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NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
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Course Title:
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College Algebra
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Course Prefix & Number:
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MATH 1314
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Section Number:
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380
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Semester/Year:
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Spring 2019
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Semester Credit Hours:
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3
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Lecture Hours:
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48
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Lab Hours:
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Course Description (NCTC Catalog): In-depth study and applications of polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations using matrices. Additional topics such as sequences, series, probability, and conics may be included.
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Course Prerequisite(s): Meet TSI college-readiness standard for College Algebra; or equivalent
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Required or Recommended Course Materials:
- College Algebra, Lial/Hornsby/Schneider/Daniels, 12th edition, Pearson, 2017 or MyMathLab access code (e-text included in MML)
- Scientific calculator, TI-30X IIS is recommended
- Graphing calculators and phone calculators will not be allowed on exams.
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INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Name of Instructor:
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Melissa Bird
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Campus/Office Location:
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Corinth Campus, COR201
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Office Hours:
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12-1 pm Mon./Wed. via email; Canvas Conferences by appointment
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E-mail Address:
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mbird@nctc.edu (best way to contact me)
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STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog)
At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
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1
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Demonstrate and apply knowledge of properties of functions, including domain and range, operations, compositions, and inverses.
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2
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Recognize and apply polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic functions and solve related equations.
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3
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Apply graphing techniques.
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4
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Evaluate all roots of higher degree polynomial and rational functions.
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5
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Recognize, solve, and apply systems of linear equations using matrices.
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GRADING CRITERIA
# of Graded Course Elements
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Graded Course Elements
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Percentage
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41
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Homework/Assignments (Online)
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20%
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3
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Exams (On-campus)
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60%
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1
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Final Exam (On-campus)
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20%
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Grade Scale: 90 – 100% = A; 80 – 89% = B; 70 – 79% = C; 60 – 69% = D; Below 60% = F
COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (TENTATIVE EXAM SCHEDULE)
Exam 1
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20% of overall grade
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Group Dates:
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Wed., 2/6 (6 - 8pm)
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Testing Center Window:
Monday-Wednesday
of group testing week
(appointment required)
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Exam 2
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20% of overall grade
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Wed., 2/20 (6 - 8pm)
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Exam 3
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20% of overall grade
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Wed., 3/6 (6 - 8pm)
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Final Exam
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20% of overall grade
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Wed., 3/20 (6 - 8pm)
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GRADING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Method of Study: As this is an online course, students are responsible for their own learning. Since there is no traditional class time, students are expected to effectively prepare for all exams, including the final exam, by reviewing the textbook sections, viewing all assigned course videos, completing online homework assignments prior to their due dates, using a scientific calculator, and completing any other assignments required by the professor.
A common misconception is that online classes are easy to complete or take less time than traditional college classes. In a full semester class, a student should expect to spend a minimum of 4 hours a week for each credit hour. This means 12 hours minimum for a three-credit hour course. For 8-week classes, double that.
Online Access Information: This course requires the use of MyMathLab, which is an online component. You must register for MyMathLab via Canvas – NOT the Pearson website. The course code for this class is bird86217. The name listed on your MyMathLab account must match the name on your student account at the college. Information on how to register with MyMathLab can be found in the “Getting Started” module in Canvas. Active participation throughout the course is mandatory in order to succeed.
Method of Evaluation: The grade for the course will be based on online homework, three on-campus proctored exams, and a comprehensive on-campus proctored final.
All homework will be completed online.
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The Getting Started Module is an online orientation assignment which will be accessed and completed through Canvas. The module explains how to get started in the course, register for MyMathLab, and testing procedures. (Completion of the module, including the Syllabus Agreement Form, is required prior to starting on online homework or taking an exam.)
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Online homework assignments will be assigned and completed through MyMathLab, which can be accessed through Canvas (see Canvas for further instructions). Students are responsible for completing these assignments prior to 11:59 pm on their due dates.
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All exams (including the final exam) will be completed on-campus.
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There will be three regular exams and a comprehensive final exam, which must be proctored on-campus – these are NOT online EVER. No make-up/retake exams will be given. Formula sheets will NOT be allowed during exams.
