Anything described in this syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.  Changes will be announced on Blackboard.        

PERSONAL REMARKS

Welcome!!!  I’m glad you’re here!  While I want you to understand chemistry, I also want you to be curious, apply problem-solving strategies, learn from your mistakes, and gain confidence in your ability to tackle difficult problems.

However…the ultimate responsibility for succeeding in this course rests upon you. I have set up this course so that you can demonstrate your strengths and also recover from an occasional misstep. I expect students to invest effort to study the material, master processes, and earn their desired grade.  

I’m a resource for you as you pursue your personal learning goals.  Not only can I help when you are struggling with course material, but I can also help you navigate ACC and connect you to resources and opportunities.  Chances are that there will be a point in this term when you will feel defeated or overwhelmed, and that’s ok!  What’s not ok is staying stuck. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me (after class, via e-mail, coming to office hours, etc.) with questions and concerns so that we can get back on track.

1.    COURSE CALENDAR

Note, laboratory exercise order often does NOT correspond to the order in which topics are covered in lecture.

Some labs will serve as a “sneak-peak” into upcoming lecture topics while others will serve as review.

Pre-lab & report worksheets are due within the first 5 minutes of class. 

Unless otherwise noted, assignment materials are provided on Blackboard and submitted in class.

*  Failure to complete these exercises/documentation by the deadline may result in being dropped from the course.  
‡   OPTIONAL Bonus points.  These points can ONLY benefit you.  Failure to complete these items will NOT negatively impact your overall score.  

*** MISSING 5 EXPERIMENTS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC FAILURE OF THE COURSE. ***

2.    COURSE DESCRIPTION

• Credit Hours:  1
• Classroom Contact Hours per Week:  0
• Laboratory Contact Hours per Week:  4 h (2 h/day x 2 days/week) 

The course is the laboratory to accompany CHEM-1311 lecture. Emphasis is placed on techniques, properties, and reactions, and reinforcing principles offered in the lecture portion of the course. 

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

3.    COURSE RATIONALE

This course covers the fundamental facts, laws, principles, theories, and concepts of chemistry necessary for further work in science or science-related subjects.

4.    COURSE OBJECTIVES

4.1    STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to perform the following skills:

• Understand and demonstrate safe laboratory practices
• Read NFPA, HMIS labels and understand the hazards of chemicals used
• Transfer sample to balance for weighing and tare the balance
• Measure temperature with a thermometer
• Correctly read a meniscus and accurately measure a liquid volume
• Light and adjust Bunsen burners
• Correctly use a hot plate
• Observe and interpret chemical reactions: color change, temperature change, precipitate formation, and gas evolution
• Use capillary tubes to transfer liquid samples used in paper chromatography
• Use a buret to perform a standard titration and observe color change to define the end point of the titration
• Use centrifugation and decanting techniques to separate solids from liquids
• Use a coffee cup calorimeter to measure heat flow
• Access and use peer-reviewed periodicals, journals and reference sources to write a paper on a chemistry topic
• Use laboratory-generated data to reach sound conclusions about chemical phenomena
• Meaningfully connect laboratory activities to models and concepts learned in class
• Develop good laboratory practices in conducting experiments and reporting experimental results

4.2    GENERAL EDUCATION STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate competence in:

• Critical Thinking:  Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information.
• Interpersonal Skills:  Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning:  Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods.
• Technology Skills:  Using appropriate technology to retrieve, manage, analyze, and present information.
• Written, Oral and Visual Communication:  Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

5.    COURSE PRE- AND COREQUISITES

• PRE-REQUISITE(S):  High school chemistry or CHEM1305+CHEM1105 and MATH1314 (or equivalent academic preparation with a grade of C or better).

Note, prior successful completion of MATH 1314 (or higher on a calculus-track) is NOT optional.  BOTH the chemistry AND math requirements must be fulfilled BEFORE attempting CHEM 1311+1111.

