Accounting
Northwest College
Business, Financial & Legal Studies
Northwest Division Chair: Mel McQueary
HCCS-Accounting Program Coordinator: Dr. Marina Grau
ACNT 1303 - Introduction to Accounting
CRN 29043 – Fall Semester 2014
M-W, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Alief-Hayes, Room B112
Connect: http://connect.mheducation.com/class/gissy_acnt_1303_fall_2014_crn_29043
Instructor Information:
Instructor:
Office Location:
Office Hours:
Email:
David Gissy
n/a
By appointment or after class
David.Gissy@hccs.edu
Office Location and Hours:
I do not have an office location. Please feel free to contact me after class or through email.
After the course is completed you can contact me through HCCS email.
Syllabus Changes:
The syllabus is subject to change. When changes occur the instructor will advise the students
in class and through email.
Technical Compliance:
Students are expected to maintain a state of technical compliance, including (but not limited
to): up-to-date software as required by the instructor and a stable Internet connection. The
instructor is NOT required to give consideration for lost/missing/unacceptable work
stemming from technical non-compliance and/or end-user technical issues.
Classroom Behavior:
As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to develop and
maintain a positive learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes this
responsibility very seriously and will inform members of the class if their behavior makes it
difficult for him/her to carry out this task. As a fellow learner, you are asked to respect the
learning needs of your classmates and assist your instructor to achieve this critical goal. The
instructor has the right to refer all actions deemed inappropriate to Administration for further
action.
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Electronics in the Classroom:
All cellphones and other electronic devices must be turned off in the classroom unless
specifically approved by the instructor. Note that “off” does not mean on vibrate or mute.
Course Description:
ACNT 1303 is a study of analyzing, classifying, and recording business transactions in a
manual and computerized environment. Emphasis is on understanding the complete
accounting cycle and preparing financial statements, bank reconciliations, and payroll.
Coverage also includes the fundamental principles of double-entry bookkeeping, financial
statements, trial balances, worksheets, special journals, adjusting entries and closing entries.
Prerequisites:
Math 0306 (Basic Math Pre-Algegra)
Gust 0342 (9-11the Grade Reading
Engl 0300 or 0347
Must have knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
Academic Discipline/CTE Program Learning Outcomes
1. Students will be able to read, listen, speak, and write proficiently in
preparation for presentations with clients, accounting firms and compliance
work.
2. Students will demonstrate complete understanding of the complete
accounting cycle.
3. Students will be able to prepare financial statements and tax returns
utilizing computerized software packages, ie. Turbo Tax, Peachtree, and/or
Quick Books.
4. Students will be able to reconcile and verify account balances, audit for
internal control, and prepare financial statements.
Program/Discipline Requirements: If applicable:
1. EXCEL-Students will work in EXCEL following textbook example formats, labels,
and formulas
2. Internet-Students will use HCC webmail, learning web, blackboard, lock-down
browser, and HCC LibLine (24/7 Library)
Ethics-Students will develop personal values for ethical behavior
Course Goal:
Have students begin reading, critical thinking, and writing about accounting concepts and
principles, and, acquire ability to use manual and computerized accounting in acquiring,
recording, analyzing, communicating, and evaluating accounting information.
Academic Discipline/CTE Program Learning Outcomes
1. Students will be able to read, listen, speak, and write proficiently in preparation for
presentations with clients, accounting firms and compliance work.
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2. Students will demonstrate complete understanding of the complete accounting cycle.
3. Students will be able to prepare financial statements and tax returns utilizing
computerized software packages, ie. Turbo Tax, Peachtree, and/or Quick Books.
4. Students will be able to reconcile and verify account balances, audit for internal control,
and prepare financial statements.
Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLO):
Students will:
1. Perform accounting for service business
2. Perform accounting for cash and payroll
3. Perform accounting for merchandising business
Learning objectives:
The student will be able to:
Perform accounting for a service business
1. Students will record business transactions in column form
2. Students will record business transactions directly in T accounts
3. Students will record business transactions in two-column general journal
4. Students will complete a work sheet involving adjustments
5. Students will journalize & post closing entries
Perform accounting for cash and payrolls
1. Students will reconcile bank statement
2. Students will calculate deductions & net pay, from gross pay
3. Students will calculate & journalize payroll tax expense
Perform accounting for a merchandising business
1. Students will prepare schedule of accounts receivable
2. Students will journalize & post special journals
3. Students will record adjustments in work sheet
4. Students will prepare classified income statement.
SCANS or Core Curriculum Statement:
The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) from the U.S.
