ITWN1358.0301 -- Network+

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title: Network+

 

 

Course Prefix & Number:    ITNW1358

Section Number:  0301

Term Code: Fall 2020

Semester Credit Hours:       3

Lecture Hours:         32

Lab Hours:   32

Course Description (NCTC Catalog):

 

Assists individuals in preparing for the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Network+ certification exam and career as a network professional.

Course Prerequisite(s):

Course Type:

 

o - Academic General Education Course (from Academic Course Guide Manual but not in NCTC Core)

 

o- Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

 

n - WECM Course

Name of Instructor:

William Hill

Campus/Office Location:

Corinth Campus, Room 202

 

 

Telephone Number:

940-498-6463

E-mail Address:

whill@nctc.edu

         

 

Name of Chair/Coordinator:

Susan Svane

Office Location:

Corinth Campus, Room 233

Telephone Number:

940-498-6292

E-mail Address:

ssvane@nctc.edu

 

REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED COURSE MATERIALS

Required: Access Code – Test-Out

TestOut Network Pro – English LabSim

ISBN # 978-1-935080-43-5 

Academic price at TestOut - $129 (promo code for academic price: 14-232TA)

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements

 

 

Graded Course Elements

 

 

Percentage or Points Values

16

Section Assignments

25% of grade

16

Labwork

25% of grade

16

Section Quizzes

20% of grade

2

Exams

30% of grade

 

 

GRADING SCALE

 

A

>=90%

D    >=60%

 

B

 

>=80%

 

F    <60%

 

C

 

>=70%

 

 

 

 

WECM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Identify and define terminology, hardware, and software components of

computer networks; utilize equipment, protocols, and topologies to differentiate between various network systems; demonstrate skills in installing network hardware, software, and cable; troubleshoot network connectivity; configure network protocol; and install and configure network client software.

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Attendance is not taken in this online class, but you are expected to actively participate in the assignments and the graded discussion forums on a weekly basis. I also expect you to check your email everyday M-F. I do not check emails on the weekends from Friday at 5:00 pm to Monday morning at 9:00 am.

 

 

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA                                                                        

 

o        Communication

o        Mathematics

o        Life and Physical Science

o        Language, Philosophy & Culture

o        Creative Arts

o        American History

o        Government/Political Science

o        Social and Behavioral Sciences

o        Component Area Option

 

 

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES

 

o        Critical Thinking

o        Communication

o        Empirical and Quantitative

o        Teamwork

o        Personal Responsibility

o        Social Responsibility

 

Last day to Withdraw: The last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is September 26, 2020.

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Week

Topics

Chapter

Readings

Exams

1

Introduction To TestOut and Labsim

Networking Basics,

Cables and Connectors

 

Chapters 1 & 2

 

2

Networking Devices,

Ethernet

 

Chapters 3 & 4

 

3

IP Configuration,

Switch Management

 

 

Chapters 5 & 6

 

4

Routing,

Firewalls

 

Chapters 7 & 8

Mid-term Exam

5

Network Customization,

Wireless Networking

 

 

Chapters 9 & 10

 

6

Wide Area Networks (WANs),

Network Policies and Procedures

 

 

Chapters 11 & 12

 

7

Network Security,

Network Hardening

 

 

Chapters 13 & 14

 

8

Network Management,

Network Optimization

 

 

Chapters 15 & 16

 

 

Review

 

Final Exam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tentative Schedule for Fall 2020

 

Fall 2020 Tentative Schedule for 8-week ITNW1358.0301 – Network+
Each TestOut section assigned below has instructional videos, demo videos, fact sheets, quizzes, and lab simulations. In this 8-week course, each week has 2 sections assigned and you must use your time wisely in order to successfully complete this course. Do not wait for the weekend to start working on the assignments. It is a lot of work and you must stay on schedule if you hope to successfully complete this course. No late work will be accepted.

