Instructor:                   Dan Dewberry

Office Hours:               Mon, Wed 1:50-2:20 p.m. NRG 4262 – email for conference

Voicemail/email:          512-223-1790 x 22775,    dandew@austincc.edu

Website:                      https://sites.google.com/a/austincc.edu/dandewberry/

Classroom:                  NRG 4262       Credit hours:  3          Contact Hours per week: 3

Textbook:                    Understanding Business:  The Core 3rd or 2nd or 1st edition, by Nickels.

 (or 11th edition is fine as well)

Grading:          6 Exams (8.9% each)                57.7% (50 points each)

                        Homework/Quizzes                   23.1% (120 points total)

                        Project                                      19.2% (100 points)      

                                                                                Total: 520 points possible       

Grade distribution:  465=A    413=B    361=C    309=D    Below 309=F

Bizness:

1. This is a course that requires the use of the Blackboard learning management system.  You must check your ACC email often.  Attendance is optional.
2. Attendance is optional.  Recorded videos for each chapter are available on Blackboard.
3. The exams will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions derived from text and lecture material.  Part A will be use Blackboard Lockdown Browser (free to download).  You will need access to appropriate technology (NO webcam needed though) for the exams (ACC has rooms with computers you can access).  Part B will be a “take home, open book” exam and you submit your answers on Blackboard.
4. It is the students' responsibility to be aware of the withdrawal date, May TBA, 2025.  Neither you nor the instructor can drop you after this deadline.  See another part of this syllabus for the college policy.
5. Turn off all cell phones during class.  Please wear appropriate clothing and behave as an adult during the classes.  Disciplinary action can be taken if decided upon by the instructor. 
6. RESPECT the other students AND the instructor during classes and in any form of communication.  Reminder: YOU registered to take this course.  Take it seriously.   If you are a distraction, you might be disciplined.  Read the student handbook.
7. Homework assignments will be listed on Blackboard (BB).  A 1 point penalty will be assessed for each day late.

BizHints:

1. 8-12 hrs of study/week is recommended if you plan to make a high grade.  You should: READ THE BOOK, watch the recorded videos, go over the PowerPoints, have a discussion w/ a classmate, use flashcards, form study groups, and once again, please read the textbook.
2. This syllabus & much more are available on Blackboard: http://acconline.austincc.edu/ 
3. Daily reading assignments should be read before the class in which it will be discussed.
4. Obtain a textbook during the 1st week of class. See details later in this syllabus. 

Testing Schedule:  Please note: schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced on Blackboard and sent via ACC email.

Tentative Schedule for the 11th edition:

Tentative Schedule for the Core 1st edition:

Tentative Schedule for the Core 2nd or 3rd edition:

Instructor's Objectives:

1. Provide clearly defined grading system & clearly explained policies.
2. Provide clear lectures & presentations.

1. Provide prompt return of exams & assignments.
2. Provide convenient ways to contact the instructor.

1. Make the class interesting & challenging.  Knowledge is power!!
2. Respect the students & motivate the students to learn.
3. Have fun!

STUDENT TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

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.

Artificial Intelligence Guidelines

• AI is allowed to be used in this course under the conditions listed below.  Business is using AI.  It is best that you become familiar with it.  Most employers are going to require you to use AI to aid in your job.
• Introduction: The use of generative AI (GAI) is permitted in this course under certain conditions to enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity.
• Rationale: GAI is permitted to foster technological fluency and to leverage advanced tools for research, as long as it does not substitute for critical thinking and learning.
• Definition of GAI: Generative AI encompasses technologies that create content through learned patterns and data without direct human input.
• Usage Permissions: Permitted: GAI can be used for initial research, idea generation, and learning coding practices. It is not to be used for final submissions with no review process.
• Assessment: Contributions of GAI must be clearly cited and will be assessed on the student’s ability to critically analyze and integrate the AI-generated content.
• Penalties: Misuse of GAI, including a failure to cite, will be considered a breach of academic integrity, with consequences including a failing grade for the assignment and academic review.
• Exceptions: Should the technology be required as an accommodation, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

PRIVACY AND SECURITY

In accordance with our dedication to privacy and security, students are advised to refrain from sharing any sensitive or personally identifiable information on GAI platforms. Given that content inputted into or generated by these platforms may become accessible to the platform’s operators, caution is advised. Always ensure your data is clean, accurate, and does not include personal information before interacting with these technologies.

