MAC 1105 College Algebra Online Course

Course Syllabus Summer B 2016

CRN 30455, (Term B, 6-week course June 21, 2016- August 02, 2016)

The Midterm and Final Exams in this course are proctored

Instructor:     Paul Fernandez

Office:            East Campus, 4-241

Phone:            (407) 582-2755

Email:            pfernandez@valenciacollege.edu

Student Engagement Hours (office hours): 

On-campus hours (Bldg. 4-241 East Campus):

TR 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Online hours (Fernandez’s email):

MW 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

F 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

*Individual appointments are available upon request. 

Course Description:    MAC 1105 College Algebra                                  Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite:  Minimum grade of C in MAT 1033C or appropriate score on an approved

assessment. Course based on the study of functions and their role in problem solving. Topics include graphing, the linear, quadratic, and exponential families of functions, and inverse functions. Students will be required to solve applied problems and communicate their findings effectively. Technology tools will be utilized in addition to analytical methods. Gordon rule course. Minimum grade of C required if MAC 1105 is used to satisfy Gordon Rule and general education requirements.

Do not assume that this class is undemanding because it is an online course. This course is challenging and time consuming; it is convenient, but not easier than a regular classroom course. Only highly motivated, disciplined, and organized students who can study the book lessons effectively, can follow all tasks responsibly, and can learn the material by themselves are successful in this online course. The math lessons are clearly explained and you will have the learning resources to help you.

I will be here to lead and guide you, and be a facilitator of learning. Since I care about your academic success, I will be providing you a quality-learning environment throughout the academic term. In this course, you will have the opportunity to learn skills that will be relevant to future courses and to your professional career.

Time Commitment:

Required Educational Materials:

Valencia Core competencies: TVCA

Valencia faculty has defined four interrelated competencies (Value, Think, Communicate, and Act) that prepare students to succeed in the world community. These competencies are outlined in the College Catalog. In this course, through class activities, discussion, and other learning endeavors, you will further develop your mastery of the aforementioned competencies.  Due to the nature of these global competencies, many problems and activities will be presented in the context of applications. These will require students to select appropriate information from the problem and communicate effectively how to arrive at an appropriate solution to the problem.

Attendance Policy:

Due to the nature of this online course, on-campus attendance in the traditional sense cannot be enforced. However, the frequency of your visitations to the course sites will be monitored. In the event of an extended absence -that is, not logging onto course sites (BB and/or WebAssign) for more than 3 days, or not replying to my emails in a timely manner (within 48 hours)- you must contact me as soon as possible to indicate the reason for the inactivity. Before the withdrawal deadline, if your absences become extreme (3 days or more), you may be withdrawn from this course for noncompliance with the requisites of the course.

After the withdrawal deadline, you cannot -for any reason- withdraw from this course and obtain a grade of “W.”  *Please check the "No-Show" policy on page 11 for more details on online attendance requirements.

Registering into WebAssign

As soon as you acquire the textbook (or e-book), you will self-enroll into WebAssign. You will need both a WebAssign Class Key and the WebAssign Access Code to fully access your math lessons and online homework. The access code gives you paid access to the class materials, and the class key places you in the correct class. The WebAssign Access Code is included in your textbook/e-book.

This will be your WebAssign Class Key: valenciacollege 6432 6771

The following link will lead you to WebAssign's "Student Quick Start Guide." This guide will provide information about registering/logging into WebAssign, purchasing access code, and viewing assignments:  www.webassign.net/manual/WA_Student_Quick_Start.pdf 

IMPORTANT NOTE: The online assignments in WebAssign will be available May 3, 2016, and you will have a grace period through May 16, 2016. Once the grace period is over, you must enter your Access Code to continue using WebAssign and remain in this class; that is, starting 5/17/2016 you will not be able to access the math assignments if you have not acquired the textbook (or e-book) and entered the corresponding code.

WebAssign Support:

For WebAssign, call (800) 955-8275

* Only if you can’t log into the system, get an error message, or can’t access the server.

When to not email WebAssign?

For questions on the content of a particular homework assignment or any math related questions, you will email me at pfernandez@valenciacollege.edu, not WebAssign support.

