INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

OFFICE HOURS

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog

GRADING CRITERIA

Grades are determined on the following basis:

A=90%              900    points or higher    

B-80-89%          800 – 899  points   

C=70-79%         700 – 799  points

D=60-69%         600 -  699  points

F=Below 60%   Below 600  points  

Introduce yourself and acknowledge course syllabus:

Please note that you must introduce yourself, which is found within the assignments tab and you must send your instructor an email (using this course email-not the NCTC email) indicating that you have read and understand this course syllabus (worth 10 points) before the scheduled deadline which is noted in the course syllabus.

Exams:

Fifteen exams will be given weekly (multiple choice or true false).  All exams are to be taken online and must be completed before the deadlines.  The exams may be found within the Assignments tab of this Canvas course (you will need to have the online version of this textbook in order to access the exams). 

There are no exceptions for missing an exam deadline.  Exams will be available in the Assignments section of this course and please pay close attention to the closing date and time of each exam.  Exams will be over the assigned chapters with 25 points per each exam chapter.  Each exam may be taken twice (highest score is recorded) and will have a specified time limit.  Also, the second attempt at the exams do not necessarily include the same questions from the first attempt. Please remember once an exam is started, it must be completed within the time limit.  If the exam you are taking is stopped for any reason, only that score will be recorded when the exam is stopped (because you cannot return to the exam once stopped).

Also one summary exam will be presented which relates to a general overview of this course.  It consists of multiple choice questions and one essay question.  The time limit will be 60 minutes for this exam and all the questions are directly related to textbook material.  The essay question requires at least one primary source reference, which is why 60 minutes are given for this quiz and the essay question must be completed as a part of the quiz. The essay question may be viewed before taking the exam.

Reading Assignments:

Each chapter has a graded reading assignment and instructions are to be found within the assignments section of this course.  These assignments may be found within the Assignments tab of this Canvas course & then the McGraw Hill Connect tab (you will need to have the online version of this textbook in order to access this assignment).  Each reading assignment is worth 25 points each and must be completed before the assigned deadlines and there is no time limit for each chapter.  Please note that the reading assignments do not necessarily relate to the chapter exam questions, the reading assignments are just designed to have you focus on some of each chapters information.

Discussion Forums Instructions 

The discussion topic is assigned  by the professor and is found in the Discussion tab.  Each student is to write/post about the topic which the instructor has presented (which is the initial posting) and respond to other students about their postings.   Students may make reply postings at any time and some extra credit may be earned for more than one reply, depending on the quality of the replies.   These forums are interactive with students as well as the professor.

For the initial posting (responding to the professors question) you must give at least one complete reference (if the textbook is used, just give the page number).  Grading is based on the quality as well as the quantity of content points); A=1 page (double spaced or ½ page single spaced) and one reference, B=1/2 page and one reference, C or D=less than ½ page depending on the quality of the posting and one reference.  Postings may NOT be uploaded, they must be typed within the DF tab (although related website addresses may be included if you wish to provide more information but they are not counted for a grade).  Some extra credit may be earned by exceeding these page and reference requirements, depending on the quality.  NOTE:  5 points will be deducted for students who make their initial posting on the day which the posting is due (because other students do not have time to look at and respond to the posting).                  

Reply postings must be made within the DF;  clicking on the initial posting(s) of any other students posting;  and clicking on the reply tab to make your reply.  Replies MUST consist of adding information, with at least one reference for a grade of A or B, to the posting as well as giving your thoughts.  Thoughtful responses are requested.  Responses such as, ‘I agree’ or ‘I really like what you presented’ etc, will not earn any credit.  As well, responses simply complimenting a student's posting without adding anything will receive minimal credit.  Reply postings grading:  A = 6 sentences with a minimum of one reference B = 5 sentences with a minimum of one reference; C/D = less than 5 sentences depending on the quality of the content: F = no significant response or no response at all. 

Also, please note that demeaning, abusive replies are not acceptable and may be cause for loss of discussion forum points as well as possible removal from the course. 

Grades for this assignment will only be posted after the completion of the deadlines.

Research Paper (RP):

Students are required to complete a research paper relating to a psychological disorder found in chapter 15 (Psychological Disorders);  or any disorder found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).  The paper must use APA or MLA formatting.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE : All exams & reading assignments are due at 11:59 on the due date

Aug 23          Read/study the course syllabus, briefly introduce yourself and start on chapter 1                                                assignment.

