Digital Communication
Southwest College
Course Syllabus
IMED-1359 Writing for Digital Media
Friday WLOP 131 6:15-9:30pm
Instructor: Dustin Hall
Instructor Contact Information: 512-524-6654 | dustin.hall@hccs.edu
Office location and hours
Please feel free to contact me via phone or email concerning any problems that you are experiencing in
this course. If necessary, we can arrange an office hours appointment session. Your progress and
performance in my class is very important to me. I am here to guide you through this course to make
sure that you will be successful and that your learning goals are met.
Course Description
An overview of written communication for multimedia environments including public websites, blogs,
and e-mail. Journalism principles are used as a foundation for learning writing skills that apply to all
forms of digital media.
Prerequisites
 ARTC 1325
Frequent Requisites
 MATH 0306 (Basic Math Pre-Algebra)
 GUST 0341 (7th -9th Grade Reading)
 ENGL 0300 or 0347
Course Goals & Student Learning Outcomes
1. Write for general or targeted audiences while using accepted standards of grammar and language.
2. Generate ideas for digital media content.
3. Gather, evaluate, and edit data to use in content development.
4. Use Internet technologies to publish information.
5. Demonstrate ability to select and apply industry standard software in design.
6. Design and demonstrate use of software and techniques in Digital Communication’s practical
applications.
7. Develop a portfolio of work that demonstrates proficiency in skills for employment.
8. Present a portfolio of work that demonstrates proficiency in skills for employment.
Learning Objectives
Write for general or targeted audiences while using accepted standards of grammar and language.
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 Utilize the Associated Press Stylebook for content, mechanics and writing style.
Generate ideas for digital media content.
 Consider current events in a variety of areas of interest, including politics, social issues, science
and technology, business and industry, religion, sports, entertainment.
Gather, evaluate, and edit data to use in content development.
 Analyze ethical considerations in dealing with Internet audiences and in achieving professional
relationships via the Internet.
 Conduct virtual or face-to-face interviews with subject matter expert.
 Investigate and practice information gathering techniques using face-to-face interviews and
using the Internet
Use Internet technologies to publish information.
 Apply markup to writing assignments in preparation for publishing on the Internet.
SCANS or Core Curriculum Statement and Other Standards
Write for general or targeted audiences while using accepted standards of grammar and language.
 Foundation Skills - Basic –Writing
 Workplace Competencies - Resources -Allocates Time
 Workplace Competencies - Resources -Allocates Material & Facility Resources
 Workplace Competencies - Interpersonal -Participates as Team Member
Generate ideas for digital media content.
 Foundation Skills - Thinking -Creative
 Foundation Skills - Thinking -Seeing Things in the Mind's Eye
Gather, evaluate, and edit data to use in content development.
 Foundation Skills - Basic -Reading
 Foundation Skills - Basic -Listening
 Foundation Skills - Basic -Speaking
 Foundation Skills - Thinking -Problem Solving
 Foundation Skills - Thinking -Reasoning
 Foundation Skills - Personal Qualities -Self-Esteem
 Foundation Skills - Personal Qualities -Social
 Foundation Skills - Personal Qualities -Self-Management
 Foundation Skills - Personal Qualities -Integrity/Honesty
 Foundation Skills - Personal Qualities -Responsibility
 Workplace Competencies - Interpersonal -Negotiates to Arrive at a Decision
 Workplace Competencies - Information -Acquires & Evaluates
 Workplace Competencies - Information -Organizes & Maintains
 Workplace Competencies - Information -Interprets & Communicates
Use Internet technologies to publish information.
 Workplace Competencies - Information -Uses Computers to Process
 Workplace Competencies - Technology -Applies Technology to Task
Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH) (lecture, lab)
Credit and Lecture 96.00 hrs; External Hours: 48 hours
Note: 1 hour of classroom instruction equates to a minimum of 1.5 hours of out-of-class student work
each week. External hours of student work may include assignments, research, exam certification
:: IMED 1359 Writing for Digital Media :: Fall 2015 Course Syllabus • Dustin Hall
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practice, and/or field trips.
Example: 2 lecture, 4 lab hours
Lecture 2hrs x 16 weeks = 32 Lecture hours
4hrs x 16 weeks = 64 Lab hours
32 lecture hrs x 1.5 = 48 External hours
TOTAL hours = 144 hours
Total Course Contact Hours - 96.00 hours
Course Length (number of weeks) - 16 weeks
Type of Instruction
Onsite Lecture, Lab & Web Enhanced activities, External activities
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::: FALL 2015 SCHEDULE OF CLASSES & ASSIGNMENTS :::
Following is a tentative outline of class discussion topics and assignments for the semester.
Please note that the schedule is subject to changes. You will be informed of any changes. Updated
information will be posted online at http://eo2.hccs.edu
Syllabus, Wilkinson • Chapter 1
Week One
Topics:
Student profiles - http://swc2.hccs.edu/digicom/pages/profile.php
Introductions
Syllabus overview
Introduction to convergent journalism
Developing curiosity
News values
Types of leads
Five W’s and the H
Inverted pyramid
AP Style
Assignment: Sit for one hour in a place where people congregate and write down everything you see and
hear. Submit an article out of your notes. Upload this to your website. Be prepared to discuss and
present your experience in class.
Wilkinson • Chapter 2
Week Two
Topics:
Basic skills and roles in convergent journalism
The complete story
Short paragraphs
Reader considerations
More on inverted pyramid
Objectivity/Use of third person
Making assumptions
Blogging
Assignment: Complete the leads assignment and bring to class. Use the evaluation rubric as s checklist
in completing the assignment. Create a blog on your website. Discuss your weekly chapters on your
blog. Be prepared to demonstrate to class and discuss.
AP Stylebook • Briefing on Media Law
Week Three
Topics:
Keeping an open mind
Journalism's ethics
Free expression
Libel
Defamation
Privacy
Other legal concerns
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Assignment: Write a complete story from the handout you find on Eagle Online. Use the evaluation rubric
as a checklist in completing the assignment. Upload your completed work to your website. Bring your
work to class for classroom evaluation.
Week Four
Topics:
Use AP Stylebook
Sources of information
Dealing with source demands
Writer's relationship with sources
Background information
Conducting the interview
Verifying sources
Quotations and paraphrasing
Attribution
For Discussion: The instructor will select a radio program for in-class listening. Listen to the radio program
and discuss its implications on your conduct as a writer and your responsibilities as a media consumer.
Assignment: Listen to a speech that is available to you on the Internet. Take careful notes sufficient to
allow you to write an accurate story reflecting the content of the speech or presentation. Cover the whole
of the presentation, writing it in good journalistic style in the inverted pyramid. Use the evaluation rubric as
s checklist in completing the assignment. Note: This is the preliminary assignment leading into the
midterm assignment. Be sure to put quality to this story. Upload your assignment to your website. Be
prepared to present in class.
Midterm Assignment: Choose a narrow topic from a movie presentation or the “week-four” speech
assignment that you would like to develop. Identify and interview two credible living and local sources to
begin building a story around that topic. In addition, research two credible sources to make a wellrounded story. Write a 750 word story using at least the four sources. Do not pad the story with
meaningless words. Make each word count. A story that is well written at 1000 words will score better
than one that is loosely written at 1,000 words. Think about quality rather than quantity.
Wilkinson • Chapters 3–4
Week Five
Topic:
Attracting Internet attention
Effect of the blogosphere
Role of Internet texting
From print to Internet
Blogging
From broadcast to Internet
Putting it together for publication
Story structure and use of webpages or (wiki’s)
Finding appropriate and effective keywords for search engines
Work on Midterm project.
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Assignment: Work on midterm assignment.
Wilkinson • Chapters 5–6
Week Six
Topics:
From broadcast to Internet
Putting it together for publication
Story structure and use of Student’s Host Site
Finding appropriate and effective keywords for search engines
Assignment: Edit midterm copy in preparation for publication on Student’s Host Site. This is not an
optional exercise. It will affect your final grade. Submit your work to your website. .
Wilkinson • Chapter 7
Week Seven
Topics:
Writing email professionally
Basics of broadcasting
Producing a Podcast
Prospectus for final story
Midterm exam
Assignment: Watch the movie that is presented in class. The movie is chosen to provoke thoughts about
current issues or conditions in the world around you. Apply the movie to your world and find a topic from
the movie that is of interest to you. Keep in mind that the movie will have metaphorical qualities that you
should be able to apply to something in your own experience if you give it some thought. This is your final
feature story topic. Write a prospectus of about 200 words describing the topic you have chosen. Include
a description of the thought process that moved you from the movie to your topic. Submit your work to
your website. Be prepared to demonstrate in class.
Wilkinson • Chapters 8–9
Week Eight
Topics:
Basics of print
Internet information
Alternative leads
Feature stories
Human interest
Final Feature Assignment: Identify and interview at least two living and local sources that are appropriate
to expand your midterm story. This will be your final feature story. It will be a combination of your midterm
and another topic of 250 words. Use at least two more appropriate sources — either living or published
— to round out your story. Apply an alternative to the inverted pyramid in writing your final assignment.
Your work is to be written as a feature story with a feature lead. Do not use inverted pyramid. Keep it
objective and in third person. Include an applicable picture with your story. Ensure that the picture is not
copyrighted materials or you have written permission to use it. Write a cutline (caption) for your picture.
Submit your work to your website.
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Wilkinson • Chapter 10
Week Nine
Topics:
Adding media to the Web
Subjectivity balanced with facts and sources
Work on final feature story
Interview questions.
Post your interview questions on your website. Be prepared to demonstrate and discuss in class.
Assignment: Work on final feature story.
Wilkinson • Chapter 11
Week Ten
Topics:
Converging with other emerging media
Submit final features for instructor's evaluation
Assignment: Edit final feature copy in preparation for publication on Student’s Host Site. This is not an
optional exercise. It will affect your final grade. Submit your work in a Word format to the instructor via
Eagle Online.
Week Eleven
Topics:
Writing copy for a “Live TV Broadcast”.
Adapting style for broadcast media
Assignment: Edit final feature to work as a TV script. This is where your questions from your interview will
come in to play. Be aware that wording must work well for a “live” presentation. Time length must be
minimum of 60-90 seconds.
Week Twelve
Topics:
Windows Live Movie Maker Documentation
Using Windows Live Movie Maker software
Recording video files
Assignment: Produce your final feature script as a video “live” presentation. Review your video and edit
the production as needed for an appropriate and professional presentation. Submit the video
file to the instructor as an attachment via Eagle Online.
Week Thirteen
Topics: Resume (Bring a rough draft to class of a resume reflecting your work history)
Topics: Work on Video production
Assignment: Produce your final feature script as a video. Review your video and edit the production as
needed for an appropriate and professional presentation. Submit the video file to the instructor
as an attachment via Eagle Online. This will also be uploaded to your website.
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Wilkinson • Chapter 12
Week Fourteen
Topics:
The future in convergent journalism
Editorial writing
Final Editorial Assignment: Use your feature story or your midterm story as the basis for an editorial. This
is your chance to write what you think, but you must base your opinion on the facts you learned from your
sources in the previous stories. Submit your work in Word format to the instructor via Eagle Online.
Week Fifteen
Topics:
Wrapping up the work on Student’s Host Site
Assignment: Edit final editorial as copy in preparation for publication on Student’s Host Site. This is not an
optional exercise. It will affect your final grade. Submit your work in a word format to the instructor via
Eagle Online.
Week Sixteen
Topics:
Present Final Feature Story via your website. Make sure that all your work is reflected in your
website.
Instructional Methods
Web-enhanced (49% or less)
Hybrid (50% or more)
Face to Face
I am assigning exercises that put skills into practice by way of interviewing sources and searching reliable
Internet sources. The appropriate writing style that is intended for you to communicate the information
you acquire by means of digital media. I provide you with editing exercises to assist you in learning the
writing style of the Associated Press.
I also provide you with writing assignments in which you are expected to research a topic through live
interviewing and credible Internet sources. You will write copy from your research and submit them to
me. These exercises and assignments are to help you develop your writing skills. I also provide the
medium by which your efforts will be published in our electronic website.
I encourage you to think critically about topics, thus prompting the development of an objective and
enquiring technique that finds facts and sets aside conjecture and rumor. This is the meat of writing
reliable content for digital media as well as recognizing credible content as a consumer of such media.
These course practices are in place to assist you with your success. Take advantage of them to help get
you on track of developing publishing skills that will serve you well not only in subsequent courses, but
in your career.
I am available as your mentor. Please do not hesitate to ask for help in understanding concepts that we
cover and in learning how to find solutions on your own. It is a matter of practice — lots of it.
I wish you success.
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Student Assignments
You will find practice assignments for various weeks during the semester. These assignments are
required for a grade. You shall have each assignment ready for classroom presentation and discussion
on the due date noted. Assignments must be submitted to the instructor via Eagle Online. You will
receive points for each assignment completed.
Do not ignore this instruction: Word files — both printed and electronic — must be double-spaced with
margins set at one inch. The first line of each paragraph shall be indented one-half inch. Do not place
extra spacing between paragraphs. Use 10-point Times (Times New Roman) or 10-point Arial (Helvetica).
Do not use designer or novelty fonts. This instruction applies to all assignments, including midterm and
final projects.
You will complete other assignments for grades—one midterm and final project. Each assignment must
be in these forms — written in Word formats, produced as a video file (.mv) and website for viewing.
The work must be submitted to the instructor as attachments to Eagle Online.
All assignments will be submitted to the instructor on time as specified on the syllabus or as instructed
online. Because you are developing workforce skills, you must submit your assignments on time. Late
assignments will receive a “0” . No make-up assignments or extra credit work will be available.
Midterm Project
I will prepare a presentation on which you are to write a report as a separate assignment. From that
assignment, you shall find a narrow topic to pursue for the next assignment. You will interview at least
two live and local sources on that topic and write and report using those interview sources. Then you
will expand the information with at least two additional sources, either live interviews, credible Internet
resources or other credible and reliable written or recorded sources. Your work must meet the following
criteria:






At least 1,000–1,500 words in length. You must not "pad" your copy with meaningless verbiage.
The writing must be "lean and mean." Make every word count. If you find you do not have
enough information to satisfy the length requirement, then you need to go to more sources for
more facts.
An appropriate picture to accompany your story (optional)
Good journalistic style as found in The Associated Press Stylebook.
Objective writing, using only third person point of view.
A selection of appropriate keywords to help search engines find your work.
Submission of Word file and upload your html file.
Final Projects
You shall complete three final projects: Feature Story, TV Video, and Editorial. These will all be part of
your class Final Website. The website will be ongoing throughout the semester and will be edited
throughout the semester as well.
Feature Story
You will watch a thought-provoking movie. From this movie, you must find a feature story idea — one
that involves current issues of human interest. Conduct at least two interviews of appropriate live and
local sources to give information for your story idea. Your topic must not be a strictly technological
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subject. Find at least two more sources, either living and local or some other appropriate source. Your
work must meet the following criteria:






Length of 3,000-4,500 words. You must not "pad" your copy with meaningless verbiage. The
writing must be "lean and mean." Make every word count. If you find you do not have enough
information to satisfy the length requirement, then you need to go to more sources for more
facts.
An appropriate picture to accompany your story
Good journalistic style as found in The Associated Press Stylebook.
Objective writing, using only third person point of view.
A selection of appropriate keywords to help search engines find your work.
Submission of Word file and uploaded to your website.
Video
One more segment of the assignment is to prepare its contents as an .mv video file for the purpose of
publishing a video alongside the written report and power point. Write a script that will run about 60-90
seconds. This likely will involve abridging the written report. Prepare the style to enable your viewers to
stay interested in your message for its duration. Once you have written the script, rehearse it identify
tongue-twisters and awkward words. Edit the script to remove tricky passages and underscore content
that deserves special emphasis. Here are the criteria:




Time length of minimum of 90 seconds. You must not "pad" your copy with meaningless
verbiage. The writing must be "lean and mean." Make every word count. You may need to
abridge your written feature story.
Good broadcast journalism style as discussed online
Objective writing, using only third person point of view
Video of minimum of 90 seconds, recorded in the .mv file format
Editorial
The editorial (opinion) is based on the subject matter of your midterm story or your final feature story. It
will be published on your website. You will use the same source information from the story as a basis for
your opinion. The editorial must include the following requirements:




Length of 500–1,000 words. You must not "pad" your copy with meaningless verbiage. The
writing must be "lean and mean." Make every word count. If you find you do not have enough
information to satisfy the length requirement, then you need to go to more sources for more
facts.
Good journalistic style as found in The Associated Press Stylebook.
Must be opinionated but supported by facts and sources. Finally you get to use a subjective
point of view if you desire.
Submission of a Word file and upload to your website.
Instructional Materials
Required textbook: Jeffrey S. Wilkinson, and others. Principles of Convergent Journalism. New York:
Oxford University Press, 2013 [ISBN-13: 978-0-19-98-3865-3]
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Optional textbook: Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law
OR





Access to Eagle Online (HCC)
Web Host Site (ex: www.godaddy.com) You don’t have to use this hosting service, but be careful
if you use “free hosting” as they often will not allow you to copy your html files and I will need a
copy of those files for your final presentation.
A web domain name: (ex: www.johnsmith.com) When you get your domain host or if you
already have a domain name I will need your url.
Email and Internet Access
Mass storage device
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Grading Criteria
Chapters/Exercises/Assignments/Participation
Midterm
Final Website/Final Presentation
Total
= 40%
= 20%
= 40%
= 100%
NOTE: LATENESS on any project pass the due date WILL receive a zero grade.
NOTE: Working on assignments/project is an integral part for the course. Any missed assignments
will be considered as missed lab/class time and hence will be counted as an absence. (1 unexcused
missed, late or incomplete assignments = 1 ABSENT Session)
Since this is a Web Enhanced Course your hours online will be monitored through your Blackboard
Classroom activity & participation (at least 2 constructive feedbacks per discussion
question/assignment AND project to students for each week).
Instructor Requirements
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be
derived
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and lectures
 Description of any special projects or assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up
 Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any special
projects or assignments
 Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
To be successful in this class, it is your (the student’s) responsibility to:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
 Read and comprehend the handouts and help files where applicable
 Complete the required assignments and evaluations
 Ask for help when there is a question or problem
 Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments
 Complete all assignments/activities with a 70% passing score
 Adhere to HCC, department and instructor policies
Classroom Policies
1. Students are responsible for adhering to all guidelines, procedures and requirements indicated
in assignments and project handouts for the course.
2. Information covered in class will not be repeated for students who are tardy or absent. Students
are responsible on getting lectures and assignments missed from other students. No make-up
tests or classroom exercises will be given.
3. All assignments and projects must be completed by the student. Any work completed with the
help of external sources such as lab technicians or past students/relatives etc. will result in a
zero grade. Details will be given in each project or assignment.
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4. Assignment/Project content or theme must NOT contain any inappropriate or offensive material
(language, text, images, or Digital Media) that relates to any sexual, religious or political
orientation.
5. References and credits (such as images, text information, media files, etc) used must be
documented in each assignment/project where applicable.
6. Work turned in past the dateline will receive a lowered letter grade or possibly an F.
7. Assignments are to be saved on External disks. You may leave your files on the server or class
computers, the department will not be responsible for any deleted files.
8. Student must either call or EMAIL the instructor if they cannot make it for onsite class.
9. Plagiarism is inexcusable and will result in an F for the assignment and possible expulsion from
the class.
10. No software, hardware, or manuals may be removed from the lab. Software and manuals may
not be copied. Lab rules are to be strictly followed. Failure to comply with these rules will mean
expulsion from both class and lab.
11. ALL pagers, beepers and cell phones to be switched to silent mode.
12. Students are to apply for Web Site space via HCCS or own their own by the first week of classes.
All completed assignments are to be uploaded to their web space by given deadlines.
13. Students are responsible for dropping classes on the given withdrawal date.
IMPORTANT NOTE! You will be administratively given an F automatically if you do not officially
drop/withdraw from the course.
14. Everyone is highly advised to get the latest updated virus scanners on their computers.
Special request during Lab Meetings Onsite (where applicable), not mandatory but will be very much
appreciated – Instructor is allergic to perfumes & strong fragrances. Please minimize usage if possible.
(Thank you for your understanding)
Program/Discipline Requirements: If applicable
• Complete and comprehend the objectives and technologies involved in all graded assignments.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply creative thinking and problem solving to all class projects and
assignments.
• Complete all reading assignments pertaining to the subject matter of the course.
• Attend class regularly, missing no more than 12.5% of instruction and lab time (12 hours)
• Arrive at class promptly and be prepared with necessary books, storage media, assignments,
and anything else required.
• Exhibit safe and courteous lab habits.
• Develop and share knowledge and information with fellow students.
• Participate in keeping labs clean and organized; shutting down computers when finished;
abiding by lab rules; showing respect for instructors, fellow students and lab assistants.
• Participate in class discussions and critiques.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate in a clear, coherent manner.
• Turn in all assignment on time and in the manner required by the instructor.
• Demonstrate the ability to use computer--‐based technology and software applications as it
applies to be given class.
• Understand and be proficient in computer file management, including saving and retrieving files.
• When possible, demonstrate the ability to use and understand both Macintosh and Window
operating systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge and the ability to use applicable peripherals and storage devices.
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•
•
•
Develop a portfolio that illustrates concepts, techniques, and programs used in solving class
assignment, including a written statement describing project concepts and processes.
Demonstrate ability and creativity in using computer--‐based technology in communicating,
solving problems and acquiring information.
Accept responsibility for personal understanding of course requirements and degree plan.
Using the above criteria, your work will be assessed on six levels:
90–100%
A
Exceptionally fine work; superior in presentation, visual observation,
comprehension and participation
80–89%
B
Above average work; superior in one or two areas
70–79%
C
Average work; good, unexceptional participation
60–69%
D
Below average work; noticeably weak with minimal participation
Below 60%
F
Clearly deficient in presentation, style and content with a lack of participation
Misc
W
Excessive absence (more than 12.5% semester absence)
Students who wish to appeal a grade penalty should notify the instructional supervisor within 30
working days of the incident. A standing committee appointed by the College Dean of Instruction
(Academic or Workforce) will convene to sustain, reduce, or reverse the grade penalty. The committee
will be composed of two students, two faculty members, and one instructional administrator. A majority
vote will decide the grade appeal and is final.
HCC Grading Scale
A = 100- 90
4 points per semester hour
B = 89 - 80:
3 points per semester hour
C = 79 - 70:
2 points per semester hour
D = 69 - 60:
1 point per semester hour
59 and below = F
0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress)
0 points per semester hour
W(Withdrawn)
0 points per semester hour
I (Incomplete)
0 points per semester hour
AUD (Audit)
0 points per semester hour
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HCC Policy Statement:
Attendance
The 2014-15 HCCS Catalog (Page 27) states the following:
Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Students are responsible for material covered during
their absences, and it is the student’s responsibility to consult with instructors for makeup assignments.
Instructors will check class attendance daily. Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop a
course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop a student for excessive absences.
A student may be dropped from a course for absenteeism after the student has accumulated absences
in excess of 12.5 percent of the hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory time). For
example:
1. For a three credit-hour lecture class meeting three hours per week (48 hours of instruction), a student
may be dropped after six hours of absences.
2. For a four credit-hour lecture/lab course meeting six hours per week (96 hours of instruction), a
student may be dropped after 12 hours of absences”
ONSITE CLASS - Attendance is taken within the first 10 minutes of the class session. You will be marked
absent for unexcused lateness. Your attendance is also considered part of the class participation, and as
such can affect your grade. Please note that you will be administratively dropped if you exceed the
12.5% of instruction hours (2-four hour sessions for classes that meet once a week, OR 4-two hour
sessions for classes that meet twice a week).
ONLINE CLASS – Attendance is monitored by online discussions and assignment submissions.
Withdrawal Policy
The State of Texas has begun to impose penalties on students who drop courses excessively. That is, if
you repeat the same course more than twice, you have to pay extra tuition. In addition, as of SUMMER
2008, students are limited to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational
career at a Texas public college or university.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert
process by which your professor will “alert” you and counselors that you might fail a class because of
excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. Contact your Professor or a Counselor to learn
about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you – online tutoring, child care,
financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic performance.
In order to withdraw from your class, you MUST contact a Counselor or your Professor and this must
be done PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. If you do not withdraw
before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you have earned by the end of the semester. Zeros
averaged in for required assignments/tests not submitted will lower your semester average significantly,
most likely resulting in a failing grade (“F”). Please do not contact both a Counselor and your Professor
to request a withdrawal; either one is sufficient.
AGAIN NOTE: IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO WITHDRAW OFFICIALLY FROM A COURSE.
Administrative drops are at the discretion of the instructor. Failure of a student to withdraw officially
could result in the student receiving a grade of "F" in the course.
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The final withdrawal deadline for regular term and second start classes is listed in the course calendar
section. However, classes of other duration (mini-term, flex-entry, 8-weeks, etc.) have different final
withdrawal deadlines. Please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog,
any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines. Remember
to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email or telephone with a Professor and/or
counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline.
Academic Honesty & Plagiarism Policy
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has been
learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students. The instructor is
responsible for measuring each student's individual achievements and also for ensuring that all students
compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading, and
enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the University's Policy on Academic Honesty,
found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the
rules will not help you. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in
fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College
System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes,
but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
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Copying from another students’ test paper;
Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents
of a test that has not been administered;
Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that
work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered
for credit.
Violations - Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of “0” or “F” on the
particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the
College System. A recommendation for suspension or expulsion will be referred to the College Dean of
Student Development for disciplinary disposition.
Use of Camera & Recording Devices
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms,
laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Students
with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the
Office for Students with Disabilities for information regarding reasonable accommodations.
ADA Statement
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who
needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact Dr. Becky Hauri at 713-718-7910 in the
Southwest College Disability Support Services Office at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is
authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
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To visit the ADA Web site, log on to www.hccs.edu, click Future Students, scroll down the page and click
on the words Disability Information.
"The Houston Community College System seeks to provide equal educational opportunities without
regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or handicap. This policy extends to employment,
admission, and all programs and activities supported by the college.”
Access Student Services Policies on their Web site:
http://central.hccs.edu/students/student-handbook/
Access DE Policies on their Web site:
All students are responsible for reading and understanding the DE Student Handbook, which contains
policies, information about conduct, and other important information. For the DE Student Handbook click
on the link below or go to the DE page on the HCC website.
The Distance Education Student Handbook contains policies and procedures unique to the DE student.
Students should have reviewed the handbook as part of the mandatory orientation. It is the student's
responsibility to be familiar with the handbook's contents. The handbook contains valuable information,
answers, and resources, such as DE contacts, policies and procedures (how to drop, attendance
requirements, etc.), student services (ADA, financial aid, degree planning, etc.), course information,
testing procedures, technical support, and academic calendars. Refer to the DE Student Handbook by
visiting this link:
http://de.hccs.edu/media/houston-community-college/distance-education/student-services/DEStudent-Handbook.pdf
Access CE Policies on their Web site:
http://www.hccs.edu/continuing-education/
EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to
improve teaching and learning. During a designated time near the end of the term, you will be asked to
answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results
of the survey will be made available to your professors and department chairs for continual
improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student
System online near the end of the term.
HCC Fall Academic Calendar Fall Reg 16-WK
AUGUST 2015
8/24/2015
Classes Begin
SEPTEMBER 2015
9/7/2015
Offices Closed- Labor Day Holiday
9/8/2015
Official Day of Record
9/9/2015
Last Day for 70% refund
9/15/2015
Last Day for 25% refund
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OCTOBER 2015
10/15/2015
Priority Deadline for Fall Completion of Degrees or Certificates
10/30/2015
Last Day to withdraw
NOVEMBER 2015
11/25/2015
No Night Classes before Thanksgiving
11/26/2015
Thanksgiving Holiday
DECEMBER 2015
12/6/2015
Instruction Ends
12/7/2015
Final Examinations
12/13/2015
Semester Ends
12/14/2015
Grades Due by- 12:00 Noon
12/18/2015
Grades Available to Students
12/21/2015
Holiday Break
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