COURSE SYLLABUSCourse Title – Legal Environment of Business

Course # BUL 2131 Online Instruction

Semester Code 0550FALL 2018

View How to Be a Successful Student which provides details about success factors and links to the most current version of fluid information, such as the academic calendar.

WELCOME

Welcome to The Legal Environment of Business! This is an exciting class that I love to teach! I hope you find it interesting and inspiring. I look forward to getting to know you and reading your work on the many interesting topics we will cover.

Remember I am here to help you succeed so talk to/email me so I know how I can help you! Be sure to watch the due dates to avoid any unnecessary stress. The goal is to learn and develop critical thinking skills to use throughout your life - and to have fun while you learn!

I wish you all the best! Any questions – just ask.

About the Instructor: 

Hello and welcome to The Legal Environment of Business Express! My name is JoAnne Hopkins and I am a full-time professor with St. Petersburg College. I am a graduate of Stetson College of Law in St. Petersburg Florida. I have been an attorney since 1990. I started as an associate with an insurance defense/personal injury law firm for 6 years. I then opened my own firm and practiced personal injury and criminal law.

I have been teaching at St. Petersburg College for 20 years! I teach Applied Ethics full time here at SPC as well as classes for Paralegal Studies and Hospitality Law. This is an exciting class that I love to teach!  I hope you find it informative and interesting.  I look forward to getting to know you and reading your assignments. Remember I am here to help you succeed so email me!  Be sure to watch the due dates to avoid any

unnecessary stress.  The goal is to learn and develop skills to use throughout your career and life - and to have fun while you learn! 

Your online Classroom is MyCoursesOnline – MyCourses email is the best and will get the quickest response.

I normally check MyCourses daily

I wish you all the best!  Any questions – just ask.

Instructor Contact Information

Name: Dr. JoAnne V. Hopkins

Email: Hopkins.joanne@spcollege.edu

Phone: 727-791-2712

Office and Online Virtual Hours

Monday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. & 12:15 – 1:00

Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (Due to meetings, I may not be in my office on Thursday so please email/call and make an appointment for Thursday meetings).

Virtual online – Monday – Thursday 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Office Location: Clearwater Campus ES 213G

Instructor Web Page: https://webapps.spcollege.edu/instructors/admin

ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTDean: Dr. Susan Demers

Office Location: Clearwater Campus – SS 165Office Phone Number: 727-791-2501Email: demers.susan@spcollege.edu

Academic Staff Assistant: Audwin ScottOffice Location: St. Petersburg College Clearwater Campus – SS 165Office Number: 727-791-2557Email: scott.audwin@spcollege.edu

Course Description:

This course is designed to give the student a general understanding of the various areas of statutory and common law, and their impact upon the business community. This will be accomplished by including such topics as the structure of the American legal system, alternate dispute resolution, constitutional law, contracts, UCC sales, negligence, torts and the law of agency. There are 47 contact hours. 

Course Objectives:  

As your instructor, it is my goal that you learn the following from this course.

1. Knowledge of the impact of various statutory and administrative laws on the business-making decision processes.

2. Knowledge of personal property as it relates to business enterprises.

3. An understanding of the impact of consumer legislation on business enterprises.

4. Understand the federal bankruptcy laws.

5. Understand the securities regulations.

6. Demonstrate knowledge of employment contracts and employment regulations.

7. Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of environmental laws and community planning on business enterprises.

8. Demonstrate the knowledge of the laws of contracts and business organizations.

Course Requirements:

This is an online course so you must have access to a computer with internet access. If your computer breaks down it is your responsibility to get to a computer at a local library, on campus, etc. and complete your work for the week on time.  You will be submitting work via attachments/drag and drop which must be in .doc, .docx or .rtf format.  Microsoft Word is best.

In order to successfully complete this course, it is imperative that students have regular access to a computer that is connected to the Internet. It is strongly recommended that students have a broadband (high-speed) internet connection such as DSL or a cable modem. When taking on-line quizzes and exams (or viewing on-line video), students should have an internet connection that is stable and will not drop their connection. 

If you haven’t a stable high-speed internet connection I encourage you to take on-line quizzes and exams at one of the St. Petersburg College libraries (or a similar facility) where a stable high-speed internet connection is available. Internet Explorer is the preferred browser to use to access course materials. 

Because of the use of teams in many classes, a formal standard has been devised. This standard applies to all classes. Students are required to submit assignments and share team documents in Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel and other Microsoft formats if specified).

The College provides full function student licenses of Microsoft software, other than the basic Office product.

