Valencia Community Collegefd.valenciacollege.edu/file/kcowden/Cowden_ENC 0027...  · Web viewI earned my Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Florida State University, with

Valencia CollegeENC 0027

Integrated Reading and Writing II (4 Credits)

Sections Course Classroom Modules Open Module DueTBD ENC 0027 ONLINE Monday at 8:00 a.m. Sunday at 11:59

p.m.

Instructor Email Address Telephone:Karen Cowden, M.A. Ed./Developmental Ed. Specialist

[email protected] 407-582-1960

Campus/Office Hours: On Campus Hours: VirtualWest CampusBuilding 5 Room 143

Monday/Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. 11:30 a.m.– 1:00 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Friday11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m

Important Dates: See “Key Course Documents” in Canvas

Required TextTitle ISBN Publisher The Power of Habit 978-0307966643 Random House

NOTE – Book available FREE from Valencia College Library. There is only ONE online copy for the entire college. So, plan your reading or come to west campus for the FREE book on reserve in the library. You will have 2 hours to use it per day. Follow the directions on how to access library materials, here: http://valenciacollege.edu/library/services/how-to-borrow.cfm

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In this course you will spend a total of seven – 10 hours per week on assignments, activities, discussions, grammar exercises, chapter readings, quizzes, essays, revision and other

course content. If you cannot meet this expectation this term it is highly advised you choose another semester to complete the course.

Canvas works best with “Mozilla Firefox” or “Google Chrome” browsers.

Catalog Description:   An integrated reading and writing course designed for students scoring 50-83 on PERT reading and a 90-98 on PERT writing; or 84-103 on PERT reading and 50-89 on PERT writing; or 84-103 on PERT reading and 90-98 on PERT writing. The course will focus on reading comprehension, vocabulary skills, grammar, and essay writing. In addition, the course will address the connection between reading and writing through reading response activities. 

College Competencies: Valencia Student Core Competencies: Think, Value, Act, & Communicate -

Think: Think clearly, critically, and creatively by being able to analyze, synthesize, integrate, and evaluate in many domains of human inquiry

Value: Make reasoned judgments and responsible commitments with empathy and fair-mindedness.Act: In personal, professional, and community settings, act purposefully, effectively, and responsibly with courage and perseverance. Communicate: Effectively communicate verbally, non-verbally, and visually with honesty and civility in different disciplines and settings with different audiences using varied means.

Course Description:The course will focus on reading comprehension, vocabulary skills, grammar, and essay writing. In addition, the course will address the connection between reading and writing through reading response activities.

Major Learning Outcomes with Evidence, Core Competencies and Indicators

1. Students will demonstrate literal comprehension of interdisciplinary texts.

Corresponding Evidence of Learning

Differentiate between major and minor supporting details

Identify stated main ideas and supporting evidence

Recognize thesis statements Recognize how transitions signal the development of relationships between ideas Summarize text and restate in a meaningful manner

2. Students will apply inferential skills for a deeper level of comprehension.Corresponding Evidence of Learning

Draw logical conclusions based on evidence Differentiate between an inference and an assumption Demonstrate knowledge of figurative and connotative language

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All Valencia College Students have 24-HOUR TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR YOUR SUCCESS!

You must use the college-provided computer “helpline” IF YOU HAVE CANVAS ISSUES

WHEN MY OFFICE IS NOT OPEN. I can help get you to the right spot for support with the computer program(s), BUT I am not the 24-hour support

line.

Here are some links to get you started before we begin our course so that you can have your

Demonstrate authors' purpose Discriminate between fact, opinion, and false facts Recognize author's bias Determine the tone of a passage Identify implied main ideas and supporting details Determine patterns of organization within a passage

3. Students will apply active reading strategies to improve comprehension.Corresponding Evidence of Learning

Recognize the role that personal experience and/or prior knowledge plays in reading comprehension

Modify/adjust reading rate as appropriate for the situation Preview and predict text Apply note taking strategies during class and lab activities and with reading

assignments Document interaction with text

4. Students will be able to write a unified, developed, logically-organized essay.Corresponding Evidence of Learning

Create a thesis Construct an introductory paragraph to set up the thesis Construct body paragraphs that focus on one idea Develop ideas with specific and concrete details Organize paragraphs in a logical sequence