Technical Notes:

You will submit all required online homework assignments for this class via WebAssign. Therefore, make sure that your computer does not block your access to WebAssign.

(1) Pop-ups

You need to turn off your computer's pop-up blockers when you are working on your homework assignments. Below are links to instructions on how to disable common pop-up blockers:

 (2) You will also need the latest version of Java. Not having this will prevent the equation editor box to appear, and you will need this to answer some questions. Java is free to download. Get the latest version at: http://java.com  

Online Instruction Delivery System (Course Platform):

To be able to take this course, you must have a computer with Internet access and -of course- must know how to use it. This course is delivered via Blackboard and WebAssign. You will complete your online homework using WebAssign, and take all your tests via Blackboard.

Course Access: Blackboard 9.1 (BB = Blackboard Learn 9.1 throughout this document.)

BB course page:  http://learn.valenciacollege.edu/

Login for BB: Use your ATLAS Username and Password

Communication:

This is an online course; therefore, we will communicate mainly electronically, via email         and through the course site (BB).You must check your ATLAS emails and the course announcements (BB) regularly as to not miss any important messages from the instructor!

You will always use my email address to communicate with me:

pfernandez@valenciacollege.edu

Please remember to include “Algebra Online 1105” on the subject line of the email, followed by the nature of your message, so that your email will have priority. To protect my computer from any virus, I will delete without opening any email with no subject. All communications should follow appropriate etiquette. Email should be used in a professional way. Always put identifying information in the subject line. Use appropriate language and include your name so that I know who you are. If you call my office and wish to leave me a voice mail, please repeat your name and telephone number twice; voicemail is used best if you leave a concise, but detailed message.

IMPORTANT: Since I am not always in my office, an email will have a faster response than a voicemail. I will be sending all my communications to your Valencia email account; please remember that you must delete old messages from your mailbox. If you exceed the quota, your Valencia mailbox will not accept any more and you will not receive my daily/weekly emails. I have no control of your email account, so please check this regularly.

Be sure to check your Valencia email at least 2-3 times a week (daily during the first weeks of the term!). It is recommended that you do not forward your Valencia mail to an outside account like hotmail or yahoo, etc. due to the fact that email from Valencia may be tagged as spam, therefore not delivered. If you decide to forward your Valencia email to a personal email account, make sure that it is not rejected!

All emails and/or phone calls will receive my response in a timely fashion. You should expect my reply within a 24-48 hr period, excluding Saturdays and Sundays (unless there is an emergency). If time permits, I will also get back to you during weekends. On the other hand, when you receive any email from me that requires your response, I expect you to reply in a timely fashion as well. Again, I will be communicating with you on a regular basis, therefore, it is crucial that you check your emails and any announcements via BB frequently, so that you are always on track.

Not checking my emails will not be accepted as an excuse for missing required tasks; missed announcements and/or emails may affect your grade and are the responsibility of the student.

Work Requirement:

Instruction in this course does not involve classroom lectures. You will learn the course math contents by using your textbook/e-book. In Blackboard, you will find a Course Material Guide for each unit that you will study in this course. This guide indicates the required examples, practice problems, and homework you need to complete for each test. Also included are Power Points and links to math videos that you may find useful as you learn the course content. Do not spend time on material that is not assigned. Please follow the Course Material Guide and you will be fine.

This course's approach has the potential to accommodate your individual learning style. All instructional materials used throughout the course, as well as the scheduled activities, support and promote the achievement of the stated learning outcomes and unit learning objectives. (You can find the course learning outcomes and unit learning objectives on the BB page.) I will act as facilitator and will guide you in your learning experience.

Assessment and Course Evaluation (read this section carefully!):

All assessments/evaluation procedures are consistent with the educational activities and will appropriately measure the stated course learning outcomes and unit learning objectives.

1) Using your textbook (or e-book) and the Course Material Guide, you will study the required material and complete the assigned practice problems. Then you will complete Online Homework problems in WebAssign for each section to be covered. Completion of homework is crucial to student success in any math course! The online homework grade will count as a test grade!  Each homework set can be redone a maximum of 5 times; only the highest score will count. The homework assignment will close once the corresponding deadline has passed. No extensions will be granted.

