Engineering Technology Department • College of Business & Technology
Western Illinois University
135 Knoblauch Hall, 1 University Circle - Macomb, IL 61455-1390
GCOM 320-Sec 01: Professional Preparation
12 – 1:15pm Monday/Wednesday – Room: B51
3 Credit Hours
Fall 2015
Instructor: Ms Pam Daniel
Knoblauch B32
Office phone: 309-298-1488
PE-Daniel@wiu.edu
Office Hours: Posted on Western Online and on the last page of this document.
Course Description: GCOM 320 Professional Preparation in Graphic Communication
This course will prepare and enable students to gain skills and experience with the professional
internship search process (or activities leading to) and career success. Topics will include cover letter
and resume preparation, networking, job searching, interviewing, as well as professional business
communications, presentation, correspondence and development of hard copy and online professional
portfolio. Prerequisites: Graphic Communication major and sophomore standing. 3 credit hours.
Course Objectives: (Stated as Student Learning Outcomes)
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Learn to identify your long and short-term career goals. As well as, identify your key skills,
attributes and preferences related to your chosen profession.
2. Effectively construct a powerful cover letter and resume.
3. Develop networking strategies and explore various interpersonal communication skills.
4. Develop a plan for your own personal internship and job search.
5. Effectively research a specific company prior to an interview.
6. Understand the entire interview process, including reactions during an interview. Students will
complete a mock interview in class.
7. Produce artificial interview follow-up letters and professional email communications.
8. Document meeting minutes, activity logs and business correspondence in a professional manner.
9. Identify ethical behaviors and recognize the difference between work ethics/ professional ethics.
Course Structure
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of how to positively promote
themselves to employers, and develop job search tools as they prepare themselves for a rewarding career
in the graphic communication industry. This course will consist of lecture, presentations, written
assignments and portfolio preparation.
Course Requirements: Each student is expected to:
1. Attend Class. ATTENDANCE IS A MUST!! This is a professional class, and you must be
prepared to interact, analyze and discuss topics related to course assignments,
2. Prepare a sample resume and cover letter,
3. Design and fabricate a professional portfolio,
4. Participate in class discussions and group activities,
5. Schedule and attend mock interview,
6. Attend WIU career fair,
7. Attend etiquette dinner and
8. Complete all assignments and submit by deadline.
Graphic Communication Department Competencies
By graduation, Graphic Communication students should be able to:
1. Develop an in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of graphic design in printing and online
publishing processes
2. Demonstrate competency in the operation and maintenance of computer hardware, software and
printing/publishing equipment
3. Apply resource and project management principles used in the graphic communication industry
4. Demonstrate competency in oral, written, and graphic communication
5. Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary to compete in industry
In this course students will be assigned activities that help them to meet competencies:
#3 #4, and #5.
Department of Engineering Technology Goals for Student Learning
Engineering Technology (Construction Management, Graphic Communication, Manufacturing
Engineering Technology) is a field of study designed to provide students educational programs that
allow them to communicate effectively, design and apply technical solutions, use technology effectively,
and respond to project management tasks in an environment with continually changing and sophisticated
technology in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
By graduation, Engineering Technology students should be able to:
1. Think critically and creatively;
2. Understand the theoretical principles of the profession;
3. Understand and apply relevant technology in the solution of technical problems;
4. Organize, manage, and maintain projects;
5. Develop an appreciation for ethical and professional practices;
6. Develop and refine oral, written, and visual communication skills; and
7. Demonstrate an overall competency in the program objectives.
Online Course Material
Handouts, a class calendar, and a listing of suggested readings related to the course content will be
provided within “Western Online” or provided within the library reference of resources for this course.
Required Supplies:
 3-ring binder (for your course work and notes)
 4GB (or larger) flash drive to save or backup your files.
Do not save your digital documents on the computers. Lost work due to technology failure is not
an excuse. It is important to backup your files for redundancy.
Recommended Materials:
 Portfolio binder (style based on your preference, and size depends on dimensions
of your examples)
 Attire appropriate for job interviews – to be worn at career fair and mock interview
Class Website:
Every student enrolled in this class will be required to log in and use the university WesternOnline
system. Quizzes and tests may be administered through this online course delivery system, and the site
will also be the location for course materials, handouts, and links to helpful information. Students will
also be required to log in to check for announcements. The Web site can be accessed through the
following link.
https://westernonline.wiu.edu/
Log in using your “ecom” information and password. Please note this is the same as your e-mail log
in and password. I will assist you in logging in if you have problems. I cannot assign you an “ecom”
account, and I do not have access to your info or passwords. You will have to contact UCSS directly if
you are having problems logging into the system. For questions concerning access to Western Online
you can call: 298-2704 or email: support@wiu.edu
If you miss a class for some reason, check the Western Online site to find out what you may have
missed. Often times I will post assignments directly on the course Web site. I will also try to update the
weekly announcements so that you will know of upcoming deadlines.