5. Students will apply the conventions of standard American English as appropriate for academic writing.

Corresponding Evidence of Learning

Construct sentences with at least one independent clause Employ appropriate coordinating and subordinating conjunctions and correct

punctuation to combine ideas in discrete sentence units Use verb forms that accurately the time and/or manner of an action Maintain agreement between subjects and verbs Choose pronoun forms to clearly indicate and agree with the person or thing referred

to Apply standard practices in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization

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Top Ten Success Tips from Other On-Line Students: Previous students who earned the highest possible score in this course have chosen to share some of their tips for success with you, below:

1. set an online schedule for weekly completion of assignments, lecture videos, discussions, quizzes, exams, and essays; 

2. read all of the assigned sections of the textbooks using the annotation skills in Chapter 1; 3. followed all of the directions for the activities/assignments; 4. emailed me from Atlas with questions prior to submitting their work or missing a deadline; 5. used college tutoring/communication center services when necessary; 6. proofread assignments for spelling and sentence errors;  7. submitted discussions on time;8. before pressing “Send,” confirmed that the right file(s) needed for the assignment were attached. 9. chose to complete the suggested "Valencia 101" module in the "Reference Materials" section to

understand how online learning works.10. did not withdraw even when things were getting tough, but chose to chat with a classmate,

advisor or professor to get back on track and make it!

The following assignments and possible points are provide for each student to determine his or her growth towards the course purpose. Further, it is provide clarity on the equity and energy to be expended to achieve your goal of a grade.

Total Possible Points = 200

A = 200-180B = 179-160

C = 159 – 140D = 139-120

F = under 119

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Assignment Possible Points5. Canvas 101 56. Grammarly 57. Discussion - Introduction 108. Discussion - Purdue OWL 109. Discussion – Chapter 1 1010.Discussion – Chapter 2 1011.Discussion – Chapter 3 1012.Essay 1 -Outline 1013.Essay 1 – Draft and Peer Review 1014.Essay 1 - Smarthinking Tutor Report 1015.Essay 1 - Final 1016.Survey – Course Progress from Start to Mid-

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17.Discussion – Chapter 4 1018.Discussion – Chapter 5 1019.Discussion – Chapter 6 1020.Essay 2 -Outline 1021.Essay 3– Draft and Peer Review 101. Essay 4 - Smarthinking Tutor Report 102. Essay 2 - Final 203. Discussion – Conclusion 104. Student Feedback on Instruction 5

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Academic Standards for College-Level/Professional Writing 

Writing standards are essential for employees, managers, directors and business owners. You will be judged (by students, parents, bosses, and peers) on your ability to write. You are expected to proof read your writing before turning it in. If you are unaware of how to proof read for the following items, use the resources in course section: ACADEMIC WRITING, or make an appointment in the Writing Center for direction.

Assignments in this class should be written direct and concise -- get to the point. Learn to avoid long, complicated sentences if you want your newsletters, notes to clients, and assignments to be read—entirely. All submission will need to be spell checked, proofread and edited.

Basic tips before you turn in an assignment:

1. Proof read your work out loud. Yes, out loud—to yourself!2. Have someone read your paper for content and correctness.3. Go through all the items on the list, below before hitting, “Submit”.4. Use the “SEE-IT” pattern, below.5. Submit your work to Smarthinking (see directions, below).

SEE-IT pattern:

State : your answer, in the first sentence of the paragraph Explain : what you mean in the second sentence Examples : Provide a list of examples, in a sentence Image : Describe a specific situation you observed in class Re-state: your answer in a summary sentence to end the paragraph

 Directions to Access Smartthinking:

Students can access Smarthinking through the Courses tab in Atlas. Please note students have an eight-hour limit of usage per semester, an increase from the previous five-hour limit. Smarthinking is best used as a back up to on-campus services and support, not a replacement. Directly above the Smarthinking link in

In our course we will do LOTS of writing. So, it is best to have a plan. Below is a suggested “Weekly Plan of Work”.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Thursday Friday Saturday

Sunday

Read 10 -15 pages in the assigned chapter in “Power of Habit”

Watch videos as assigned

Open Study Guide and complete your chosen 5 questions

Start draft of assignment/essay

Read 10-15 more pages in the assigned chapter of “Power of Habit”

Complete posting in this week’s DiscussionPost – your chosen 5 questions from the “Study Guide”

Reply to four or more peer postings in Discussion

Use the weekend, if needed, to catch-up or complete work

All items due before 11:59 p.m.

