COURSE INFORMATION

Course Title: Business and Professional Communication
Course Prefix, Number, and Section Number: SPCH 1321.344
Semester/Year of course: Spring 2024
Semester start and end dates: 1/16/24 - 5/11/24
Modality: Online, Asynchronous
Class meeting location, days, and times: Online, Asynchronous
Semester credit hours: 3

Course description:  Study and application of communication within the business and professional context. Special emphasis will be given to communication competencies in presentations, dyads, teams and technologically mediated formats.

Course prerequisites: There is no prerequisite for this course.

Required course materials: Short Title: “Business Communication for Success." This is an open educational resource, which means it is free.
You can access it using this link: https://open.lib.umn.edu/businesscommunication/front-matter/publisher-information/Links to an external site.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/Links to an external site.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of instructor: Tiffany Messerli
Office location: Online
Telephone number: 940-898-6282 (Corinth main number)
E-mail address: tmesserli@nctc.edu
Office hours for students: Monday & Wednesday 2 pm to 4 pm (online via Webex)

SYLLABUS CHANGE DISCLAIMER

The faculty member reserves the right to make changes to this published syllabus if it is in the best interest of the educational development of this class. Any such changes will be announced as soon as possible in person and/or writing.

SUMMARY OF COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

List of graded assignments: See Course Summary below.

Final grade scale: See right column (Group and Weight).

Late work policy:  A major presentation or writing task is due on the day listed on Canvas. However, if you need an extension, please visit with me privately to make those arrangements. I reserve the right not to evaluate any work submitted more than five days late.

COURSE POLICIES

Academic Integrity Policy: Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. See Student Handbook “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct [FLB- (LOCAL)]” #18.

Disciplinary Actions [Student Handbook, #5] “When cheating, collusion, or plagiarism has occurred beyond any reasonable doubt, the instructor may give the student or students involved an “F” on a particular assignment or in the course. [See Scholastic Dishonesty FLB (Local)] The instructor shall make a written report of the incident and the planned action to his Department Chair. The Department Chair shall report the incident and action to the appropriate instructional dean who shall review the case, notify the student and, if necessary, take further action. This may involve either probation or suspension of the student or students in question. If such disciplinary action is deemed necessary, the Dean of Student Services shall be notified, and the action shall be taken through that office.”

Attendance Policy: Attendance, in both online and face-to-face courses, is required.  Because this course progresses very quickly, I reserve the right to block from this course students who fail to complete assignments for more than one week. Students who are blocked MUST contact the registrar's office and withdraw from the course, or they will receive a semester grade of F. 

Withdrawal Policy: A student may withdraw from a course on or after the official date of record. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate and complete a Withdrawal Request FormLinks to an external site.. The last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” is April 1, 2024

Student Learning Outcomes: Students who successfully complete SPCH 1321 will meet the following learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate communication competence and critical thinking through an understanding of the foundational communication models.
2. Demonstrate essential public speaking skills in professional presentations.
3. Demonstrate written and oral competencies as it relates to employment (including job searches, interviews, interpersonal interaction, conflict management, leadership and performance appraisals).
4. Apply essential dyadic and small group processes as they relate to the workplace.
5. Utilize various technologies as they relate to competent communication.
6. Demonstrate effective cross-cultural communication. 

Core Objectives: Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively.  Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.

• Critical Thinking Skills (CT)- to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information
• Communication Skills (COM)- to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication
• Teamwork (TW)- to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal
• Personal Responsibility (PR)- to include the ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Presentation Assignments: All major presentation assignments are required.  If you fail to turn in one of the major tasks, you cannot pass the course. I reserve the right to administratively drop any student who does not submit all major assignments.

COLLEGE POLICIES

Student Handbook: Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the Student HandbookLinks to an external site..

ADA Statement: NCTC will adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities to arrange appropriate accommodations.  See the OSD Syllabus Addendum.

Student Services: NCTC provides a multitude of services and resources to support students.  See the Student Services Syllabus Addendum for a listing of those departments and links to their sites.

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

The student should contact the instructor to deal with any questions, concerns, or complaints specific to the class.  If the student and faculty are not able to resolve the issue, the student may contact the chair or coordinator of the division.  If the student remains unsatisfied, the student may proceed to contact the instructional dean.

Name of Chair/Coordinator: Justin B. Hawkins
Office Location: Corinth 171
Telephone number: 940 498 6282 ext. 8502
E-mail address: jbhawkins@nctc.edu

Name of Instructional Dean: Mary Martinson
Office Location: Gainesville 1403
Telephone number: 940 668-4209, ext 4377
E-mail address: mmartinson@nctc.edu

USEFUL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Basic Needs: Any student who faces challenges securing food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students, Dr. Roxanne Del Rio (rdelrio@nctc.edu) for support. Furthermore, please notify me if you are comfortable doing so. This will enable me to direct you to additional resources for support.

