Syllabus for MAT 0028: Elementary Algebra

Mr. Richard J. Albero
Spring2012

IMPORTANT DATES
(available at: )
Deadline to drop with refund: 1/13/2012
Deadline to withdraw without refund: 3/20/2012
Final Exam :5/7/2012

INSTRUCTOR'S INFORMATION
Instructor: Mr. Richard J. Albero
Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs. (10:20am-10:50am) Rm. NM 103, Mon/Wed. (1:20pm-1:5pm) Rm. NM 111
Phone: 727.791.5960

Contact information:
PREREQUISITES
MAT 0012 or appropriate score on the CPT mathematics placement test

Course Introduction
This course is taught online via the ANGEL Delivery Learning Management Platform using a software program called Academic Systems Algebra (ASAlgebra) which is a multimedia interactive full-course curriculum designed and delivered by Academic Systems, a division of PLATO Learning ( As it is your primary instruction for this course, follow the sequence of modules within each lesson, and adhere to the Lessons & Tests Schedule document which can be found in ANGEL under the Content tab in the Course Documents folder. There are suggested deadlines established to assist you in completing this course in a timely manner. Plan to spend between 6 - 9 hours weekly on this course. Be sure not to fall behind this suggested schedule as it is difficult to catch up. Remember, taking a course online requires both self-discipline and time management skills.

Electronics Policy: Cell phone etiquette must be observed: Cell phones and other electronic devices must be off and out of sight prior to entering the classroom. Cell phones are not allowed to be used during tests, not even as a calculator. Inform the instructor before class of any extenuating circumstances. Electronic devices such as iPods, Blackberries, etc. are not permitted be used or worn in the classroom.

CALCULATOR POLICY
Calculators may NOT be used on Quizzes, Tests, or Exams.

CLASS CALENDAR POLICY
Students MUST complete all assignments on or before the deadlines listed on the Class Schedule.
CLASS CONDUCT POLICY
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate for the online classroom. Students are expected to complete all quizzes, tests, and exams without assistance.Students are responsible for following all SPC policies as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct Manual. Disruptive and inappropriate communication will NOT be tolerated. Failure to comply by these guidelines MAY result in a student being dropped from the class (without a refund) and/or other punitive actions.

The college-wide attendance policy is included in the Syllabus Addendum.
Instructors will verify that students are in attendance at least once each week during the first two weeks of class. Studentsclassified as “No Show” for both of the first two weeks will be administratively withdrawn. Immediately following the 60% point of the term, each instructor will verify which students are actively participating in class. Students classified as not meeting the criteria for active class participation will be administrativelywithdrawn with a “WF”. Active class participation for this class is defined as responding to emails and/or posting to the discussion board as required by your instructor as well as completing Tests, and Exams by the required deadlines. If a student fails to complete at least one of Tests 1 or Test 2 by March 1, 2012, he/she will be classified as not actively participating and may be administratively withdrawn from class.Students and instructors will automatically receive an e-mail notification to their SPCemail whenever a withdrawal occurs.Maximum Total Unexcused Absences for the semester is eight. Any unexcused absences over eight will result in a grade of F.

Tardiness and leaving class early will be recorded and applied toward the attendance policy as a “half-absence”. Instructor should be notified of absence prior to the class or the next meeting. It is an expectation that students arrive to class on time and stay for the entire class. If a student exceeds 3 absences, including the half absences acquired by arriving late or leaving early, then the student relinquishes the ability to drop the lowest test and quiz (seegrading).

WITHDRAWAL POLICY
The last day a student can withdraw from this course and receive a grade of W is January 13, 2012.

It is the responsibility of the studentto withdraw from the course themselves by the withdrawal deadline. Any student wishing to withdraw from the course should do so online at: In accordance with college policy, no student can withdraw from a course after the withdrawal deadline. Do NOT ask your instructor to withdraw you from the course; it is your responsibility.

Third attempts: Students attempting this course for the third time (or more) cannot withdraw (State of Florida regulation). Failing to meet the attendance requirement will result in a grade of WF.

GRADING
Students enrolled after the withdrawal deadline will receive one of the grades below:

Grading scale:
89.5 and aboveA
79.5 – 89.4B
69.5– 79.4C
<69.5 F or N

Incompletes (I) will not be given in this course.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will a student receive a W grade after the withdrawal deadline (3/20/2012). Students on their third attempt cannot withdraw from the class after the first week.

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

Online Quizzes (Evaluates)20% of Final Grade
At the end of each lesson in the Academic Online curriculum (ASA), there is a computer quiz called an Evaluate. You may retake the Evaluate quiz after reviewing the lesson (a maximum of 3 attempts); however, the computer will average the highest of your three scores. It is advisable that you complete the practice Evaluate in the Personal Academic Notebook first before attempting the quiz online. You may not use your book nor your notes during the Evaluate. Any lesson Evaluate not taken by the last day of class will be assigned azero (0).Additional quizzes may be given anytime (including the very beginning or end of class) will be average in the semester final quiz grade.

UnitTests 30% of Final Grade
You will be takingfour (4)online tests according to the Class Schedule. These testsas well as theirreviews can be found in the Tests and Review under the Content tab. It is your responsibility to complete those tests by the deadline designated by your instructor (please refer to the Class Schedule ). A student missing the test deadline for ANY reason will receive a zero for that test. Prior to the test becoming available for you to access, you must pass the review for that test with a minimum score of 70%. It is advisable you take the review multiple times in order to better prepare for the actual test. You may not use your book nor your notes during the tests.

Final Exam 50% of Final Grade
Only if all ASA lessons and at least 3 of the 4 online tests are completed will you be allowed to sit for the Final Exam. For all students, the Final Exam must be taken by the scheduled date (see college calendar)according to the Class Schedule.This exam is a timed (2 hours) exam.