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Valencia wants all students to be successful in their classes. In this class section, use the “Thinking of Withdrawing” located above “My Grades” in Canvas to help you avoid needing to withdraw.

Go to https://youtu.be/fFlkAOh4pu4 to learn more!

We have experienced a moment when we thought the computer saved our work, or we had a ride to class, or we got sick, which made another thing

become stressful or unsuccessful. Things can happen in a moment’s notice that make our world challenging.

So, it is important you practice being professional with this course and arrange/plan in advance of a problem. Think of my class as a model for your career. If you would miss work you would need to inform your manager, just like you need to inform me. Communicate with me about issues, absences or

illness that may be affecting your work or participation. Unfortunately, due to the timeframe of our course I will be unable to accommodate all requests, yet

will attempt to be kind and compassionate to your situation. Since each student has up to three absences (missed submissions), without need of documentation,

e-mailing me excuse a note is not needed. Simply share the space and learn together, and as best as possible practice my

Welcome to Valencia College; we are enthused to have this opportunity to assist you in achieving your educational goals. Higher education is a privilege and an opportunity; it is your responsibility to realize that you are in control of those behaviors and actions that can enable success in this course. At our college we value a collaborative and equitable environment. There are basic principles we ascribe to in working together, known as the PJI principles. You can learn more about the Peace and Justice Institute, participate in free campus and on-line events, and community gatherings from the following website: http://valenciacollege.edu/pji/

Peace and Justice Institute PrinciplesHOW WE TREAT EACH OTHER

Our Practice of Respect and Community Building

1. Create a hospitable and accountable community.    We all arrive in isolation and need the generosity of friendly welcomes.   Bring all of yourself to the work in this community.  Welcome others to this place and this work, and presume that you are welcomed as well.  Hospitality is the essence of restoring community

2. Listen deeply.  Listen intently to what is said; listen to the feelings beneath the words.   Strive to achieve a balance between listening and reflecting, speaking and acting.

3. Create an advice free zone.  Replace advice with curiosity as we work together for peace and justice.  Each of us is here to discover our own truths.  We are not here to set someone else straight, to “fix” what we perceive as broken in another member of the group.

4. Practice asking honest and open questions.  A great question is ambiguous, personal and provokes anxiety.

5. Give space for unpopular answers.  Answer questions honestly even if the answer seems unpopular.  Be present to listen not debate, correct or interpret.

6. Respect silence.  Silence is a rare gift in our busy world.  After someone has spoken, take time to reflect without immediately filling the space with words.  This applies to the speaker, as well – be comfortable leaving your words to resound in the silence, without refining or elaborating on what you have said.

7. Suspend judgment.  Set aside your judgments.  By creating a space between judgments and reactions, we can listen to the other, and to ourselves, more fully.

8. Identify assumptions.  Our assumptions are usually invisible to us, yet they undergird our worldview.  By identifying our assumptions, we can then set them aside and open our viewpoints to greater possibilities.

9. Speak your truth.  You are invited to say what is in your heart, trusting that your voice will be heard and your contribution respected.  Own your truth by remembering to speak only for yourself.  Using the first person “I” rather than “you” or “everyone” clearly communicates the personal nature of your expression.

10.When things get difficult, turn to wonder.  If you find yourself disagreeing with another, becoming judgmental, or shutting down in defense, try turning to wonder: “I wonder what brought her to this place?”  "I wonder what my reaction teaches me?” “I wonder what he’s feeling right now?

11.Practice slowing down.  Simply the speed of modern life can cause violent damage to the soul.  By intentionally practicing slowing down we strengthen our ability to extend community building to others—and to ourselves.