 

Week 1: 8/24—8/28 All assignments for Week 1 are due Sunday, 8/30/2020 at 11:55 pm:
TestOut sections 0, 1, and 2

Week 2: 8/31—9/4 All assignments for Week 2 are due Sunday, 9/6/2020 at 11:55 pm:
TestOut sections 3 and 4

Week 3: 9/7—9/11 Labor Day Holiday. School closed September 7, 2020.
All assignments for Week 3 are due Sunday, 9/13/2020 at 11:55 pm:
TestOut sections 5 and 6

Week 4: 9/14—9/18 All assignments for Week 4 are due Sunday, 9/20/2020 at 11:55 pm:
TestOut sections 7 and 8

Week 5: 9/21—9/25 September 26th is the last day to drop with a “W”. Mid-term exam available from 8:00 am on Monday, 9/21 through 11:55 pm on Wednesday, 9/23
All assignments for Week 5 are due Sunday, 9/27/2020 at 11:55 pm:
TestOut sections 9 and 10

Week 6: 9/28—10/ All assignments for Week 6 are due Sunday, 10/4/2020 at 11:55 pm:
TestOut sections 11 and 12

Week 7: 10/5— 10/9 All assignments for Week 7 are due Sunday, 10/11/2020 at 11:55 pm:
TestOut sections 13 and 14

Week 8: 10/12—10/16 All assignments for Week 8 are due Wednesday, 10/14/2020 at 6:55 pm:
TestOut sections 15 and 16. Final Exam available from 8:00 am Wednesday, 10/14 through 11:55 pm Thursday, 10/15.

 

Unit Competencies

 

I. Identify media used in network communications, distinguish among them, and determine how to use them to connect servers and clients in a network.

Performance Objectives: The student will:

1)    Define all media used in a network.

2)    Compare and contrast functionality of components.

3)    Demonstrate connectivity. Assessment:

Lab/Homework assignments

Quiz for each chapter

Exam covering textbook chapters.

 

II. Recognize the primary network architectures, identify their major characteristics, and determine which would be most appropriate for a proposed network.

Performance Objectives:

The student will:

1)    Identify and explain network topologies.

2)    Compare and contrast physical and logical topologies.

Assessment:

Lab/Homework assignments

Quiz for each chapter

Exam covering textbook chapters.

 

III. Determine how to implement and support the major networking components, including the server, operating system, and clients.

Performance Objectives: The student will:

1)    Identify major networking components.

2)    Describe networking Operating Systems. Assessment:

Lab/Homework assignments

Quiz for each chapter

Exam covering textbook chapters.

 

IV. Distinguish between Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) and identify the components used to expand a LAN into a WAN Select quality PCs and constituent components based on performance and cost.

Performance Objectives: The student will:

1)    Identify LAN and WAN components.

2)    Compare and contrast components in LAN / WAN topologies. Assessment:

Lab/Homework assignments

Quiz for each chapter

Exam covering textbook chapters.

V. Determine how to implement connectivity devices in the larger LAN/WAN environment.

Performance Objectives: The student will:

1)    Define WAN connectivity devices.

2)    Compare devices with LAN equivalents. Assessment:

Lab/Homework assignments

Quiz for each chapter

Exam covering textbook chapters.

 

 

Workforce Education Program Elements (SCANS Skills)

 

The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) conducted extensive research and interviews and determined that “workplace know-how” consists of two elements:  foundations skills and workplace competencies. Upon successful completion of the courses in this program, students will have demonstrated the following competencies:

 

(1) Foundation Skills

 

(a)   Basic Skills:  A worker must (i) read, (ii)write, (iii) perform arithmetic and mathematical operations, (iv) listen, and (v) speak effectively.

 

(b)  Thinking Skills: A worker must (i) think creatively, (ii) make decisions, (iii) solve problems, (iv)

visualize, (v) know how to learn, and (vi) reason effectively.

 

(c)   Personal Qualities:  A worker must display (i) responsibility, (ii) self-esteem, (iii) sociability, (iv) self- management, (v) integrity, and (vi) honesty.

 

(2)  Workplace Competencies

 

(a)   Resources:  A worker must identify, organize, plan, and allocate resources effectively.  This includes

(i) time, (ii) money, (iii) material and facilities, and (iv) human resources.

