This course has a required first day Orientation meeting on Friday, August 25, at 12:00pm until 2:00pm at our Highland campus (room # to be announced in students' ACC email) where students will receive an overview of the course requirements and expectations. Students will also be able to attend online if necessary. Additional meetings during the semester will be held in an on-line format although the professor may be available for face-2-face meetings at Highland campus as necessary.

• Students may attend in person or virtually online. It is recommend to attend in person for the full experience and to see example final portfolios.
• The link to attend the orientation online will be posted in Blackboard.
• The syllabus and course materials will be posted in Blackboard 
• After the orientation meeting, the instructor will host online meetings each week for a period of time, (days & times to be announced at the orientation) 

Are you prepared to take DFTG 1491? 

• DFTG 1491 is the course where students restore your CAD projects from previous advanced CAD courses from your chosen specialization.
• Students make final corrections, refine these projects and assemble them into a digital portfolio in an effort to prepare them in the best possible way for future job interviews - or in some cases - for transfer to a university program.
• Students also create resumes, references and learn job interviewing skills in this course. From a student's point of view, the goal of the course is to prepare for a job search. For this reason, DFTG 1491 is the designated CAPSTONE course of the A&E CAD Department, but because it is the capstone course, it is also used by the A&E CAD Department to assess each student's work before awarding the students’ certificate and/or degree.
• Sometimes a student who needs 2 or 3 advanced CAD courses plus DFTG 1491 enrolls for all of these courses in the same final semester. This sometimes can be problematic because the student needs the completed drawing projects from the advanced courses to use in their portfolio, but hasn’t yet drawn them - and probably won’t have them until the end of the semester - this is not a good strategy either. This student would probably be better off completing the remainng  CAD courses this semester and then enroll in DFTG 1491 in the next semester. That way, the projects from all the CAD courses can be used as the raw materials for their portfolio.
• For the reasons noted above, students should not take this course until they have completed ALL or MOST of the advanced courses for their degree or certificate, and are in our final semester. If you have not already completed these advanced CAD courses you will be unable to successfully complete this course and should withdraw now to maximize your tuition refund. 

Remember, the ultimate goal is for you to create an outstanding CAD portfolio that will pave the way for you to do well in job interviews.

• If you are taking DFTG 1491 as a requirement to complete an A&E CAD certificate this semester but you are committed to completing the AAS degree next semester, I would recommend postponing taking DFTG 1491 this semester and let us substitute another DFTG course in place of DFTG 1491 in the certificate. That way you can still earn your certificate this semester but will have more DFTG coursework completed before you enroll for DFTG 1491 in order to complete the AAS degree in the next semester.
• Note: Students that are seeking ONLY an A&E CAD Certificate (not an AAS degree later) are required take DFTG 1491 in order to receive the certificate and won't be allowed to substitute another course in its place.

For online classes, if a student does not have access to the required technology for this course, students must use our open CAD lab in our Architectural and Engineering CAD Department in building 2000 of the Highland Campus to complete assignments.  Students that are unable to meet the course technology requirements may have to drop or withdraw from the course. Please speak with your professor during the first day orientation.

• Computer Hardware Requirements: Students must have access to a high speed internet connection and a computer with a Windows 10 operating system that can run desktop software capable of opening work created in prior courses (AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor, Solidworks, Creo, MasterCAM, Cadence Virtuoso, Cadence Allegro, Civil 3D, Powerpoint, Google Slides, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator). Students can usually download the CAD software for free (except for Cadence products). Online meetings require a computer to have a speaker (or telephone) for audio.
• Software Requirements: You must have the CAD program(s) installed on your computer necessary to open your CAD files, with all required settings such as PLOT STYLES specific to your specialization. *ACC students qualify for discounted Microsoft Office product access. **This course qualifies for discounted Adobe Creative Cloud access. Click here to download Acrobat Reader.
• Internet Access: Students must have access to a high speed internet connection (at least 20 Mbps download speed). Free Internet access is available in the parking lot of many ACC campuses. See ACC website for details.
• Please note: CAD software runs only on the Windows operating system. It will not run on a Chromebook. Mac users will need either Apple Boot Camp or Parallels installed to run CAD programs.
• Recommended Accessories: A dual monitor display setup is strongly recommended. A computer with a webcam and a microphone is recommended.

