• Students are required to monitor Blackboard announcements, emails, and course content multiple times throughout the week.
   
• Assignments and due dates are posted on Blackboard in the course. Check the announcements and the course content.
   
• Changes may be made to course work, due dates, etc.
   
• Instructor reserves the right to add or change assignments during semester. It is the student's responsibility to be active within the course and stay current with due dates as posted within the course.

Important Communication & Course Information

• Please use your official LSCPA email account for all communication with me. Emails from personal accounts may not be received or responded to.

Course Structure and Assignment Schedule

• All assignments and course materials will become available on the first day of class: Monday, January 20, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
• The course is organized into four sections, each with its own final due date.
• Each section covers at least three weeks of material. 
• Work ahead as much as you like — all assignments are open from the start of the course.
• You have two ways of submitting assignments:

1. You may follow the weekly schedule and submit assignments weekly  (this helps to stay on track with the load), or
2. You can submit assignments within each section at any time before the section closes.

Section Due Dates (these are firm closing dates for each section):

• Section 1 – February 14, 2026
• Section 2 – March 7, 2026
• Section 3 – Weekly due dates apply. Complete assignments according to the weekly schedule provided. 
• Section 4 – May 2, 2026

Critical Policies

• No late work will be accepted under any circumstances.
• Due dates provide ample time to complete all required work — plan accordingly.
• Once a section closes, all assignments within that section will become unavailable and cannot be reopened.
• All assignments, including readings and video viewings, must be completed by their respective due dates.
• All submissions must be uploaded through Blackboard. No emailed assignments will be accepted.

Exams

• There will be four (4) exams in this course.
• If you miss one exam, your lowest exam grade will be counted twice.
• If you miss more than one exam, any additional missed exams will receive a grade of zero (0).

Required Materials

• You must have a copy of the required ebook by the beginning of the second week of class.
• If the course requires specific software, you are responsible for having access to it (either on your personal computer or via the open lab in Gates Library).
• Reliable internet access is required. Computer problems, software issues, or lack of internet access are not valid excuses for missed work, quizzes, projects, or exams.

Academic Integrity

• All work must be your own.
• Academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) on any assignment will result in:
  • First offense → automatic zero on the assignment
  • Second offense → failure of the entire course

General Expectations

• Do not wait until the last minute to complete assignments, projects, quizzes, or exams. Technical difficulties close to deadlines will not be accommodated.
• Email & Voicemail Etiquette: When contacting me, use professional communication:
  • Include a clear subject line (example: “POFT 2312 Question about Assignment 2”)
  • Use complete sentences and appropriate tone
  • For voicemail: clearly state your full name, course number, and a callback number

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and successful semester. Please reach out (using your LSCPA email) if you have any questions!

Research consistently demonstrates a strong cause-and-effect relationship between regular course attendance/activity and overall college success. With this in mind, the instructor will monitor student engagement and activity in the course on a weekly basis.

Expectations for Active Participation

• Students are required to log in to Blackboard and check email/announcements at least twice per week, even if you believe all current work has been completed.
• Simply logging in and navigating around is not sufficient. Active participation is expected and will directly affect your course grade.
• The instructor may assign a weekly participation/activity grade based on meaningful engagement within the course (e.g., completing assignments, participating in discussions, reviewing materials, etc.).
• Additional assignments or assessments may be added during the semester if the instructor determines it is necessary to support student learning.

Absences and Communication

• It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor by email (using your LSCPA email account) regarding any period of inactivity or absence from the course.
• Being absent from or inactive in the course does not grant extensions on assignments, projects, quizzes, or due dates. All published deadlines remain in effect regardless of participation status.

Regular, meaningful engagement is essential for success in this course. Please plan your schedule accordingly and reach out promptly if you are experiencing any difficulties keeping up with the required activity level.

Technical Support & Access Issues

MyLSCPA Username & Password Issues Contact Kenneth Lisby at (409) 984-6150 for assistance with login or password problems.

Blackboard Help (available 24/7) Phone: (936) 496-5379 Email: bbhelp@lamarpa.edu

Recommended Device for This Course This course is designed to be completed on a laptop or desktop computer. Students frequently miss important information, instructions, or assignments when using mobile devices (phones/tablets). For best results, use a full computer whenever possible.

Access to computers is available in the LSCPA computer lab (bring your student ID for entry). LSCPA also offers a Laptop Loan Program for eligible students (free of charge, first-come, first-served each semester). Applications are available online; search “Laptop Loan Program” on the LSCPA website (www.lamarpa.edu) or visit the IT Services page for the form and details. Apply early, as equipment is limited and distributed by appointment starting the first day of class.

Methods of Presentation Instruction may include a variety of formats, such as:

• Lectures (via PowerPoint slides, interactive notes, videos, or audio)
• Computer-assisted learning (Blackboard, publisher resources, etc.)
• Lab exercises, discussion boards, group activities, etc.
• Internet-based materials and resources

Software & Technical Requirements Students are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required course materials, including software, e-books, access codes, and any other tools needed to complete readings, assignments, and activities.

Reliable internet access is required for this course. If you lack consistent access at home, use the open computer lab on the LSCPA campus.

Computer failure, software issues, or lack of internet access are NOT acceptable excuses for missed assignments, projects, quizzes, exams, or other coursework.

Drop/Withdrawal Policy

• If you decide to drop or withdraw from the course, you must officially submit the drop/withdrawal through the appropriate process and verify it has been processed before the final withdrawal date.
• It is your responsibility to ensure your name is removed from the class roll if you stop attending.
• Retain a copy of your drop/withdrawal form for your records.
• Return any departmental books, equipment, or items as required. Failure to do so may affect your standing with LSCPA.
• Texas state law limits undergraduate students to no more than 6 course withdrawals (drops) during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges/universities (with some exceptions). Withdrawals after the penalty-free period count toward this limit. Drops on or before the last day to drop without penalty do not count. See the LSCPA College Catalog and Important Dates for full details.

Email & Voicemail Etiquette

• Use professional email etiquette: Include a clear subject line (e.g., “Your Name – Course Name/Section – Question about Assignment”), complete sentences, and a polite tone.
• For voicemail: Speak clearly and include your full name, course name/section, and a return phone number.

Dress for Success (Face-to-Face Classes Only) As future professionals, use this time to practice appropriate workplace attire. Dress in a manner that shows respect for the learning environment, your instructor, and classmates. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but clothing should not be distracting, offensive, or inappropriate.

Prohibited attire includes:

• Clothing that exposes intimate body parts
• Only undergarments without outerwear (e.g., sports bras or boxers as outerwear)
• Sleepwear (pajamas, robes, house slippers)
• Excessively tight, loose, or revealing clothing
• Items with inappropriate logos, text, or graphics

If attire is deemed inappropriate or disruptive, you may be asked to leave class, and it will count as an absence.

Note: The instructor reserves the right to modify or add information in this syllabus as needed. Any changes will be announced in class and/or via Blackboard.

Feel free to contact me (using your LSCPA email) with any questions about these policies!