Email Correspondence: I reserve 24 hours to respond to students’ emails during the week. Emails sent to me become my personal property, and I may disclose them to third parties if I determine it’s necessary.

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.

Evaluation

• • “A” Work: This presentation is excellent and demonstrates excellence in development, organization, style and tone, and delivery mechanics. There is clear evidence of the speech making process (invention, research, outlining, editing, and delivery).
    •  A = 95   A- = 92   A-/B+ = 90

• • “B” Work: This is good work and delivers substantial information—that is, substantial in both quantity and interest-value. It is well-developed and unified around a clear organizing principle that is apparent early in the piece. There is evidence of the speech making process.  
    • B+ = 87  B = 85  B- = 8  B-/C+ = 80
  • “C” Work: This is an average piece that is generally competent in its development, organization, style, and tone, and delivery mechanics. It meets the needs of the assignment, has few mechanical errors, and is reasonably organized and developed with adequate delivery. This piece also shows some evidence of the speech making process.
    • C+ = 77  C = 75  C- = 72. C-/D+ = 70

• • “D” Work: This is below-average work that lacks development and is not effectively organized to facilitate the audience's understanding. The presentation also shows little or no evidence of the speech making process. 
    • D+ = 67  D = 65  D- = 62

• • “F” Work: This work fails in all aspects of the evaluation criteria.  There is no evidence of the speech making process, and the presentation fails in all aspects of development, organization, style, and delivery mechanics.
    • F (work submitted and attempted) = 55. F (no work submitted or attempted) = 0
      
      

Gender Identity: This course affirms people of all gender expressions and identities. If you prefer to be called a different name than is on the class roster, please let me know. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records, and so I may call you by your preferred name and pronoun. If you'd like your name changed in the official roster, please get in touch with the Registrar's office.

Library: Students can access online and physical resources from the NCTC campus library by visiting the library website: http://nctc.site/library/index.htmlLinks to an external site.  Students can access research databases and can locate research help including tutorials and study guides, information on the hours of operation for each of the campus libraries, our online catalog, our intra- and inter-library loan services, and NCTC library policies. 

Plagiarism: Plagiarism, which should be avoided at all costs, includes the following student actions:

1. Unintentionally or inadvertently turning in someone else's ideas, opinions, theories, or work as your own as the result of failing to document sources both internally and in the Works Cited.
2. Copying words, ideas, or images from someone without giving credit; Failing to put a quotation in quotations marks.
3. Giving incorrect information about the source of information, quotations, or images.
4. Changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit.
5. Copying so many words, ideas, or images from a source that it makes up the majority of the student's work, whether or not the student gives credit.
6. Giving your paper, discussion board posts, or reflections to a classmate to use as his/her own.
7. Having another person write, type, edit, or revise any parts of your writing assignments.  

Please be aware that the department takes plagiarism very seriously. You may not use someone else’s Writing Assignment or buy one from a “professional” source. Failure to follow the proper guidelines for documentation constitutes plagiarism. Considering the severity of the issue, if you ever have any questions or concerns regarding plagiarism, please consider this an open invitation to visit with me about the issue. If I discover that a student has committed intentional plagiarism, the Writing Assignment that has plagiarized materials will receive a zero, and it will recommend to the English Department Head that the student fails the course.

Professionalism: Your college courses are also opportunities for you to learn what it means to be a “professional” in your field. Therefore, I expect you to act like a “professional” student in this course. Consider these suggestions:

• • Prepare and participate meaningfully in online discussion boards.
  • Be assertive. (An assertive student exhausts all available resources of information before contacting me. In other words, read the assignment sheet carefully before e-mailing me to ask how many sources are required in your paper, and if you are unsure how to cite a source, look it up in your handbook or a credible, online source—such as The Purdue Owl or a handbook.)
  • Consider the quality (and effort) of required drafts, notes, and daily assignments.
  • Turn in writing assignments on time and as assigned.
  • Mind the quality and tone of email correspondence.

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.  All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct.

Tobacco-Free Campus. NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco on campus property. NCTC is aware that tobacco use influences underage students, which cumulates unsightly tobacco litter and interferes with assuring clean air for all who come to NCTC. NCTC recognizes the health hazards of tobacco use and of exposure to second-hand smoke. Information on a tobacco cessation program is available for students, faculty, staff who wish to stop using tobacco products. We would like to "thank you" for your help in making our campuses Tobacco-Free. For questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Vice President of Student Services at 940-668-4240.