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There are two options for taking these exams: either on the group testing days, OR by a scheduled appointment in one of the NCTC campus testing centers on designated day ranges. More information will be available through Canvas.
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The final exam is a comprehensive exam and must be taken by all students as it is a department requirement. Not taking it means missing out on 20% of the total course grade.
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To maintain academic integrity, student final grades are based solely on the ability to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the material and not the amount of work or effort put into studying for the course. Final grades are not negotiable. Extra credit will not be available.
All assignments (except exams) are available from the first day of class. Students are responsible for completing and submitting all assignments by the posted due dates, as well as preparing for and attending all scheduled exams. Late work is not acceptable. When situations arise that can affect the ability to complete assignments or exams, first refer to the following information.
Online Homework
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No late homework assignments will be accepted. Do not wait until the day an assignment is due to begin working in it. Computer problems and other life events do happen, so assume they will, and get the assignment done early.
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This policy also means that assignments will NOT be opened again at the end of the semester.
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On-Campus Exams
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No late exams will be given. If you anticipate not being able to take the exam on the schedule group testing date, s/he must schedule an appointment with the testing center during the provided testing window and inform the professor. Remember 48 hours’ notice is required to make an appointment in the testing centers.
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No make-up exams (“retakes”) will be given.
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**Exceptions to this policy will only be made in extreme and well-documented circumstances and only at the discretion of the professor. If you feel your situation fits this description, contact your professor via email as soon as possible with documentation ready to determine if an exception can be made.
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This policy is designed to alleviate missed assignments due to any unexpected life events (including but not limited to personal and medical emergencies, technical issues, etc.). While this is NOT a “safety net” for dropping low assignment grades or boosting overall course grades, it is a courtesy that applies to all students.
At the end of the semester,
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The two lowest homework grades will be dropped.
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The lowest of the regular exam scores may be replaced with the final exam score, if the final exam grade is higher. This policy allows a student to miss one exam (due to the unexpected life events describe above) with no penalty.
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NOTE:
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The final exam will never be dropped or replaced as it is a department requirement.
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The college and professors will communicate with students via Canvas and Lion Pride email. Students are responsible for all information provided via these medias. Access Canvas and Lion Pride email daily. Similarly, students should use Canvas or Lion Pride email when contacting professors, as no sensitive information will be sent to a non-school email account.
To promote a positive learning environment, be courteous to classmates, faculty, and staff at all times. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior of any kind will NOT be tolerated. This behavior will be reported.
When situations arise that can affect the ability to complete assignments or exams, first refer to the Late Work Policy and the Drop/Replace Policy in this syllabus. After reading and understanding those policies, contact your professor as soon as possible so that she is aware of the details of the situation.
COURSE CALENDAR (This schedule is tentative and subject to change.)
Due Dates
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Topics
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Assignments Due
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Friday, January 25th
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Getting Started Module
1.1 Solving Linear Equations
1.2 Applications of Linear Equations
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Syllabus Agreement Form
Introductions Discussion Post
MyMathLab Orientation
Homework for Sections
1.1, 1.2
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Monday, January 28th
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1.3 Complex Numbers 1.4 Quadratic Equations 1.5 Applications with Formulas & Quadratics
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Homework for Sections
1.3, 1.4, 1.5
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Friday, February 1st
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1.6 Rational and Radical Equations 1.7 Linear and Compound Inequalities 1.8 Absolute Value Equations & Inequalities
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Homework for Sections
1.6, 1.7, 1.8
Exam 1 Survey
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Monday, February 4th
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2.1 Coordinate Plane: Distance & Midpoint 2.2 Circles 2.3 Functions
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Homework for Sections
2.1, 2.2. 2.3
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Wednesday, February 6th
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Exam 1 (over 1.1 – 1.8 and 2.1 – 2.3)
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Friday, February 8th
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2.4 Linear Functions 2.5 Equations of Lines
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Homework for Sections
2.4, 2.5
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Monday, February 11th
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2.6 Graphs of Basic Functions 2.7 Graphing Techniques 2.8 Function Operations & Composition
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Homework for Sections
2.6, 2.7, 2.8
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Friday, February 15th
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3.1 Quadratic Functions & Models 3.2 Synthetic Division 3.3 Finding Zeros of Polynomials
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Homework for Sections
3.1, 3.2, 3.3
Exam 2 Survey
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Monday, February 18th
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3.4 Graphs of Polynomials 3.5 Rational Graphs
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Homework for Sections