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12.All voices have value.  Hold these moments when a person speaks as precious because these are the moments when a person is willing to stand for something, trust the group and offer something he or she sees as valuable.

13.Maintain confidentiality.  Create a safe space by respecting the confidential nature and content of discussions held in the group.  Allow what is said in the group to remain there.

Prepared by the Peace and Justice Institute with considerable help from the works of Peter Block, Parker Palmer, the Dialogue Group and the Center for Renewal and Wholeness in Higher Education

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Professor Cowden’s Philosophy, Bio and Classroom Policies

Professor Biography: Karen Cowden, M.A. Ed./Developmental Education Specialist/Endowed Chair

I am here to collaborate with you along your learning path in college.  Make sure to read my office hours and preferred method(s) of contact and learn the differences between on-line hours versus face-to-face.  My response time to e-mails is two business days, not 24-hour service.

I earned my Masters of Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida in 2003, with a specialization in Children’s Literacy and Course Design graduating with Honors. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Florida State University, with a minor in Journalism from Florida A&M University in 1993 graduating with Honors.   I earned my Associate of Arts degree from Valencia Community College in 1991 graduating with Honors.  I hold various roles within the college (and even outside of the college).  Within my work in the Communications Department I teach College Preparatory Reading - Levels I & II and English for Academic Purposes.  Within my work as a Faculty Fellow with the “Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation” I teach "Facilitating On-line Learning", "Teaching in the Learning College",

and "Circles of Innovation" for faculty. It is an amazing opportunity to work for a college that believes in the work-life balance, and helping all learners at any age, with any skills, enhance their lives.  I was once a Valencia College (Valencia Community College back then) graduate and proud to share my experiences in learning and growing with you.  It is a wonderful place to start and if you allow it to happen and take the opportunities for the clubs, free events, tutoring, and more offered through our college - you will develop the 4 core competencies (Think, Value, Communicate, Act) making you a "catch" for an employer.  One thing I did learn not only as a student at the college, but from my dear Aunt Patricia, is the "5P Rule" - Prior Planning Prevents a Poor Performance.  Therefore, in this course I hope to have provided you many tools to help you plan and prepare for a wonderful learning experience (and a lot of fun!).

I have been at Valencia as a faculty member since January 2007 and I am deeply involved in the governing work of the college and building a collaborative college community. I have served as or on Faculty Senate (West Campus President), Faculty Council (West Council Representative), Peace and Justice Institute (Committee Member), "Book Round" Club (Communications Division), and now as a Faculty Fellow with the Teaching and Learning Center for West Campus, particularly in Best Practices with student engagement and online format.  It is such fun to be "in-the-weeds" with my colleagues making our community and courses the best and most innovative - winning us amazing awards and helping students get great careers!   In addition to my work with the college, I consult with publishers on course content, technology tools, and "Best Practices" for textbooks, online programs, and conferences.  One of my most professional honors is receiving my Endowed Chair, four years in a row, generously funded by the William C. Demetree, Jr. Foundation.  The chair focused on building bridges with OSD (Office of Students with Special Disabilities) and Special Needs Students and faculty/deans/staff.  With an award of $3,900.00 to focus on engaging technological platforms to empower students I facilitated the direction and production of 31 speech-language interpreted videos for the REA 0017 exam, which are now delivered via secure testing in the testing centers on multiple

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campuses.  Further, I hosted two “Dinner and Learn with OSD” sessions where 75 faculty, deans, and other engaged leaders gathered to learn “Best Practices” with OSD Staff, the “Live Scribe ECHO” pen and it’s features, tips and tricks to have “sensitive, yet crucial conversations with OSD students”, and to collaborate with colleagues.  Finally, I purchased eight “Live Scribe ECHO” pens for student use (checked out from the OSD office on west campus), as well as basic college supplies (notebooks, pens, paper, other items).

Recently I presented at NADE (National Association for Developmental Education), FDEA (Florida Developmental Education Association), FCIE (Florida Council on International Education), and SCADE (South Carolina Association of Developmental Education).  While out on sabbatical in fall, 2018 I continued work on my “Professional Writing Certificate” program at the University of Central Florida. This past December 2017, my son, Ethan, turned two and he has given me an entirely new perspective on being a parent and working/doing schoolwork.  If you need any support with kid friendly things in Orlando, I am here.