ACCESSING CAD WORK FROM PREVIOUS SEMESTERS

• You will need to access your technical drawings from advanced classes taken in previous semesters.
• This will require you to have the CAD program installed on your computer necessary to reopen these CAD files. If you do not have these CAD programs, you must use our CAD labs at Highland campus or you will not be able to complete this online course.
• Click on the Accessing Your CAD Files on ACC Servers link in the left navigation menu of Blackboard for how to restore files saved on the A&E CAD server in past semesters. This service is not available if you did not submit your CAD files to our tech support team in the previous semester(s) for archiving.

EMAIL

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s college email account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account.  Students should expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account unless other arrangements have been made.  Likewise, it is suggested that students use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php.

BLACKBOARD (Bb)

The entire curriculum of this course will be available online through Blackboard:

• Distribution of handouts, readings and assignments
• Instructional Materials including Videos
• Submissions of assignments and activities
• Grading
• As instructed by your professor, students are required to access instructional materials via Blackboard on a weekly basis.
• For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, contact a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

TUTORING

Hours for the open CAD lab will coincide with the tutoring schedule which will be posted during the first week or two of the semester. You may not be able to complete all the assignments in class, so the open CAD lab is one of your best opportunities to get help in finishing the lab exercises.

Students can access the online CAD Tutor lab from the link in Blackboard.

COURSE RATIONALE

This course guides students through the process of creating a professional quality A&E CAD portfolio and resume. Job hunting techniques and interviewing skills and strategies are also discussed and presented. This is the A&E CAD department’s capstone course and is only open to students who have completed the majority of the technical courses required for their degree or certificate.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is a fully online course. In this course the student selects and develops an advanced course of study under the direction of the professor in the specific area of employment the student is seeking. Particular attention is given to the development of a portfolio suitable for job hunting in the A&E CAD field. May be taken twice for credit when topics vary.

• Credit Hours: 4
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 2
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 3

Transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.

PREREQUISITES

This Capstone course is only open to students who have completed the majority of the technical courses required for their degree or certificate or by Departmental approval. Students enrolling for this course are strongly encouraged to contact the professor prior to the end of the previous semester to see if they qualify for this course.

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS

• Blackboard Modules: Provided by the instructor at no cost to the student
• Optional Portfolio case: Creation of a physical portfolio is not required when this course is 100% online. Students will submit their portfolio to the professor as a 17 X 11 PDF file instead. If you would like to print your portfolio and create a physical portfolio, the recommended item is (Itoya Art Profolio 11 X 17- available at Jerry’s Artarama, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, or on-line) or comparable model.

COURSE EVALUATION/GRADING SCHEME

Grades will be determined as follows:

Students can earn a total of 100 points.

• 90‐100 points = A
• 80‐89 Points = B
• 70‐79 Points = C

5 points - First Draft of Portfolio Outline

30 points - Mid-Term Portfolio Review

20 points - Professional Resumes and References

45 points - A&E CAD Mock Interview with Final Portfolio 

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. Students accruing more than two (2) UNEXCUSED absences may be withdrawn from the course at the instructor's discretion, where attendance is required.  Students may make-up absences by attending other classes of the same course and topic.  It is the student's responsibility to inform instructor when circumstances prevent him/her from attending class and/or completing assignments.   An instructor may lower a student’s final grade for a course due to excessive absences.

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.

Policy on Late Missing Work

• Instructors may impose a late penalty on work that is submitted after the assigned due date.
• Late assignments submitted after the due date will accrue x point deduction
• Assignments will be reviewed and feedback will be provided by the instructor of what corrections to make for the students’ portfolio.