Department of Labor was asked to examine the demands of the workplace and whether our
students are capable of meeting those demands. Specifically, the Commission was directed
to advise the Secretary on the level of skills required to enter employment. In carrying out
this charge, the Commission was asked to do the following:




Define the skills needed for employment
Propose acceptable levels of proficiency
Suggest effective ways to assess proficiency, and
Develop a dissemination strategy for the nation’s schools, businesses, and homes
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Suggested Class Schedule
Acnt 1303, Fall 2014, CRN 29043, Mon and Wed – 1100 am – 1230 pm
See Connect for online assessment due dates.
Below are suggested dates and are subject to updates.
DATE
DAY
Chapter
TOPIC
8/25
M
1
Introduction. Accounting: The Language of Business
8/27
W
2
Analyzing Business Transactions
9/1
M
Labor Day Holiday
9/3
W
2
Analyzing Business Transactions
9/8
M
3
Analyzing Business Transactions Using T Accounts
9/10
W
3
Analyzing Business Transactions Using T Accounts
9/15
M
Review for Exam – Chapters 1-3
9/17
W
Exam 1
Chapters 1-3
9/22
M
4
The General Journal and the General Ledger
9/24
W
4
The General Journal and the General Ledger
9/29
M
5
Adjustments and the Worksheet
10/1
W
5
Adjustments and the Worksheet
10/6
M
6
Closing Entries and the Postclosing Trial Balance
10/8
W
6
Closing Entries and the Postclosing Trial Balance
10/13
M
Review for Exam – Chapters 4-6
10/15
W
Exam 2
Chapters 4-6
Acctg. for Sales, Acctounts. Receivable and Cash Receipts
10/20
M
7
Acctg. for Sales, Acctounts. Receivable and Cash Receipts
10/22
W
7
Acctg. for Purchases, Accts. Payable and Cash Payments
10/27
M
8
Acctg. for Purchases, Accts. Payable and Cash Payments
10/29
W
8
11/3
M
9
Cash
11/5
W
9
Cash
11/10
M
Review for Exam – Chapters 7-9
11/12
W
Exam 3
Chapters 7-9
11/17
M
10
Payroll Computations, Records, and Payments
11/19
W
10
Payroll Computations, Records, and Payments
11/24
M
11
Payroll Taxes, Deposits, and Reports
11/26
W
12
Accruals, Deferrals, and the Worksheet
12/1
M
12
Accruals, Deferrals, and the Worksheet
12/3
W
Review for Final Exam – Chapters 10-12
12/8
M
Final Exam Chapters 10-12
Instructional Methods: Lecture (face to face lecture)
ACNT 1303 is a required, elective, or prerequisite course depending upon program or
accounting courses.
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As an instructor, I want my students to be successful. I feel that it is my responsibility to
provide you with knowledge concerning the field of accounting, modeling good teaching
strategies, and organizing and monitoring the classroom experience that allows you to
connect the information that you learn in this course to the real world of accounting.
As a student wanting to learn about the field of accounting, it is your responsibility to read
the textbook, submit assignments on the due dates, study for the exams, and enjoy yourself
while experiencing the real world of accounting.
This course will use the book publisher McGraw-Hill Connect Plus Learning Module for
all of your on line work.
Evaluation and Requirements:
Students are expected to read all assigned chapters and complete and submit all assignments
on or before the due dates.
Your final grade for this course will be based on how well you do in meeting the evaluation
requirements listed on your assignment schedule and applying the grading scale which is
listed below.
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
FX (Failure due to non-attendance)
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
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must re-enroll to
receive credit. COM (Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing education courses. To
compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade points by the total number of
semester hours attempted. The grades "IP," "COM" and "I" do not affect GPA.