 

(b)  Interpersonal Skills:  A worker must work with others effectively to (i) participate as a member of a team, (ii) teach others new skills, (iii) serve clients/customers, (iv) exercise leadership, (v) negotiate, and (vi) work with diversity.

 

(c)   Information:  A worker must be able to (i) acquire and use information, (ii) organize and maintain information, (iii) interpret and communicate information and (iv) use computers to process information.

 

(d)  Systems: A worker must understand complex interrelationships as in (i) understanding systems, (ii)

monitor and correct performance, and (iii) improve and design systems.

 

(e)    Technology:  A worker must be able to work with a variety of technologies, e.g. (i) select technology, (ii) apply technology, and (iii) maintain and troubleshoot equipment.

 

 

 

Student Rights & Responsibilities

 

NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student conduct.  These rules and regulations are published in the Student Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog.

 

Other Pertinent Information – Contact Policy:
Email is the best way to communicate with me. To avoid any communication problems, all students will use Canvas to email me. Please put the following information in the email:

  1. For error messages you might have, the exact wording of the error message or a screenshot of it
  2. If you are referring to content in an instructional video or demo video, give me the video number and title. Then also give me the timestamp of the location of the info within the video. For example, Video 4.2.1 – Ethernet specifications – starting at 2:10, she started talking about UTP and STP, and my question is _____.

Be sure to update your contact information on the course website. Students are required to check their email as well as the announcement section daily in case there are changes or important information that need to be communicated before class.

Even though your grades will be posted on the Canvas grade book, it is your responsibility to keep a record of your grades. Please give me at least two weeks to post your grades after the final due date of the assignment.

 

 

 

Dropping Courses:

If a student’s personal circumstances dictate that he or she needs to reduce his/her academic load, that student should confer with his/her advisor for assistance in adjusting the number of courses being taken.  A grade of “W” will be given to students who officially withdraw from a course, or “drop”, at least by Thursday of the 11th week of a Fall or Spring semester, or a proportional number of weeks

prior to the end of a flex-entry course or summer session.  Any drops after this will be made with the

approval of the instructor and the Department Chair.

 

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the action necessary to drop courses under the conditions outlined above.  This requires the completion of a petition for course drop form available in the Registrar’s Office on any NCTC Campus or by going to the NCTC website at www.nctc.edu and clicking on Admissions and Registration.  Choose the forms on-line option and follow directions for submission of form. This form must be submitted on or before the last day to drop with a “W” (see Academic Calendar in front of catalog for specific date) and it is not available until after the official date of record.

 

Prior to the official date of record, a student should go to the Registrar’s Office and complete the

required forms.

 

Students who register for courses are required to drop any courses they no longer wish to attend or a final grade will be assigned.  Instructors may drop students from courses for non-attendance by completing a petition for course drop.

 

Certificate Programs:

If you are planning to complete a certificate, you must take the competency exam prior to graduation. Contact Susan Svane at ssvane@nctc.edu within three weeks of graduation.

 

 

 

Scholastic Integrity

 

Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies. Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. See the Student Handbook for more information.

 

Complaint Procedures

 

If the complaint involves a problem with an instructor, the student shall discuss the matter with the instructor before requesting a conference with the department chair… If the complaint involves a grade received, the student shall collect all tests, papers, daily assignments, class notes and other relevant material prior to the conference with the instructor in question. (See Student Handbook > Discussion of Complaint)

 

 

ADA Statement

North Central Texas College is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities to its students with disabilities by providing assistance through “reasonable accommodations” and a variety of services and resources through the Special Populations Office. The College does not discriminate on

the basis of disabilities in admission or access to its programs. Students are responsible for notifying the office of their need for assistance at least two weeks prior to the beginning of a semester. Students with documented disabilities such as mobility, hearing or visual impairments, learning, and/or psychological disorders are eligible for services. The Special Populations Office on the Gainesville Campus is located in the Counseling/Testing Center room ASC 108 (next door to the bookstore). For assistance, call 940/668-

4216 ext. 344.

 

Civil Rights

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L.88-352), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92-318) and the Age Discrimination Act of 1978 (P.L. 92-256), North Central Texas College does not discriminate against or exclude from participation in any of its programs or activities, either in the student body or the staff, any person on the grounds of sex, race, color, religion, age, handicap, national origin, or veteran status.