Assignments:
Access the Western Online course site (https://westernonline.wiu.edu/d2l/home) for specific
assignment details, including due dates. Once the due date has passed, the assignments (and your ability
to submit) will no longer be available on Western Online so do not wait until the last minute.
Assignments must be turned in by assigned date, no exceptions.
Important Dates to Remember
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Class Begins: Monday, August 24
Labor Day, September 7 (no classes)
Mock Interview: September 28, 29, 30 or October 1
Fall Career Fair: October 6
Midterm Exam: October 14
Etiquette Dinner: November 11, 12 or 17
Last Day to withdraw from class: December 1
Last Day of classes: December 9
Final Exam: December 14, 1pm
Tentative Schedule:
 Wk 1: Identifying Goals, Skills & Attributes
 Wk 2: Setting Career Goals
 Wk 3: Resumes
 Wk 4: Cover Letters & References
 Wk 5: Company Research and Networking
 Wk 6: Before and After Interviews
o Mock interview
 Wk 7: During & After Interviews
o Career Fair
 Wk 8: Midterm Exam
 Wk 9: Skills Employers Want & Succeeding in a New Job
 Wk 10: PDF Portolio
 Wk 11: Digital Portfolio
o Etiquette Dinner
 Wk 12: Paper Portfolio
 Wk 14: Thanksgiving Break
 Wk 15: Personal Branding
 Wk 16: Portfolio Presentation
 Final Exam: Monday, December 14, 1pm *
* Any exceptions to the final exam schedule must be approved by department chair and the Dean of the
College of Business and Technology in writing including student’s name, ID# and signatures.
Last Day to Drop Course: November 1, 2015
Grading:
Your grade will be determined on successfully achieving the requirements of this course. The course
requirements and percent of your grade are as follows:
 Class projects/mock interview/etiquette dinner: 40%
 Presentations 5%
 Group project 5%
 Professional Portfolios: 20%
 Participation/attendance: 10%
 Midterm & Final exams: 20%
All points will be cumulative and be totaled, ranked and graded according to the following scale:
A = 92-100 A- = 90-91
B+ = 88-89 B = 82-87
B- = 80-81
C+ = 78-79 C = 72-77
C- = 70-71
D+ = 68-69 D = 62-67
D- = 60-61
F = 59 and below
Method(s) of Evaluation/Assessment:
 Group and single work projects, field trip reports/summaries, and reflection papers.
 Peer reviews
 Oral/Visual presentations
 Course portfolio
 Participation
 Quizzes, Midterm and Final Examination (Time/date prescribed on university final exam schedule)
Rules for Giving an Incomplete
WIU policy – A temporary symbol of I (Incomplete) for a course may be given only when a student, due
to circumstances beyond his or her control, has been unable to complete the course requirements within
the official limits of the term. The circumstances must be documented to the instructor’s satisfaction.
Class Attendance:
Online Absence Reporting System (OARS): In accordance with WIU University Senate policy;
students are to report any absences through OARS. Beu Health Center will no longer issue
documentation of absence due to illness.
In a class such as this, the only way to learn as a student is to be present. Therefore, students are
required to attend class. I will be taking roll through out the semester, and it is required that you be in
class on a regular basis…. If you are not in class, you will not be learning with the other students, and
you WILL fall behind. In the case of unexcused absences, I am under no obligation to aid you, the
student, in making up missed assignments or missed lectures.
Excused absences are those that you tell me about before hand, or those that happen under
unexpected consequences such as a death or illness. Unexpected consequences do not include
hangovers, naps, or sunny afternoons. Excused absences must be supported with written documentation.
Further, it is the responsibility of the student to provide documentation if an excused absence is to be
granted.
In addition, arriving late and leaving early will be not be acceptable, unless you have a good reason
to do so. It is also your responsibility to be sure that your attendance is correctly recorded. If you
are late, please check in with me at the end of class.
Each student is expected to stay to the end of the scheduled class period and aid classmates with
learning opportunities. Absences, late arrivals, and early departures will have a direct effect on your
grade. If you decide to take a week or two off, I can guarantee that your grade will be directly affected
and you will have a hard time passing the course.
If you are absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to find out what happened in class by asking
me, or a fellow student what you what you have missed.