I hope you will find that in my course you work on concepts that really intrigue you, inspire you, and even entertain you.  Reading, learning and teaching have been a passions of mine, along with writing personal journals of my adventures around the globe (just ask me to see some of them and I will e-mail you a copy) for many years.  Therefore, I hope to pass along that passion with lots of empathy, and caring, to you this semester. Below you will read quite a few class and college policies. It is VITAL that you read these with detail just as you would when purchasing a car, house, or other valuable commodity. A syllabus is a contract, which means we are making an agreement between us on how to engage and experience the semester. If at any time you need support I am here to help, you comprehend and complete your contract (syllabus). So, just chat with me; and/or, come by and have a cup of coffee – I am good at cooking, too.

Peace be with you,

Karen Cowden, M.A. Ed./Developmental Education Specialist

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Grading Rubric for Assignments  Criteria Novice Competent Proficient

• Spelling, Grammar, Formatting

0 PointsSeveral major mistakes of spelling and formatting Several mistakes in grammar, Illogical or hard to read (not numbered, or no bullets) Use of "i"

1 PointsLess than two mistakes of spelling and formatting Less than two mistakes in grammar, Hard to read (not numbered, or no bullets)

2 PointsNo major mistakes of spelling and formatting No mistakes in grammar, Easy to read (items numbered, or use of bullets) No use of "i"

Organization: focus, progression of ideas,

thesis developed

0 PointsLacking Structure Disorganized & unfocused; serious problems with coherence and progression of ideas; weak or non-existent thesis

1 PointsGenerally organized & focused, demonstrating coherence & progression of ideas; presents a thesis and suggests a plan of development which is mostly carried out

2 PointsThesis presented or implied with noticeable coherence; provides specific & accurate support

Language: word choice, & sentence

variety

0 PointsDisplays frequent & fundamental errors in vocabulary; sentences may be simplistic and disjointed

1 PointsDeveloping facility in language use, sometimes uses weak vocabulary or inappropriate usage or word choice; sentence structure tends to be below college-level & often repetitious

2 PointsChoice of language & sentence structure; precise & purposeful, demonstrating a command of language and variety of sentence structures

Meaning & Development: ideas, examples, reasons &

evidence, point of view

0 PointsNo viable point of view; little or no evidence; weak critical thinking , pro viding inappropriate or insufficient examples, reasons, or other evidence of support

1 PointsDevelops a point of view & demonstrates competent critical thinking; enough supporting detail to accomplish the pur pose of the post

2 PointsIdeas are fresh, mature & extensively developed; insightfully develops a point of view & demonstrates outstanding critical thinking

• Conveys “your presence”- reinforce

your conclusions with real life and professional experiences

0 PointsDid not respond to anyone else and made no connections to course material and career/personal life.

1 PointsResponded appropriately to others but made limited connections to course material and career/personal life.

2 PointsRichly responded appropriately to others comments and feedback making conclusions and connections to course material and career/personal life.

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Class and College Policies

1. Free Microsoft Programs Valencia College is pleased to announce that we are now able to offer the Microsoft Student Advantage to our current students!  Microsoft Student Advantage offers students the free Office 365 ProPlus, which is a full version of Office and includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and more.  Office 365 ProPlus is a user-based service and allows each student to install on up to five PCs or MACs and access Office mobile applications on iPhone and Android phones.  Your Office ProPlus subscription will remain valid while you are an active Valencia student.

To download your free subscription to Office ProPlus:1.    Log into your Atlas Account2.    Click on the EMAIL icon in the upper right corner3.    If given an option, select Atlas Email

& Office 3654.    Click on the Settings Icon5.    Select Office 365 Settings6.    Select Software7.    Follow the instructions provided to install the software

2. Attendance/Participation/Technology/DevicesFailure to complete assigned work by the appropriate due dates will be considered the same as absence. Late work may be accepted, at the discretion of the instructor, but will be given only half credit. After 3 missed assignments a student WILL be withdrawn and be financially responsible for any consequences to financial aid, VISA status, or other implications/personal penalties.