Some courses allow or require students to submit assignments as video responses with a PowerPoint attachment. Students would require a Webcam compatible with their computer to record these videos. Very low cost cameras have been found to work well when they claim support for the student's computer operating system (such as XP, Vista, MAC, Linux). Alternatively, students may book a machine equipped with a camera at the EpiCenter in Clearwater. These bookings should be made through the College of Technology and Management.

Submissions must be in MS Word, (.doc, .docx, .rtf) to receive credit.

Exporting a Pages File as Word Format from the Mac with Pages App:

1.Open the Pages file you want to convert / save to Word format into the Pages app for OS X.

2. Go to the “File” menu and choose “Export To”, then select “Word” from the submenu list. 

3. Then upload the word document into the drop box.

Required Textbook:

The Legal Environment of Business – 10th Edition

Cross Miller

Student Edition ISBN: 978-1-305-96730-4  

13:978-1-337-09390-3

10:1-337-09390-4

You may directly purchase the textbook, an e-book or rent the text via Cengage Brain .

IMPORTANT DATESCourse Dates – 8/13 – 12/2

View the Academic Calendar.

Proctored Testing Dates: View the Proctored Testing Information.

Financial Aid Dates: View the Financial Aid Dates

DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC INFORMATIONAttendance is mandatory and absences (not completing work on time) will hurt your grade.

Due dates are clearly posted on the calendar so watch them carefully. Notice all Discussion Posts are due on Thursday at 11:30 p.m. Reply posts are due Sunday at 11:30 p.m.

Failure to adequately complete all of the assigned work during the first two weeks may result in being dropped for non-participation – SPC RULE.

Discussion boards/Correspondence - all students must be respectful and stay on topic. Personal conversations, and off topic conversations should be conducted through

personal email. If conversations go too far off topic or are disrespectful they will be deleted. Students who continue to be disrespectful will be dropped from the class.

Late Work – Late work will lose one letter grade for each calendar day it is late. Once the assignment ends, no work will be accepted. The final exam will end on the due date so no late final exam will be accepted.

Cheating is not tolerated. You will receive an F in the class and be reported to the College for Disciplinary Action. This is ethics – no cheating!

Students who do not fully participate: (earn a grade of 60% or above in the class and complete the midterm by the 60% mark) may be dropped from the course. So, don’t fall behind.

ATTENDANCEView the college-wide attendance policy included in How to Be a Successful Student

For this class, attendance is defined as completing all of your assigned work online, by the due date.

Attendance is mandatory. Since we will meet online it is suggested that you check the course several times a week – MyCourses is our online “classroom.”

The graded work for most modules will include:

1. One Discussion Post and one reply post (at least one for every discussion topic)

2. AND/OR One Dropbox Assignment

3. AND/OR One Quiz

There is additional work (exams, self-assessments, etc.), as you will see below.

This course is NOT self-paced. You are expected to keep up with the class schedule. Modules are due according to the due dates.

The students who drop out of the course or fail are almost always the students who get behind early in the semester and then can't catch up.

STUDENTS’ EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONSINSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS

I expect you to abide by this syllabus, provide positive participation, and submit your best work by the due date. Positive participation adds to the class in a respectful manner and does not detract from the class.

I expect you to be respectful in all communications with me and your classmates.

I expect you to be honest in all work.

I expect you to come to me for help. I am here to help you.

I expect you to come to me if you cannot keep up or if you need to withdraw from the class. I will do what I can to help you succeed.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS OF INSTRUCTOR

You can expect me to abide by the syllabus and provide you with any changes.

You can expect positive feedback and respect.

You can expect your emails answered within 24-72 hours (excluding holidays), if you use MyCourses email. If you use SPC email it may go to spam and I may miss your message.

You can normally expect most grading to be completed within 7 days of the due date or sooner. Most quizzes and exams are computer graded so the grades are immediate.

You can expect help. Please ask whenever you need help or have a question.

View the Student Expectations in How to Be a Successful Student.

REQUIRED INTERACTION :

You will have discussion posts and reply posts to complete for each unit.  Consider the discussion boards your classroom; as in a face to face class, being in the classroom is vital to learning.  Online, being on the discussion board is vital to learning.   You will learn from posting and reading others’ posts.  Also, you can be dropped for non-participation if you do not post.  Posting is participating online.  Participation will also show the dedicated students. 

You must post one assignment post and at least one reply post to receive credit.

You will lose points for each discussion post if you do not reply to at least one other student’s post.

You will not receive any points if you do not post an assignment post (even if you post reply posts).