3.4, 3.5
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Wednesday, February 20th
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Exam 2 (over 2.4 – 2.8 and 3.1 – 3.5)
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Thursday, February 21st is the last day to drop the course with a W
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Friday, February 22nd
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3.6 Variation 4.1 Inverse Functions
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Homework for Sections
3.6, 4.1
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Monday, February 25th
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4.2 Exponential Functions 4.3 Logarithmic Functions 4.4 Logs with Calculators
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Homework for Sections
4.2, 4.3, 4.4
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Friday, March 1st
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4.5 Exponential & Logarithmic Equations 4.6 Applications of Growth & Decay
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Homework for Sections
4.5, 4.6
Exam 3 Survey
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Monday, March 4th
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5.1 Systems of Linear Equations 5.5 Systems of Nonlinear Equations
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Homework for Sections
5.1, 5.5
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Wednesday, March 6th
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Exam 3 (over 3.6, 4.1 – 4.6, 5.1 and 5.5)
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Friday, March 8th
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5.2 Solving Systems Using Matrices 5.3 Determinants & Cramer's Rules
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Homework for Sections
5.2, 5.3
Final Exam Survey
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Spring Break Holiday: 3/11 – 3/15
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Monday, March 18th
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5.7 Properties of Matrices 7.1 Sequences & Series
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Homework for Sections
5.7, 7.1
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Wednesday, March 20th
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Final Exam (Required and Comprehensive)
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Regular and weekly online attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered. All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies. It is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval by the faculty member. Approved college-sponsored activities are also excused absences. The instructor is responsible for judging the validity of any reason given for an absence. Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work. Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless the absence is documented and excused by the instructor. Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives. Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)
Last day to withdraw from a 1st 8-week course with a “W” is Thursday, February 21, 2019.
Students who need help with any math class can visit the NCTC Mathematics Lab to receive assistance. No appointments are necessary. See the most current tutoring hours for all five campuses at http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/student-success/tutoring/mathematics-lab.html.
TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON TUTOR AVAILABILITY:
GAINESVILLE –
1403 (Library)
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CORINTH –
182
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FLOWER MOUND –
2nd floor in MSU
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Mon & Thurs
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
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Mon – Thurs
8:30 am – 6:30 pm
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Mon & Wed
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
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Tues & Wed
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
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Tues & Thurs
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
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Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Fri 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Sun 1:00 – 5:00 pm
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Sat 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
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DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call 940-668-4209. Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call 940-498-6207.
North Central Texas College is 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/catalog/student-services/office-students-with-disabilities.html
CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)________
o Communication
x 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 (For classes in the Core)
x Critical Thinking
x Communication
x Empirical and Quantitative
o Teamwork
o Personal Responsibility
o Social Responsibility
o Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)
x Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course
o WECM Course
Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook. https://www.nctc.edu/_documents/academics/student-handbook.pdf
Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion. Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty. See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”.
Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:
- Zero on the assignment
- Failing grade for the course
Division Chair :
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Dr. Elizabeth Howell
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Office Location:
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Corinth 236
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Telephone Number:
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940-498-6209
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E-mail Address:
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ehowell@nctc.edu
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Instructional Dean:
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Sara Flusche
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Office Location:
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Gainesville 1306
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Telephone Number:
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940.668.3351
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E-mail Address:
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sflusche@nctc.edu
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Tobacco-Free Campus: NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, on campus property.
Campus Carry: Effective August 1, 2017, a license holder may carry a concealed handgun on or about the license holder's person while the license holder is on the campus of an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education in this state. For more information, see the website at http://www.nctc.edu/police/campus-carry.html.