Student Services and Resources:  

COUNSELING AND ADVISING
Advisors/Success Coaches help students explore majors and programs offered, identify the best combination of classes to meet their goals, navigate how and when to transfer, and motivate students to continue on their journey to academic and personal success. Students are assigned to a specific Advisor/Success Coach based on their major and can schedule in-person, phone, or virtual appointments through their online calendar! Students also have access to FREE 24/7 telehealth counseling and medical appointments through TimelyCare and can contact one of our NCTC Counselors for help locating Community Resources or request assistance with housing, childcare, food, and other needs.

COMPLETION CENTER Students are assigned to a specific Advisor/Success Coach based on their major and can schedule in-person, phone, or virtual appointments through their online calendar!  Students also have access to FREE 24/7 telehealth counseling and medical appointments through TimelyCare and can contact one of our NCTC Counselors for help locating Community Resources or request assistance with housing, childcare, food, and other needs. The Completion Center provides a variety of services for first-time in college students. This includes academic success coaching, goal setting, course planning, and connecting to resources for all new college students. Free online Success Seminars are available through Student Lingo. New students will enroll in a First Year Experience (NCTC 1001) course to get started on the right track and can also qualify to join the National Society of Leadership and Success!

CAREER SERVICES CENTER
Who will you become? The Career Services Center (CSC) provides career development & job readiness coaching for students and alumni. Services are free and available at all NCTC campuses by appointment. Our NCTC Career Coaches can work with you to develop your resume, practice for interviews, and provide guidance and coaching toward your employment and career goals. To book an appointment, access our online job board (CareerLion by Handshake), or view additional resources and platforms, visit NCTC’s Career Services website or send an email to careerservices@nctc.edu!

EARLY ALERT AND CARES
Faculty and staff may refer students who are struggling academically as an Early Alert in an effort to provide needed intervention and support services. Students submitted as an Early Alert will be contacted by their Advisor/Success Coach through text, phone, and/or via their NCTC e-mail address to discuss any current challenges as well as helpful success strategies. Our Academic Recovery programs can also help you get back on track from Academic Probation or Suspension. We want our students to finish strong!

Additionally, 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. Download our Campus Safety app, and if you feel there is an immediate threat to your welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.

FINANCIAL AID
The Office of Financial Aid provides students with guidance regarding state and federal financial assistance, such as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or Veteran’s Benefits. Students who have exemptions or tuition waivers will also work with the Financial Aid Office to have these funds applied to their accounts. The NCTC Scholarship Office provides local scholarship opportunities through an online application process and our Business Office has payment plan options. Be sure to review all of the ways you can Pay for College or request assistance through our Emergency Aid fund.

LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Once you have purchased any required textbooks, access codes, and other supplies through
the NCTC Bookstore or other textbook resource, then visit one of our NCTC Libraries for access to scholarly books, media, online databases, study guides, as well as a free Laptop and Calculator Loaner program! Contact our NCTC Library through their Ask a Librarian form or visit with one of our very helpful librarians in person during their campus hours.
Students needing support for online classes and/or with Canvas specifically can visit our eLearning site for helpful tips or submit a ticket for Canvas support. For any other technical issues related to your OneLogin or accessing your needed technology on or off campus, please contact our ITS (Information Technology Services) Help Desk!

STUDENT LIFE
Enrich your life at NCTC by participating in the opportunities NCTC has to offer for you! Get involved with Student Government Association to help improve the student experience. Connect with students and employee advocates within your Affinity Group. Gain leadership skills by joining an Honor Society like the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success or Phi Theta Kappa! Make friends in a Student Organization, if your interest is not on the list, learn how to create your own. Study Abroad and yes, payment plans are available. Download the NCTC App to learn about upcoming activities, communicate with other students and get immediate updates and feedback about all things NCTC! Learn about additional student resources as well as your rights and responsibilities through your student handbook.

STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
The Student Success Center helps 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, Study Groups, and online tutoring. First generation students can also participate in TRIO whose mission is to equip historically underrepresented student populations with skills, experiences, and academic practices that assist them in achieving their educational goals. Student Success also offers a childcare assistance program for students who qualify!
The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations, academic, and career counseling for students. Disclosure of a disability to college officials is not required unless requesting accommodations.

TESTING SERVICES
Contact the Testing Center with questions or scheduling information for the TSIA2 placement exam, CLEP, GED, TEAS, or exams that must be proctored for NCTC courses. Email your closest NCTC Testing Center at Corinth Testing, Denton Testing, Flower Mound Testing, Gainesville Testing, Bowie Testing, or Graham Testing.

TRANSCRIPTS AND REGISTRAR SERVICES
The Registrar’s Office is here to help if you have transfer coursework, AP, or CLEP test credit to be applied to your NCTC transcript, need to request official transcripts, or have questions about a course withdrawal. They also work with our Advising and Graduation Offices to make sure you have all the credits you need to graduate from NCTC.