at http://www.utsa.edu/infoguide/appendices/e.html). You must include the following in your written appeal:o The date of the appeal.o Your name, your Banner ID number, and your academic major.o Your full address, telephone number, and email address.o My name (Dr. Bennie Wilson) and your course and section number.o State specifically the grade you are appealing (exam, quiz number, etc.)o State specifically the action you want done regarding the grade.o Explain the rationale supporting your appeal and provide any supporting documentation. (NOTE: It is

not sufficient to state that you disagree with my judgment.)

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