3110 Mustang Road Alvin, TX 77511-4898 Phone: 281-756-3500

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. J. M. Raniseski (Dr. R) E-MAIL: jmraniseski@alvincollege.eduOFFICE: D-108 PHONE: 281-756-3733

OFFICE HOURS: MW 10-11, 12:30-1 & 2:30-3:30; TTh 10-11 & 12:30-2:00; F 1-2

WEBSITE: www.alvincollege.edu

WELCOME TO: PSYC 1300-05

Course Title: Learning FrameworkCourse Number: PSYC 1300-05Credit Hours: 3Lecture Hours: 3 per weekLab Hours: 0Total Contact Hours: 48Term and Year: Fall 2017Class Days & Times: MW 11 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.Classroom Location: G-126

A. COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR PROFESSOR: You’re welcome to contact me at any time by email (jmraniseski@alvincollege.edu); during my scheduled office hours – my office is located in Bldg D, room 108; or by appointment.

B. COURSE DESCRIPTION: A study of the 1) research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition, and motivation; 2) factors that impact learning; and 3) application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition, and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college- level student academic strategies. Students use assessment instruments (e.g., learning inventories) to help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and become effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to continually draw from the theoretical models they have learned.

C. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to correctly answer objective, short answer or essay questions about the following topics

1. Theoretical approaches to learning, motivation, and success 2. Strategies for remembering and applying what they’ve read in college textbooks 3. Personality types, learning styles, intelligence types, as well as the related career options 4. Steps involved in setting and achieving goals 5. Motivational strategies and time management skills 6. Successful study habits and test-taking skills 7. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills 8. Effective note-taking strategies for lectures and reading assignments 9. Writing and presentation skills10. Job hunting strategies, resume writing, and interviewing skills11. College resources and terminology

2

12. Budgeting and money saving tips13. Recognizing and coping with common problems14. Understanding how to initiate and maintain healthy relationships

D. PRE-REQUISITE COURSES: None

E. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND COURSE MATERIALS: The following items are necessary to ensure your success in this course.

1. Desire to learn and be successful

2. Positive attitude about your learning potential and future career

3. Willingness to ask for help whenever it’s needed

4. Sense of humor

5. Textbook: Raniseski, J.M. (2015). College Success: Before, During, and After. (2nd Ed.). Dubuque: IA. Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. [ISBN: 978-1-4652-7496-0]

Note: For more information about the textbook, including details about how to order your book online and have it delivered to your home, visit the ACC College Store’s website at www.alvinccstore.com; call 281-756-3681; or go in person to the College Store in the E-bldg. (center of campus – in the round building). Their hours of operation are Mon-Thurs 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and Fri 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

6. 1.5-2” binder to hold the 3-hole punched textbook, lecture notes, and handouts 7. WebACCess account

8. Active Blackboard account (complete Blackboard orientation video)

9. A Weekly and Monthly calendar (paper or app)

10. Stapler

11. Collegiate dictionary and/or dictionary app.

12. “Backpack Buddy” which contains: a. Small stapler and a box of staples b. Container of paper clips – variety of sizes c. 6+ pens – at least 3 black and 3 in a variety of colors d. 2-3 highlighters – in different colors e. 3-4 pencils with erasers f. small pencil sharpener g. Band-Aids – in a variety of sizes (Accidents happen.) h. Pain relievers – Tylenol, Advil, aspirin, Motrin, etc. i. Stomach soothers – Tums, Imodium, Alka-Seltzer, etc. (Whichever one works for you.) j. $2 in change for the copy machine and/or vending machines k. Spare car key – in case you lock yourself out (Been there. Done that.) l. Portable cell phone charger and/or outlet charger m. Small map of the campus

3

n. List of medications, allergies, and emergency contact(s) o. Lens cleaning cloth(s), if you wear glasses p. Allergy medicine, if you suffer from seasonal allergies q. Small packet of tissues r. Post-It notes – in a variety of sizes s. Bottle of correcting fluid (white out) t. Extra memory stick (thumb drive) for emergency situations u. Small bottle of hand sanitizer v. Mints or gum - for fresh breath (You never know who you might meet on campus!) w. Small ruler

F. CORE REQUIREMENTS (Only required for CORE courses): As part of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Core Curriculum requirement, students in this course will gain a foundation of knowledge in human cultures and the physical and natural world; develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse world; and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning. The following chart outlines the core requirements that are applicable to this course; the activities in which students will participate to develop skills in the required areas; a determination of how students’ mastery of those areas will be assessed; and the level of expertise students are expected to demonstrate. Please note that these requirements are already included in the computation of the course grade and are not a separate grade.