AVAILABILITY OF COURSE CONTENT :  

Class will meet online in MyCourses.  Attendance will be determined by adequately completing your assigned work online, by the due date.  Attendance is mandatory.  Since we will meet online it is suggested that you check your online classroom several times a week – MyCourses is our online "classroom".  

Every week you will normally complete one Module.

 The mandatory work for most Modules will include:

1.    Assignment Post(s)

2.     Reply Post (s) for each discussion board (at least one)

3. and/or a Drop Box Assignment (Case Brief)

4.     and/or a quiz

There is additional work, such as the team project, individual project, midterm, final exam - as you will see below.

This course is NOT self-paced.  You are expected to keep up with the class schedule. Units are due according to the due dates. Due dates are clearly posted on the calendar. 

Late assignments will receive lose points for each calendar day they are late. Any assignment not turned in by 11:30 p.m., on the due date will be considered late. Drop boxes close promptly at 11:30 p.m. so please govern your time accordingly.

The students who drop out of the course or fail are almost always the students who get behind early in the semester and then can't catch up.

WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE Modul

eDate Title Chapter Written

AssignmentPoint

sDue Date

1 8/13 Review Cengage

 

1 Law and Legal Reasoning

1

1   Discussion Board

Introductions

10 Initial Posting due Thursday night. Response posting due Sunday night.

1 Syllabus Quiz 10 SUN 8/19

2 8/20 Courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Ch. 2

2 Business Ethics

Ch. 5

2 Discussion Board

10 Initial Posting due Thursday night. Response posting due Sunday night. 8/26

3 8/27 Court Procedures

Ch. 3 Discussion Board

10 Initial Posting

(review) due Thursday night. Response posting due Sunday night. 9/2

3 Business and the Constitution

Ch. 4

3 Brief a Case –Part I

5 SUN 9/2

4 9/3 Quiz I Chs. 1-5 Complete Quiz 1

10 SUN 9/9

4 Team Project

Team Discussion Board

Thursday POST DUE

4 Team Project Materials

  Drop Box: Complete Team Organizational Materials

SUN 9/9

5 9/10 Criminal & Cyber Law

Ch. 10 Matching Column

5 SUN 9/16

5 International and Space Law

Ch. 11 Brief a Case-Part 2

5 SUN 9/16

5 Discussion Topic

Discussion Board

10 Initial Posting due Thursday night. Response posting due

Sunday night.

6 9/17 Tort Law Ch. 6 Brief a Case Part 3 (The Holding & Law)

5 SUN 9/23

6 Strict Liability and Product Liability

Ch. 7

Quiz Chs. 6-7 & 10-11

Quiz II 10 SUN 9/23

7 9/24 Formation of Traditional & E-Contracts

Ch. 12

7 Contract Performance, Breach & Remedies

Ch. 13

7 Discussion Topic

Discussion Board

10 Initial Posting due Thursday night. Response posting due SUN 9/30

8 10/1 Sales and Lease Contracts

Ch. 14 Brief a Case Part 4 (The Rationale)

5 Sun. 10/7

8 Matching Column

Matching Column

5 Sun. 10/7

9 10/8 MIDTERM Modules 1-8

Take Midterm 100 Sun. 10/14

10 10/15 Intellectual Ch. 8

Property Rights

Internet Law, Social Media and Privacy

Ch 9

10 Discussion Board

10 Initial Posting due Thursday night. Response posting due Sunday night. 10/21

10 Extra Credit Discussion Board

10 Initial Posting due Thursday night. Response posting due Sunday night. 10/21

11 10/22 Creditor-Debtor Relations & Bankruptcy

Ch. 15 Dropbox 10 Sun. 10/28

11 Quiz III Chs. 8, 9 & 15

Complete Quiz

10 Sun. 10/28

12 10/29 Agency Relationships

Ch. 19

12 Employment Law

Ch 20

Discussion Topic

Discussion Board

10 Initial Posting due Thursday night. Response posting due Sunday night. 11/4

13 11/5 Small Businesses and Franchises

Ch 16

13 Employment Discrimination

Ch 21

13 Complete Individual Term Project

100 MON 11/12

14 11/12

Limited Liability Business Forms

Ch 17

14 Corporations Ch. 18Quiz IV Chs.

16 - 21Complete Quiz

10 Sun. 11/18

14 11/12 Drop Box: Complete Team Project

40 Sun. 11/18

11/19

Thanksgiving Break

Study for Final Exam

15 11/26

Final Exam Final Exam 100 Sun. 12/2

Grading Policy:

A 90-100% D 60-69%

B 80-89% F Less than 60%

C 70-79%

Course Breakdown WEIGHT      POINTS                                                 

Assignments, Case Briefs/Group Project       19%        95

Class Discussion                                             12%        60      

Quizzes                                                           9%            45   

Individual Project/Paper                                  20%        100      

Midterm                                                           20%          100

Final                                                                20%          100

How to check your Grades and review feedback:

Checking Your Grades

Reviewing Dropbox Submissions

Checking Discussion Grades and Feedback

Reviewing Quiz Submissions

GRADING AND REPEAT COURSE POLICIES

State policy specifies that students may not repeat courses for which a grade of “C” or higher has been earned except by appeal to an associate provost. Students may repeat a course one time without penalty. On the third attempt, students will pay the full cost of instruction. The full cost of instruction rate for 2009-2010 is $280.39 per credit hour. In addition, on the third attempt students may NOT receive a grade of “I,” “W,” or “X,” but must receive the letter grade earned. The grade on the final attempt with the exception of a “W” grade will be the grade that will be calculated into the overall grade point average. (Developmental courses do not average into the grade point average).

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS/TERM PROJECTS Due Dates

This department has strict rules regarding due dates. In the "business world", if you are late with your bid, you will not get the contract. An attorney can be sued for malpractice if he/she misses a file date by one day. So, we practice time management and meeting due dates. Post class assignments within each weekly Module by the due date. Most assignments are due by Sunday evenings at 11:30 p.m.; however, discussion board assignments are due on Thursday by 11:30 p.m. Any assignment not turned in by 11:30 p.m., on the due date will be considered late so please govern your time accordingly. Late assignments will receive a late penalty – one letter grade for each calendar day late. Once ended an assignment will not be accepted. You must submit all of the assignments in word format by the due date. No penalties will be waived without documentation of emergency that can be verified. Please note that computer problems, sickness, travel, and lack of planning do not constitute an excuse for not making a deadline. This may mean you will have to use computers on campus or somewhere other than your home should the need arise. 

Grading:

General weekly assignments are graded based on two criteria:

(1) Substantive content; i.e. whether the student understood the assignment task(s) and provided complete answers to same.a. Complete answers means you not only provide the answer but that you

fully explain it. In other words, if the question calls for you to list the elements of negligence, not only list the elements, but, explain the meaning of each element as well. If a case problem asks you the appellate case result, state the result of the case and explain in detail how the court reached that result. As a general rule, you won’t be able to properly answer any questions or chapter problems in less than 250 words.

(2) Written communication skills; i.e., whether you were able to clearly communicate your answer to the question using proper grammar and sentence structure.

Case Brief and Individual Term Project:

These items are graded based on the grading rubric provided in the course materials folder, as well as the following:

1. Ability to identify the cause of action which is the legal reason the lawsuit is taking place;

2. Ability to identify the relevant case facts, which are those facts that gave rise to the lawsuit and any issues in the case;

3. Ability to identify the issue or issues in the case, which are the legal questions based on the cause of action and facts;

4. Ability to identify the holding which is the decision made by the court regarding the issue(s);

5. Ability to identify the law used by the court to reach it’s holding;6. Ability to identify the court’s reasoning for its holding. This is generally the

longest section of the brief and explains in detail why the court held as it did.

Please always check the grading feedback for each assignment. If you simply do not submit an assignment, you will automatically receive a zero.

BE SURE TO PLACE YOUR COMPLETED ASSIGNMENTS IN THE CORRECT DROP BOX IF YOU WOULD LIKE PROPER CREDIT. I have no doubt you’re each very busy and things happen so please double check the deposit of your assignments. If you have a problem uploading an assignment please look at the MyCourses Tutorial and/or contact the help desk (727-341-help).

Individual Term Project/Paper

Each student will be responsible for submitting an individual case brief on the case assigned.

CLASS PARTICIPATION:

Class participation is not only encouraged but expected. Participation is defined as reading and taking part in course discussion/assignments. Assignments will be provided each week. Your class participation grade is based on your active participation in our online classroom.

ATTENDANCE/ACTIVE PARTICIPATION/WITHDRAWAL POLICIES

Attendance for online classes is based on the student’s timely submission of course assignments and participation each week. This is very important for all weeks, but, particularly weeks 1 & 2, please see below for explanation.

As faculty we are required to publish our own participation/attendance policies in our syllabi. However, please note that instructors must verify that students are in attendance during the first two weeks of class. Students classified as “No Show” for the first two weeks will be administratively withdrawn from any class. A no show means you have not completed the assigned work during the first two weeks. The student’s financial aid will be adjusted based on their updated enrollment status. If a student is administratively withdrawn from a class because they were a “No-Show”

during the first two weeks of class, financial aid will not pay for the class and the student will be responsible for paying for that class.

