Faculty Syllabus

Communication

Communication for this course will be via ACC’s student assigned email address. Please use the following link to discover your log-in and password information: http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php  You must have this to receive information for this course.

You are expected to have accessed your ACCmail account during the first week of the course. I recommend checking your ACC email several times a week to stay informed about any changes or updates. I will return email messages within 24 hours of receipt, Mon-Fri. Please identify yourself, the subject matter, and the course you are enrolled in.

Please follow email etiquette requirements when communicating with your professor. 

All announcements for this course will be posted on Blackboard. Attendance is mandatory. Please refer to the attendance policy on Blackboard. 

This course will utilize "Starting and Operation a Business in Texas" 2024 edition. 

Course Description

            This specialized course is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with the essential knowledge and tools necessary for navigating the intricate landscape of permits and licensing in Texas, particularly within the context of the hospitality sector.

This course is in Hybrid Classroom (HYC) format - Instruction is 50% or more on campus with the remaining instruction online. An ACC ID card and personal safety measures will be required when on campus or on site.

Course Rationale

This course is designed to equip students with essential tools and resources tailored for establishing and operating a small business within diverse hospitality sectors, including Travel/Lodging, Meeting/Event Planning, Restaurants, Managed Services, and Recreation. By fostering a comprehensive understanding of industry-specific nuances and best practices, students will be empowered to navigate challenges effectively and capitalize on opportunities, laying a solid foundation for entrepreneurial success within the dynamic hospitality landscape.

Instructional Methodology

We strive to create an environment of applied learning for all program students. This course is designed using the most current information and techniques of instruction. All hospitality courses are designed to include elements of writing, critical analysis, and presentation techniques, research and group learning. Your mastery of the presented material is a key to your success in the industry.

Objectives and Outcomes

1. Comprehensive Insight: Acquire a detailed understanding of pivotal business decisions and intelligence required to secure the requisite permits and licenses essential for initiating and sustaining a small business. This encompasses a thorough examination of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance and operational integrity.
2. Taxation Specifics: Delve into the nuanced taxation intricacies associated with various business structures, empowering you to make informed financial decisions and optimize fiscal strategies tailored to your specific venture.
3. Resource Exploration: Navigate through an array of resources available to facilitate the establishment and growth of a small business within the dynamic hospitality sectors, leveraging valuable insights and opportunities to foster success.
4. Strategic Development: Benefit from comprehensive guidelines on crafting robust business plans, conducting market research, and formulating strategic financing strategies. This holistic approach ensures that you are well-equipped to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and drive sustainable growth.

Assignments, Quizzes and Dates

All assignments, submissions, exercises, and presentation directions are located in Course Content. There is no separate Menu for Assignments. Therefore, when going through your Modules, make sure to look at all content.

All assignments and interactive lecture discussions to be submitted via Blackboard (you may email your work to the instructor in case of any technical challenges; you will receive credit as long as they are submitted by due date and time).

All course work has a due date. Late coursework will equal zero points. Due dates are indicated in your Course Schedule.

You will need to have access to MS Office and Google Suite. Each assignment has instructions, follow them thoroughly to obtain full credit.

If you do not own a copy of MS Office, you can obtain a free copy here: https://products.office.com/en-us/student

If your assignment does not follow provided guidelines and instructions, you will lose 5 points off your assignment total score or otherwise indicated on the individual assignment details.

Assessment Criteria

Homework Assignments:

• Each assignment reflects completion instructions.
• To earn full credit on all assignments, include:
  • Proper grammar and clear writing
  • Research references
  • Elaboration on the subject

Quizzes:

• Each module is accompanied by at least one associated quiz.
• These quizzes may be administered during any class session for completion.

Team Presentation:

• Even though this is a Team Presentation, you will be graded individually. Therefore, every team member needs to contribute and present.
• Your teammates will fill out a Team-mate Evaluation form at the end of the semester that will contribute up to 50 points to your final score.
• Use PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva or Prezi for your presentations.
• If you are absent on any presentation day, you will lose 5-10 points, based on the level of your involvement in preparing content for this presentation.

Final Presentation:

• Your Final Presentation must reflect all steps taken to open a new business.

Graded Assignments

Please allow 10 to 14 days for your points/grades to be posted on Blackboard.

This is how your course grade will be determined:

Refer to your course schedule due dates.

Attendance

Regular and punctual class attendance and completion of work are expected of all students.

If you attend all in-person and Zoom class sessions, you will receive 10 points at the end of the semester. If you miss at least 1 class, you will receive zero (0) points for Class Attendance.

In cases when classes are canceled or changed in format, the instructor will communicate with students via Blackboard Announcements, which will also be emailed.

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

Keep your camera on during Zoom sessions, as it enhances the learning experience and fosters better engagement among participants. When you are visible on camera, it creates a sense of connection and presence, similar to an in-person classroom. This visual presence allows the instructor to gauge your understanding and engagement, and it also encourages active participation, as others can see your reactions, questions, and contributions. Additionally, being on camera promotes accountability and attentiveness, reducing distractions that might arise from multitasking. Overall, participating with your camera on helps create a more dynamic and interactive virtual classroom environment.

Please review and follow these good practices for virtual meetings:

·         Test Your Technology (make sure your connection is good; avoid using multiple devices at the same time during your virtual meeting > this may slow Internet connection)

·         Set the scene and minimize distraction (remember, this is just like in our regular classroom; please give it a priority and find a quiet place to avoid distraction)

·         Dress for the occasion (be camera ready) and consider your surroundings that will be visible to meeting attendees.

·         Stay focused!