Note: It is your responsibility to work ahead of the Weekly Schedule in order to build some flexibility into the schedule. If you wait until the last minute to perform the required tasks, I am not responsible for last minute technical difficulties, or other unforeseen circumstances.

2) You will take a total of 4 tests: 2 Unit Tests, a Midterm Exam, and a Final Exam. Absolutely no extensions will be granted. Each test can only be taken once. No retakes are allowed. Calculator will be allowed.

a. Unit Tests (take-home tests): You may take each Unit Test from your home computer; no password is needed. The tests will be submitted electronically via Blackboard. Once you have logged in, under the course menu, you will find each test by clicking the folder “Assessments (TESTS).” Unit Tests must be completed by 11:59 PM (E.S.T.), no later than the specified deadline indicated on the Weekly Schedule.

There will be a 120-minute time limit for each Unit Test. Problems not answered within the time limit will be counted as incorrect. As you answer each Unit Test questions, I suggest that you save your answer after each problem you have completed. Even if you save your answers, you can go always go back and change them. Make sure you select “Save All Answers,” and click on “Save and Submit.” Immediately, the computer will give you the test score.

Remember that from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. every Sunday morning, there is a reserved system maintenance for BB. This means that if you overlap that time while taking any test in BB, you will be kicked-out of the system, your test will be lost, and you will lose your opportunity to take that test. Please do not let this happen to you.

b. Midterm Exam and Final Exam (proctored exams-testing center): The Midterm Exam and the Final Exam must be taken at one of the testing centers at Valencia College or an approved proctored site (prearrangement is required for the latter). The Midterm and Final Exams are closed book/notebook. No notes or formulas will be allowed. You will be allowed to use paper and pencil for calculations, of course. The testing center will provide the scratch paper, which will be collected. You cannot take the Midterm or Final Exam from home! However, you can take these exams (at the testing center) at any day/time that is convenient to you, no later than the specified deadlines. The Midterm Exam and the Final Exam have no time limit. I recommend that you allow at least two hours to take each of these tests (two hours or more). Again, since there is no time limit for these proctored exams, there should be no reason to leave any question unanswered because you ran out of time!

Some testing centers change their hours of operations without any previous notice. Failing to check this will not be accepted as excuse for missing either of these two exams!  Here is a link to Valencia's testing centers. It provides information on their locations, contact information, and hours of operation: Testing Centers - Valencia College

Caution: Most testing centers have shorter hours of operation during the summer term! Most do not open on weekends. You are responsible for checking your chosen testing center hours of operation before you take the Midterm Exam and the Final Exam.

If you have a special request for another testing site (i.e. not at Valencia) you need to let me know as well; should this be your case, please refer to the Testing Proctoring Guidelines link found in BB. You need to inform me about your preferred testing site during the first week of classes. Students living in the vicinity of one of the Valencia Campuses must take the tests at Valencia.

You will take each test/exam after completion of the assigned lessons and practice problems from the textbook (or e-book), the online homework, Power Points and video resources, and the corresponding study guide. (You will find a study guide for each assessment in Blackboard.)

All tests/exams must be taken according to the Weekly Schedule (found in BB). You can take all tests/exams at any time on or before the deadline date, but never after! No extensions will be granted.

If you wait until the last minute to take a test, I am not responsible for last minute technical difficulties, including availability of Internet connection to Blackboard, accessibility to a computer at your selected testing center (for proctored exams), etc. 

I highly recommend that you never wait until the due date to take a test. Tests will be available about a week prior to the corresponding deadline.

Taking the Midterm Exam and Final Exam (proctored tests):

By the first Wednesday of the term, you must send me an email with the campus/testing site where you will be taking your Midterm and Final Exams. Without this email, I will not know where to send the test instructions, and you will not be able to take them.

If you are testing outside Valencia, you should make proctoring arrangements during the first week of classes. See the Testing Proctoring Guidelines link in BB. (Students living in the vicinity of one of the Valencia Campuses must take their Midterm and Final Exams at Valencia.)

The tests will be submitted electronically via Blackboard at the testing center. Once you have logged in, under the course menu you will find the Midterm Exam and the Final Exam by clicking the folder “Assessments (TESTS).”  The testing center personnel or proctor will type a password for you.

