Faculty Syllabus

CLASS AND COURSE POLICIES

Communication: Internet access is a requirement for this course. Computers are available at Austin public libraries and at all ACC campuses in the library and learning labs. Please call the library you are considering visiting for hours of operation. The course will be administered via ACC’s Blackboard. 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 you 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 ACC mail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Please use the following link to discover your log-in and password information, http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php

Attendance/Class Participation: Regular and punctual class attendance is expected of all students. The instructor may withdraw students from the class if a student is not in attendance for 5 classes. When a student has missed 5 classes which includes both excused and unexcused absentees the instructor will email the student letting them know of the withdrawal and give the student 1 week from the day of the sent email to appeal the pending withdrawal. It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from a course.  Instructors are allowed to withdraw students, but students must not rely on their instructor to withdraw them if they wish to withdraw.

Each week attendance will be taken and consists of the following acceptable academically related activities:

• Physical class attendance where there is direct interaction between instructor and student
• Submission of an academic assignment, quiz or in class activity
• Study group as assigned by instructor

Any student not in attendance within the first 12 day of classes will be reported to the Federal Financial Aid system.

Grading System: This course is graded on a total point system. Assignments must be placed in Blackboard by midnight on the day the assignment is due. Points will be deducted for excessive and incorrect spelling or grammatical errors; points will also be deducted for poor presentation and lack of citation. I do not accept late assignments or homework. All assignments must be submitted by the date and time indicated on the outline and blackboard.

• Graded Learning Activities: 10 at 30 = 300 points
• Written Report from Field Trip: 100 points
• Guest Speaker Summary: 100 points
• Student Portfolio: 150 points
• Mock Interview: 150points   
• Final Exam: 200 points   

1. The Importance of Housekeeping in Hotel Operations
Housekeeping is a critical department in hotel operations, responsible for maintaining cleanliness, order, and overall guest satisfaction. A well-managed housekeeping team enhances the hotel's image, contributes significantly to guest comfort, and ensures compliance with health and safety standards. This reading explores the various duties of housekeepers, such as daily room cleaning, laundry management, deep cleaning procedures, and the organization of supplies. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of training and motivational strategies to improve staff performance and retention, thereby elevating service quality.

2. Technology and Innovation in Hotel Housekeeping
As the hospitality industry evolves, technology plays an increasingly significant role in enhancing housekeeping efficiency and effectiveness. This reading covers advancements such as automated cleaning equipment, mobile apps for room inspections, and inventory management systems for housekeeping supplies. It discusses how these innovations can streamline operations, reduce labor costs, and ensure a consistent and high-quality cleaning standard. Furthermore, the reading examines the integration of sustainability practices in housekeeping, using eco-friendly products and methods to meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible hospitality.

3. Challenges Faced by Housekeeping Staff in Hotels
Housekeeping staff often encounter unique challenges in their daily operations, which can impact their performance and job satisfaction. This reading delves into issues such as high turnover rates, the physical demands of the job, and managing guest expectations. It also discusses the importance of effective communication between housekeeping and other hotel departments to ensure seamless service delivery. Strategies for improving working conditions, such as flexible scheduling, recognition programs, and opportunities for career advancement, are explored to highlight how hotels can support their housekeeping teams and improve overall morale and productivity.

These readings can provide a comprehensive understanding of the role and significance of housekeeping in the hospitality industry, as well as the evolving landscape that influences this vital area.

• Introduction to Hotel Operations: Overview of the hospitality industry and the role of guest room management.
• Room Types and Features: Understanding various types of guest rooms and their amenities.
• Housekeeping Management: Best practices for cleaning, maintaining, and managing guest rooms.
• Reservation Systems: Examination of online booking platforms and reservation management strategies.
• Customer Service Excellence: Techniques for enhancing guest satisfaction and handling customer complaints.
• Revenue Management: Strategies for pricing, inventory control, and maximizing occupancy rates.
• Safety and Security in Guest Rooms: Policies and procedures for ensuring guest safety and hotel security.
• Maintenance and Facility Management: Managing room upkeep, repairs, and preventive maintenance.
• Sustainability in Guest Room Management: Implementing eco-friendly practices and policies within guest accommodations.
• Trends in Guest Room Design: Exploring current trends in interior design and technology incorporation in guest rooms.

• Explore the role of the housekeeping department within hotel operations, and explain the importance of effective communications between housekeeping and other divisions
• Examine current sustainable and green philosophies and trends, identifying how industry is approaching, implementing and maintaining environmentally responsible policies and procedures.
• Determine procedures and cleaning responsibilities guestrooms, public area and other types of cleaning.
• Develop and describe selection criteria and cleaning guidelines for furniture, fixtures and equipment that make up a guestroom. 
• Identify inventory and cost control systems within a housekeeping department.
• Recognize and analyze recruiting, training, scheduling and motivational challenges within housekeeping management.
• Understand safety and security needs of hospitality operations, particularly as they relate to the housekeeping department.
• Describe the basic cycle of a laundry operation and the skills necessary to manage an on-premise laundry operation.