Course Syllabus

NOTE: 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 citation is considered plagiarism and 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.

Syllabus Sections

• COURSE REQUIREMENTS
• READINGS
• COURSE SUBJECTS
• STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES/LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• COURSE GRADING
• ACCs POLICIES FOR RETURING TO CAMPUS AND USE OF FACILITIES

Business Principles

BUSI-1301-042- 50387 Instructor – Dr. Suzon Tropez Holmes, MT(ASCP); DBA

Credit Spring 2026 – 12 Weeks Session
02/16/2026 – 05/17/2026

Course Information

In class Learning – Using Blackboard & PowerPoint

Online Course– HYS- Rm HYS1

DLS/ DIL 

INSTRUCTOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION

• Name: Dr. Suzon Tropez Holmes, MT(ASCP), DBA
• Email:  suzon.tropezholmes@austincc.edu
• Cell phone (512-799-5697) 
• Virtual Office Hours - Office hours are by appointment. Please contact me via email or text to schedule an appointment. Days and times are flexible.
• You may also contact me through Blackboard 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

• Credit Hours: 3
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3

A study of the role of the supervisor. Includes managerial functions as applied to leadership, counseling, motivation, and human relations skills are examined.

Course Requirements

Welcome to Business Principles!  I believe you will learn a great deal about the business world and, hopefully, have a little fun along the way.  It is designed to help you understand the concepts of business operations, management’s decision processes, and organization structures. This is a fun course but requires dedication on your part to get everything you can out of it.  I will do my best to help you succeed. Most students earn an “A” in my class, if they put in the work and time.

This is a full 16 weeks course material packed into shorter weeks. This abbreviated timeline can make it a difficult course to pass if you fall behind so, DON'T FALL BEHIND!  I'll do all I can to help you get through this course.

PREREQUISITES

None

COURSE RATIONALE: To survive and thrive, today’s supervisors have to motivate and coordinate a diverse workforce. Today’s customers are well educated aware of their options, and demanding of excellence. For this reason, supervisors today must think constantly about how to build a capable workforce and manage in a way that delivers the goods and services that provide the best possible value to the customer. This course is designed to activities and exercises to develop the skills necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic work environment. This course also covers provide a basic understanding of the theories, principles, concepts and essentials of supervision.

COMMON COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES:

Explain the role, characteristics, and skills of a supervisor; identify the principles of management at the supervisory level; identify and discuss the human relations skills necessary for supervision; explain motivational techniques; and cite examples of how motivational techniques can be used by a supervisor in a working environment

1. Apply basic principles of leadership, motivation, and performance management
2. Apply basic management and HR principles
3. Understand the Basic management functions of Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling  
4. Understand how ethical practices are applied in supervision and in life      
5. Understand management theories.
6. Understand how Corporate Culture and Organizational design effect the management
7. Understand Governments role and effect on Management 

REQUIRED TEXTS / MATERIALS/SOFTWARE

• UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS CORE 3rd. ed. by Nickels, McHugh, McHugh
• ISBN: 9781266131707 (hard cover) or 9781266738272 (ebook)
• None of the online modules are required for this class.
• Note- there are several ISBNs for this book depending on the online support materials that are include. The other editions of the book like the 9th 10th, and 11th Edition that will work.  The chapters don’t always correspond perfectly but if $$ are an issue, find a used one online at a great price and it will work.  

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

• Read assigned textbook chapters attend lectures as scheduled
• Study PowerPoint lectures. Exam questions mainly come from the PowerPoint slides
• Complete Assignments as listed in Blackboard
• Special Project – There is a Stock Project that students must complete to earn a grade of “B” or higher. Please see additional information in Blackboard
• Practice Quizzes for extra credit points are ADDED at the End of the Semester and are NOT a part of the calculated grade in Blackboard.
• There are 4- Exams (You must have Respondus lockdown Browser to take all exams), plus a special stock project required by the management department as 1/5 of your total grade.