 

Web Page

 

Visit the North Central Texas College web page for information on registration, financial aid, counseling/advising, and cost of tuition and fees. You will also find information on the catalog and

semester schedules as well as courses of study. You can keep up with what is happening on campus by checking the calendar of events and the sports news. The web has information on the library as well as links to other areas of interest. Check out our web page at  http://www.nctc.edu.

 

Additional content for this course may be found in your Canvas account. Please check there for updates and news.

 

 

 

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Disability Services (OSD)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a

documented disability.  A disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a learning disability, psychological challenge, physical illness or injury. Accommodations may include extra time on tests, tests in a distraction-reduced environment, volunteer note taker in class, etc.

 

On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room

110 in the Administration (100) Building or call 940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower

Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209 to arrange for an intake appointment with OSD.

 

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).

 

http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx

 

Support Services

Counseling and Testing staff offer a variety of services to current and prospective students, such as College 101, placement testing, academic advising and course registration, transfer assistance, and College Success seminars (Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Choosing a Major, Learning Style Strategies, Career Exploration), and much more.  http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/CounselingTesting.aspx

 

Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, free 24/7 online tutoring through Grade Results and assist new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students.   First generation students can also participate in TRIO, which offers specialized support services.  http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices.aspx

 

Financial Aid offers financial resources for students that qualify, visit the financial aid offices for more information. http://www.nctc.edu/FInancialAidHome.aspx

 

EEOC Statement:
The Childcare Reimbursement Program provides support services for NCTC students pursuing a career in a technical field of study to help them complete their career plans. The program will reimburse technical declared students a percentage of their daycare expenses if the child is attending a licensed or registered daycare facility.  This is on a first come first serve basis, and is available to students on all 5 campuses. Please note, we do not have a childcare facility on any of our 5 campuses. This is a reimbursement program only.

Students who wish to become eligible for Childcare Assistance Program need to:

  • Declare in a technical field of study
  • Establish financial need
    • Ex: Pell Grant recipient, Food Stamp recipient, W2, etc.
  • Complete a Childcare Reimbursement Program Application and provide all necessary documentation.  The  Application can be found online at http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/Childcare.aspx

For more information, please contact Yvonne Sandmann on the Gainesville Campus at 940-668-4209 ext. 4321, or by email at ysandmann@nctc.edu.

 

Early Alert and NCTC Cares

The NCTC Early Alert program has been established to assist students who are at risk of failing or withdrawing from a course. Your instructor may refer you to this program if you are missing assignments, failing tests, excessively absent, or have personal circumstances impacting your academic performance. If submitted as an Early Alert you will be notified via your NCTC e-mail address and then contacted by a Counseling and Testing advisor or counselor to discuss possible strategies for completing your course successfully.

 

The NCTC CARES (Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Services) Team addresses behavior which may be disruptive, harmful or pose a threat to the health and safety of the NCTC community-such as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior, which could impact your own safety or the safety of another NCTC student. Just click the NCTC CARES Team logo posted on MyNCTC, or send an e- mail to CARESTeam@nctc.edu.  As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.

 

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals. The center links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free online tutoring in the evening. The program helps students acclimate to college by providing students free interactive workshops. For more information, please visit your nearest  Student Success Center.

 

Tobacco-Free Campus
NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco on campus property.

COVID-19 Specific Syllabi Statements Fall 2020

Syllabi statement regarding potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Wear a mask, stay safe, and contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change.

 

Syllabi Statement Regarding Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students must wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. Students without coverings, or those who do not comply with the rules relating to face coverings, will not be able to participate in on-campus classroom activities. To request an exception to this requirement, students should contact the NCTC HR Office of Enrollment Management (ccove@nctc.edu). Failure to comply with the face coverings requirement may result in the Instructor directing the student to leave the classroom. Any student asked to leave the classroom may be referred to the student conduct officer. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change.

 

Temporary COVID-19 Attendance Policy for Face-to-Face Meetings: We are facing an unprecedented situation in which all of us must be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.