Core Educational Objectives Activities Assessments

Cr *Critical Thinking Skills: Problem solving, creativity, innovation, inquiry,

analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.

- Core writing assignment- In-class discussions and debates- Reading and discussing the textbook chapter on critical thinking- Exam questions

- Core writing assignment grading rubric- Class participation points- Points earned for giving correct exam answers

*Communication Skills (Written, Oral & Visual): The effective development, interpretation, and expression of ideas.

- Core writing assignment - Reading and discussing the textbook chapter on researching, writing, and presenting college papers- Short answer and essay exam questions- Participating in class discussions and in-class activities- Designing chapter mind maps and outlines

- Core writing assignment grading rubric- Points earned for giving correct exam answers- Participation points

Empirical and Quantitative Skills: The manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.

- Interpreting and summarizing data in the core writing assignment- Calculating GPA’s

- Core writing assignment grading rubric- Points earned for giving correct exam answers

Ta Teamwork Skills: The ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others in support of shared goals.

- Classroom discussions- Small and large group activities

- Class participation points for in- class debates and group activities

4

S *Social Responsibility Skills: Intercultural competency, commitment to equality, knowledge of civic responsibilities, and the ability to engage effectively in

regional, national, and global communities.

- Core writing assignment- In-class discussions- Group activities

- Core writing assignment grading rubric- Class participation points

P Personal Responsibility Skills: The ability to to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.

- Assignment deadlines- Scheduled exams- Attendance

- Points earned on assignments- Missed exams- Attendance points

*Indicates core areas required for this course

G. ATTENDANCE POLICY: ACC students are required to attend all classes. If an absence is unavoidable, the student is responsible for contacting the professor and completing all work missed during the absence. Any work missed, and not subsequently completed, will negatively affect the student’s grade, regardless of the reason for the absence. Absences in excess of two weeks will be reported to the Office of Advising Services, along with the professor’s recommendation for addressing the issue.

Note: Students should not assume that their courses will be automatically dropped for non-attendance or nonpayment. Students are responsible for withdrawing from any course they do not wish to complete.

H. CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND HONESTY: ACC students are members of an institution that’s dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge through a formalized program of instruction and learning. At the heart of this endeavor, lie the core values of academic integrity which include honesty, truth, and freedom from lies and fraud. Because personal integrity is important in all aspects of life, students at ACC are expected to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity both in and out of the classroom. Incidents of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and students found guilty of such conduct will be subject to severe disciplinary measures (e.g., receiving an “F” on an exam, an “F” on an assignment, an “F” in an entire course and/or suspension from the college). These are two examples of academic integrity and honesty violations:

1. Cheating: Looking at someone else’s exam answers; allowing someone else to look at your exam answers; telling other students what questions are included on the exam; asking others what’s on an exam; using electronic devices to find answers during exams; using unauthorized notes or books during exams, etc.

2. Plagiarism: This means taking credit for something that was thought up and/or written by someone else. It includes copying word-for-word from an article, website, or book without giving credit to the author(s); taking credit for someone else’s ideas or theories; not listing all of the sources of information you used in your paper or slide presentation; etc.

Note: College provides you with the opportunity to explore YOUR own ideas, beliefs, and values; and to demonstrate YOUR own creativity, knowledge, and skills. This is your chance to grow and improve yourself, so don’t throw it all away by refusing to do your own work and/or looking for the easy way out.

I. CLASSROOM PROTOCOL: It is the right of each student to participate in his or her learning, and it is the responsibility of each student to not interfere with the learning of other students. It is the expectation of the college that each student assumes the responsibility to follow college policies and procedures governing classroom conduct on campus and online. Note: This information is also published in the ACC Student Handbook.