Important Note for International Students (F-1 or J-1 Visa): Withdrawal from this course may negatively impact your visa status. Consult the International Student Services office for more information on full-time enrollment requirements.

3. Weather EmergenciesIn the case of weather emergencies, you can find out about school closings by signing up to update your information for Valencia Alerts.

4. Security StatementWe want to reassure you that our security officers are here around the clock to ensure the safety and security of the campus community. It’s important to remain alert and aware of your surroundings, especially during the early morning or evening hours. Remember that you can always call security for an escort if you feel uncomfortable walking alone on campus. White security phones can also be found in many of our buildings; simply pick up the phone and security will answer. Finally, report any suspicious persons to West

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Valencia College is committed to providing each student a

quality educational experience. Faculty members have set high

standards of instruction for themselves and for you.

If you have a problem in a class, or your instructor has a

problem with you, the first step is to have a private talk to your instructor in their office during

office hours. If you or the professor are still dissatisfied, either party may talk with the academic dean of the division for your class. We will work

together to resolve any issues that arise.

Campus Security at 407-582-1000, 407-582-1030 (after-hours number) or by using the yellow emergency call boxes located on light poles in the parking lots and along walkways.

Students on Financial AidBright Futures withdrawal information:  If you withdraw or are withdrawn by the professor from any course(s) that were paid for by a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, you are responsible for repaying the cost of tuition and fees for those course(s).

Students on financial aid should consult an advisor or counselor before withdrawing from a course; there may be financial implications to the student which he or she must know about to make an informed decision before withdrawing from a course. Students with some scholarships who withdraw or are withdrawn from a class must pay the college for the cost of the class. Other scholarship sponsors may also require repayment.

5. Withdrawal from the Class:

Withdrawing from a college course affects not only your overall G.P.A., but also your financial aid and possible ability to continue with your chosen course sequence. It is best to have a conversation WITH YOUR PROFESSOR for guidance on possible withdrawal PRIOR to making such a CRITICAL DECISION. The professor will not withdraw any student for any reason; it is the responsibility of the student to withdraw themselves before the withdrawal deadline and to be aware of the date of the withdrawal deadline.If you do not intend to complete the course, you must withdraw yourself prior to the withdrawal date. Review the complete policy at http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policydetail.cfm?RecordID=75.

A student who withdraws from class before the withdrawal deadline noted on the first page of this syllabus under “Important Dates” will receive a grade of “W.” A faculty member is permitted to withdraw a student from the faculty member's class up to the beginning of the final exam period, for violation of the faculty member's attendance policy, as published in the faculty member's syllabus. A student is not permitted to withdraw from this class after the withdrawal deadline; if you remain in the class after the withdrawal deadline, you can only receive a grade of A, B, C, D, F or I. An I grade will only be assigned under extraordinary circumstances that occur near the end of the semester. If you receive an I, the work missed must be made up during the following semester, at which time you will get an A, B,C,D or F. Failure to make up the work during the following semester will result in you getting a grade of F in the course. Any student who withdraws from this class during a third or subsequent attempt in this course will be assigned a grade of “F.” International students on an F1 Visa may lose their F1 Visa due to an attendance withdrawal. Students who do not attend class during the first week of class or online students who do not complete assignments during the first week of class will be listed as No Shows. Student on financial aid will be asked to re-pay the amount of the class.

In order to academically maintain financial aid, students must meet all of the following requirements:

Complete 67% of all classes attempted, and

Maintain a Valencia GPA of 2.0 or higher, and

Maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher, and

Complete  degree within the 150% timeframeDetailed information about maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP) can be found at: http://valenciacollege.edu/finaid/satisfactory_progress.cfm

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6. Baycare Behavioral Health’s Student Assistance ProgramValencia is committed to making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help that may assist them with psychological issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. Students have 24 hour unlimited access to the Baycare Behavioral Health’s confidential student assistance program phone counseling services by calling (800) 878-5470. Three free confidential face-to-face counseling sessions are also available to students.

7. Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD): Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a Notification to Instructor (NTI) form from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor, preferably during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities.

Valencia College values all learning styles and learners. As such, I take time to know each student’s strengths will:

- Read and review all concepts in my syllabus with the class. - Demonstrate to students that Valencia is sensitive to and concerned about meeting

the needs of all students. - Encourage students to make their accommodation needs known to me early in the

semester.- Contact information: West Campus SSB, Rm. 102 Phone: 407-582-1523 Fax: 407-

582-1326

8. Links to the College Catalog, Policy Manual, and the Student Handbook: Policy Manual - http://www.valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/1. College Catalog -

http://www.valenciacollege.edu/catalog/ (includes a description of policies) Student Handbook -

http://valenciacollege.edu/studentdev/CampusInformationServices.cfm

9. Academic Honesty/Dishonesty – Plagiarism All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia Community College.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive. Any student determined by the professor to have been guilty of engaging in an act of academic dishonesty shall be subject to a range of academic penalties as determined by the professor. Each student is required to follow Valencia policy regarding academic honesty. All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the

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Excelsior College Online Writing Lab (OWL) has loads of material on the on plagiarism. Check their website for free support and lessons at http://owl.excelsior.edu/plagiarism/

In addition, this website contains so many resources on writing overall. And there is an ESL section.

student’s individual thoughts, research, and self-expression unless the assignment specifically states ‘group project.

The penalties may include, but not be limited to, one or more of the following:

Loss of credit for an assignment, examination, or project Reduction in the course grade A grade of “F” in the course

For further detail, refer to the Student Code of Conduct in the current Valencia Student Handbook.

10.Atlas & Canvas: Your Atlas account and the class Canvas page are essential tools for your success in the course. Class notifications, progress notices, special readings, and attendance warnings are sent through Canvas (check your Atlas e-mail prior to each course meeting). If you need help, technical support and computer labs are available.

11.Make-up Policies and Procedures Students may make-up ONE assignment or test. A written request, via e-mail, is required within 24 hours of missing the due date.

12. Faculty/Student Communication –E-mail Etiquette and Issues: 

Emails are formal documents (which means that a Dean or others can request to read notes if needed) that show the professional relationship between student and their professors.  As such, you do have rules to e-mailing that require demonstration of academic skills.  See the “Student Code of Conduct” page, below.

You can expect to wait less than 2 business days until you receive a response. o For students whose interaction in your course is

through on-line methods, we recommend that they document technical issues (copy emails, save screen shots, etc.).

o Check their emails every other day, at least.

13.Class/On-Line Rules of Student Behavior – Code of Conduct/Interruptions

The primary responsibility for managing the class environment rests with your professor, and you will find the Student Code of Conduct in the current Valencia Student Handbook: http://valenciacollege.edu/studentdev/CampusInformationServices.cfm Disciplinary action could include withdrawing a student from class or initiating a disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate and authorized actions.

The consequences for interruption during a lecture/lesson will be redirection to the topic. After the second instance the student will be invited to leave the class and have a private meeting with me in my office prior to returning to the class session(s). The only issue that

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Valencia College is committed to providing each student a quality

educational experience. Faculty members have set

high standards of instruction for themselves

and for you. If you have a problem in a

class, or your instructor has a problem with you, the first step is to have a

private talk to your instructor in their office

during office hours. If you or the professor are still dissatisfied, either party

may talk with the academic dean of the

division for your class. We

will be forwarded to the Dean would be those of personally attacking the professor or insubordination. I will direct any student who engages in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in the disruption of a class to leave the class. Violations of any classroom or Valencia rules may lead to disciplinary actions up to and including expulsion from Valencia.

14.Academic/Assignment “Emergencies “ Many times academic/assignment “emergencies” can be avoided if you practice the “5PRule”:

Have a “Back-Up” Plan - Back-up can mean several things. First, it’s important that you complete all your assignments at least 2 days in advance of the listed due date/deadline in case something “happens” or you are ill. You need to turn in all your work on time or early.  Make sure you have way to get work to me before

the due date.  Then, arrange or plan in advance of a problem for turning in your work be it by a relative or friend, a classmate at school, one of the Valencia tutors in the lab, or a neighbor.

15. Emergencies

I have experienced a moment when I thought the computer saved my work, or I had a ride to class, or I got sick, which made another thing become stressful or unsuccessful. Things can happen in a moments notice that make our world challenging. So, it is important you practice being professional with this course and arrange/plan in advance of a problem. Think of my class as a model for your career. If you would miss work you would need to inform your manager, just like you need to inform me. Communicate with me about issues, absences or illness that may be affecting your work or participation. Unfortunately, due to the timeframe of our course I will be unable to accommodate all requests, yet will attempt to be kind and compassionate to your situation. Since each student has up to three absences, without need of documentation, bringing me notes is not needed. Simply come and share the space and learn together, and as best as possible practice the “5 P Rule”.

16.Support Services Tutoring services are available in bldg. 7-240 (Phone: 407-582-1633) Writing Center is located in Building 5 – Room 155 (Phone: 407-582-1812)

The West Campus Writing Center is an appointment-based resource located in building 5, room 155 (Phone: 407-582-5454). At the Writing Center, consultants help students at any point of the writing/learning process. The qualified staff will go over English language assignments with students from all disciplines and courses, college wide, helping with grammar assignments; pronunciation; understanding main ideas and other reading skills; organizing and developing a speech; constructing paragraphs, essays, or research papers; and scholarship essays, letters, and resumes. The Writing Center consultant will not edit or proofread the paper. The student should make attempts at revising and editing on his or her own before coming to the Writing Center. 

The hours are: Monday through Thursday, 8am-8pm; Friday, 8am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-2pm.For more information, please visit http://valenciacollege.edu/learning-support/communications/writing.cfm

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5 P Rule: Prior planning prevents a

poor performance.

Smarthinking (smarthinking.com) is an online on-demand student support site free through “Atlas” Go to the “Students” tab and look on the right-hand side of the screen for “Smarthinking”. Smarthinking offers tutoring in a variety of subjects: math, nursing, allied health, writing, reading, science, Spanish, business, computers and technology. Students have several options: Drop-In Tutoring, Scheduled Appointments, Offline Questions, and Paper Submissions to the Writing Center. Math tutors are available 24/7, here is the schedule for all other subjects. Just added this summer are apps for both iOS and Android devices. 

Students can access Smarthinking through the Courses tab in Atlas. Please note students have an eight hour limit of usage per semester, an increase from the previous five hour limit. Smarthinking is best used as a back up to on-campus services and support, not a replacement. Directly above the Smarthinking link in Atlas is a link to Learning Support’s website, a great place to check for campus-based information (http://valenciacollege.edu/learning-

support/).   

Rest assured, Smarthinking tutors are:  …seasoned educators - 90% have an advanced degree in their fields and they average over 9 years of teaching or tutoring experience. Drawn from college faculty, graduate students, high school teachers and retired educators, all tutors must complete Smarthinking’s online training program and are regularly evaluated for quality and consistency.

Study tips

LEARNING IS AN ACTION VERB! Most students need to do more than just sit through lectures and reread their notes. Spend 1-2 hour blocks of time EVERY DAY actively writing or discussing concepts to make them a part of your memory. Use the words you learn often, they will sink in better. Here are some study and classroom management tips that have assisted former students:- Attend class daily and don’t be tardy. The introduction to each lecture explains the purpose of the entire lecture. Students who follow this rule won’t miss important information.- REWRITE YOUR NOTES soon after the lecture; if the instructor permits, tape record lectures and replay to refresh your memory when you rewrite your notes.- Create flash cards with questions you make up from the lecture and lab with answers on the back.- Use mnemonic devises and other games to remember concepts; go to Google images, YouTube and Khan Academy for additional pictures and videos to clarify concepts.- Make lists of confusing topics from your studying and ask questions.

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- Take advantage of the professor’s office hours.- JOIN A STUDY GROUP and predict what questions the professor could ask on the test.

- Get the telephone number of one or more buddies in case you are absent from a class.

Syllabus Changes/DisclaimerThe course outline and syllabus are subject to change as needed; changes will be announced in class (or state how you will contact students with this information, such as by using ATLAS email, Canvas, etc.) in a timely manner, when necessary. Your continued participation in this course after the drop-add deadline period constitutes an agreement with and an acceptance of this syllabus.

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