Sept 5          Send an email to Dr. Klutschkowski, indicating you have read and understand

                     the syllabus and introduce yourself-using this Canvas course email –NOT using the                             NCTC email.

Sept 5         Chapter 1 reading and exam is due.

                    Continue studying & completing chapters 2 thru 8 assignments.

Sept 13       DF 1A (initial posting to topic) & DF-1B is due at 11:59pm.

Sept 20       Chapters 2 thru 8 are due (both reading & exams) and PPA paper is due.

Sept 21        Study  and work on chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, & 17

Sept 23        Last day to drop with a grade of "W"

Sept 27         Research paper is due.

Oct 11            DF 2 A & B postings are due at 11:59

Oct 14          I. E. Exam and PPA paper is due at 11:59pm.

Oct 15          All assignments are due and the semester ends at 11:59pm.

                       Note-no final exam.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual 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 as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the 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 they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  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)

Additional Instructor-specific Absence Policy:  For all online students, attendance is recorded by the completion of assignments.  Please note that the instructor does NOT drop students.  If a student wishes to withdraw from this course, the student is responsible for completing the paperwork.  If this is not done, the student will receive a final grade of “F.”

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Sept 23.

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

For support, please contact the counselors at (940) 498-6207 or (940) 668-4321.  Alternatively, students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)_______     

o         Communication

o         Mathematics              

o         Life and Physical Science

o         Language, Philosophy & Culture

o         Creative Arts

o         Government/Political Science

X         Social and Behavioral Sciences

o         Component Area Option

o         American History

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

X             Critical Thinking

X              Communication

X              Empirical and Quantitative

o           Teamwork

o           Personal Responsibility

X              Social Responsibility

COURSE TYPE

o           Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

X          Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

o        WECM Course

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

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)]”. 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

NCTC Student Services and Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions-all you need to know as a new or continuing student
• Student Services page-all the offices and contact information you need!

• Advising FAQ's-all majors and programs!

• Meet Your Advisor/Coach
• Degree Plans and Online Registration
• Career Services and Completion Center
• Course Combination/Credit Hour Maximization Matrix
• Lion365 Year-Round Registration!
• Post-Registration Checklist
• Navigating Your First Year at NCTC

• Affinity Groupsand Student Life & Organizations 
• Awareness, Community Resources, andWellness
• CARES Team and Counseling Services

• Financial Aid and Scholarships 
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Student Success/Tutoring, TRIO, and OSD (Disability Services)
• Testing Services
• QLess and Signing into Virtual Lines  
• Keep track of NCTC campus and COVID-related updates 

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.

Career Services Center

In need of employment? NCTC Career Coaches meet one-on-one to provide training in writing resumes, job searches, interviewing, and more. The Skills to Succeed Academy is also a free interactive, online employability training program focused on building the skills and confidence you need to find the best career.

Completion Center

The Completion Center provides a variety of services for first-time in college students. These include academic success coaching, goal setting, course planning, student resources, career development, and job placement services for all new college students. Free online Success Seminars are also available through Student Lingo and new students will also enroll in a First Year Experience (NCTC 1001) course to get started on the right track!

Counseling and Advising

Academic Advisors and Counselors help students explore majors and programs offered, how to take the best combination of classes to meet your goals, assist with questions related to university transfer, and guide students towards academic and personal success, and more. At NCTC, you are assigned to a specific advisor or success coach based on your major or career interests. You can locate our advisors and their majors, along with contact information on the Meet Your Advisor page-and even schedule an appointment with them through their online calendar!

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 Team is concerned not only about our students' academic success, but also their emotional and physical well-being. 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.  As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

EDI partners with the entire campus community to create, maintain and demonstrate NCTC’s commitment to an equitable, diverse and inclusive learning environment where NCTC students succeed. 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. Everyone Included. Everyone Belongs. Everyone Valued. Everyone Inspired.  

Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid provides students with information and guidance with applying for eligible types of financial assistance, such as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students who have any types of exemptions or tuition waivers will also work with the Financial Aid Office to have these funds applied to their accounts. Additionally, the Scholarship Office provides local scholarship opportunities through an online application process, and tips on how to secure other types of scholarship awards which can help finance educational goals.

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

Testing Services

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.