Students who are not actively participating in class as defined in this syllabus will be reported to the Administration during the week following the last date to withdraw with a “W” (as posted in the academic calendar on the college’s web site).

Withdrawing after the “Last Date to Withdraw with a Grade of ‘W’” can have serious consequences. If the student withdraws from a class after the deadline posted in the academic calendar, the student will receive a final grade of ‘WF,' which has the same impact on the student's GPA as a final grade of “F.” A “WF” grade also could impact the student's financial aid, requiring repayment of financial assistance. Students should consult with an academic advisor or financial assistance counselor prior to withdrawing from a class.

SPC requires on-line instructors to monitor student attendance/participation in educational activities on a weekly basis. Students are required to participate in their on-line course each week as verified by activity within the MyCourses Learning Management System, such as a discussion board posting, submission of an assignment, messaging your instructor, chat, and completion of polls, quizzes or tests. When you have two (2) weeks of unexcused or otherwise undocumented absence for an 8/16 week class, you can be administratively withdrawn by the instructor if this occurs before the 60 percent point in the term, or be given a grade of WF if it occurs later in the term. If you are in your third attempt at completing a course, you will be given a WF grade at any point in the term that you exceed the maximum number of weeks absent. Excused absences, of course, will not count against you.

60% Participation

Participation for the 60% point of this class will be determined based on your active participation for 60% of the class by the SPC determined 60% date. That means you must timely submit your assignments and any discussion forums plus timely complete quizzes and tests. If you do not actively participate this will be reflected in your grade which will result in a grade below 60% at that designated point in the semester. At that point we must report that you have not participated at 60% and you will be administratively withdrawn with a grade of WF. Receiving a WF may negatively impact your financial aid so it is important to keep up with the course and assignments and contact your instructor if you are having difficulty or an issue arises.

Again, please Note: Not achieving attendance nor 60% participation leads to a WF (Withdrawn and Failed) implying serious financial and GPA consequences.

 Time Commitment:

This is a 3-credit course conducted over 12 weeks. In order to meet accreditation standards, on average, students should expect to spend between 6 to 12 hours per week on course activities and assignments. Spending less time would be insufficient for success in this course.

Learner supportIf you wish to request accommodations as a student with a documented disability please make an appointment with the Learning Specialist on campus. Accessibility Services can be reached at 791-2628 or 791-2710 (CL and EPI), 341-4758 (SP/G), 394-6289 (SE), 712-5789 (TS), 341-3721 (HEC), 341-4532 (AC), or 341-7965 (DT).

If you have a documented hearing loss, please contact the Program for the Deaf at 791-2628 (V/TDD).

Clearwater AD 122791-2710

St. Petersburg/ Gibbs AD 120341-4316

Tarpon Springs Counseling 712-5789

Seminole SE 112 394-6108

For additional information, view the Accessibility Services site.

View the Academic Support and Student Success site.

View the On Campus Academic Support site.

View the Online Academic Support site.

View the Student Services site.

There are libraries at various SPC sites. You may choose the one that is most convenient for you. You also can access library services online. View the SPC Libraries and Services site.

Academic Honesty:

View the Academic Honesty PolicySt. Petersburg College has an Academic Honesty policy. It is your responsibility to be familiar with the policies, rules, and the consequences of violations. There is no tolerance for cheating and academic dishonesty. Discipline can range from a zero on a specific assignment to expulsion from the class with a grade of F. Note that copy/pasting published information, whether it's from your textbook or the Internet, without citing your source is plagiarism and violates this policy. Even if you change the words slightly, the ideas are someone else's so you still have to cite your sources. Cheating, plagiarism, bribery, misrepresentation, conspiracy, and fabrication are defined in Board Rule 6Hx23-4.461. Student Affairs: Academic Honesty Guidelines, Classroom Behavior.

All students are required to abide by the following Academic Honesty Guidelines:

Each student is required to subscribe to the Guidelines upon registration each semester by signing the following pledge which is contained on the Registration and Drop/Add Form:I understand that SPC expects its students to be honest in all of their academic work. I agree to adhere to this commitment to academic honesty and understand that my failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the College.A copy of this form can be obtained at the Office of the Registrar.II. The conduct set forth hereinafter constitutes a violation of the Academic Honesty Guidelines. Those adjudged to have committed such conduct shall be subject to discipline up to dismissal.A. Cheating - the improper taking or tendering of any information or material which shall be used to determine academic credit. Taking of information includes, but is not limited to, copying graded homework assignments from another student; working together with another individual(s) on a take-home test or homework when not specifically permitted by the instructor; looking or attempting to look at another student’s paper during an examination and; looking or attempting to look at text or notes during an examination when not permitted. Tendering of information includes, but is not limited to, giving your work to another student to be used or copied; giving someone answers to exam questions either when the exam is being given or after having taken an exam; giving or selling a term paper or other written materials to another student; sharing information on a graded assignment.B. Plagiarism - The attempt to represent the work of another as the product of one’s own thought, whether the other’s work is published or unpublished, or simply the work

of a fellow student.  Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, quoting oral or written materials without citation on an exam, term paper, homework, or other written materials or oral presentations for an academic requirement; submitting a paper which was purchased from a term paper service as your own work; submitting anyone else’s paper as your own work.C. Bribery - The offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any materials, items or services of value to gain academic advantage for yourself or another.D. Misrepresentation - Any act or omission with intent to deceive an instructor for academic advantage. Misrepresentation includes using computer programs generated by another and handing it in as your own work unless expressly allowed by the instructor; lying to an instructor to increase your grade; lying or misrepresenting facts when confronted with an allegation of academic dishonesty.E. Conspiracy - The planning or acting with one or more persons to commit any form of academic dishonesty to gain academic advantage for yourself or another.F. Fabrication - The use of invented or fabricated information, or the falsification of research or other findings with the intent to deceive for academic professional advantage.

Cheating of any kind cannot be tolerated. Cheating, whether on quizzes, exams or any assignments, is an attempt to get a grade without learning or earning. Also, allowing others to cheat by doing their work or allowing them to copy your work is cheating. This includes posting your work on the internet where others can view and/or download. Any of these violations and those listed above, violates the rights of your fellow students who do not cheat. Cheating defeats your purpose for being in school and hurts you in the long run. There is no tolerance for cheating and academic dishonesty. Discipline can range from a zero on a specific assignment to expulsion from the class with a grade of F.

This policy applies to all work and assignments, tests, and any documents produced for this course, excluding the team project.

All quizzes, the midterm and the final exam are open book, however, that does NOT mean open forum. Under no circumstances may students collaborate, in any manner, with one another in taking quizzes, the midterm or the final. That means that you may not discuss any question or any proposed answer with any other student, period. Only after the quiz, midterm, final exam are closed, may you discuss the questions and your answers with other students. Any students who are found to collaborate on quizzes, the

midterm, or the final exam will be considered in violation of the school’s academic honesty policy and the conduct will be addressed accordingly.

Netiquette:

Course email is for course work discussions only. If any student receives SPAM/personal type emails, report this to the instructor immediately.

Do not send mass emails.

Be courteous when emailing (and speaking with others). State questions clearly. Remember, emotions are not easily conveyed through email. If you are upset – wait. Do not email until you have control of your emotions. Always use professional language and college level writing.

If you have a problem or issue email the instructor so the problem can be solved. Do not email your fellow students, they cannot fix the problem. Email is not a place to vent.

Dropping the Course:

COLLEGE POLICY REGARDING COURSE DROP/ ADD PERIOD AND AUDIT INFORMATION

Students CANNOT add a course following the 1st day the class meets prior to the second class meeting. Students CAN drop a course during the 1st week of classes and be eligible for a refund. Except by appeal to an associate provost, students may not change from credit to audit status after the end of the first week of classes. Online classes may be added through the standard drop/add period for that course.

Students may drop a course through the registration process and may receive a refund during the first week of classes. You must drop a course during the first week of class to be eligible for a refund. (See a counselor/advisor to finalize your schedule, so you won’t be left without the classes you want or need).

After the first week students need to notify the instructor and then withdraw from the course as faculty will not drop or withdraw students. Please refer to the academic calendar for the exact dates and also review the Withdrawal Policy

FEDERAL GUIDELINES RELATED TO FINANCIAL AID AND TOTAL WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE http://www.spcollege.edu/central/SSFA/HomePage/hdiasbs.htm

The U.S. Department of Education requires students who completely withdraw prior to the 60% point of the term and who receive Federal financial aid i.e., Federal Pell Grant, Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), Federal Stafford Loan, and/or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant SEOG--to repay a portion of their financial aid.

Students considering a withdrawal from all classes before the published withdrawal date should consult a financial assistance counselor to understand their options and the consequences of the total withdrawal. For further information regarding this policy and other financial assistance policies we encourage you to visit our website at: www.spcollege.edu/getfunds

COLLEGE LEVEL ACADEMIC SKILLS TEST (CLAST) CHANGES

During the 2009 legislative session, the Legislature repealed the Florida Statutes relating to the College-Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) and eliminated funding for the test. As of July 1, 2009, students will no longer be required to take the CLAST. However, to earn an A.A. degree or transfer to a bachelor's program, you must still demonstrate college-level proficiency in English language skills, reading, writing/essay and computation skills.

If you have passed any of the CLAST subtests before July 1, 2009, you have met the requirements in those designated areas. If you have not previously passed the CLAST subtests see the following link for alternatives: http://www.spcollege.edu/webcentral/CLAST.htm.  DUAL ENROLLMENT, EARLY ADMISSIONS, & EARLY COLLEGE STUDENTS A Dual Enrollment, Early Admissions, or Early College student may not withdraw from any college course without permission from the Early College/Dual Enrollment office. Withdrawal from a course may jeopardize the student's graduation from high school. The Dual Enrollment office can be reached at 727 712-5281 (TS), 727 791-5970 (CL) or 727 394-6000 (SE). http://www.spcollege.edu/central/de/index.htm

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

All electronic devices including computers, cell phones, beepers, pagers, and related devices are to be silenced and/or turned off unless they are required for academic purposes. Any use of these devices (including texting) for non-academic purposes is a violation of College Policy and subject to disciplinary action.

Students may be required to have discussions of class assignments and share papers and other class materials with instructors and classmates via chat rooms and other mechanisms. Due to the potential piracy of students’ materials, the College is not responsible for student work posted on the Internet (outside of the college’s Learning

Management System, currently MyCourses, also known as D2L).

Each student's behavior in the classroom or online is expected to contribute to a positive learning/teaching environment, respecting the rights of others and their opportunity to learn. No student has the right to interfere with the teaching/learning process, including the posting of inappropriate materials on chatroom or Web page sites.

The instructor has the authority to ask a disruptive student to leave a classroom or lab. The instructor may also delete posts or materials from an online or blended class and/or take disciplinary action if disruptive behavior continues.

ONLINE STUDENT PARTICIPATION AND CONDUCT GUIDELINES The practices of courtesy and respect that apply in the on-campus classroom also apply online. Any discriminatory, derogatory, or inappropriate comments are unacceptable and subject to the same disciplinary action applied in courses offered on campus.  TurnItInThe instructor of this course may require use of Turnitin.com as a tool to promote learning. The tool flags similarity and mechanical issues in written work that merit review. Use of the service enables students and faculty to identify areas that can be strengthened through improved paraphrasing, integration of sources, or proper citation. Submitted papers remain as source documents in the Turnitin database solely for the purpose of detecting originality. Students retain full copyright to their works. The Turnitin Usage Agreement can be reviewed at: turnitin.com/agreement.asp. Students who do not wish to submit work through Turnitin must notify their instructor via course email within the first seven days of the course. In lieu of Turnitin use, faculty may require a student to submit copies of sources, preliminary drafts, a research journal, and/or an annotated bibliography.

CopyrightCopyrighted material within this course, or posted on this course website, is used in compliance with United States Copyright Law. Under that law you may use the material for educational purposes related to the learning outcomes of this course. You may not further download, copy, alter, or distribute the material unless in accordance with copyright law or with permission of the copyright holder. For more information on copyright visit: Copyright.gov.

STUDENT SURVEY OF INSTRUCTIONThe Student Survey of Instruction is administered in courses each semester. It is designed to improve the quality of instruction at St. Petersburg College. All student responses are confidential and anonymous and will be used solely for the purpose of performance improvement.

TechnologyMinimum Technology Requirements:

This is an online course so you must have access to a computer with reliable internet access. If your computer breaks down it is your responsibility to get to a computer at a local library, on campus, etc. and complete your work for the week on time. You will be submitting work by use of attachments/drag and drop/copy and paste which must be in .doc, .docx or .rtf format. Microsoft Word is best.

View the Technical Requirements for MyCourses.

SPC offers Microsoft Office software to current students at no additional cost. The software is available for both Windows and Mac computers.

View the How to Download Microsoft Office 2016 tutorial.

Minimum Technical Skills:

This is an online course. You must be able to use MS Word, attach/drag and drop documents and copy and paste documents.

You will be using the MyCourses learning management system (LMS). If you are not familiar with this LMS complete the Introduction to MyCourses found under your Home page.

There is a MyCourses Tutorial in the class with clear instructions on how to use all sections of the course. Also, you will see an Online Help link at the top of your page for help with any technical issues.