 

Faculty will:

  • Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.

 

Students should:

  • Provide notification to campus officials (via NCTC Daily Health Check protocol through Canvas) if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
  • Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
  • Connect with that class through WebEx if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
  • Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
  • Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
  • Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
  • Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.

During this period, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.

Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html

 

Syllabus Addendum – Fall 2020 – Student Services

Student Success Center
The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals. The center links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free online tutoring.  The program helps students acclimate to college by providing free interactive online workshops. For more information, please visit your nearest Student Success Center.

 

Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, and a Math Lab to assist new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students. http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/student-success/tutoring/index.html

First generation students can also participate in TRIO which offers specialized services.

http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/trio-student-support-services.html

 

Completion Center
The NCTC Completion Center is a comprehensive student engagement program that increases retention and completion rates of first-time, low income students. Services include:

Success coaching to address students’ academic and non-academic challenges and issues; Success Seminars, and a centralized career readiness and job placement program.

http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/completion-center/index.html

Career Services Center
The NCTC Career Services Center is the place you can go for educational and career planning. Services include: Career/Degree Exploration, Job Search Tools and Resources, Resume and Professional Portfolio Development, Interview Skills and Preparation. Our Career Advisors partner with you in making your educational journey an efficient process towards a rewarding career. http://www.nctc.edu/career-services/index.html

Counseling and Advising
Support Services, Counseling and Advising staff offer a variety of services to current and prospective students, such as College 101, placement testing, academic advising and course registration, transfer assistance, and College Success seminars (Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Choosing a Major, Learning Style Strategies, Career Exploration) and much more.  http://www.nctc.edu/counseling-advising/index.html 

 

Testing Service Center
The mission of NCTC Testing Services is to provide high-quality testing services that adhere to the professional standards and guidelines to meet the needs of students, faculty, and community members. http://www.nctc.edu/testing-center/index.html

 

Early Alert and CARES   
The NCTC Early Alert program assists students who are at risk of failing or withdrawing from a course. Faculty and staff may refer students through the Early Alert process at any point in the semester in an effort to provide appropriate intervention and access to support services. Examples of behaviors that could prompt an Early Alert referral could be missing assignments, failing tests, excessive absences, or personal circumstances impacting academic performance. A student submitted as an Early Alert will be contacted by an academic advisor or success coach through text, phone, and/or via their NCTC e-mail address to discuss any current challenges as well as helpful resources and success strategies-we want our students to finish strong and know that education is a partnership!

 

The NCTC CARES (Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Services) Team is concerned not only about our students' academic success, but also their emotional and physical well-being. The CARES Team promotes a safe learning environment for students, faculty, and staff and is committed to taking a proactive approach in helping our students succeed by addressing the mental, emotional or psychological health and safety of the NCTC community. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior which could impact your own safety or the safety of another NCTC student, such as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. Visit the NCTC CARES site to also locate campus and community resources, or email counseling@nctc.edu to get in touch with a member of the CARES Team directly.  As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.

 

 

Financial Aid
Financial Aid offers financial resources for students that qualify, visit the financial aid offices for more information.   http://www.nctc.edu/financial-aid/index.html

 

Student Success
At NCTC, student success​ is progress towards collegiate goals, reached in an affordable and timely manner, under professional guidance, empowering students to serve skillfully in their chosen role within their community

 

Equity
NCTC defines equity as encompassing the practice of acknowledging individual differences and systemic disparities when developing new programs and resources for our campus community, which may sometimes challenge our own beliefs and assumptions, in order to ensure balanced educational opportunities toward completion.

 

Affinity Groups
Staff and faculty representing the Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s), along with academic advisors, counselors and success coaches, serve as mentors for NCTC’s student-centered ​Affinity Groups​.

 

An ​Affinity Group​ is a population of students who have specific needs, barriers or systems they are needing to navigate not only within college, but within life. Providing mentorship, support and resources for identified Affinity Groups such as Black/African American students, veterans and active military, single parents, students with disabilities, adult learners, Latinx, LGBTQ+ and students who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness, enables us to make more impactful, meaningful connections with students who are in dire need of equity and understanding.