5

1. Respect: Everyone (professors, staff, students, and visitors) deserves to be respected, both on and off of the campus. I insist that anyone who’s attending one of my classes will give, and be given, the proper level of respect. This means you’re:

a. NOT reading unrelated, outside material during class or doing homework for another class. b. NOT engaging in excessive daydreaming during class. c. NOT sleeping during class. d. NOT playing video clips or games on your cell phone or laptop computer during class. e. NOT eyeing the clock or packing up to leave before I’ve dismissed the class. f. NOT chatting with your neighbors while others are trying to participate and learn. g. NOT texting, playing games, or updating your Facebook status during class.

Official Warning: I won’t hesitate to ask you to leave the classroom, temporarily or permanently, if you fail to demonstrate respect for me and/or for your classmates. Please don’t embarrass yourself, and waste valuable class time, by forcing me to discipline you in front of everyone else. This is college, not high school or junior high, so please behave accordingly.

2. Technology: Cell phones, MP3 players, tablets, microwaves, televisions, remote controlled cars, electric razors, blenders, etc. may NOT be used during class , unless I have given you prior permission to do so.

*** All electronic devices must be turned off and put away during class. *** Note: I understand that you might experience painful withdrawal symptoms during your “unplugged” time, but your fellow classmates and I promise we won’t let you die. I’ll even cross my heart and swear on a stack of IPad’s, if it’ll make you feel better.) Besides, it’s only fair. If I can’t use mine, you can’t use yours.

On a more serious note, you may not think that tapping away on your cell phone or tablet is interfering with your ability to learn (which is scientifically false), but it definitely distracts me and anyone who’s unfortunate enough to be seated near you. Thus, NO CELL PHONES, LAPTOPS, or TABLETS MAY BE USED DURING CLASS (unless you’ve been given prior approval). If you’re caught using a cell phone during class, without prior approval, it’ll become mine until: a) the class has ended and everyone else has gone; b) you’ve respectfully apologized for being rude and disrespectful; c) you’ve politely asked for it back; and d) forfeited your attendance points for that day.

J. ACC’s STUDENT SUCCESS AND SUPPORT SERVICES: All of the following resources will be available to help you reach your academic goals:

1. Dr. Raniseski (“Dr. R”) – available after class, during office hours, and by email

2. Textbook and lecture notes

3. Classmates - Don’t be shy; they need you as much as you need them

4. ACC’s Learning Lab: Located in A-204B (inside the Library), it offers a wide variety of services including tutoring, computer access, printers, testing facilities, and study areas. Their hours of

operation are: Mon-Thurs 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., and Fri 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. For more information call

6

281-756-3566 or visit their website at www.alvincollege.edu/TutoringLearningLab.aspx.

Note: Testing hours are Mon-Thurs 10:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and Fri 10:00 a.m.-noon. *Closed on Fridays during summer. 

5. ACC’s Library: Provides access to countless reference sources, as well as, staff members who are well-versed in locating educational information for research papers. Visit the Library in A-204, Mon- Thurs 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; call 281-756-3854; go to their website at www.alvincollege.edu/Library.aspx; or send an email to library@alvincollege.edu for more

information.

Note: You can access online library resources using the following login information:

Username: RCC5268 and Password: TX77511

6. Office of Disability Services (ODS): ACC complies with the ADA and 504 Federal guidelines by affording equal access to individuals who are seeking an education. Students who have a

disability and would like accommodations must register first with the ODS and provide proper documentation. Call 281-756-3533 to schedule an appointment or stop by the Admissions Office

and ask to speak with Ms. Cross (A-136). Their hours of operation are Mon-Tues 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Wed-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information and access to necessary forms visit their website at http://www.alvincollege.edu/Disability-Services.