Academic Honesty

Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and others, are rapidly evolving technologies that have great potential in all realms of human endeavor, including teaching and learning. They also pose serious challenges, particularly with regard to academic integrity. At Austin Community College, the use of these tools in coursework, like any others, is subject to the same standards outlined in the college’s Academic Integrity policy.

Presenting AI-generated content as your own without proper attribution is considered a violation of academic integrity. All work you submit must reflect your own understanding and effort. If you use generative AI to help with your work, you must clearly acknowledge how and where it was used. Intellectual honesty is essential to a fair and supportive academic environment.

Bias, Discrimination, and Falsehood

Students are cautioned that GAI may inadvertently produce biased or inaccurate content. It is incumbent upon the student to critically evaluate and verify the information provided by these platforms. Relying on unverified GAI content for academic work is unacceptable and may lead to disciplinary action.

Illness

Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self reporting form: 

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124

TEXTBOOK HELP

It is important to obtain a textbook during the first week of class.  There are bookstores at each ACC campus.  Can't afford the textbook?  Contact Student Support Services to see if you qualify for help in obtaining a textbook.  Call 512-223-6026 or 512-223-4845 and ask for help with textbooks.  Also check your email and BB for a list of websites where you can order books.  We cannot guarantee on-time delivery from any of these sources.  Allow the necessary amount of time for shipping.

ACBSP Certified: The ACC Business Studies Division is certified by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs.  The ACBSP is the leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence. The association embraces the virtues of teaching excellence and emphasizes to students that it is essential to learn how to learn.    http://www.acbsp.org/

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is a general survey of the entire field of business and management in the free enterprise system. Concepts of business and management functions, organizational considerations, and decision-making processes. Explores areas of specialization in the business world. Skills: R

COURSE RATIONALE: The objective of this course is to provide you with a broad understanding of the business world.  During the semester we will cover general business concepts as well as specific functional areas including management, marketing, and financial management.  You are encouraged to keep up with the business news during the semester by reading the internet, newspaper, business magazines, or by watching any of the business reports on television.  If you see a story that is of interest to you please feel free to bring it up in class.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY: The methodology used in this course is lecture and discussion.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY  (see the student handbook as well)

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date is Dec. 8, 2025.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

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

Rule of Three               http://www.austincc.edu/admiss/ruleofthree/

Per state law, effective Spring 2006 any student taking a class for the third time or more may be charged an additional $60 per credit hour unless exempted. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has mandated that all publicly funded higher-education institutions will not receive funding for courses a student takes for the third time or more. Without the state funding for those affected classes, ACC will charge additional tuition to pay for the cost of the class. The new “Rule of Three” tuition costs will not apply to developmental courses, Continuing Education courses, special-studies courses in which the content changes each time, or other select courses.  See the webpage above for more details.

Incompletes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty  

"Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to, cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations; and homework.”  See this website for plagiarism definitions: http://www.hamilton.edu/academics/resource/wc/usingsources.html

Concealed Handgun Policy

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 222 from a campus phone or 512-223- 7999.

Statement on Student Accessibility Services

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Student Accessibility Services Office on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.  Students who are requesting accommodation must provide the instructor with a letter of accommodation from the Student Accessibility Services Office (SAS) at the beginning of the semester.   Accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the letter of accommodation from SAS.

Statement on Academic Freedom

Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good.  The common good depends upon a search for truth and upon free expression.  In this course the professor and students shall strive to protect free inquiry and the open exchange of facts, ideas, and opinions.  Students are free to take exception to views offered in this course and to reserve judgment about debatable issues. Grades will not be affected by personal views.  With this freedom comes the responsibility of civility and a respect for a diversity of ideas and opinions.  This means that students must take turns speaking, listen to others speak without interruption, and refrain from name-calling or other personal attacks.