See "Health Science Program/Discipline Requirements" for grading scale
FINAL GRADE OF FX
Students who stop attending class and do not withdraw themselves prior to the withdrawal
deadline may either be dropped by their professor for excessive absences or be assigned the
final grade of “FX” at the end of the semester. Students who stop attending classes will
receive a grade of “FX”, compared to an earned grade of “F” which is due to poor
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performance. Logging into a DE course without active participation is seen as non-attending.
Student that also fail to complete a minimum of the course work will also receive an FX.
Please note that HCC will not disperse financial aid funding for students who have never
attended class. Students who receive financial aid but fail to attend class will be reported to
the Department of Education and may have to pay back their aid. A grade of “FX” is treated
exactly the same as a grade of “F” in terms of GPA, probation, suspension, and satisfactory
academic progress.
Instructor Grading Criteria
Evaluation Requirements:
Homework - Connect Exercises, Problems,
Chapter Review Quizzes
25%
Exams 1-3 (drop the lowest score, 25% each)
Final Exam
Total
50%
25%
100%
Grading Scale:
90 - 100%
80 - 89%
70 - 79%
60 - 69%
BELOW 60%
=
=
=
=
=
A
B
C
D
F
Connect Homework/Connect End of Chapter Quizzes
Due Date
Type
Pts
Chapter
Connect Pts
ExercisesProblems
(recommended but optional)
1
Learn Smart
0
Sept 17, 2014
Quiz
80
Total
80
2
Learn Smart
Exercises
Quiz
2-1
2-4
2-5
2-6
2-8
2-10
0
3
6
16
6
9
20
20
(recommended but optional)
Sept 17, 2014
Sept 17, 2014
Sept 17, 2014
Sept 17, 2014
Sept 17, 2014
Sept 17, 2014
Sept 17, 2014
6
Total
3
Learn Smart
Exercises
80
3-1
3-2
3-5
3-6
3-7
Quiz
Total
4
Learn Smart
Exercises
Quiz
Total
5
Learn Smart
Exercises
Problem
Quiz
Total
6
Learn Smart
Exercises
Problem
Quiz
Total
7
Learn Smart
Exercises
Problems
Quiz
(recommended but optional)
Sept 17, 2014
Sept 17, 2014
Sept 17, 2014
Sept 17, 2014
Sept 17, 2014
Sept 17, 2014
0
2
20
6
17
15
20
80
4-2
4-3
4-4
Total
5-1
5-3
5-5
5-3a
(recommended but optional)
Oct 15, 2014
Oct 15, 2014
Oct 15, 2014
Oct 15, 2014
0
12
40
8
20
80
(recommended but optional)
Oct 15, 2014
Oct 15, 2014
Oct 15, 2014
Oct 15, 2014
Oct 15, 2014
0
6
28
15
11
20
80
6-1
6-6
6-2a
(recommended but optional)
Oct 15, 2014
Oct 15, 2014
Oct 15, 2014
Oct 15, 2014
0
13
24
23
20
80
7-3
7-7
7-8
7-9
7-10
7-1a
0
8
3
5
10
4
30
20
(recommended but optional)
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
7
Total
8
Learn Smart
Exercises
Problem
Quiz
Total
9
Learn Smart
Exercises
Problem
Quiz
Total
10
Learn Smart
Exercise
Problem
Quiz
Total
11
Learn Smart
Exercise
Problem
Quiz
Total
80
8-2
8-4
8-6
8-8
8-6a
(recommended but optional)
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
0
6
14
14
11
15
20
80
9-1
9-2
9-3
9-6
9-3a
(recommended but optional)
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
Nov 12, 2014
0
7
2
5
23
23
20
80
10-2
10-3
10-4
10-5
10-6
10-7
10-1a
(recommended but optional)
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
0
18
8
8
4
7
6
9
20
80
11-2
11-3
11-4
11-5
11-7
11-8
P11-2a
(recommended but optional)
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
0
7
8
4
4
4
8
25
20
80
8
12
Learn Smart
Exercise
Quiz
Total
Total
Connect
12-3
12-5
12-7
(recommended but optional)
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
Dec 8, 2014
0
27
15
18
20
80
960
12 Chapters @ 80 points
Connect: Exercises and Problems:
All exercises and problems in Connect are the same exercises and problems as you will find
in the back of each chapter. The only difference is that each student’s numbers for the
exercises or problems in Connect will be different numbers than in the book or what your
fellow students have.(algorithmic exercises and problems).