• CO-REQUISISTE(S):  CHEM1311 (General Chemistry I Lecture)

Requests for exemption from the co-requisite must be submitted to the administrator for the Chemistry Department (Mark Jones, mjones5@austincc.edu) before Wednesday 12 June 2024. Requests submitted after this date will be denied and subject to the standard withdrawal policy. To be eligible for exemption from the co-requisite, you must already have CHEM1311+1111 on your college transcript.

6.    REQUIRED MATERIALS

This course is a ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) section. In place of required textbooks, all text materials needed for the class will be available online to students free of charge. Students will be responsible for printing costs; free printing is available in ACC libraries, learning labs, and ACCelerators.

• General Chemistry I Green Laboratory Exercises adapted for Austin Community College (available for free on course Blackboard page.)
• Un-tinted, ANSI-approved safety goggles or safety glasses stamped Z87.  (If you wear glasses, your eye protection must fit comfortably over them)
• Closed-toe/heel shoes.
• Scientific Calculator (You will NOT be permitted to use the calculator on your cell phone in the lab!)
• Some software-aided graphing will be required for this course.  (Microsoft Excel is recommended and is available to students at no cost.)
• You may be asked to submit scans of your work.  Free smart-phone scanner applications are available, and scanners are available in ACC libraries and ACCelerators for use at no charge.

7.    INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course consists of a laboratory section, only, but complements material presented in CHEM1311 (lecture). Concepts learned in lecture are reinforced in the laboratory by providing students with opportunities to develop hands-on skills and to practice laboratory techniques. Students are expected to read and comprehend laboratory procedures before coming to lab where they will apply what they have learned.  While an instructor will be available to assist students in the laboratory, students are expected to learn the skills necessary to perform laboratory exercises with increasing independence over the course of the term.

8.    READINGS

Students should expect to work a MINIMUM of 60 minutes preparing for each laboratory exercise; outside-of-class time requirements will depend greatly upon students’ time-management of in-class time.  While there is a possibility that a student may complete their laboratory exercise and leave the lab session early, students should plan to be in class for the ENTIRE scheduled laboratory session. 

Note, there are two different types of class day for the 10-week summer session:  discussion and experiment.   Every 3rd class will be a discussion session in which the two upcoming labs are discussed.  In the following 2 sessions, the experiments will actually be performed.
Blackboard should be consulted regularly for important announcements regarding further readings or changes to an assignment.

8.1    BETWEEN CLASS SESSIONS:

• Check the course calendar for upcoming due dates and consult Blackboard for important announcements.
• Print out your procedure, pre-lab and report and read them thoroughly.  
• Discussion days:  complete the previous exercises’ report worksheets if you had not finished them in class.
• Experiment days:  complete the assigned pre-lab exercise(s). 
• Pop quizzes may be given to assess student preparation for lab exercises. 

8.2    DURING CLASS:

• Discussion Days:
  • Upon arriving, turn in the previous exercises’ report worksheets (if you had not turned it in already). Work turned in later than 5 minutes after class has started will be considered “late.” 
  • If there is a pop quiz, it will be given at the beginning of class.  If you miss the quiz, you will earn a zero for that assignment.
  • Class will consist of pre-lab descriptions/discussions of upcoming laboratory exercises: theory, methods, safety, waste handling, etc. The pre-lab discussion may continue with a short demonstration of laboratory procedures. During this discussion, students are encouraged to ask any questions they may have regarding the exercise or the course. If you miss ANY part of the pre-lab discussion, you may not be allowed to perform the corresponding laboratory exercises.  Students are allowed a 1-time exception to this rule if they copy pre-lab notes from a classmate and show them to me before performing the experiment.  Missed experiments count as an absence, and you will earn a zero for those days’ work.  
  • Depending upon class pace, students may be permitted brief breaks.
• Experiment Days:
  • Upon arriving, turn in your pre-lab exercise.  Work turned in later than 5 minutes after class has started will be conserved “late.”
  • If there is a pop quiz, it will be given at the beginning of class.  If you miss the quiz, you will earn a zero for that assignment.
  • Class will begin with brief reminders regarding safety and waste handling. 
  • After reminders, students must don their personal protective equipment. If you fail to bring your eye and foot protection, (1) you will not be allowed to perform the laboratory exercise, (2) the missed experiment will count as an absence, and (3) you will earn a zero for that day’s work.
  • Students will perform the assigned laboratory exercise individually (unless instructed otherwise) and record their data on their report sheets.  Every student is responsible for their own report worksheet. 
  • Students may notify their instructor if they need to occasionally and briefly excuse themselves from the lab, but the experiment must be completed in the allotted class time. Failure to complete an experiment will result in loss of points. Further, repeated comings/going will be considered disruptive behavior and could result in a warning to the student and possible disciplinary action.
  • Students may excuse themselves from class after completion of their laboratory experiment. 

If I student knows they will miss class, scans or pictures of their work may be submitted electronically via e-mail by the deadline for full credit.

9.    GRADING SYSTEM

The expected outcomes of the course will be assessed by quizzes, data analysis exercises, discussion question responses, and an optional comprehensive final exam. Scores will be combined and weighted according to the table below.  

Final grades will be assigned using the scale in the table below.

*    The 2 lowest pre-labs and 2 lowest in-lab scores (maximum of 200 points) will be dropped when calculating final grades. 

‡  optional bonus points

I do NOT accept make-up or retake work, nor do I accept multiple late assignments.

*** MISSING 5 EXPERIMENTS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC FAILURE OF THE COURSE.***

*** Please note that your laboratory grade is independent of your lecture (CHEM1311) grade even though the courses are complementary. ***

Individual assignment grades will be posted on Blackboard within a week of the due-date. Furthermore, your cumulative points will be updated immediately upon posting individual assignments’ grades. I will do my best to ensure the accuracy of the Blackboard gradebook. However, because instructors have limited control over Blackboard’s functions, students should recalculate their points for themselves, as well.  If a student discovers an issue with Blackboard’s calculations, please inform me immediately. To find your grades, log into Blackboard and click on this course. In the bar to the left of announcements, click on “Tools” and then “My Grades.”

If you have questions or concerns about your grades, please reach out! Further, if you wish to request a grade correction, the request must be made via e-mail within 7 days of the grade being posted. 

Due to FERPA (the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act), your grades will only be discussed privately in office hours or individually via ACC-approved online communication.

9.1    LABORATORY EXERCISES

• Initial Assignments:  Note, failure to complete the assignments with a “ * ” by the deadline may result in being dropped from the course.
  • * After discussion of laboratory safety and standard operating procedures, a safety contract will be passed around the class.  If you miss signing the safety contract on the assigned day, you have until the end of class to meet with me on Tuesday 4 June to discuss lab safety and sign the contract. * 
  • * A quiz (20 points) + introduction e-mail (10 points).  The quiz will be available and submitted via Blackboard, and it covers course policies & lab safety. The quiz is scored for correctness of answers with no partial credit available.  This quiz is untimed, may be paused, and students will have 2 attempts; the higher score will be entered in the gradebook.  Students will also e-mail an introduction to me.  The introduction is described in Blackboard and students will earn points based on completion of the assignment.  Both parts of this assignment are due by 11:59 PM on Thursday 6 June and will be summed when entering into the gradebook. *
  • An introduction & lab safety worksheet will be provided to students on lab safety day and due in 
  • class on Thursday 6 June.  A back-up copy will also be available via Bb.  This worksheet consists of multiple choice and short-answer questions that will be scored for correctness; partial credit is available (70 points).
  • * If documentation demonstrating fulfillment of pre- and co-requisites has been requested, it needs to be submitted via e-mail to samantha.soebbing@austincc.edu by 11:59 PM on Monday 10 June. *
• Experiments:  Laboratory exercises are assessed by the quality of your pre-lab exercises, in-lab work, and laboratory report worksheets. Assigned pre-labs and the previous experiment’s report worksheet are due within the first 5 minutes of class.  Generally, each pre-lab exercise is worth 30 points; in-lab work + report worksheets are worth 70 points. Therefore, most laboratory exercises are worth a total of 100 points each.
  Partial credit is available for prelab and report worksheet exercises.  Points may be deducted for incorrect responses, inadequate preparation, lack of participation, inability to follow instruction, leaving workstations/drawers messy, and disregard of the safety rules. Copying another student’s work (or letting someone copy your work) or submitting work for an experiment you did not perform will constitute cheating and result in a score of zero for that assignment. Late lab work is only accepted once during the term (See Section 10.3, Missed or Late Work Policy, below) 

Your 2 lowest pre-lab scores (30-point category) and 2 lowest in-lab scores (70-point category) will be dropped for a maximum of 200 points when calculating final grades. 

9.2    BONUS POINTS OPPORTUNITIES

These points are a “thank you” for participation in optional activities or last-minute opportunity to earn points.  Failure to complete these items will NOT negatively impact your overall score.  

• Unofficial Course Survey:  This survey is written by me and will be deployed via Blackboard for the same duration as the official faculty evaluation, described below.  I will be able to see who responded, and I will be able to view responses before grades are finalized.  However, I will NEVER be able to tell who specifically said what.  I use this information to determine what did and did not work for the class so that I can improve how I teach this course in the future.  If you submit a response to my unofficial course survey, you will earn 15 bonus points (equivalent to half of a pre-lab exercise) toward your overall grade. 
• Official Faculty Evaluation:  This survey is written by ACC and will be deployed via Blackboard for approximately 2 weeks (15 – 29 July).  I can see how many students responded, but I will NEVER be able to see who responded or be able to tell who said what.  I will only be able to view responses after the semester is over and grades are finalized.  My department and the college can also see these evaluations.  If  75% of the class submits an official faculty evaluation, the entire class will earn 15 bonus points (equivalent to half of a pre-lab exercise) toward your overall grade.  If  90% of the class submits an official faculty evaluation, the entire class will earn an additional 5 bonus points (for a total of 20 bonus points) toward your overall grade.
• Optional Final Exam:  The final exam is OPTIONAL and worth 50 bonus points (equivalent to half of a typical experiment’s points) toward your final grade.   This exam is comprehensive and will assess material covered in safety discussions, laboratory readings, worksheets, etc.  The final exam may be taken in class on the last day of the course.  It consists of approximately 40 equally-weighted multiple-choice questions (2 – 3 questions per lab exercise, including safety).  Questions are scored for correctness with no partial credit available.  This exam will be open-note/open-book, but you are NOT allowed to work with other people or use the internet. The instructor will provide an answer sheet and scratch paper, but students are expected to bring their own notes, periodic table, conversion factors/constants, and calculator.  Students wanting to take the final exam must submit a request via e-mail by the end of the day on Monday 29 July.

There is no opportunity to make up bonus points (including the final exam) or turn items in late.

10.    COURSE POLICIES & INFORMATION

10.1    STUDENT DISCIPLINE

Students whose behavior or environment disrupts peers may be subject to dismissal from class that day (resulting in a score of zero for any associated work) and/or disciplinary action. Disruptions may be defined as (but not limited to): harassment of students and instructors, repeated outbursts or noises that disrupt instruction or peers’ concentration, failure to cooperate in maintaining classroom decorum, etc. 

Please be aware that children are not allowed in class or unattended on campus.

ACC’s policy regarding Student Standards of Conduct can be found at https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-conduct.

10.2    ATTENDANCE/CLASS PARTICIPATION

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students. Students must attend the lab section for which they are registered. You may not earn credit for a laboratory exercise that you did not perform. Missing ANY part of the pre-lab discussion and/or failure to bring your eye and foot protection will result in (1) dismissal from that day’s laboratory exercise, (2) an absence recorded in the gradebook, and (3) earning a zero for any associated work.  Repeated tardiness may constitute disruptive behavior. Use of electronic devices (other than a calculator) is prohibited in the laboratory and will also be considered disruptive behavior. 

*** MISSING FIVE (5) EXPERIMENTS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC FAILURE OF THE COURSE. ***

In the case of an emergency, a student may notify the instructor and briefly excuse themselves from the classroom to conduct personal business. However, lengthy or repeated emergency business will be considered disruptive behavior. Such disruptive behavior (repeated tardiness, excessive interruptions to lab work, use of electronic devices, etc) may result in deduction of points, a warning to the student, dismissal from the remainder of the days’ exercise, and possible disciplinary action.

While there is a possibility that a student may complete their laboratory exercise and leave the lab early, students should plan to be in class for the ENTIRE scheduled laboratory session. 

If a student knows they will miss class, scans or pictures of work may be submitted electronically via e-mail by the deadline for full credit.

The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during any college closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. 

10.3    MISSED OR LATE WORK

It is the responsibility of the student to attend class and turn in all work by designated deadlines. Late work is accepted only ONCE during the term. If you forget to turn in an assignment in class, you may submit it electronically by e-mailing a scan of your work. However, your submission must be in my e-mail inbox by 11:59 PM on the due date. Additional late work or submissions after this extension will result in a score of zero.  If there are impromptu quizzes, there are no opportunities to turn in quizzes late, and there are no make-up quizzes or labs.

Because you will have (1) the opportunity to drop 2 scores in each grading category, (2) an optional final exam for bonus points and (3) one chance to turn in late work, there are no other opportunities to turn in late, make-up or retake work.

10.4    LABORATORY SAFETY

Regulations regarding safety in the laboratory can be found at www.austincc.edu/sci_safe/chem/docs/chemistry_safety_rules and will be further described in class. Before working in the chemistry laboratory, you must sign the Laboratory Safety Contract stating that you agree that all the safety rules have been explained to you and that you will follow those rules. Failure to sign the safety contract by end of class on Tuesday 4 June will result in being dropped from the course. 

*** If there is a serious safety problem the instructor cannot handle in a timely fashion, call the ACC District Police Dispatch (512-223-7999 from an outside line or 222 from campus phone) or 911. For non-emergencies, ACC police can be reached at 512-223-1231.

10.5    WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawn courses appear on the student’s record with a grade of “W.” If a student stops attending class and does not withdraw from the course, they may earn a grade of “F” for the term.

The census date (last day to withdraw from this course without a grade or “W” appearing on your transcript and without counting toward the Texas Six Drop Rule) is Wednesday 12 June 2024.

The final withdrawal date (last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” appearing on your transcript and counting toward the Texas Six Drop Rule) is Monday 22 July 2024.

Both the lecture and the lab are required in each chemistry course. If you withdraw from the lecture course (CHEM1311), you must also withdraw from this lab course (CHEM1111).  Conversely, if you withdraw from this lab course, you must also withdraw from the lecture course.

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that their name is removed from the roll should they decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should they feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, they should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status (https://admissions.austincc.edu/registration/withdrawals/).  Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals. 

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 entire undergraduate college education (the Texas Six Drop Rule). With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog (https://catalog.austincc.edu/support-services-and-student-progress/student-progress/six-withdrawal-limit/) and in ACC administrative rule 5.0303.04 (https://sites.austincc.edu/administrative-rules). 

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002 may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course (Rule of Three). Details regarding this policy can be found at the ACC registration site (www.austincc.edu/students/registration/registering-for-a-course-for-a-third-time).

The instructor will NOT withdraw students unless one of the following items occurs:

• the student misses the deadline for the Course Policies & Lab Safety quiz
• the student misses the deadline for signing the safety contract
• the instructor discovers that the student has not fulfilled the appropriate pre- or co-requisites for the course
• the student continuously behaves in a manner endangering themself or other students.

A student may be reinstated in the course in the event of an error made on the part of the instructor or the college. Note, students cannot be reinstated after the final withdrawal date.

10.6    INCOMPLETES 

An incomplete (grade of “I”) may be given for extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion, but students must have successfully completed (C or better) at least 60% of the course materials to get an incomplete. If a grade of “I” is given, the remaining coursework must be completed by a date set by the student and professor (but this date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester). A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form to be signed by the instructor (and student, if possible), and to be submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their instructor 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 this deadline, the grade of automatically converts to an “F.”

10.7    ONLINE COMMUNICATION

Only ACC e-mail accounts and Blackboard will be used for online communication between students and the instructor.  Announcements, course materials, and grades will be posted on Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to check Blackboard and their ACC e-mail daily and/or to set up appropriate alerts. 

Blackboard and ACC e-mail can be accessed from the ACC Students homepage (www.austincc.edu/students). Students will need to activate their ACC eID before they can log into Blackboard or e-mail. To activate your ACC eID, visit www.austincc.edu/help/acceid.

10.8    COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS

All class materials provided on the instructor’s web page, Blackboard, electronically, and/or in printed form (presentations, labs, objectives, assignments, etc.) are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright holder. This may be the instructor, ACC, or a publisher. Reproduction consists of photocopying, scanning and copying files, or posting on a server or website. Students currently registered for this section have permission to print one copy of course materials for their own personal use. 

No permission is given for posting any course materials on web sites (including Chegg, Course Hero, Socratic etc)!!!  If I find my course materials online, our course will switch to taking timed in-class lab quizzes proctored by the instructor, and answer keys will no longer be provided.  Further, if my materials appear online, I will vigorously pursue consequences of violating ACC’s Academic Integrity Policy.

10.9    COURSE CANCELLATION DUE TO COLLEGE CLOSURE

If classes are unexpectedly cancelled (bad weather, power outage, etc.) ACC notifies instructors and students on the ACC homepage (www.austincc.edu/). In the event that classes are cancelled, additional announcements regarding this course will be provided via Blackboard.

11.    STUDENT SUPPORT

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Information on these campus services and resources is available at www.austincc.edu/students.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at: www.austincc.edu/student-support.

11.1    STUDENT TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, contact the HelpDesk at 512-223-4636 or www.austincc.edu/help. You may also visit a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab (www.austincc.edu/students/learning-lab).

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

11.2    STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

Austin Community College (ACC) is committed to providing a supportive, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students.  Each campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Students are encouraged to request accommodations prior to the beginning of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received accommodations from SAS for this course will provide the instructor with the legal document titled “Faculty Notification Letter” (FNL) through the Accessible Information Management (AIM) portal.

Until the instructor receives the FNL, accommodations should not be provided.  Once the FNL is received, accommodations must be provided.  Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student’s best interest to request their accommodations as soon as possible prior to the beginning of the semester.  

Please see www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology or contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information.

11.3    ACADEMIC SUPPORT

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services are free to currently-enrolled ACC students. 

• Tutoring: ACC Learning Labs provide free subject-specific tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in a course. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring is available both in-person and online.  Some courses are supported by tutors embedded in the class.  Information on tutoring services and schedules can be found at: www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring. 
• Academic Coaching:  Academic Coaches are available to assist students in reaching their personal academic goals. Services include (but are not limited to) assistance with time management, test preparation, organization, and self-advocacy.  Some courses are supported by coaches embedded in the class. Information on coaching services can be found at: www.austincc.edu/students/academic-coaching.
• Supplemental Instruction:  Supplemental Instruction (SI) uses peer-assisted study sessions.  This program provides regularly-scheduled, out-of-class review sessions hosted by a student who has already successfully completed the course. Information regarding the SI program and becoming an SI leader can be found here:  www.austincc.edu/students/supplemental-instruction.

11.4    LIBRARY SERVICES

ACC Library Services offers both in-person and extensive online services, with research and assignment assistance available in-person during limited hours of service. Although all college services are subject to change, plans include ACC students signing up for study space and use of computers at open libraries, extensive online instruction in classes, online reference assistance 24/7 and reference with ACC faculty librarians. In addition, currently enrolled students, faculty and staff can access Library Services online (also 24/7) via the ACC Library website and by using their ACCeID to access all online materials (ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos). ACC Libraries offer these services in numerous ways such as: "Get Help from a Faculty Librarian: the 24/7 Ask a Librarian chat service," an online form for in-depth research Q and A sessions, one-on-one video appointments, email, and phone (voicemail is monitored regularly).

• Library Website: library.austincc.edu/
• Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form: library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location: library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email: library@austincc.edu

11.5    STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

11.6    PERSONAL SUPPORT

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit a campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include:

• Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here: www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now.
• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any Student Advocacy Center: www.austincc.edu/students/student-advocacy-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: www.austincc.edu/students/student-emergency-fund.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: sites.austincc.edu/money/.  
• A full listing of services for student parents is available at the Child Care website:   www.austincc.edu/students/child-care.
• Mental Health Counseling Services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: www.austincc.edu/students/mental-health-counseling.  

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately. 

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Austin / Travis County 24-hour Crisis & Suicide hotline:  512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24-hour Crisis hotline:  1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline:  1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline:  1-877-466-0660
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:  1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:  1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

If I believe someone is in imminent danger (to yourself or others), I will seek assistance from and/or notify appropriate support services.

11.7    PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SERVICES

ACC understands how important parent and family support is to every student's college journey. From parents and siblings to step-parents, grandparents, partners, and loved ones, the Parent and Family Engagement Office at ACC is committed to empowering families to support student success. The office provides a family orientation to ACC, free workshops (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesMmLMJ0plvRlJVSyI9_m7uPa54TsbSS11ZxMKGhiHDlMhdA/viewform) explaining the world of higher education (financial aid, student resources, career and transfer services, etc.), a monthly newsletter (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUbsrJwPYHFcSf_WqqPjfzl37Uu9xZfa8fycEy3DGCxlPkZg/viewform) full of student success tips, and a website designed to answer family members' frequently asked questions. All students, especially first-generation students, are encouraged to share these resources with their families and invite them to be part of the Riverbat experience. Contact familyengagement@austincc.edu or visit the Parent & Family Engagement website (https://www.austincc.edu/parents-families/) for more information.

12.    COLLEGE POLICIES

For a more complete description of ACC college policies, see www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies.

12.1    STATEMENT ON 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 www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/academic-integrity-process.

12.2    STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state, and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/students/srr.

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-conduct.  

12.3    DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xfmZHOPD_H1wgGKq1N7Irv6gvXxOXzbZ/view.

12.4    USE OF ACC EMAIL

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at https://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/.

Only e-mails from your ACC e-mail account with a short, descriptive subject line (including semester, course, section/time & issue) will be opened.  Examples:  “24U CHEM 1111-000  Possible typo Expt 3 Prelab” or “Summer24 GenChem I Lab TuTh Expt 3 Prelab typo?” Please remember to keep your correspondence reasonably professional. 

12.5    SENATE BILL 212 AND TITLE IX REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff canNOT keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentially, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online: www.austincc.edu/students/mental-health-counseling.  
While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964; compliance@austincc.edu.

If a student discloses an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up. Further, If I believe someone is in imminent danger (to yourself or others), I will seek assistance from and/or notify appropriate support services.

12.6    STATEMENT ON PRIVACY

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Individual assignment scores and cumulative grades will be posted to our course Blackboard shell.

12.7    RECORDING POLICY

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recordings of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through Zoom or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

12.8    SAFETY STATEMENT

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at www.austincc.edu/offices/emergency-management.

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.
In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an outbreak of illness, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.
In an emergency, contact ACC District Police Dispatch (512-223-7999 from outside line or 222 from campus phone) or 911. For non-emergencies, ACC police can be reached at 512-223-1231.

12.9    HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances.  The college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus.  If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.

Some important things to remember:

• If you have not done so, ACC encourages all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available throughout the community. Visit www.vaccines.gov/ to find a vaccine location near you.
• Campuses are open to faculty, staff, and students.  The college and its departments and offices may invite internal and external guests to their events and activities, though access is still restricted for external parties seeking to host activities at ACC.  The college’s Appian Health Screening App (www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/acc-health-screening-app) remains available to everyone who visits campus. This continues to be a good way to check your own health before coming to class or work.
• If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility.  Testing is now widely available.  To find testing locations near you, click this link:  tdem.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=1e91fb79fa44417898738e5bff31a3d8/
• If you test positive, please report it on the ACC self-reporting tool located at www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/self-report-forms.
• ACC continues to welcome face masks on campus.  Per CDC guidelines, face masks remain a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19. 
• The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.
• Please be sure to carry your student, faculty, or staff ID badge at all times while on campus.  

Because of the everchanging situation, please go to ACC’s Covid website at www.austincc.edu/coronavirus for the latest updates and guidance.

12.10    STUDENT INJURY INSURANCE

Students enrolled in lab and field courses are covered by student insurance if they are injured as a result of the lab or field activity. The instructor will provide the student with the necessary forms and complete an injury report for the office of Environmental Health, Safety and Insurance (www.austincc.edu/offices/risk-management/student-insurance). There is a small deductible.

12.11    USE OF THE TESTING CENTER

The Testing Centers will allow only limited in person testing and testing time will be limited to the standard class time, typically one and one-half hours.  Specifically, only the following will be allowed in the Testing Centers:

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Testing: All approved SAS testing
• Assessments Tests: Institutionally approved assessment tests (e.g., TSIA or TABE)
• Placement Tests: Placement tests (e.g., ALEKS)
• Make-Up Exams (for students who missed the original test): Make-up testing is available for all lecture courses but will be limited to no more than 25% of students enrolled in each section for each of four tests
• Programs incorporating industry certification exams: Such programs (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) may utilize the ACC Business Assessment Center for the industry certification exams (BACT) at HLC or RRC.

For more information regarding use of ACC Testing Centers, go to www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/.

All assessments in this course will be delivered via Blackboard or collected in-person during class sessions.  At this time, there is no plan to require students to use an ACC Testing Center or lock-down browser/online proctoring service for assessments. 

12.12    TOBACCO/VAPOR PRODUCTS

ACC provides a smoke- and tobacco-free environment for all College vehicles, facilities and all campuses. The College prohibits the use, distribution, and/or sale of tobacco, smoke, and nicotine vapor products and devices by any person on all premises owned, rented, leased or supervised by the College, including all College facilities, buildings, grounds, and vehicles. This prohibition applies to property owned by others that the College uses by agreement, and further applies to all College and personal vehicles on ACC District property. For more information, see ACC Administrative Rule 7.0401.01 (https://sites.austincc.edu/administrative-rules/).

12.13    CAMPUS CARRY

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. 

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 512-223-1231.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at www.austincc.edu/about-acc/campus-carry
ACC chemistry laboratories are held in areas designated as exclusion zones as defined by state law or the college’s concealed handgun policy. Concealed carry is prohibited in exclusion zones. Concealed weapons must be stored in a secure place as defined by college policy prior to entering such classrooms, studios, or learning spaces. 

12.14    STUDENT COMPLAINTS

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.
 Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaints.

Please refer to the "Course Requirements" section of this online syllabus.

Please refer to the "Course Requirements" section of this online syllabus.

Please refer to the "Course Requirements" section of this online syllabus.