Ownership of Student Work

The Architectural & Engineering Computer Aided Design (A&E CAD) Department reserves the right to retain any and all student work (including but not limited to: original work, scans, photographs, and copies of student work) completed as A&E CAD course work for the purposes of documentation, accreditation, evidence of student performance, university transfer, marketing or any other purpose supporting the mission of the Department and Austin Community College.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

To avoid disturbing or distracting others during face-2-face classes or open on-campus lab times, students are requested to conduct personal communications of any sort outside of the classrooms. For this reason, the use of cell phones and other PDA’s by students is prohibited inside A&E CAD classrooms (this includes placing or receiving phone calls, text messages and emails). When conducting personal communication in the hallways, please control the volume of your voice so as not to disturb students in nearby classrooms.

Withdrawal Policy

The College defines withdrawals as occurring after the official reporting date of the semester, typically the 12th class day.  In addition, the Legislature has mandated the Rule of Six (see below).  There may also be financial aid issues.

“It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is [refer to austincc.edu].  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

ACC Incomplete Policy

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an “I” grade. 

1.      Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.     The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.      The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.      Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.      When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.”

Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Sharing a drawing file of a class project with another student, or representing another student’s drawing file as your own work, is a violation of the A&E CAD department’s Scholastic Dishonesty policy. Reproduction, transmission or sharing of A&E CAD Departmental Check Prints in any manner is also a violation of the A&E CAD department’s Scholastic Dishonesty policy.

Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course, the assignment being replaced with a different project with a reduced maximum grade, and/or expulsion from the college.

In consultation with the department chair, the instructor may resolve the matter in one or more of the following ways:

• Dismissing the allegation;
• Issuing a written warning that further violations may result in additional penalties;
• Requiring the student to revise or replace the work in which the violation occurred – including a reduced maximum grade;
• A reduction in the grade on the work in question;
• A failing grade on the work in question;
• A failing grade or other denial of credit in the course;
• Recommending disciplinary sanctions to the Dean of Student Services.

Within 5 (five) business days of the meeting with the student, the instructor shall provide written notification of the resolution to the student, the department chair, the instructional dean, for informational purposes, and to the Dean of Student Services, for possible disciplinary action.

COLLEGE POLICIES & STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Click link to view, https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies

COURSE CONTRACTS

The majority of the course is self-paced.  Each student will plan, design and produce an original portfolio. Students will submit an Orientation Agreement through Blackboard during the first week of the semester.

It is the STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to keep the professor apprised of his/her progress.  Students are expected to keep in weekly contact with the professor via phone, email, fax, during professor’s office hours, or through appointments. Course contracts are renegotiable (with the approval of both parties), however the finished work must be submitted by the last day specified by the professor (all work must be submitted by the deadline assigned by the instructor).

Distance learning requires a unique set of knowledge, skills and attitudes in order for students to be successful. Even students who excel in a face‐to‐face setting may struggle in a distance learning course if they are not prepared or do not know what to expect. Clearly explaining the factors that will help them successfully adapt to the distance learning mode of delivery will set proper expectations with your student and improve their chances of success.

The personal traits and characteristics that contribute to success in distance learning courses, as identified by ACCʹs Instructional Development Series, are listed below:

• Sets goals and deadlines
• Remains on track and on time
• Completes projects
• Seeks assistance (from instructor and/or classmates) when needed
• Possesses strong reading and writing skills
• Possesses strong problem solving skills
• Plans in advance to provide adequate time for completing readings and assignments
• Willing to spend 10-20 hours per week working on course materials
• Has a designated, distraction free workspace
• Plans in advance to provide adequate time for completing readings and assignments
• Communicates comfortably via email and other online platforms
• Plans to login to online class daily
• Keeps a record of assignments and due dates

COURSE-LEVEL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Prepare a professional‐quality portfolio suitable for seeking employment in the fields of technical drawing and CAD.
• Prepare a resume suitable for seeking employment in the fields of technical drawing and CAD.
• Prepare references suitable for seeking employment in the fields of technical drawing and CAD.
• Apply job hunting strategies and interviewing skills required of a job search in the A&E CAD field.