Submission Attempts-Check my works
The system is set to give you unlimited submission attempts and you have unlimited “check
my works” to help you master the concept and problem. “Check my work” allows you to
check your answer prior to submission. Your highest score on each exercise or problem will
count toward your grade.
Hints:
Some of the exercises and problems have features to allow you to watch a video of a similar
exercise/problem. “View Hint” will walk you through the process.
Ask your instructor feature:
The system is set that you can ask your instructor a question by using the mail feature found
in each Connect problem. Students can “ask your instructor a question”. Your instructor will
respond back to you by using the mail feature in Connect (so check your Connect regularly
for responses back from your instructor). Verify if your instructor will use this feature.
Ebook and resources:
The system is set that you can click on ebook and resources that will take you direct to the
section in the book that is dealing with your exercise/problem
Connect: Chapter Review Quizzes:
Each chapter in Connect has a multiple choice/true-false quiz and each student’s quiz is
completely different from another student’s quiz.(random pooling). Each student is allowed
2 attempts per quiz to potentially improve their grade. Each attempt is a different set of
questions. Your highest score on each quiz will count toward your grade. If you complete
one attempt and start another attempt and decide not to submit, the system will only use the
grade from the first attempt. Quizzes do not have “check my work”. The feature “ask your
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instructor” is available but verify with your instructor if they will allow you to use this
feature.
Textbook-Instructional Materials:
Welcome to Accounting 1303-Introduction to Accounting I. Please read this entire message
carefully, as it contains crucial information about your required course materials and how to
obtain the best bargain as you are shopping around.
The required textbook for this course is College Accounting A Contemporary Approach with
Connect Plus, Haddock Price Farina 3rd Edition. You will also be required to complete a
variety of assignments that will be delivered via McGraw-Hill Connect, an innovative
online learning system proven to help students achieve greater success.
While there are many purchase options, the best bargain for obtaining everything you will
need to be successful in this course may be found in the value-added bundle available in the
campus bookstore or ordered directly from McGraw-Hill. Details of the bundle are below.
Once you have purchased your materials from the bookstore or if you are ready to purchase
access directly online from McGraw Hill (see below), go to the appropriate registration page
for your section listed below:
Connect: http://connect.mheducation.com/class/gissy_acnt_1303_fall_2014_crn_29043
To register, confirm that you are on the appropriate page by reviewing the course and section
information listed on the site. If the course and section information listed is correct, click on
the “Register Now” button, and follow the instructions on the site to complete your
registration. You will register with the Connect Plus code or temporally register with the
grace (free) trial period that normally is 14 days.
The McGraw Hill Connect system allows you to register without immediately paying. You do
have a 14 calendar day period before you have to pay but do not pass that grace period of
paying as your account will expire and you will not have access to Connect.. The grace
period is a courtesy offered by McGraw at our request but all students are required to pay. If
you pay and then withdraw or drop Connect will honor your registration for a certain number
of days normally where you can take the course again the next semester.
There is no reason to delay registering. There is also no reason to get behind as the Connect
system does offer the ability to use the ebook portion of Connect
If you run into any technical difficulties, please call McGraw-Hill’s Customer Experience
Group by dialing 1(800)331-5094 or submit the “Contact Us” form found online at
www.mhhe.com/support.
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Also see in Eagle On Line the appropriate Topic section for McGraw-Hill for more
information.
Textbook Pricing Options:
FYI: This package has been customized to provide you with the greatest value for this
course.
 This book includes only the chapters from the book that I will cover in this course.
 The custom book is bundled with Connect Plus™ to help you succeed in this course
and is also mandatory for assignment submittal.