SCANS    

The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Workplace Skills (SCANS) is a project of the Secretary of Education and Secretary of Labor.  The consensus is that students must develop and cultivate workplace skills as part of their college courses.  The SCANS competencies (workplace skills) that will be assessed during this course include: 1. Responsibility - Exerts a high level of effort and perseverance toward goal attainment; works hard to become excellent at doing tasks by setting high standards, paying attention to details, and displaying a high level of concentration even when assigned an unpleasant task; and displays high standards of attendance, punctuality, enthusiasm, vitality and optimism in approaching and completing tasks..  2. Communicate Information - Selects and analyzes information and communicates the results to others using oral, written, graphic, pictorial or multimedia methods.  Competently performing the tasks of communications and interpreting information to others includes determining information to be communicated; identifying the best methods to present information (e.g., overheads, handouts); if necessary, converting to desired format and conveying information to others through a variety of means.  3.  Assessments - Communicates mastery of the material through examination and written assignments.  Meets with instructor to gain additional assistance as needed.  Assists other students to better learn the material. 4. SummarY - These competencies will be assessed throughout the course as indicated above and through the student’s exams.

Student Discipline

Refer to the student handbook for policies: http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/

STUDENT SERVICES-The Web address for student services is:  http://www.austincc.edu/support/

INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES - The Web address is: http://www.austincc.edu/current/

TESTING CENTER POLICY - ACC Testing Center policies can be found at:  http://www2.austincc.edu/testctr/

After Hours:

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: 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

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 pantries are located in all campus Student Life offices: https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/.   
• 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/.  
• Drop-in child care is available at Highland Campus: http://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care/child-watch-drop-in-center

 Clinical 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 an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

GET HELP!

It’s up to you!  Get help from the free tutors in the Learning Lab, COUNSELORS (both academic and Life Counselors) are available in Student Services, Financial Aid, Money Management Office, Academic Coaching in the Learning Lab, Student Life (extracurricular activities) and much more.

HEALTH & 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.

 If you test positive, please report it on the ACC self-reporting tool located here.

 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 cannot mandate indoor masking, but is encouraging it during this spike in cases as a result of the Delta variant.

 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

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus?ref=audiencemenu for the latest updates and guidance.

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 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.

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 a continuing 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.

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/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

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

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/

Additional tutoring information can be found here:    austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians.  ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat “live.”  Faculty librarians are also available via email and phone seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

 Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu

Ask a Librarian: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php

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

Email: library@austincc.edu

 In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students (made available by Student Affairs) to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Using LockDown Browser (no Webcam needed – see BB for details during the semester) for Online Exams

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online exams.   Watch this short video (link on BB) to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser.  A student Quick Start Guide  (link on BB) is also available.

---Then download and install LockDown Browser (see BB for the link).

To ensure LockDown Browser and the webcam are set up properly, do the following:

• Start LockDown Browser, log into BB & select this course.
• Locate and select the Help Center button on the LockDown Browser toolbar.
• Run the System & Network Check. If a problem is indicated, see if a solution is provided in the Knowledge Base. Troubleshooting information can also be emailed to our institution's help desk.
• Exit the Help Center and locate the practice quiz.
• Upon completing and submitting the practice quiz, exit LockDown Browser.

When taking an online exam that requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, remember the following guidelines:

• Ensure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted
• Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them outside of your reach
• Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted — books, papers, other devices
• Before starting the text, know how much time is available for it, and that you’ve allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Remain at your computer for the duration of the test

Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted

Textbook:                    Understanding Business:  The Core 3rd or 2nd or 1st edition, by Nickels.

 (or 11th edition is fine as well)

Testing Schedule:  Please note: schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced on Blackboard and sent via ACC email.