A&E CAD PROGRAM‐LEVEL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (PSLO’s)

At the completion of an award (certificate or AAS degree) students will create a portfolio of projects the demonstrate mastery of the PSLO’s defined for the award. Note: In most cases, successful completion of the projects assigned in the advanced courses of the award meets the standard set by the PSLO. A&E CAD awards and their corresponding PSLO’s are listed below:

At the completion of the AAS degree – Architectural CAD Specialization ‐ the student will be able to:

A1.     Operate AEC (Architecture/Engineering/Construction) software including computer aided drafting (CAD), building information modeling (BIM), and 3D modeling applications to plan and prepare construction documents and technical graphics appropriate to the architecture and construction industries.

A2.     Utilize various architectural drawing types and determine their appropriate uses in architectural projects to demonstrate knowledge of building systems and familiarity with building codes.

A3.     Demonstrate knowledge of architectural concepts of foundational architecture courses as outlined in the 2014 Student Performance Criteria (SPC) established by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

  I1.       Utilize CAD software to plan and prepare documents and technical graphics appropriate to a range of

             design, manufacturing, and construction industries.

At the completion of the AAS degree – Civil CAD Specialization ‐ the student will be able to:

C1.     Utilize CAD drafting & design software to plan and prepare construction documents, technical graphics and visualizations appropriate to the civil infrastructure industry.

C2.     Demonstrate knowledge of civil drafting and design procedures; familiarity with design criteria, and their appropriate uses in civil infrastructure projects.

C3.     Perform analyses and calculations suitable for civil infrastructure drafting & design processes.I1.    Utilize CAD

           software to plan and prepare documents and technical graphics appropriate to a range of design,

           manufacturing, and   construction industries.

  I1.       Utilize CAD software to plan and prepare documents and technical graphics appropriate to a range of

             design, manufacturing, and construction industries.

At the completion of the AAS degree – Mechanical CAD Specialization ‐ the student will be able to:

M1.    Utilize CAD software to plan and prepare documents and technical graphics appropriate to the mechanical engineering industry.

M2.    Generate code from CAD/CAM software to operate a 3‐axis CNC milling machine to manufacture a mechanical part.

M3.    Illustrate correct usage of ASME Y14.5 and other associated mechanical standards in technical graphics of capstone projects.

  I1.        Utilize CAD software to plan and prepare documents and technical graphics appropriate to a range of

              design, manufacturing, and construction industries.

At the completion of the AAS degree – Electronics Graphics Specialization ‐ the student will be able to:

  E1.    Utilize CAD software to plan and prepare technical graphics and documentation appropriate to

            the Electrical/Electronic Engineering industry.

  E2.     Utilize CAD software to translate schematics, logic diagrams, and other technical graphics into the physical

            layout of Integrated Circuits and Printed Circuits.

  E3.    Employ CAD‐based verification tools and techniques to debug Integrated Circuit layouts

  I1.    Utilize CAD software to plan and prepare documents and technical graphics appropriate to a range of design,

           manufacturing, and construction industries.

At the completion of the Architectural Drafting/BIM Certificate‐ the student will be able to:

A1.     Operate AEC (Architecture/Engineering/Construction) software including computer aided drafting (CAD), building information modeling (BIM), and 3D modeling applications to plan and prepare construction documents and technical graphics appropriate to the architecture and construction industries

A2.     Utilize various architectural drawing types and determine their appropriate uses in architectural projects to demonstrate knowledge of building systems and familiarity with building codes.

A3.     Demonstrate knowledge of architectural concepts of foundational architecture courses as outlined in the 2014 Student Performance Criteria (SPC) established by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

At the completion of the Civil CAD Specialization Certificate the student will be able to:

C1.     Utilize CAD drafting & design software to plan and prepare construction documents, technical graphics and visualizations appropriate to the civil infrastructure industry.