There are 29 class sessions scheduled for this semester. After you have attended 15 classes, you will
earn 2 points for every class you attend. To keep track of your participation grade, each time you miss a
class, cross off a row in the table below (start at the top and work down).
Participation Grade
A
A
A
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
D
D
D
F
F
Number of classes you must
attend
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
0 to 15
Number of points you will
earn
58
56
54
52
50
48
46
44
42
40
38
36
34
2 to 32
0
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Cell phones are prohibited in the classroom and the laboratory.
As a courtesy to all students, please turn off your cell phone before class begins; see instructor for
approval if having phone set to vibrate is necessary for medical reasons or special circumstances. Each
time a cell phone rings during class, every student will have 5 points deducted from their score.
Sending or receiving text messages is not allowed during class. You will be asked to leave the
classroom for the day if the instructor observes you doing this.
Headphones/Music: I love music and may play music during the lab times. I know some of
you feel the same way. Although this class is mostly lecture/discussion based, there will be a few
planned lab days. During lab time you are welcome to listen to your music using ear plugs, if it is at a
reasonable volume level. You will not be allowed to wear ear plugs/headphones during any type of
examination.
Internet/E-mail: you are welcome to surf and check your e-mail before or after class, or during
lab time. I do not want you surfing, chatting, or e-mailing as I am lecturing or during times in which
you are supposed to be doing something class related. You really can live for a little while without
checking your friend’s updates.
Professionalism: When you come to class you will be reporting to “work.” As you would with a job, be
prepared, maintain an attitude of respect towards others, yourself and your instructor at all times. Just
like a real job, there is to be no “sleeping on the job.”
Copyright Law: any logo, artwork or printed material that is copyrighted may not be reproduced in our
lab. This is your opportunity to create all your own “original work.”
Social Media Use: When working in the computer lab or listening to a lecture make sure you respect
you classmates and your instructor. I find it very rude for you to be checking your Facebook pages or
surfing the web while I am lecturing. I find it even ruder for you to be doing so when one of your
classmates is asking a question or making a presentation. You will be asked to leave the classroom for
the day if the instructor observes you doing this. When you are in this class, you should be focused on
this class.
Disability Support Services
For students with special needs, please review this website
[http://www.wiu.edu/student_services/disability_resource_center/students/] for more information.
Western Illinois University is committed to justice, equity, and diversity. Providing equal opportunities
for students with disabilities is a campus-wide responsibility and commitment in which Disability
Support Services (DSS) plays a primary role.
Students with disabilities : In accordance with University values and disability law, students with
disabilities may request academic accommodations where there are aspects of a course that result in
barriers to inclusion or accurate assessment of achievement. To file an official request for disabilityrelated accommodations, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 309-298-2512,
disability@wiu.edu or in 143 Memorial Hall. Please notify the instructor as soon as possible to ensure
that this course is accessible to you in a timely manner.
If you have emergency medical information to share with me, if you need special arrangements in
case the building must be evacuated, or if you need accommodations in this course because of a
disability, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. My office location and hours are
listed in this syllabus. If you plan to request disability accommodations, you are expected to register
with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 298-2512.
Counseling Services
The University Counseling Center (UCC) provides free personal, academic, and career counseling
services to all WIU undergraduates and graduates. Individual, couple, and group counseling is available
and all counseling sessions are confidential http://www.student.services.wiu.edu/ucc/
Academic Integrity:
Review this website [http://www.wiu.edu/policies/acintegrity.php] for definitions and examples are
not meant to be exhaustive. The University reserves the right to determine, in a given instance, what
action constitutes a violation of academic integrity.
Preamble: Western Illinois University, like all communities, functions best when its members treat
one another with honesty, fairness, respect, and trust. Students have rights and responsibilities
(http://www.wiu.edu/provost/students/) and students should realize that deception for individual gain is
an offense against the members of the entire community, and it is the student's responsibility to be
informed and to abide by all University regulations and policies on Academic Integrity.
Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty constitute a serious violation of
University conduct regulations. Students who engage in dishonesty in any form shall be charged with
academic dishonesty. It is a duty of faculty members to take measures to preserve and transmit the
values of the academic community in the learning environment that they create for their students and in
their own academic pursuits. To this end, they are expected to instill in their students a respect for
integrity and a desire to behave honestly. They are also expected to take measures to discourage student
academic dishonesty, to adjust grades appropriately if academic dishonesty is encountered, and, when
warranted, to recommend that additional administrative sanctions be considered. Grading policies are
the exclusive prerogative of the faculty; administrative sanctions are under the authority of the Director
of Student Judicial Programs. This document provides policies and procedures to be followed when
academic dishonesty is encountered.