Tentative Schedule for the 11th edition:

Tentative Schedule for the Core 1st edition:

Tentative Schedule for the Core 2nd or 3rd edition:

Instructor's Objectives:

1. Provide clearly defined grading system & clearly explained policies.
2. Provide clear lectures & presentations.

1. Provide prompt return of exams & assignments.
2. Provide convenient ways to contact the instructor.

1. Make the class interesting & challenging.  Knowledge is power!!
2. Respect the students & motivate the students to learn.
3. Have fun!

Bizness:

1. This is a course that requires the use of the Blackboard learning management system.  You must check your ACC email often.  Attendance is optional.
2. Attendance is optional.  Recorded videos for each chapter are available on Blackboard.
3. The exams will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions derived from text and lecture material.  Part A will be use Blackboard Lockdown Browser (free to download).  You will need access to appropriate technology (NO webcam needed though) for the exams (ACC has rooms with computers you can access).  Part B will be a “take home, open book” exam and you submit your answers on Blackboard.
4. It is the students' responsibility to be aware of the withdrawal date, May 12, 2025.  Neither you nor the instructor can drop you after this deadline.  See another part of this syllabus for the college policy.
5. Turn off all cell phones during class.  Please wear appropriate clothing and behave as an adult during the classes.  Disciplinary action can be taken if decided upon by the instructor. 
6. RESPECT the other students AND the instructor during classes and in any form of communication.  Reminder: YOU registered to take this course.  Take it seriously.   If you are a distraction, you might be disciplined.  Read the student handbook.
7. Homework assignments will be listed on Blackboard (BB).  A 1 point penalty will be assessed for each day late.

BizHints:

1. 8-12 hrs of study/week is recommended if you plan to make a high grade.  You should: READ THE BOOK, watch the recorded videos, go over the PowerPoints, have a discussion w/ a classmate, use flashcards, form study groups, and once again, please read the textbook.
2. This syllabus & much more are available on Blackboard: http://acconline.austincc.edu/ 
3. Daily reading assignments should be read before the class in which it will be discussed.
4. Obtain a textbook during the 1st week of class. See details later in this syllabus. 

Testing Schedule:  Please note: schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced on Blackboard and sent via ACC email.

Tentative Schedule for the 11th edition:

Tentative Schedule for the Core 1st edition:

Tentative Schedule for the Core 2nd or 3rd edition:

Instructor's Objectives:

1. Provide clearly defined grading system & clearly explained policies.
2. Provide clear lectures & presentations.

1. Provide prompt return of exams & assignments.
2. Provide convenient ways to contact the instructor.

1. Make the class interesting & challenging.  Knowledge is power!!
2. Respect the students & motivate the students to learn.
3. Have fun!

STUDENT TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

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.

Illness

Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self reporting form: 

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124

TEXTBOOK HELP

It is important to obtain a textbook during the first week of class.  There are bookstores at each ACC campus.  Can't afford the textbook?  Contact Student Support Services to see if you qualify for help in obtaining a textbook.  Call 512-223-6026 or 512-223-4845 and ask for help with textbooks.  Also check your email and BB for a list of websites where you can order books.  We cannot guarantee on-time delivery from any of these sources.  Allow the necessary amount of time for shipping.

ACBSP Certified: The ACC Business Studies Division is certified by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs.  The ACBSP is the leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence. The association embraces the virtues of teaching excellence and emphasizes to students that it is essential to learn how to learn.    http://www.acbsp.org/

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is a general survey of the entire field of business and management in the free enterprise system. Concepts of business and management functions, organizational considerations, and decision-making processes. Explores areas of specialization in the business world. Skills: R

COURSE RATIONALE: The objective of this course is to provide you with a broad understanding of the business world.  During the semester we will cover general business concepts as well as specific functional areas including management, marketing, and financial management.  You are encouraged to keep up with the business news during the semester by reading the internet, newspaper, business magazines, or by watching any of the business reports on television.  If you see a story that is of interest to you please feel free to bring it up in class.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY: The methodology used in this course is lecture and discussion.