7. Assessment and Care Team (ACT): The Assessment and Care Team is committed to improving

community safety through a proactive, collaborative, coordinated, objective, and thoughtful approach to the prevention, identification, assessment, intervention, and management of situations that pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the campus community. To educate and empower all members of the College community, resources and procedures are in place to prevent, deter, and respond to concerns regarding acts of violence. Alvin Community College offers assistance to departments and individuals in detecting indicators for concern and resources to protect themselves and their environments.

Alvin Community College’s ACT accepts reports regarding any individual or incident at any time through an online referral form on the Assessment and Care Team page at http://www.alvincollege.edu/ACT, direct email to: ACareTeam@alvincollege.edu, or by contacting the Alvin Community College Police Department at 281-756-3700 or 832-250-3365 (after hours).

8. MyBlackboard (ACC’s online learning platform): Most of your professors will use Blackboard as a learning tool for their courses, so you’ll need to register for an account and complete the basic orientation tutorial before you can access those resources.

Note: For technical support, please complete the online help form within your course’s homepage, visit their website at https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=VjU8E9Rsbr5GHLx5S09ZMg# or email the Distance Education Department directly at de@alvincollege.edu.

9. WebACCess: Provides 24-hour access to your academic records, information about course availability, course registration, degree plan audits, etc. Technical support can be obtained by visiting their website at www.alvincollege.edu/informationtechnology/helpdeskinformation or by calling the IT Department’s Help Desk at 281-756-3544.

10. Computer Lab (Cyber Lab): Provides access to numerous computers, free printing (up to 20 pages per day), computer account assistance, and basic computer skills tutoring. Visit the lab in

A-173; call 281-756-3544; or visit their website at helpdesk@alvincollege.edu for more information about their services. Their hours of operation are Mon-Tues 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; & Wed-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

11. ACC App: If you haven’t done so already, take a few minutes to download the new ACC smartphone

7

app. Just search for “Alvin Community College” in your preferred app store and install it for free. This is a great source of information about the college, as well as, a way to network, chat, and share resource information with other ACC students. Once you’ve downloaded it, be sure to “Friend” me!

12. Wi-Fi Access: If you’re on campus and want to access ACC’s Wi-Fi network, simply enter the code: ACCWIFI (all capital letters), and you’ll be ready to go. Note: Some buildings on campus

have better reception than others.

13. Student Activities and Organizations: If you’re looking for ways to meet people on campus, then you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the more than 25 student organizations that have already been formed by your fellow students. You can find most of them listed on the Student Activities website at http://www.alvincollege.edu/Student-Activities. If none of those clubs interest you, then you should start your own! All you need is two other interested students, and an ACC faculty or staff member who’s willing to serve as your sponsor, and you’re good to go! Call 281-756-3686 or visit the Student Activities Office in E-126 between the hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon-Fri.

Note: Making strong campus connections will greatly increase the likelihood that you’ll be successful

in your educational pursuit, so get involved ASAP!

14. Fitness Center: ACC has a fitness center on campus (F-bldg.), that’s open 7 days a week (Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat noon-4 p.m.; and Sun 1 p.m.-5 p.m.). All you need is your student ID and you’ll have total access to the fitness equipment, gymnasium, tennis courts, and racket ball courts. Check it out because it’ll save you from paying high fees at an off-campus fitness facility. It’ll also help you get (or stay) in shape and manage your stress level.

15. K-ACC: This is ACC’s student run radio station, and it’s located at 89.7 on your FM dial. It’s a great source of entertainment and campus information. Every few hours a different student DJ takes over

the mic, so tune in and discover your favorites.

16. ACC’s Facebook Page: Make sure you take the time to visit our Campus Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/alvincommunitycollege, and don’t forget to “Like” us when you do. This will keep you connected to other ACC students and up-to-date on all of the latest happenings around the campus.

17. Study Areas on Campus: Whenever possible, you should come to campus at least one hour before your classes begin and/or stay on campus one or more hours after your last class ends to study and

work on homework assignments. Why? Because you’re much more likely to be productive on campus than you would be if you were at home. Trust me.

Note: Every building has at least one designated study area; the Library has private study rooms; and in the afternoons, there are empty classrooms available in every building on campus that you

can use. Don’t let a noisy or distracting home environment keep you from being successful; especially when you have so many great study areas on campus.

18. Campus Police: They provide parking permits, personal protection/safety, and on-campus assistance. They’re located in the H-bldg., and open 24 hours per day. For emergencies call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies call 281-756-3700.

K. MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING AND SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES: If you, and/or a classmate, are struggling with a personal issue (e.g., relationship problem, family problem, homelessness; financial problem, increased anxiety, substance abuse, depression, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, test anxiety, loneliness, sexually transmitted illness, pregnancy, family illness, etc.), during the

8

semester, please stop by the Admissions Office and ask to speak with one of our licensed professional counselors or call 281-756-3531 to schedule an appointment. Their hours of operation are Mon-Tues 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Wed-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m. You can also visit their website at: http://www.alvincollege.edu/CounselingServices.aspx

Help is just a brief visit or phone call away, so don’t suffer in silence or take any unnecessary risks with your health and well-being. Life’s too short to waste time being lonely or unhappy; do something to improve it! Note: For general mental health information, an informal self-assessment, and/or links to additional mental or physical health resources visit www.ulifeline.org/alvincollege/.

** If you, or someone you know, needs help during a crisis situation and/or are feeling suicidal:

CALL: 9-1-1; 1-800-273-TALK (8255); or 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) any time day or night.

- OR -

TEXT the word START to 741-741 to text with a trained mental health professional.

- OR -

CHAT with a professional at the Lifeline Crisis Chat’s website: http://www.crisischat.org/

L. COURSE REQUIREMENTS (Exams and Major Assignments): The following required tasks must be completed successfully to earn a passing grade in this course.

1. Exams: You’ll be taking three exams this semester, each worth up to 100 points (100 points x 3 exams = 300 possible points). Exams will be cumulative and may include multiple choice, true/false, matching, and/or short answer questions.

Missed Exam Policy: You’ll only be allowed to take a make-up exam for legitimate (documented) reasons. Failure to prepare for an exam because of a test in another course; not knowing there was an exam that day; or not being ready for any other reason is NOT a legitimate excuse for missing an exam. Having additional time to study is unfair to your classmates who followed the rules and took the exam on the day it was scheduled. If you’re permitted to take a make-up exam, you must take it on the same day as the final exam.

2. Written Assignments: You’ll be completing four written assignments throughout the semester, each worth up to 100 points (100 points x 4 assignments = 400 possible points). Assignments will be based on important course-related skills: career planning, reading, test-taking, and writing. More details about each assignment will be provided as the semester progresses.

Late Assignment Policy: Late assignments will be accepted, but you’ll lose 5 points if you arrive after I’ve collected everyone else’s assignment on the due date, and you’ll receive a 10-point penalty for EVERY weekday that passes before they’re summited..

9

3. Classroom Participation: Participation and effort are essential elements of both academic and professional success. If you’re an active class participant, then you’ll learn a lot, grow as a person, and earn a respectable grade. If, on the other hand, you’re an inattentive or distracting student, it should come as no surprise that you won’t learn anything, won’t grow as a person, and won’t earn a respectable grade when all is said and done. It’s as simple as that.

To emphasize the importance of class participation, you’ll have two participation evaluation grades this semester - one at the midterm and one at the end of the semester (see the “Course Outline and Reading Schedule” for the specific assessment dates). Each evaluation will be worth up to 50 points (50 points x 2 participation evaluations = 100 possible points).

Note: You’ll earn 50 points for consistently demonstrating effort, attention, and participation; 25 points for inconsistent effort, attention, and participation; or 0 points for being consistently distracted and/or distracting to your classmates and me.

4. Attendance: Attendance is a mandatory requirement for both college and career success, therefore, attendance will contribute a significant number of points toward your grade. You’ll earn

5 points for every class period you attend (5 points x 29 class periods = 145 possible points). As a bonus, anyone who has perfect attendance for the semester will earn an additional 10 points.

Entering late or leaving early: Coming to class late, or leaving class early, is distracting to your classmates and to me. A consistent pattern of this behavior demonstrates a lack of respect for

your classmates, as well as, me. If you arrive 20+ minutes late, or leave 20+ minutes early, you’ll be marked absent for that day and forfeit your 5 attendance points.