Definitions of Academic Dishonesty
The following definitions and examples are not meant to be exhaustive. The University reserves the
right to determine, in a given instance, what action constitutes a violation of academic integrity. (See
www.wiu.edu/policies/acintegrity.php for complete descriptions of the following topics:
 Plagiarism,
 Fabrication and Falsification,
 Cheating,
 Complicity in Academic Dishonesty,
 Abuse of Academic Materials,
 Multiple Submissions
Reporting Academic Dishonesty
All members of the University community share the responsibility and authority to challenge and
make known acts of apparent academic dishonesty. Any student, faculty member, or staff person who
has witnessed an apparent act of student academic dishonesty, or has information that reasonably leads
to the conclusion that such an act has occurred or has been attempted, has an ethical responsibility for
reporting said act(s).
Confronting and reporting academic dishonesty can be done in a variety of ways, and people should
choose the manner most appropriate for the circumstances. Acts of apparent academic dishonesty that
occur in the classroom should be reported directly to the course instructor, and/or the course instructor's
Department Chair, and/or the instructor's College Dean. The Council on Admission, Graduation, and
Academic Standards (CAGAS) or the Graduate Council will not accept or act upon anonymous reports,
but will hold in strict confidence the identity of any person reporting a suspected instance of academic
dishonesty, unless that person consents to having his/her identity revealed.
Resolution of Problems
Should a problem occur, students should speak to their instructor first. If the problem is not resolved,
meet with the chair of the department. If the problem continues to be unresolved, go to the College of
Business and Technology’s Dean. Students should observe the following sequence for the resolution of
problems: Student --- Instructor --- Chairperson --- Dean
Important info to remember all semester!
GCom 320
2.Participate fully during class by keeping track of the class schedule, attending all sessions, and
taking complete notes. Along the same lines, it would be much appreciated if cell phones are
not used during presentations (i.e., set ringers to silent mode and no text messaging). If you
choose not to participate in class or pay full attention during presentations, you do so at your own
risk!
3.Meet all deadlines, including the stated date and time.
4.Manage your files, including by saving backup copies in an alternate location and by making sure
they’re readable in the lab if you choose to work elsewhere.
5.If you need to be absent from class for any reason, it is to your benefit to e-mail or call the
instructor before the start of class. Also, get complete notes from a classmate (or two!) and
make an honest effort to gather as much info as possible before requesting help. Please do not
expect to be individually tutored by the instructor.
6.Your instructor is available Monday-Friday, including scheduled classes, posted office hours, and
other times by prior appointment), so please make use of the time provided Monday through
Friday.
7.Be responsible for your own learning! If you ask questions, attend all classes (including required, take
thorough notes, manage your time well, and otherwise do your best work in this class, there’s no
reason you shouldn’t be able to receive the grade you want. Remember, you earn your grade
based on how well you meet the requirements of this class!
Office Hours: You may make an appointment outside of scheduled office hours by emailing or talking
in person with the instructor at least 24 hours prior to meeting time. Look for confirmation of
appointment (via the method used to make appointment) before your arrival.
Instructor: Ms Pam Daniel
Knoblauch B32
Office phone: 309-298-1488
PE-Daniel@wiu.edu
Fall 2015
Monday
11-12 pm
Office
12 - 1:15 pm
GCOM 320
Tuesday
11-12 pm
Office
12 – 1:50 pm
GCOM 213
Wednesday
11-12 pm
Office
12 - 1:15 pm
GCOM 320
Thursday
11-12 pm
Office
12 – 1:50 pm
GCOM 213
2 – 3:50 pm
GCOM 316
2 – 3:50 pm
GCOM 415
2 – 3:50 pm
GCOM 316
2 – 3:50 pm
GCOM 415
Friday
By Appointment
GCOM 320 –Fall 2015
Upon reading your syllabus, please sign the following form. This form will act as a contract
between you (the student) and me (the professor). By signing the form you acknowledge reading the
syllabus and understanding such things as; what might happen if you break the honor code (you fail
the project, fail the course, and are reported to the University honor code office), what might happen
if you do not turn in a project on time, what might happen if you miss more than one class (your grade
will suffer).
This “contract” allows me to know you have read the syllabus and understand the consequences. On a
different note, by reading the syllabus and signing this form, you also understand how it is easy to pass
this course, and get a good grade; show up to class everyday, complete your projects on time, do a little
more than the assignment asks for, and clean up after yourself.
Please print your name and sign the line below, and turn this into me at the end of class.
Thanks!
Print your name here: ________________________________________________
Print your preferred e-mail address here __________________________________________
Sign your name here: ________________________________________________