Caution: Some campuses have limited hours, or change their hours of operation without notice. I recommend that you call them before taking your tests. Again, not knowing the hours of operation of your chosen testing center will not be accepted as an excuse for missing the Midterm or Final Exam, or not having enough time to complete it!

As you answer the Midterm or Final Exam questions at the testing center, I suggest that you save your answer after each problem you have completed. By doing this, if the power goes out you will not lose your work. Even if you save your answers, you can go always go back and change them. Make sure you select “Save All Answers,” and click on “Save and Submit.” Immediately, the computer will give you the test score.

NOTE: You are responsible for making sure that the test is submitted. Should you have any technical difficulties, you must alert a Testing Center staff member immediately! The Testing Center specialist must contact me and explain any technical problem encountered. Make sure this procedure is strictly followed. If the Testing Center specialist does not corroborate the problem, you will receive a score of zero if the test is not submitted properly. It is your responsibility to inform me immediately of any issue encountered while taking a test. Notifying me afterwards will not be an acceptable excuse.

Important: Since all tests have problems from test banks, you can only see your tests in my office after the tests deadlines. I will be glad to discuss your test performance during my office hours. I cannot give you a copy of the tests for you to review. Again, you can only review your test performance during my office hours after the test deadline, and before the due date for the next test. 

Make-Up Policy:

NO make-up tests will be given. If you miss one Unit Test or the Midterm Exam, the Final Exam's score may replace the missed test. If a test grade is replaced with the Final Exam's grade, this means that the Final Exam will count double. Only one test can be replaced during the academic term. If you miss more than one test, for any reason, you can only replace one test score with the Final Exam's score; any other missed test will receive a score of zero. No exceptions!

Note: If you do not miss any test, the Final Exam score will replace your lowest test score if it is to your advantage (the Final Exam score is higher than your lowest test grade).

It is never advisable to miss a test because you do not feel prepared. The Final Exam is never dropped or replaced.

Failure to take the Final Exam will automatically result in an F grade.

Study Guides for Tests:

a. You will find a Study Guide for each test in the course’s BB site. Each study guide includes sample problems. Keep in mind that only doing the sample problems will not be enough to learn the material and pass the course. You need to study all the required lessons!

b. In addition to the study guides for tests in Blackboard, you will also find a practice test for the proctored Midterm Exam and Final Exam. These practice tests will not count towards your grade in MAC 1105. Each practice test will help you prepare for the exam, and you can take it from the comforts of your home, no password needed. Once you log in to BB, under the course menu click the folder “Assessments (TESTS),” where you will find the aforementioned practice tests.

Grades: The final grade for this course will be derived from the following sources:

Unit Test #1 (take-home test)                              100 points                                                     

Midterm Exam (testing center)                            100 points                                     

Unit Test #2 (take-home test)                              100 points                                    

Final Exam (testing center)                                 100 points                                                        

Online homework (total WebAssign)                     100 points                                   

Computing your grades:                             

You can compute, at any time, the grade you have in this course by adding your total number of points, including tests and the homework score, and dividing by the total number of points.

    At the end of the term your final grade will be computed by adding all your scores, plus the adjustment in the final exam, (reflected in the 'adjustment with the final' column) and dividing by 5.

The grading scale is as follows:

A  90-100%      B  80-89%      C*  70-79%      D  60-69%      F  Below 60% 

* Minimum grade to pass MAC 1105 (Gordon Rule/General Education Requirements) 

Borderline policy:

If your course average is borderline (that is, 89, 79, 69, 59) after taking the final exam, your average will go up depending on the average of all your test grades (4 tests and the final, including any final exam adjustment). If the average of your tests grade is higher than the borderline score, you grade will go up. If your average is the same or lower than your borderline score, you grade will stay the same. To find if you are eligible to go up, find the average of your tests. If this average is higher than your borderline score of 89, 79, 69 or 59, you will "go up". Otherwise, you will stay at your current grade.

            You can compute, at any time, the grade you have in this course by adding your total number of points, including tests and the homework score, and dividing by the total number of points.

