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 Tuesday/Thursday – Room: B51 3 Credit Hours Spring 2016 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 Class Begins: Tuesday, January 19 Spring Career Fair: February 2 Mock Interview: February 22-26 Midterm Exam: March 10 Etiquette Dinner: TBA March 14-18, Mon.-Fri. - Spring Break - No Classes Last Day to withdraw from class: April 3 Last Day of class: May 5 Final Exam: May 10, 1pm Tentative Schedule: Wk 1: Identifying Goals, Skills & Attributes Wk 2: Setting Career Goals Wk 3: Resumes o Career Fair 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 Wk 8: Midterm Exam Wk 9: Spring Break Wk 10: Skills Employers Want & Succeeding in a New Job Wk 11: PDF Portfolio Wk 12: Digital Portfolio o Etiquette Dinner? Wk 14: Personal Branding Wk 15: Paper Portfolio Wk 16: Portfolio Presentation Final Exam: Tuesday May 10, 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: April 3, 2016 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 30 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 A B B B C C C D D D F F Number of classes you must attend 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 0 to 15 Number of points you will earn 60 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 1. 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! 2. Meet all deadlines, including the stated date and time. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. 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 Spring 2016 Monday 12-1 pm Office 1 – 2:50 pm GCOM 213 Tuesday 11-12 pm Office 12 - 1:15 pm GCOM 320 Wednesday 12-1 pm Office 1 – 2:50 pm GCOM 213 2 – 3:50 pm GCOM 414 3 – 4:50 pm GCOM 413 Thursday 11-12 pm Office 12 - 1:15 pm GCOM 320 2 – 3:50 pm GCOM 414 3 – 4:50 pm GCOM 413 Friday By Appointment GCOM 320 –Spring 2016 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: ________________________________________________