5. Reading Quizzes: You’ll be given a total of 5 unannounced reading quizzes throughout the semester. Each quiz will be worth 20 points (20 points x 5 quizzes = 100 possible points).

Note: You will NOT be allowed to make up missed reading quizzes, so make sure you attend class every day.

M. GRADING SUMMARY: You’ll have the opportunity to earn up to 1045 points this semester. This point total is calculated using the following formula: 3 exams (300 points) + 4 assignments (400 points) + 2 participation assessments (100 points) + 29 days of attendance (145 points) + 5 reading quizzes (100 points) = 105 points. Letter grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

A = 940 – 1045 points (90-100%) [Superior College-Level Work] B = 846 – 939 points (80-89%) [Above Average College-Level Work] C = 731 – 845 points (70-79%) [Average College-Level Work] D = 627 – 730 points (60-69%) [Below Average College-Level Work] F = 0 – 626 points (0-59%) [Unacceptable College-Level Work]

Note: Students often believe that professors “give” them grades at the end of the semester, but they’re wrong. Professors do NOT give grades; they simply record the grades that students have earned. Therefore, if you want a particular grade to appear on your transcript at the end of the semester, then YOU need to make sure you’ve EARNED the appropriate number of points for that grade.

YOU, and you alone, are responsible for YOUR grade.

10

N. GRADE APPEAL PROCESS: Students have one year from the date of the grade assignment to challenge a grade. Please refer to the detailed grade appeal process in the ACC Catalog at http://www.alvincollege.edu/Programs-Degrees/Course-Catalogs.

O. WITHDRAWING FROM CLASSES: It’s recommended that the student talk to their professor(s) before withdrawing. Current course withdrawal information can be found in the printed version of the ACC Schedule for this semester or online under the ACC Withdrawal Instructions. Students who file withdrawal requests by the published deadline, and have not exceeded the 6 withdrawal maximum, will receive a grade of W.

The Six Drop Limit: The Texas Legislature passed a ruling that limits the number of classes a studentcan drop during their years as an undergraduate student to six. This policy applies to any student who wasa first time college freshmen since fall, 2007 who attends a Texas public institution of higher education. (Courses dropped while attending a private or out of state college do not count toward the six drop limit.)For further information, refer to the ACC Catalog or contact Student Services.

P. COURSE OUTLINE AND READING SCHEDULE: 08/21 (M) Introductions and Orientation to the Course

08/23 (W) Ch. 1: Choosing the Path Toward College and Career Success

08/28 (M) continued discussion

08/30 (W) Ch. 12: Choosing Your Ideal Career

09/04 (M) Labor Day – No Classes

09/06 (W) continued discussion

09/11 (M) Ch. 2: Setting Goals and Managing Your Time

09/13 (W) continued discussion

09/18 (M) Ch. 3: Taking Notes and Participating in Classes

09/20 (W) continued discussion

09/25 (M) EXAM I: CHAPTERS 1, 2, 3 & 12 09/27 (W) Ch. 4: Reading College Textbooks Effectively

10/02 (M) continued discussion

10/04 (W) Ch. 5: Improving Your Memory

10/09 (M) continued discussion

10/11 (W) Ch. 6: Mastering Successful Test-Taking Skills

10/16 (M) continued discussion

10/18 (W) Ch. 7: Becoming a Critical (Active) Thinker (Participation Assessment #1) 10/22 (M) continued discussion

10/25 (W) EXAM II: CHAPTERS 4 - 7 (plus Exam 1 material) 10/30 (M) Ch. 8: Researching, Writing, and Presenting College Papers

11

11/01 (W) continued discussion

11/06 (M) Ch. 9: Establishing and Maintaining Healthy Relationships

11/08 (W) continued discussion

11/13 (M) Ch. 10: Understanding and Coping With Common Problems (Withdrawal Deadline) 11/15 (W) continued discussion

11/20 (M) Ch. 11: Managing Your Money

11/22 (W) Thanksgiving Holiday – No Classes

11/27 (M) continued discussion

11/29 (W) Ch. 13: Preparing for Graduation and Employment (Participation Assessment #2) 12/04 (M) No Classes

12/06 (M) EXAM III: CHAPTERS 8 – 11 & 13 (plus Ch. 1-8) (11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Q. DISCLAIMER: The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus as needed and will notify students of any changes using email and/or MyBlackboard.

R. EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTION: Alvin Community College is dedicated to student success. As part of its ongoing improvement efforts, students will be asked to provide input for each course, prior to the end of the semester enrolled. Evaluations will be completed in either online or paper format as directed by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness & Research.

S. DR. R’s ADVICE FOR COLLEGE SUCCESS: If you want to be successful in college, then you have to do the following things.

See the value in higher education and set a personal goal to earn a degree

Use your time wisely; prioritize your responsibilities and put school first

Come to class every day and be prepared to participate

Carefully complete all of your assignments and submit them on time

Everyone needs help while they’re in college, so don’t be afraid to ask for it when necessary

Show everyone the level of respect that you’d like to receive

Study. Study. Then study some more. Don’t stop until the semester has ended

T. CAMPUS CARRY POLICY: Texas Senate Bill 11 (also known as “Campus Carry”) will allow individuals who hold a concealed handgun license to carry a concealed handgun on Texas public community college campuses beginning August 1, 2017.

12

Texas House Bill 910 (also known as “Open Carry”) allows concealed handgun license holders to open carry handguns beginning January 1, 2016. However, the law does not allow for concealed handgun license holders to intentionally display a handgun on the premises of higher education institutions.

Under the regulations by the Texas Penal Code 30.06 and the ACC Administrative Procedures Manual Section 19.20, concealed handguns are not permitted on campus until August 1, 2017.

U. ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATIONS: An “active shooter” is an individual who is actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people In a confined and populated area, typically through the use of firearms.

1. Three Options When an Active Shooter is In Your Area

a. Evacuate: Look for an escape route • Make sure the shooter is not able to see you • Leave your belongings behind • Move quickly • Don’t take unnecessary risks • If the shooter sees you as you’re running for safety, run in a zig-zag pattern because it’s harder to aim at you that way • Don’t hesitate if you’re attempting to escape, do so quickly, without hesitation • Create a distraction that will lure the shooter in the opposite direction. b. Hide Out • If you’re unable to evacuate safely, hide in an area out of the shooter’s view • Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors, if possible • Silence your cell phone and/or pager • Don’t’ talk to others if the shooter approaches or (s)he may discover you • Don’t come out from your hiding place until law enforcement officers arrive on the scene and announce that it’s safe to do so. c. Take Action • Only engage a shooter as a last resort and only if your life’s in imminent danger • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter by hitting him/her with a heavy or sharp object • Act with certainty and physical aggression – don’t hesitate • Use the element of surprise to catch the shooter off guard • Work as a team to injure the shooter.

2. How to Respond When Law Enforcement Officers Arrive at the Scene

a. Recommended Behavior and Actions • Remain calm and follow their instructions • Put down all items in your hands (e.g., bags, jackets, weapons) • Raise your hands and spread

your fingers, so they’ll know you’re not a threat • Keep your hands visible at all times • Avoid making any quick movements • Don’t cling to officers for safety – let them do their job • Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling when you spot an officer because the shooter may still be on the loose • Don’t stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating – let them focus on protecting you.

b. Information You Should Provide to Law Enforcement Officers and/or 911 Operator • Location of the active shooter • Physical description of the shooter (e.g., clothes, race, size, age) • Number and type of weapons held by the shooter • Number of potential victims at the location • Number of victims injured or killed • Your location and physical description.

3. How to Prepare For an Active Shooter Situation

a. Know Your Environment • Be aware of any possible dangers • Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit • Make a mental note of any telephones in your area. b. Know the Most Common Active Shooter Characteristics • Socially isolated – few if any friends • Appear depressed or despondent • Blame others for their problems • Alienated and/or bullied by peers • Angry demeanor • Violent comments or threats • Unusual behaviors or actions. (Source: http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_pocket_card.pdf, 2015.)