Extra Help:

In addition to receiving help from your instructor, you should try to attend your respective campus math support area. The tutoring services provided by Valencia's math support centers will help you clarify course content. You can work on any specific College Algebra questions and you can get help with your required homework problems. All Valencia’s math support centers are very helpful. Valencia also offers free online tutoring (7 days/week, 24 hours/day), which is an excellent resource for online students. You can find the SmartThinking link in Blackboard and in Atlas.

Math Help 24/7:

This Valencia website provides links to video tutorials created by Valencia math professors. The videos use a variety of technologies, and all simple to view. This link will take you there: http://valenciacollege.edu/math/liveScribe.cfm   (Copy and paste the link to your browser if needed.)

Once you are on the website, you only need to look for the course College Algebra and it will take you to specific videos for this class.  HELPFUL SITE!

Extra Credit:

You can do the online homework more than once (up to 5 times!). You can earn additional credit for discussion board postings for each test (see Blackboard for details). If you have taken all required tests, the Final Exam's score may replace your lowest test grade, if it is to your advantage. Two of your four tests in this course are taken at home. Consider this your extra credit.  Please do not ask for any additional extra credit.

Valencia ID Cards:     

Valencia identification cards are required for the Testing Center and Valencia's student support services, including the Library. No other form of ID at those locations will be accepted. Possession and utilization of a Valencia ID is mandatory in order to obtain these services. Your student ID card can be obtained in the Security office on any Campus once you have registered and paid for your classes. The first student ID card is free. There is a $5 fee for a replacement card.

Computer/Equipment Use Policy:

Use of computers at Valencia College is restricted to those activities designated by the instructor to enhance the class materials. Any other use is strictly forbidden. Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to:

            Use of computer to send email or access Internet sites not specifically assigned in class.

            Use of computer for job, internship, homework or other activities not assigned in class.

            Modifying any hardware or software system configuration or setting.

            Activities not in accordance with the Valencia Student Code of Conduct.

Use of computers in the departmental open lab is limited to those activities involved with preparing homework or coursework in this department and is subject to the same restriction as listed above. Computer use is remotely monitored; any student using computers inappropriately may be subject to dismissal from class or banishment from the lab. Subsequent offense may be sent to the campus administration for further disciplinary action.

 Rules and Tips for Taking Tests at the Testing Center:

You will need at least 2 hours to complete the proctored Midterm and Final Exams. Whether you are taking your tests at East Campus or another campus, you are responsible for finding out their hours of operation. Here is a link to Valencia's Testing Centers. It provides information on their locations, contact information, and hours of operation: Testing Centers - Valencia College

* Bring your Valencia issued Photo ID, otherwise, you will not be given the test! Not having a    Valencia ID is not an excuse for missing a test!

* The proctored Midterm and Final Exams are closed book/notebook. No notes or formulas are allowed.

* Do not bring food or beverages to the testing center.

* Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off and stowed away during testing. If your phone rings you will be asked to stop testing and sign out; you will not be able to retake the test. Ouch! Do not let this happen to you!

* Do not bring a TI-89, TI-92, TI-Nspire-CAS, Voyage 200 or any other graphing calculators that do symbolic manipulations to the testing center. These will not be accepted!

* All memory and programs should be erased from your calculator before taking tests.

* Allow enough time to take a test. The Valencia Testing Centers will not give a test the last hour before closing (for example, if the Center closes at 9:00 p.m., the last test is given out at 8:00 p.m.; it will not give a Final Exam within two hours of closing.)

* In addition to these rules, your instructor’s test policies will apply.

Academic Honesty:

All students are expected to be in complete compliance with Valencia College’s policies on academic honesty. Here is a link for details on this policy: http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/documents/Volume8/8-11-Academic-Dishonesty.pdf

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to: plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive. In no instance will dishonesty of any type be tolerated in this course. Students who violate any of Valencia’s academic honesty policies will risk penalties that can go from receiving a grade of “F” to dismissal from class and/or expulsion from the college. The professor reserves the right to determine the appropriate penalties within the aforementioned policies.

