Faculty Syllabus

     Special Topics in Hospitality – Business Professionalism
     8-Week DLS (synchronous) - 3/23/26 to 5/13/26

     Section Number: 33721 (HAMG 1191)
     Spring 2026 Course Syllabus

Instructor: Ann Derrick

Email: aderrick@austincc.edu

Google Voice/Text: 512.730.1703  

Class Period: Tuesdays and Thursdays - 1:00 pm to 1:50 pm

Class location: Online Synchronous Class delivery via Zoom

Office Hours:  Mondays and Wednesdays: 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm (virtual: Google Meet / Zoom)

                         Tuesdays and Thursdays: available 30 minutes before and after class

By Appointment: To arrange an appointment outside of office hours, please schedule via Calendly.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

• Credit Hours: 1
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 2
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 0

This course is an examination of proper etiquette and protocol within business settings. The course will focus on resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, common courtesies, proper greetings and introductions. How to connect when networking, workplace etiquette, and appropriate attire based on the setting.

COURSE RATIONALE

This course is an examination of proper etiquette and protocol within business settings. The course will focus on resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, business communication, and professional social media. How to connect when networking, etiquette, and appropriate attire based on the setting.

PREREQUISITES

None. 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS/MATERIALS/SOFTWARE

This course does not utilize textbooks. Instructor will provide all course materials.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES & GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES

1. Identify a job description relevant to your career plan and create a targeted resume and cover letter.
2. Demonstrate the ability to answer interview questions as asked with confidence and professionalism.
3. Explore personal branding and give justification to purpose and competitive advantage.
4. Conduct a self-guided tour through observation and evaluation of a hospitality business. Create a presentation to reflect findings and recommendations.
5. Critically analyze office, dining, and email etiquette for the workplace.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course is held as lecture twice a week as per Course Schedule and will meet online synchronously on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1:00 pm – 1:50 pm. Through lecture, students are involved in the topics discussed. Guest speakers, self-guided field trips and additional resources will provide students with real-world experiences and perspectives.
 

Group discussions with students will be utilized, so students can question, clarify, and gain insights in the career readiness process and preparation for entrance into the industry. The course is designed to include elements of writing, critical analysis, and presentation techniques. 

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.

GRADING SYSTEM

Please allow 5 days for assignments and exams to be graded and comments (if necessary) to be provided electronically. I will not grade assignments until the submission date has ended. Grades can be accessed via Blackboard under the “Tools” button and then click on “My Grades”. When your grade is posted for your assignment, click the grade score to read my comments.

Evaluation System: Grading Scale with Assignments and Point Totals

This course is graded on a total point system. Your grades are available for viewing under the "Gradebook" section on the Blackboard site. Your final grade will be based solely on Course Grade Calculation table:

List of course work and points:

Total points available:  450 points.   

Refer to your Course Schedule and Blackboard for Due Dates.

COURSE POLICIES

Professionalism is the signature of the programs and is the expectation of the faculty that an appropriate dress code consistent with industry is adopted. With this class being virtual, please be ready to have camera’s on.

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), consider your surrounding that will be visible to meeting attendees. 
• Stay focused! 

For on campus meetings, please dress business casual. Business Professional during practice interview sessions, guest speaker visits and site visits.

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and punctual class attendance and completion of work is expected of all students. Students receive credit for class attendance and participation. It is necessary and expected that the student attends each class and is on time.  If it is necessary for a student to miss a class, it is requested that the student emails the instructor to let them know that the student will not be there. When a student has missed 4 classes, their grade will drop by a letter grade (i.e. if a student is making an A, their grade will drop to a B).

Class Participation grade will be based on how engaged and active you are during class meeting. 

Any student not in attendance within the first 12 day of classes for any reason will be reported to the Federal Financial Aid system and automatically dropped from the course.

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 (for distance learning classes)

Withdrawal Policy

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 for this semester is: March 9th. 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.

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies

Students must notify instructor for approval to submit late work/assignments prior to the due date. Exams cannot be made up, if missed. The only exception is if the student makes special arrangements with the instructor prior to the final exam day.

Incomplete Policy  

An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances. What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion. If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor. This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester. A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

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.

1. 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.  

1. 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.

1. Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester 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.

1. 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.”

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR

Course Schedule

(subject to change)

COLLEGE POLICIES

Health & Safety Protocols

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

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

Any course specific policies, expectations, or procedures could be included here.

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. www.austincc.edu/srr

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 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) 223-9764 or 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 confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Class grades should be posted in Blackboard, and this could be mentioned here.

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 outbreak of illness, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

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 Equal Opportunity Resource Guide available at: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xfmZHOPD_H1wgGKq1N7Irv6gvXxOXzbZ/view

Use of ACC E-mail

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/

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
• 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 

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: 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)

Syllabus AI Policy for Business Professionalism - Special Topics in Hospitality

This policy outlines the appropriate and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for the Business Professionalism - Special Topics course. Students are expected to adhere to this policy to ensure fairness, academic integrity, and the development of essential professional skills.

Context

This course focuses on helping learners identify and develop the necessary skills, knowledge and experience with confidence to transition into or advance in the workforce centered around the hospitality industry. This includes developing core professional skills and understanding the nuances of the business world in communication, problem-solving, ethical decision-making, and critical thinking—all of which require individual effort and skill development. While AI tools can be helpful, their improper use can undermine these learning objectives.

The class is intended to prepare you for entering or advancing in your chosen area of the hospitality industry. 

Audience

This policy is for all students enrolled in the Business Professionalism - Special Topics course. It is a binding component of the syllabus and your agreement to this policy is assumed upon your enrollment in this class.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines for the ethical and effective use of AI tools in this course. It aims to:

• Promote academic integrity by preventing the use of AI to generate work that should be original.
• Encourage critical thinking and skill development, rather than reliance on automated processes.
• Prepare students for the professional world, where ethical use of technology is paramount.
• Clarify expectations for all assignments and activities.

Policy Details

Permitted Use of AI

AI tools, such as generative AI platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Gemini), are permitted for the following purposes:

• Brainstorming and ideation: You may use AI to generate initial ideas, outlines, or alternative perspectives on a topic.
• Improving grammar and clarity: AI can be used as a tool to check for grammar, punctuation, and to rephrase sentences for improved clarity. This is similar to using a grammar checker like Grammarly.
• Finding and summarizing information: You may use AI to quickly search for or summarize publicly available information. For example, you may use ChatGPT to research jobs in the hospitality industry based on culinary, pastry, event planning, and other hospitality job titles. However, you must independently verify all facts and sources.
• Creating career-related content: AI can be used as a tool to help draft career materials. For example, you can use ChatGPT to create a summary statement for your resume, draft prompts for writing cover letters, and customize the About section on your LinkedIn profile.

Prohibited Use of AI

The following uses of AI are strictly prohibited and will be considered a violation of the academic integrity policy, resulting in disciplinary action, including a failing grade for the assignment or course.

• Generating original content: You may not use AI to write or generate any part of an assignment, including but not limited to, essays, reports, presentations, or case study analyses. All written work submitted must be your own.
• Plagiarism: Submitting AI-generated text as your own work without proper attribution is a form of plagiarism. The policy on academic honesty applies to AI-generated content just as it does to human-generated content.
• Simulating professional communication: You may not use AI to draft emails, memos, or other professional communications required for an assignment. The purpose of these assignments is to practice and demonstrate your own communication skills.
• Misrepresenting work: You may not present work that has been significantly revised or edited by an AI tool without disclosure.

Disclosure and Accountability

• Disclosure is required: If you use an AI tool in a permitted capacity, you must disclose its use in a separate section at the end of your assignment. This section should briefly describe how the tool was used (e.g., "AI was used to brainstorm a list of topics for this report" or "AI was used to check for grammatical errors in the final draft").
• You are accountable: You are fully responsible for the content and integrity of all submitted work, regardless of whether an AI tool was used. This includes ensuring all information is accurate and all sources are properly cited.

Speaker

This policy is issued by the instructor, Ann Derrick, for the Business Professionalism - Special Topics in Hospitality course. This policy reflects my commitment to ensuring that you develop the skills necessary to succeed in your future career. My goal is to equip you with the ability to think, write, and communicate independently and effectively. AI platforms and generative AI are helpful tools to create, refine and prepare for your career journey.