C2.     Demonstrate knowledge of civil drafting and design procedures; familiarity with design criteria, and their appropriate uses in civil infrastructure projects.

C3.     Perform analyses and calculations suitable for civil infrastructure drafting & design processes.

At the completion of the IC Layout and Design Certificate the student will be able to:

 E1.     Utilize CAD software to plan and prepare technical graphics and documentation appropriate to

      the Electrical/Electronic Engineering industry.

 E2.     Utilize CAD software to translate schematics, logic diagrams, and other technical graphics into the physical

      layout of Integrated Circuits and Printed Circuits.

 E3.     Employ CAD‐based verification tools and techniques to debug Integrated Circuit layouts

At the completion of the Mechanical CAD/CAM Certificate ‐ the student will be able to:

  M1.    Utilize CAD software to plan and prepare documents and technical graphics appropriate to the

   mechanical engineering industry.

  M2.    Generate code from CAD/CAM software to operate a 3‐axis CNC milling machine to manufacture

  M3.    Illustrate correct usage of ASME Y14.5 and other associated mechanical standards in technical graphics

   of capstone projects.

• This is an Online Asynchronous class that has a Required First Day Orientation meeting (see important dates above) where students will receive an overview of the course and expectations.
• It is highly recommended that students attend the required first day orientation in person for the full experience.
• Students may also attend the live class online, via the link provided in Blackboard.
• The instructor will hold weekly online Q&A sessions between the orientation and midterm portfolio review. Afterwards, students are expected to complete the final course requirements on their own.
• The professor will send announcements via Blackboard and ACC email to guide students through the pace of the course.  Students will receive a detailed confirmation email from the professor prior to the start date. Contact the instructor with questions about the course.
• Online learning, is different from traditional face-to-face learning. In particular, time management and study skills are required to be a successful online student.  Students should review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/   
• Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

DFTG 1491 Student Guide (subject to changes, revisions or corrections by the instructor)

Available in the students' ACC Blackboard account:

Week 1: Orientation, Syllabus, Restore CAD Files

Week 2: First Draft of Portfolio Outline (5 points)

Week 3: Workshop: Software Tips

Week 4: Workshop: High Resolution Prints and Images

Week 5: Workshop: Assembling Slides

Week 6: Workshop: Applying PSLO's

Week 7: Workshop: Adjunct Faculty Input (for Mechanical & Electronic only)

Week 8: MID-TERM REVIEW (30 points)

Week 9: Workshop or Lab

Week 10: Workshop or Lab

Week 11: Job Prep: Identify and research a real CAD job to apply for

Week 12: Job Prep: Professional Resumes and References (20 points)

Week 13: Job Prep: Interview Training

Week 14: Job Prep: Lab

Week 15: Job Prep: MOCK CAD INTERVIEW with FINAL PORTFOLIO (45 points)

Week 16: Graduation

DFTG 1491 Student Guide (subject to changes, revisions or corrections by the instructor)

Available in the students' ACC Blackboard account:

Week 1: Orientation, Syllabus, Restore CAD Files

Week 2: First Draft of Portfolio Outline (5 points)

Week 3: Workshop: Software Tips

Week 4: Workshop: High Resolution Prints and Images

Week 5: Workshop: Assembling Slides

Week 6: Workshop: Applying PSLO's

Week 7: Workshop: Adjunct Faculty Input (for Mechanical & Electronic only)

Week 8: MID-TERM REVIEW (30 points)

Week 9: Workshop or Lab

Week 10: Workshop or Lab

Week 11: Job Prep: Identify and research a real CAD job to apply for

Week 12: Job Prep: Professional Resumes and References (20 points)

Week 13: Job Prep: Interview Training

Week 14: Job Prep: Lab

Week 15: Job Prep: MOCK CAD INTERVIEW with FINAL PORTFOLIO (45 points)

Week 16: Graduation