 Student Code of Conduct

Valencia College is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but is concerned with the development of responsible personal and social conduct. By enrolling at

Valencia, a student assumes the responsibility for knowing and abiding by the rules articulated in the Student Code of Conduct. Here is a link to the Student Code of Conduct: http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/documents/Volume8/8-03-Student-Code-of-Conduct.pdf

Primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty. Faculty members are authorized to define, communicate, and enforce appropriate standards of decorum in classrooms, offices, and other instructional areas under their supervision. Students who engage in any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the faculty member to leave the class for the remainder of the class period. Violation of any classroom or Valencia’s rules may lead to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from Valencia. Disciplinary action could include being withdrawn from class, disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate and authorized actions. In addition, Valencia College strives to provide a drug-free learning environment for all those involved in the academic experience.

Policy: In compliance with the provisions of the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, Valencia College will take such steps as are necessary in order to adopt and implement a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by Valencia College students or employees on college premises or as part of any college activity. The student code of conduct applies to the online classroom environment as well.

Withdrawal:

If you decide to withdraw from this course, you must follow the proper ATLAS procedure.  Students should familiarize themselves with Valencia College’s withdrawal policy.  The withdrawal deadline for this term is July 22, 2016.  Per Valencia Withdrawal Policy, a student cannot withdraw and obtain a grade of W after this deadline. After this withdrawal deadline, students will only receive a letter grade of A, B, C, D or F.

No-Show Policy!  

Important: The U.S. Department of Education requires online students to show attendance by submitting homework during the first week of classes. The Department of Education has made it clear that simply logging into an online course does not constitute attendance as an "academically-related activity." To comply with this Federal law in my class, you must successfully complete the following assignments:

(1) By the first Wednesday of the term: Send me your first email homework. (Check Blackboard for details!) Your email must come from your official Valencia email address, and include your chosen campus for taking your proctored tests. If one of the above is missing, your email will be returned, and you will have not complied with this assignment.

(2) By the second Monday of the term: Complete the Student Introduction assignment, found in the "Discussions" section in BB.

(3) By the second Monday of the term: Complete - with 100% - the Syllabus Quiz found in Blackboard, and

(4) By the second Monday of the term: Complete at least one Online Homework in WebAssign, with a score of at least 80%.

Any student that does not comply with the Federal requirement -as specified above- will be dropped from the course as a No-Show.

Important Note: The Syllabus Quiz score will not count towards your final average in this class; however, this quiz is a class requirement, and is one of several factors that validate your attendance to this online course within the No-Show policy.

Important Dates for B Term (H2):    

WebAssign opens: Monday, June 13, 2016

First day of classes / site available in Blackboard: Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Campus email-first assignment deadline: Wednesday, June 22, 2016 (deadline: 11:59 PM)

WebAssign grace period ends: Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Dept. of Education Attendance Requirement deadline: Tuesday, June 28,2016 (11:59 PM)

No-Show requisites deadline: Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Drop/Refund Deadline: Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Withdrawal deadline: Friday, July 22, 2016 (11:59 PM)     (No W grade will be given after the withdrawal deadline).

Final Exam deadline (Testing Center): Monday, August 1, 2016.

Academic Support:

In addition to the textbook math lessons and guidance and assistance from your instructor, you have supplementary academic support:

1. Tutors can be assigned to students through the Tutoring Center.

2. Math Support Center (walk in tutoring) Great Help!

3. Web links that will provide math help are available in our BB math site.

4. Math Help 24/7 (See page 9 on this syllabus for details.)

5. Online Tutoring (See Blackboard and/or Atlas for link.)

Here is a link to the tutoring services: http://valenciacollege.edu/tutoring

This link will provide you information on our math resources: http://valenciacollege.edu/math   

For computer lab hours, click here: http://valenciacollege.edu/labs

Blackboard Support:

For BB issues, please email onlinehelp@valenciacollege.edu

WebAssign Support (technical issues only):

For WebAssign, call (800) 955-8275.

For your online homework assignments, tests, and math course content issues or any other matters related to my class, please contact me at pfernandez@valenciacollege.edu .

I encourage you to form study groups via the Discussion Board and the Chat Room in BB to help each other with the math lessons, homework, and study guides throughout the term.