Course / Chapter Subjects

 Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

This course will provide the student with information about business operations and business vocabulary, and it will help direct the thinking of each student to the field of business best suited for her/his interest and talent. Subject matter includes an analysis of the specialized fields within the business organization. The course covers concepts of business, management functions, organizational considerations, and decision-making processes. This course is beneficial to business majors and non-business majors. There is no prerequisite.  (If you are trying to make a decision as to the course you should take next, Principles of Management is a good choice for business majors.)

COURSE POLICIES

Attendance/Class Participation

Each instructor should clearly express their attendance and class participation policies.  The instructor also needs to be explicit about whether the class is synchronous or asynchronous, and what activities, e.g., discussion boards, have mandatory participation.  If the course has a laboratory component, clear guidance is needed on how the laboratory activities will be conducted.

If there are specific policies for field or laboratory activities, they could be included here.  Some suggested wording is:

“Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.”

Or for online courses:

“Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.”

And to cover situations where classes are cancelled 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.”

Withdrawal Policy

This should be clearly stated.  The College defines withdrawals as occurring after the official reporting date of the semester, typically the 12th class day.  In addition, the Legislature has mandated the Rule of Six (see below).  There may also be financial aid issues.

Some possible wording might be:

“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 entered on the course calendar.

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

Please be aware that LATE ASSIGNMENTS are not accepted without prior approval from me. There is adequate time allotted in the schedule to allow timely submission of all assignments. Extra credit activities are also factored into the assignments so there is no need to request make-up activities.

Emergency situations will be handled on an individual basis with proper documentation.

Incomplete Grades of "I"

This policy should also be clearly stated.  Recommended wording is:

“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.

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.”

COURSE OUTLINE / CALENDAR

The syllabus should contain a course outline for the lecture (and laboratory), outlining what students will be doing on what days, identifying test dates and other due dates.  Instructors are encouraged to add a statement of variance, such as:

“Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement (or other resource faculty is using to communicate).”

GRADING SYSTEM

Your understanding of the course content and your overall grade performance for this course will be measured as the average grade from each exam and the stock project.

Additional consideration for your grade will come from extra credit activities as follows:

1. Multiple choice, extra credit, practice quizzes in BB.  Quizzes are a great preparation for the actual exams.  They are multiple attempts

2. There are other extra credit opportunities each worth 0.5% towards your final grade.  These include the Myers Briggs Personality Inventory (commonly used in business) also earns you 0.5% extra credit added to your final average at the end of the semester.

3. Multiple choice exams in Blackboard.  These exams are the basis for 80% of your grade not counting extra credit.  Almost all of the questions on these exams will come from the PowerPoints content in bold, red lettering and from the practice quizzes.  These exams will clearly test your understanding of the stated Learning Objectives and will test on business principles, definitions and vocabulary.

4. The Stock Project is a capstone project for this course and will entail an understanding of many of the concepts and Learning Objectives in this course.  The Stock Project is worth 20% of your final grade without any extra credit.  See the Stock Project section of BB for a full explanation of the Stock Project.

Course grading recap:

EXAM 1                       20%              

EXAM 2                       20%               

EXAM 3                       20%

STOCK PROJECT*    20%

HOMEWORK/Quizzes 20%

Extra credit 5%

                   TOTAL     100%  plus your extra credit that I will manually add to your average on the end of the course.

*Stock Project must be turned in to earn a grade of B or higher in the class!  

A 90% –  100%

B 80%  –  89% 

C 70%  –  79% 

D 60%  –  69% 

F Below – 60%

COLLEGE POLICIES

These are statements of which all students should be aware and which are consistent across the institution.  The wording of these statements should not be changed by instructors.

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.

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) 223-7964;  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 confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

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 with 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://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

Use of the Testing Center

For Fall, 2021, 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 will be offering both in-person and extensive online services for Fall 2021, with research and assignment assistance available in-person during limited hours of service. Although all college services are subject to change this fall, 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://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.   

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)

Some faculty may consider adding a student sign-off page at the end of the syllabus to be removed and handed back to the instructor providing evidence that the student received a copy of the syllabus and had an opportunity to ask questions, but such a page is optional.