Accessibility of Technology

MyCourses (Brightspace by Desire2Learn) Accessibility

Turnitin Accessibility

Google (YouTube) Accessibility

Privacy

MyCourses (Brightspace by Desire2Learn) Privacy

Turnitin Privacy

YouTube Privacy

Technical Support

Technical support is available via the Technical Support Desk Call Center.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESSIn the event that a hurricane or other natural disaster causes significant damage to St. Petersburg College facilities, you may be provided the opportunity to complete your course work online. Following the event, please visit the college Web site for an announcement of the College's plan to resume operations.

Students should familiarize themselves with the emergency procedures and evacuation routes located in the buildings they use frequently.

Located in each classroom is an Emergency Response Guide (flip-chart) that contains information for proper actions in response to emergencies. Students should be prepared to assess situations quickly and use good judgment in determining a course of action. Students should evacuate to assembly areas in an orderly manner when an alarm sounds or when directed to do so by college faculty or staff or emergency services personnel. Students may access additional emergency information by going to go.spcollege.edu/Safety. In face to face courses your instructor will review the specific campus plans for emergency events.

CAMPUS SAFETY AND SECURITYFor information on campus safety and security policies please contact 727-791-2560. If there are questions or concerns regarding personal safety, please contact the Provost, Associate Provost, Campus Security Officer, or Site Administrator on your campus. go.spcollege.edu/Safety

SEXUAL PREDATOR INFORMATIONFederal and State law requires a person designated as a “sexual predator or offender” to register with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The FDLE is then required to notify the local law enforcement agency where the registrant resides, attends, or is employed by an institution of higher learning. Information regarding sexual predators or offenders attending or employed by an institution of higher learning may be obtained from the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for the particular campus by calling the FDLE hotline (1-888-FL-PREDATOR) or (1-888-357-7332), or by visiting the FDLE website at http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/homepage.do

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONSIf you wish to request accommodations as a student with a documented disability please make an appointment with the Learning Specialist on campus. If you will need assistance during an emergency classroom evacuation, please contact your campus learning specialist immediately about arrangements for your safety. The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities can be reached at 791-2628 or 791-2710 (CL and EPI), 341-4758 (SP/G), 394-6289 (SE), 712-5789 (TS), 341-3721 (HEC), 341-4532 (AC), or 341-7965 (DT).

Tutoring AssistanceTutoring assistance and academic support is available online and in person at Learning Centers: www.spcollege.edu/tutoring

On-Campus Support: www.spcollege.edu/tutoring/#tab=2

Online Support: www.spcollege.edu/tutoring/#tab=3

Technical AssistanceHelp Desk: web.spcollege.edu/helpdeskEmail: helpdesk@spcollege.eduPhone: 727-341-HELP (727-341-4357)

From Student and Educational Services-Students with Disabilitieswww.spcollege.edu/dr

If you wish to receive special accommodations as a student with a documented disability, please make an appointment with the Learning Specialist on the Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, or St. Petersburg sites.

If you have a documented hearing loss, please contact the Program for the Deaf at 791-2628 (V/TDD).

Clearwater AD 122791-2710

St. Petersburg/ Gibbs AD 120341-4316

Tarpon Springs Counseling 712-5789

Seminole SE 112 394-6108

LIBRARY SERVICES

There are libraries at various SPC sites. You may choose the one that is most convenient for you. You also can access library services online.

www.spcollege.edu/libraries

Withdrawal PolicyFEDERAL GUIDELINES RELATED TO FINANCIAL AID AND TOTAL WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COLLEGE

go.spcollege.edu/withdrawal

The U.S. Department of Education requires students who completely withdraw prior to the 60% point of the term and who receive Federal financial aid i.e., Federal Pell Grant, Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), Federal Stafford Loan, and/or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant SEOG--to repay a portion of their financial aid.

Students considering a withdrawal from all classes before the published withdrawal date should consult a financial assistance counselor to understand their options and the consequences of the total withdrawal. For further information regarding this policy and other financial assistance policies we encourage you to visit our website at: www.spcollege.edu/getfunds

DUAL ENROLLMENT, EARLY ADMISSIONS, & EARLY COLLEGE STUDENTS

A Dual Enrollment, Early Admissions, or Early College student may not withdraw from any college course without permission from the Early College/Dual Enrollment office. Withdrawal from a course may jeopardize the student's graduation from high school. The Dual Enrollment office can be reached at 727 712-5281 (TS), 727 791-5970 (CL) or 727 394-6000 (SE). see the Dual Enrollment site.

This syllabus is a guide and can be changed by the professor as needed.