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, each) before the scheduled deadline which is noted in the course syllabus.

DF  Instructons 

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.  The DF has a deadline and no exception is made for missing a deadline.  All initial postings and replies must be made before the deadlines.  Once a deadline occurs for an initial and reply posting, no other postings will be accepted for credit.  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, worth 40 points) 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; 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.                            

Reply postings (worth 10 points) 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, 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 = 1/2 page-with a minimum of one reference; B =1/4 page with a minimum of one reference; C/D = less than 1/4 page depending on the quality of the content and one reference: F = no significant response or no response at all. 

Note that the discussion forum consists of two parts.  The initial posting and reply postings deadline.   Reply postings may be made at any time before the deadline.  If the initial posting is made on the due date, 5 points will be deducted because other students will not have time to reply.

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 both DF-A & B, unless students complete the assignment before the deadline.

Exams: 

Fifteen exams will be given throughout the semester (multiple choice).  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, so please consider completing each exam well before the deadline.  No excuse will be acceptable if a student waits to complete an exam near the deadline time and the electricity goes off, the computer malfunctions, there is a personal emergency, or any other unexpected event occurs.  Exams will be available in the assignments section of this course for an entire week or longer.  Exams will be over the assigned chapters with one 25 question exam per chapter.  Each exam may be taken twice (highest score is recorded) and will have a specified time limit.  Exam questions are randomly presented, students will not necessarily see the same questions as 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).

Reading Assignments:

Each chapter has a graded reading assignment.  These assignments 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 this assignment).  Each reading assignment is worth 25 points and you must complete them before the assigned deadlines.  There are no exceptions for missing an assignment deadline, so please consider completing each assignment well before the deadline.  No excuse will be acceptable if a student waits to complete an assignment near the deadline time.

Please note, in order to earn credit for completing the reading assignment questions, they MUST be accessed through the assignment tab of this course.  Also within the Announcements tab, there are helpful videos about the reading assignments from the publisher of the textbook.

Compare and Contrast Self-Concept and Self-Esteem:

Identify differences in self-concept and self-esteem  (starting on page 360).   This paper must be a minimum of 200 words and must include a brief description of each and at least one example of each and a minimum of one reference.  The reference is not counted as a part of the 200 words.  

Institutional Effectiveness Exam & Essay (IE):

This comprehensive assessment includes one essay question (20 points) and ten multiple choice questions (3 points each for a total of 30 points).   

The essay question should be completed prior to beginning the timed portion of the quiz.   You should copy/paste your essay response for Question One before proceeding to the multiple choice questions.   The quiz may be started any time before it's due, but once it is started it must be completed without interruption.  The time limit is 60 minutes. 

Grades for the 10 multiple choice questions will be posted in the Canvas course directly after completion but the essay question must be graded by the instructor at a later time.   

The essay question requires the use of a primary source  -  a peer-reviewed article detailing the results of a relevant study.   To demonstrate your understanding of empirical research, you will want to report an explanation of the numerical data retrieved from the article you've chosen.   Please be sure to cite your source(s) and to incorporate terminology from our course.   See question below:

Use at least 300 words to discuss some of the internal and external factors that relate to the developmental process.   Internal factors should include biological, cognitive and psychological influences.  External factors should include social, political, economic, and cultural influences.   

**Please demonstrate your understanding of our course concepts by using terminology and information that we covered this semester.   

**Remember to include the numerical data from at least one primary source. 

**Your source should be cited in the body of your writing AND listed at the end of your essay response.

Please note that some of the questions have more than one correct answer.

Death, Dying and Grief Paper:

Students are required to complete a paper relating to any aspect of chapter 17, death, dying and grieving. 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE :  Note that all exams & reading assignments close at 11:59 on the due date

Dec 13         Read/study the course syllabus, briefly introduce yourself and start on assignments.  Since this is such a short class, please make every effort to keep up with due dates.  You will notice that all the textbook assignments are open until the day before the end of class (although the first 8 chapters must be completed by Dec. 26).

Dec 14         Introduce yourself and send end an email to Dr. Klutschkowski, indicating you have read and understand the syllabus-using this Canvas course email –NOT the NCTC email.  If you should have any questions about the syllabus, please let your instructor know.

Dec 17       Chapter 1, reading and exam are due.

Dec 26       Chapters 2 thru 8 are due.

Dec 27         DF 1A and 1B is due.  Please note that 5 points will be lost if the 1A posting is                                          made on the last due date (Dec 27).

Dec 28        Last day to withdraw with a grade of "W".

Jan 2            I. E. exam questions and essay is due.

Jan 4            Death, Dying, Grief Paper is due.

Jan 6            All chapter readings and exams are due as well as the Self-Concept paper & class ends.

                                                                    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:

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Dec 28.

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

                X 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)]”. 

[Instructor-specific Academic Dishonesty Policy:

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

ADDENDUM

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.