Student with Disabilities:

Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a letter from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor,

preferably during the first week of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities. The goal at the OSD is to open doors, remove barriers and assist you in any way they can. The key to success is matching your needs to the services provided. Please discuss your individual needs with your instructor. Valencia’s OSD can be found online at http://valenciacollege.edu/osd

OSD contact information per campus:

East: Bldg. 5, Rm. 216, Ph: 407-582-2229, Fax: 407-582-8908, TTY: 407-582-1222

West: SSB, Rm. 102, Ph: 407-582-1523, Fax: 407-582-1326, TTY: 407-582-1222

Osceola: Bldg. 2, Rm. 102, Ph: 407-582-4167, Fax: 407-582-4804, TTY: 407-582-1222

Winter Park: Bldg.1, Rm. 212, Ph: 407-582-6887, Fax: 407-582-6841, TTY: 407-582-1222

For Lake Nona appointments, please call OSD East Campus.

Student Support Services:

Here are some links that you can use for additional help in areas that affect your learning experience at Valencia, such as advising, registration, financial aid, and others:

Answer center: Student Services Office - Valencia College

Career and educational goals: LifeMap - Valencia College

For general information on all student and academic services: Students Directory

For assistance with planning your class schedule, please visit with an academic advisor (if you are seeking an Associate in Arts degree) or with a Career Program Advisor (if you are seeking an Associate in Science degree).

Student Assistance Program:

Valencia College is interested in making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help with issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. BayCare Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program (SAP) services are free to all Valencia students and available 24 hours a day by calling (800) 878-5470. Free face-to-face counseling is also available.

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

FERPA is a Federal law that is administered by the Family Policy Compliance Office in the U.S. Department of Education (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). FERPA affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their educational records. Valencia College has a firm commitment to protecting the privacy rights of its students. For further information on FERPA see:   http://valenciacollege.edu/ferpa/default.cfm#whatis

Title IX

Valencia College strives to be a place free from all forms of discrimination. Title IX protects students from discrimination based upon sex including protections against sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking. This also includes protections for students who are pregnant or may become pregnant. If you experience sexual violence, domestic violence or stalking and would like assistance there are several options available to you. Valencia partners with the Victim Service Center of Central Florida which is a confidential resource available 24/7. They can be reached by calling 407-497-6701. If you would like assistance on campus, you can go to http://valenciacollege.edu/eo or contact Valencia College’s Title IX and Equal Opportunity Officer, Ryan Kane, by emailing rkane8@valenciacollege.edu. If you would like to report to law enforcement, you may visit Campus Security or call 911.

Please note that there are no confidential resources on campus. As your professor, I am required to report any information mentioned in this statement to the appropriate campus resources. This will include your name, and detailed information shared with me. We take privacy very seriously at the College and only those who have a legitimate need to know the information will be provided with this information. If you have more questions about Title IX or the College’s response, please visit http://valenciacollege.edu/eo.

Caution: 

(1) The last day to send me the Campus email is the first Wednesday of this term.

(2) The last day to do the Student Introduction (in BB), the Syllabus Quiz (in BB), and one online homework with at least 80% (in WebAssign), is the second Tuesday of this term.

After this date, if you have not completed these tasks, you will be withdrawn from the course (as a No-Show).

Course Completion:

Students enrolled in the same college-level course at Valencia more than two times shall pay the full cost (100%) of instruction fee (you will have to pay out-of-state tuition after your second attempt). Please see a counselor or advisor if you must repeat a course for the third time.

Valencia Student Feedback on Instruction: Near the end of the term, you will receive an invitation through your Valencia email account asking you to complete the Student Feedback on Instruction (SFI). This survey provides us with feedback on your experience in this class and helps us improve the course. The results are released only after grades are submitted. Student names are not included in the results - your responses will be anonymous. You will get an email from Valencia informing you when the SFI survey will open. 

Disclaimer:

Changes in the syllabus, course topics and contents, teaching/learning procedures and requisites, weekly schedule, course material guide, assessment and evaluation procedure, homework assignments, worksheets, and/or any other document or instruction provided or assigned by the professor may be made at any time at my discretion. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what, if any, announcements or changes have been made.

IMPORTANT:

Please check the Weekly Schedule and the Course Material Guide

in the course content area in Blackboard for all tasks and deadlines!