All OSSD students must provide appropriate documentation if they need special arrangements for testing.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS AND MAKE UP POLICY
Students who miss a test will receive a zero for that test.

EXTRA CREDIT
No official extra credit assignments are available.All course work must be completed by the appropriate due dates. A grade of zero will be assigned to any course requirement not completed.

Extra Help
All students are encouraged to seek additional help during the instructor's office hours as the instructor is there for your benefit.Students can make appointments to meet besides the hours posted, if necessary.Tutoring is available from the Learning Support Center, which is located in the LA building on the Clearwater Campus.Free tutoring is available for all SPC students in the Learning Support Centers on every campus. Additionally, you can access online tutoring and other help sites by accessing “Free Mathematics Help” under the content tab.Online tutoring offered by the Clearwater Campus is available at this link.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Course Policies and Procedures: The student is responsible for knowing all course policies listed in the syllabus and discussed in class.

Class Participation and Etiquette: The student is responsible for participating in class or online. The student will respect the rights of other students to learn. The student will communicate with others in a courteous and respectful manner at all times, including the instructor.

Assignment Due Dates and Procedures: The student is responsible for knowing when assignments are due, the formats required, and the procedures for completing and submitting assignments.
Academic Honesty: The student is expected to know the SPC Academic Honesty Policy and to act above suspicion at all times with regard to academic issues.

INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Course Policies and Procedures: The instructor is responsible for providing a syllabus the first day of class that clearly explains all course policies. The instructor will provide a Student Survey of Instruction for fall and spring semesters. The instructor will post grades in MySPC by the end of the semester.

Class Participation and Etiquette: The instructor will create a learning environment that engages students and facilitates learning. The instructor will enforce the right of all students to learn. The instructor will communicate with students in a courteous and respectful manner at all times. The instructor will respond to emails within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).

Assignment Due Dates and Procedures: The instructor will provide clear guidelines and information regarding when assignments are due, the format required, and the procedure for completing and submitting assignments. The instructor will grade all assignments within 7 days of each due date, with additional time for late assignments, if accepted.
Academic Honesty: The instructor will enforce SPC Academic Honesty policies at all times.

USING ANGEL
In order to better serve our faculty and students we are asking that both the instructor and student use the logoff button when completing online course work. By logging off, ANGEL server space is freed, and therefore, optimizing the system. In addition, logging off will more accurately record students' time involved in the course.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
ANGEL requirements:
SPC helpdesk: 727-341-4357 or

GENERAL COLLEGE POLICIES

Special Accommodations :

If you wish to receive accommodations as a student with a documented disability, please contact Aimee Stubbs, Learning Specialist, SS110, 791-2710. If you need assistance during an emergency evacuation, please contact Mrs. Stubbs immediately about arrangements for your safety.

(Disabilities Resources 791-2710 or 791-2628).

Sexual Predator Information: Federal and State law requires a person designated as a “sexual predator or offender” to register with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The FDLE then is required to notify the local law enforcement agency where the registrant resides, attends or is employed by an institution of higher learning. Information regarding sexual predators or offenders attending or employed by an institution of higher learning may be obtained from the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for the particular campus, by calling the FDLE hotline at 1-888-357-7332, or by visiting the FDLE website at . If there are questions or concerns regarding personal safety, please contact the Provost, Associate Provost, Campus Security Officer or Site Administrator on your campus.

Campus Safety and Security: For information on campus safety and security policies please contact 727-341-4657. For information on sexual offenders on your campus please contact campus security or the associate provost office or for general information go to the State of Florida website at .

Emergency Preparedness: In the event that a hurricane or other natural disaster causes significant damage to the St. Petersburg College facilities, you may be provided the opportunity to complete your course work online. Following this event, please visit the college website for an announcement of the College's plan to resume operations. This syllabus is currently available in ANGEL for your convenience. Log in to ANGEL to confirm that you have access, reporting any difficulty to the SPC Student Technical Call Center at 727-341-4357 or via email at .

Financial Aid Announcement:The U.S. Department of Education has implemented rules for students who obtain a Pell Grant, Stafford Loan and/or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and subsequently totally withdraw from the college. The rule requires students to refund to the Department of Education a portion or all of their financial aid if he/she withdraws completely from classes before the 60% point. A student also may be required to repay funds to the College. Should you consider totally withdrawing from the College, it is important that you consult the Scholarship and Student Financial Assistance office on your home campus to understand your options and the consequences of total withdrawal.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Cheating and plagiarism of any kind are serious violations of college policy and will not be tolerated. Students are expected to know and follow all class policies found in the syllabus and academic honesty policies found in the student handbook. It is the responsibility of the student to act above suspicion when completing any assignment. Ask your instructor for clarification on any policy before taking any action.
Examples of cheating and plagiarism include but are not limited to: presenting another person's work as if it were the work of the presenter, allowing someone to copy your work, using published information without proper citations, using unauthorized references (cheat sheets or programmed information) on a test or examination, or allowing another individual to take a test or examination for you.

Disciplinary measures for academic dishonesty can range from a failing grade for an assignment to a failing grade in the class to expulsion from the college. Instances of academic dishonesty will also be referred to the Associate Provost to be filed in the student's permanent record.

Academic honesty policies are available online at:

Academic Honesty Policy

Student Conduct Code

Student Expectations

Additional information can be found in the “Academic Honesty and Behavior Pamphlet” or the SPC Student Handbook .

SIGNATURE PAGE:

I have read, understand, and agree to abide fully by the parameters set in this syllabus and Syllabus Addendum.

Student Signature: Date:

Print Name: