RNSG 1443 – Complex Concepts of Adult Health - Fall 2024

Course Time & Location

RNSG 1443 is a 16 week course. Specific lecture/lab times and location are available through the campus-specific BlackBoard® site.

Instructor Information

Faculty contact information and office hours available through campus-specific BlackBoard® site. Faculty are available during office hours and by appointment at other times, Monday-Friday. Faculty will notify you of communication preferences.

Course Description

■ Credit hours: 4

■ Classroom Contact Hours per week: 4

■ Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 16 total hours

Integration of previous knowledge and skills related to common adult health needs into the continued development of the professional nurse as a provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, member of health care team, and member of the profession in the care of adult patients and families with complex medical-surgical health care needs associated with body systems. Emphasis on complex knowledge, judgments, skills, and professional values within a legal/ethical framework. This course lends itself to a blocked approach.

Course Rationale

Examine the roles of the professional nurse in the medical-surgical setting and utilize a systematic problem-solving approach and critical thinking skills when providing nursing care for adults.

Prerequisites

● RNSG 1161, RNSG 1341

● Co-requisite: RNSG 1360

● All prerequisites and corequisites for Level 1 and RNSG 1105–Nursing Skills.

Placement

● Level 2 of the nursing sequence

Course Objectives:

Provider of Patient-Centered Care

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:

1. Utilize clinical reasoning and the nursing process guided by evidence-based practice as a framework for nursing decisions in meeting the health care needs of adult patients/families with complex health care needs.

2. Integrate the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, signs and symptoms, complications, therapeutic interventions for patients/families with complex health needs.

3. Interpret the four roles of the professional nurse when providing patient-centered care for adult patients and families with complex health needs.

4. Develop teaching plans that assist adult patients and their families to meet their needs for health maintenance, promotion, and /or restoration.

Patient Safety Advocate

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:

5. Integrate legal principles from governing and accrediting agencies and ethical guidelines when planning patient- centered nursing care.

6. Formulate goals and outcomes that promote quality and a risk free, safe environment for all individuals.

7. Demonstrate competence and safety in the performance of selected nursing skills.

Member of the Healthcare Team

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:

8. Analyze the role of a health care advocate when collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary health team determining resources that facilitate continuity of care; health, promotion, maintenance, and restoration.

9. Analyze the principles of therapeutic communication that facilitate interactions with patients and health care members.

10. Analyze use of technology when communicating and managing information to support decision making to improve care for individuals and their families.

11. Analyze the guidelines and responsibilities associated with delegation of nursing care.

Member of the Profession

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:

12. Analyze measures that promote the development and practice of professional nursing.

Required Texts Materials/ Software

● Ackley, B., (current edition). Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An Evidence-Based Guide to Planning Care, St. Louis: Elsevier

● Gahart, B., (current edition). Intravenous Medications St. Louis: C.V. Mosby Company.

● Harding, M. M., Kwong, J., Roberts, D., Hagler, D., & Reinisch, C. Lewis’s  Medical-Surgical Nursing (current edition). Elsevier.

● Pagana, K.D. & Pagana, T.J. (current edition).Mosby's Diagnostic & Laboratory Test Reference, St. Louis: Mosby.

● Potter and Perry, et.al. (current edition). Fundamentals of Nursing. St. Louis: Elsevier.

● Vallerand, A.H. & Sanoski, C. A.(current edition) Davis’s Drug Guide. Philadelphia, PA. F. A. Davis Company.

● Zerwekh, J. & Garneau, A.Z., (current edition). Nursing Today. St. Louis: Elsevier.

● Lab Pack

● Software: computer or IPAD with a camera (no chromebook)

Instructional Methodology

This course offers in person classroom-based lecture class with supporting hands-on lab and application through the following methods of instruction:

● Assigned readings

● Small group interaction

● Critical thinking exercises

● Lecture

● Skills lab

● Supplemental learning resources

● Prep-work

● Recorded materials

Lecture:

All lectures will be delivered in person at the designated class time. Students will use the BlackBoard® learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

Technology Support Services

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts. 

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.

Grading System:

4 Unit Examinations=62% (15.5% each)

Final Exam=25.5%

IV Lab Test=5%

ATI Assessments & Remediation=7.5%

Grade Scale

A=90-100%

B= 80- 89.4%

C = 75-79.4

D = 66-74.4%

F = 65% or less

To successfully complete RNSG 1443, students must achieve 74.5% on the course grade. 

*0.5 will round up to the next numerical grade and 0.4 will round down to the next lower numerical grade. For example, 91.5 will round to 92 and 91.4 will round down to 91. Grades cannot be rounded twice. i.e. 89.46 cannot round up to 89.5 and then again to 90. Rounding will not occur until the averaging of final course grades. See Professional Nursing Student Handbook for additional information related to grading.

If at any time during the semester a student is failing the theory course, the student will have a formal meeting with the instructor. A written Student Success Plan will contain remediation suggestions to assist the student in successfully passing the course.

Testing Policy

When testing onsite (e.g., in the nursing testing center):

● The tests are timed. In the event that the student comes into the testing center after the start of a test, the student will not get the complete time to test. They will get only the remaining time allotted for the testing period. The test will end at the designated time for the class. Exceptions are made on an individual basis or in accordance with SAS accommodations. Total test time will be determined at 1.5 minutes per question.

● Students arriving more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time of the exam will not be allowed to take the test.

● Students are responsible for raising their hands immediately if their computer locks up, or similar, during testing.

● At the conclusion of any testing period, the student will raise his/her hand; faculty will record the student’s raw score and computer number. If the electronic data is irretrievable for any reason, the faculty’s written record of the student’s score will be the official test score.

● See student handbook for additional information related to testing.

Test Review

● If the student requests to review the missed questions with their assigned faculty, the student must send faculty a request (via email) to review their unit exam within one (1) week of the exam being administered. A student cannot request to review the exam after one (1) week from the date of exam administration.

● Faculty will schedule the exam review within two (2) weeks of the exam review request.

● There will be no remote/virtual exam reviews. If the student wishes to review the exam with faculty, the student must attend the scheduled review face-to-face with faculty.

Exam Item Review

Appeals regarding scoring of specific test items must be submitted in writing within one (1) week of the test date to the faculty member having taught the content with one (1) supporting source quoted. Any student requesting review of an examination question must present their rationale using the required review form located within BlackBoard® (RNSG 1443 course, tab: course modules and item: Test Item Review). Basis for the rationale must derive from ACC Professional nursing course textbooks or required learning resources.

MIssed or unsuccessful exam policy

Students are expected to be present for all exams. If a student is unable to take a scheduled exam, the student must notify the course Level Lead as soon as possible. Students arriving more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time of the exam will not be allowed to take the exam. If a student misses a scheduled exam, the exam grade will be replaced with the same grade as the final exam. Any additional exams missed will result in a recorded grade of zero (0).

If a second unit exam or the final exam is missed, protocols laid out in the student handbook will be followed. This will be done in coordination with the Level Lead, Assistant Dept. Chair and Dept. Chair.

ATI Standardized Proctored Exam TESTING AND REMEDIATION POLICY

All students enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing program will be required to take two (2) ATI Standardized Proctored exams in Level 2. All students are encouraged to remediate, and show proof of remediation.

ATI Testing and Remediation Procedures

In-person proctored testing will occur in the Nursing Computer Testing Lab or as indicated on the course calendar. It will be the responsibility of the student to notify the faculty if SAS accommodations are required. All students should strive for a score of 82.2% or higher. Practice Assessment Remediation must be completed by the due date set per campus. If all items are completed, a student may receive up to 7.5 points (7.5% of grade for the course).

Students should begin to remediate immediately following the exam by reviewing rationales for missed test items if time allows. This is the only time that the students will be able to review the topics missed and rationales related to the right and wrong answers.

ATI CMS & REMEDIATION GRADING RUBRIC

(Uses a combination of the practice and proctored assessments to achieve 7.5% of the course grade)

ONLINE PRACTICE ASSESSMENT

RN Adult Medical Surgical Online Practice

3.5 points

(Practice Assessment and Remediation)

Complete Practice Assessment A = 1.5 points

• 90 items (approx 108 min)

• Rationales turned off

• Mid-semester, online in student’s ATI account

• Exam will be open for 1 week

Hours for remediation (based on percent correct):

1. Proficiency Level 0 = 4 hours

2. Proficiency Level 1 = 3 hours

3. Proficiency Level 2 = 2 hours

4. Proficiency Level 3 = 1 hour

Complete Practice Assessment Remediation =  2 points

• Remediation online in student’s ATI account

  1. Must take Post-Study Quiz (if available)**

  2. Additional 1-2 weeks to complete remediation after exam is closed

** Post-study quiz questions may be provided to a student based on specific student knowledge gaps. (Major Content areas 75% or less).

STANDARDIZED PROCTORED ASSESSMENT

RN Adult Medical Surgical

4 points

Complete Proctored Assessment  = 2.25 points

• In person, proctored exam

• 100 items (120 min)

• End of semester - 1-2 weeks before final exam

Score on Proctored Assessment = 0 - 1.75 points

• Level 3 = 1.75 points

• Level 2 = 1.5 points

• Level 1 = 1 point

• Level 0 = 0 point

Expectations/ Requirements:

Successful completion of RNSG 1443 requires:

● All students must achieve a minimum of 75% on the course grade.

● All students must complete the 2 ATI Standardized Proctored Examinations and remediation encouraged.

● All students must demonstrate basic competency in English reading, writing, oral communication, math, and computer skills.

● All students must purchase my EHR Tutor for use throughout the semester.

● All students must have access to EVOLVE resources and case studies throughout the semester.

● Courses in the Professional Nursing Program build upon each other, all students are held responsible and accountable for material taught in all previous degree plan courses.

● All students are accountable for the material taught in the co-requisite clinical course.

● All students must attend and participate in skills lab experiences. Any student absent from a required experience must contact the faculty prior to the scheduled calendar event to arrange for alternative completion of the assigned experience.

● All students must comply with policies and procedures as outlined in the course syllabus and the Professional Nursing Student Handbook.

● For Critical Skills Performance Mastery of previous skills learned refer to the Professional Nursing Student Handbook for complete policy.

● All students must pass a Dosage Calculation Proficiency examination with a score of 90% to continue in the course. Refer to the Professional Nursing Student Handbook for policy.

● All students are responsible for frequently referring to the BlackBoard® site and ACC email for updates and current assignment information.

Attendance/Class Participation

Course expectations include regular, punctual class attendance and participation in course activities for successful attainment of course objectives. Attendance is mandatory for all simulation and lab experiences. Any student absent from a lab experience must contact the instructor to arrange for completion of the course requirements and objectives. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw the student from the course.

In the event classes are canceled because of weather, pandemic, or other emergencies: The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

Learning Lab / Mastery Skills Lab

All labs are a required portion of the RNSG 1443 nursing course.

Attendance is mandatory. Any student missing a learning lab, Critical Skill Performance Mastery or Dosage Calculation Proficiency Exam is responsible for contacting the instructor to arrange for completion of the learning experience.

Withdrawal Policy

If a student voluntarily withdraws from a program, they must adhere to the program's specific withdrawal and readmission policies. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure the removal of his or her name from the roll (class roster) should they withdraw from a course. An instructor can also initiate a withdrawal from a course for unsatisfactory performance, failure to meet course objectives, or violations of any professional or ethical policy, standard, or practice outlined in the student handbook. The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

In some instances, withdrawal from a course may not necessarily lead to withdrawal from the semester or program. See specific program course progression and completion policies.

If withdrawal from a course results in dismissal from the program, the procedures outlined in “Step 4: Dismissal” of the Professional Nursing Student Handbook: will be followed.

Types of withdrawals

● Student withdrawal: Requested by student. Student should observe withdrawal deadlines as published in the College’s Academic Calendar. The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is 11/16/2023. 

● Instructor withdrawal: Withdrawal from a course initiated by the instructor. 

● Administrative withdrawal: Withdrawal by the college for failure to pay required fees or never attending class.

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.

Upon withdrawal, a student is required to complete an exit interview with the Department Chair or Assistant Department Chair. At that time the student is required to return all Program and Agency ID’s promptly, along with any equipment or items belonging to the department. Failure to do so may compromise the student’s standing at ACC.

Students enrolled in the Professional Nursing program may repeat a course one time, and may only repeat a total of 10 hours in the Professional Nursing curriculum. Exceptions may be made for catastrophic events. The Department Chair makes the final decision. Students who are unsuccessful need to refer to the ACC Professional Nursing Handbook for policy and formal process.

Missed IV Content Exam and Late Work Policies

Missed IV Lab Exam Policy

Students are expected to take the scheduled IV content exam. If the student is unable to attend the scheduled IV content exam, the student must notify the course lead faculty as soon as possible - prior to the beginning of the scheduled IV content exam time. The student will then be given an opportunity to make up the IV lab exam at a different date and time as designated by the faculty. Only one make-up IV lab exam will be provided. If the student misses both the scheduled IV lab exam as well as the makeup IV lab exam, the student will receive a grade of zero (0) for the IV lab exam.

Missed or Late Work

Level course faculty will determine specific requirements for submission of late assignments.

Incomplete:

For incompletes, please refer to the Professional Nursing Student Handbook and ACC college catalog and college handbook. 

Course Calendar

Course calendar is available through campus-specific BlackBoard® site. Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a BlackBoard® announcement.

Clinical Skill Performance Mastery:

All Level 2 students enrolled in RNSG 1443 are required to demonstrate mastery of selected skills from previous nursing courses at the beginning of the semester. Students who are unsuccessful in the demonstration will adhere to the progressive discipline policies outlined in the Professional Nursing Student Handbook.

Guidelines for Clinical Skills Mastery:

Students must wear the ACC scrub uniform, closed-toe shoes, and bring the ACC lab pack and medication textbooks to Critical Skill Performance Mastery.

Get Ready/Preparation Area:

A faculty member will ask each student to enter the preparation area and assign a station with a scenario. Students will gather the necessary supplies and medications and prepare for the skills performance portion. Students may not refer to the skills performance checklists during the preparation process or during the performance of skills.

Talking in the preparation areas is limited to communication with the faculty member only. Talking between students is not allowed in the preparation area.

Performance of Skills:

At the time of the demonstration, students will perform the indicated nursing interventions outlined in the scenario following criteria from the skills performance checklists.

Students are to address the patient, with faculty providing the response as necessary. If the scenario requires the use of an assistant, the student will delegate the task to the faculty by stating, “I need an assistant”. The faculty member will follow the instruction provided by the student without additional comment. Students need to provide specific instructions for the faculty-assistant.

If a student recognizes an error in performance, the student may self-correct by indicating to the faculty they have identified an error. For example, “I have contaminated my glove; I would like to demonstrate that step again.” The faculty will allow students to “rewind” the scenario to the necessary step. Students may have a maximum of two “self-identified errors” during the Critical Skill Performance Mastery. If more than 2 self-identified errors or other errors from the checklist are identified by the faculty as an unsuccessful attempt and require the student to follow a progression for Critical Skill Performance Mastery found in the Professional Nursing Student Handbook.

At the conclusion of the scenario, the student will sign the check-off sheet and the faculty will indicate a pass or failed attempt. Arguing or Unprofessional Behavior will result in progressive discipline. Prior to leaving, the student will return the scenario to faculty, gather all supplies, return supplies as necessary, and tidy the area. Students should exit the check-off area quietly. Discussion of the scenario with classmates is a violation of academic integrity and subject to dismissal from the program as outlined in the Professional Nursing Student Handbook.

First unsuccessful demonstration

Students who are unsuccessful in the attempted skill performance must meet with the faculty member to outline plans for success and sign a conference form. They will review written documentation of the deficiency, criteria for meeting the performance mastery, and a plan for remediation. Students are strongly encouraged to schedule remediation with the nursing skills tutor prior to the second attempt. Students are encouraged to contact the nursing skills tutor as quickly as possible following the initial unsuccessful attempt. Refer to the course calendar for dates and time* of repeat Critical Skills Performance Mastery.

Second unsuccessful demonstration

The student will meet with the instructor for a formal probation report. They will review written documentation of the deficiency, criteria for meeting the performance mastery, and a plan for remediation. The student will repeat a skill demonstration at a scheduled time* after the opportunity for remediation.

Third unsuccessful demonstration

The student will meet with the instructor and department chair or assistant department chair to discuss educational options. The student must withdraw from RNSG 1443 and the co-requisite course RNSG 1360. (If the occurrence is past the official college date for withdrawal from a course, the student will receive a performance grade of “F.”)

* Attendance to skill mastery check-offs is mandatory. There are no excused absences allowed. Failure to keep an appointment for a first, second, or third skill demonstration is the same as an unsuccessful demonstration. However, if a student is ill at the time of a scheduled skills check or are unable to be on campus due to COVID-19 screening precautions, the student will reschedule the skills check without it being considered an unsuccessful demonstration.

College Policies

Health and Safety Protocols

Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through

all public entrances. While some health & safety protocols are no longer mandatory,

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.

● 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.

● 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 ever changing situation, please go to ACC’s Covid website at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus?ref=audiencemenu for the latest updates and guidance.

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 https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Student Rights & 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. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities

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

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 to someone confidentiality, 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: https://www.austincc.edu/students/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 makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

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: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by email, or to a fellow student. All grades will be posted in BlackBoard®.

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.

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard® Collaborate 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.

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 http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

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 illness outbreak, 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.

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 http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

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://www.austincc.edu/offices/equal-opportunity-compliance

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: http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

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

Student Support Services

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.

Student Support

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 http://www.austincc.edu/students. A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at:

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support

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 when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of each semester they are enrolled, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the legal document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations (NAA)” from SAS.

Until the instructor receives the NAA from the student accommodations should not be provided. Once the NAA is received, accommodations must be provided. Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student’s best interest to deliver the NAA on the first day of class.

Please contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information.

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis.

An online tutor request can be made here:

https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/

https://austincc.upswing.io/

Additional tutoring information can be found here:

austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

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: http://library.austincc.edu

• Library Information & Services during COVID-19: https://researchguides.austincc.edu/LSinfoCOVID19

• Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php

• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/

• Email: library@austincc.edu

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 http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

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

● Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here: https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now

● Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center:

http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.

● The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.

● Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.

● A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

● The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: https://students.austincc.edu/financial-aid/crrsa-fund-application/

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns:http://www.austincc.edu/students/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:

• 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

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• 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)

Please print, sign, and submit the syllabus acknowledgement per Blackboard instructions provided by your specific campus.

Please see the course requirements section for the full syllabus.

Please see the course requirements section for the full syllabus.

Please see the course requirements section for the full syllabus.