If you purchase the required items separately, you will likely end up paying more than you
will for this bundle
**Best Bargain $ 88.50
Package: Loose-Leaf textbook with Connect Plus
ISBN: 9781259410994 :
Print and Digital Solution
Only Available Online at: (Standard 5-7 day shipping applies)
http://shop.mheducation.com/mhshop/productDetails?isbn=1259410994
Second Option: $126.45 (new)
Package: Loose-Leaf textbook with Connect Plus
ISBN: 9781259410994
Print and Digital Solution
Available at Bookstores-on Campus or Off Campus
Below is a picture of the McGraw Custom Book for HCC
Third Option:
You may buy the non custom book from any other source but you will have to purchase the
Connect Plus code separately from McGraw-Hill. The non custom book is:
College Accounting – Contemporary Approach by Haddack Price Farina 3rd EditionI
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Publishers Website: (There is no graded work in this site. This site also can be found in
Connect in the Library Tab)
http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/0077639731/student_view0/index.html
HCC Policy Statements:
Link: http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/student-handbook/
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-Students with Disabilities:
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing,
etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Support
Services Office at the beginning of each semester. Professors are authorized to provide only
the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/disability-services/
Students who are requesting special testing accommodations may choose the most convenient
DSS office for assistance each semester:
District ADA Coordinator – Donna Price – 713.718.5165
Central ADA Counselors – Jaime Torres & Martha Scribner – 713.718.6164
Northeast ADA Counselor- Kim Ingram – 713.718.8420
Northwest ADA Counselor – Mahnaz Kolaini – 713.718.5422
Southeast ADA Counselor – Jette Lott - 713.718.7218
Southwest ADA Counselor – Dr. Becky Hauri – 713.718.7910
Coleman ADA Counselor – Dr. Raj Gupta – 713.718.7631
After student accommodation letters have been approved by the DSS office and submitted to
DE Counseling for processing, students will receive an email confirmation informing them of
the Instructional Support Specialist (ISS) assigned to their professor.
Academic Honesty:
Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling
course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against a
student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholarly dishonesty” includes, but is not limited
to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. Anyone caught cheating will be given an F
on that assignment and possibly an F in the course. A report on the incident will also be
submitted to all appropriate school officials.
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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:
 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. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or
F in the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or
dismissal from the College System. (See the Student Handbook)
Attendance:
As stated in the HCC Catalog, all students are expected to attend classes regularly. Students
in DE courses must log into their Eagle On Line class or they will be counted as absent. Just
like an on-campus class, your regular participation is required.
Although it is the responsibility of the student to withdraw officially from a course, the
professor also has the authority to block a student from accessing Eagle On Line, and/or to
withdraw a student for excessive absences or failure to participate regularly. DE students who
do not log into their Eagle On Line class before the Official Day of Record will be
automatically dropped for non-attendance. Completing the DE online orientation does not
count as attendance.
For online classes, students are expected to log into the class at least twice a week to check
for email and discussion board postings. Verify with your instructor if they are using Jmail or
Quick main in Eagle on Line or some other method of communication. Any modifications to
any schedule will be posted in an “Announcement”, email or a revision in the syllabus.
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During the course, I reserve the right to withdraw you from the course due to excessive
non-participation in class assignments or activities
Drops and Withdrawals: HCC Course Withdrawal Policy (updated 7/26/2010)
Beginning Fall 2007, the State of Texas imposes penalties on students who withdraw/drop
courses excessively. Students are limited to no more than SIX total course withdrawals
throughout their educational career at a Texas public college or university. Students are
encouraged to review the HCC 6 Drop Policy.
To help you avoid having to withdraw from any class, contact your DE professor regarding
your academic performance. You may also want to contact your DE counselor to learn about
helpful HCC resources (e.g. online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc.).
HOW TO DROP
 If a student decides to withdraw from a class upon careful review of other
options, the student can withdraw online prior to the deadline through their
HCC Student Center.
 HCC and/or professors may withdraw students for excessive absences without
notification (see Class Attendance below).
 Students should check HCC’s Academic Calendar by Term for withdrawal dates
and deadlines. Classes of other duration (flex-entry, 8-weeks, etc.) may have
different final withdrawal deadlines. Please contact the HCC Registrar’s Office at
713.718.8500 to determine mini-term class withdrawal deadlines
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the
course prior to the final date of withdrawal. Effective July 26, 2010, students will be able
to withdraw one or more of their classes online. While it is still advisable that students
receive good counsel from instructional and counseling faculty prior to dropping one or more
classes, students will no longer be required to “see” someone before they will be allowed to
drop. They will be provided information related to the implications and possible
consequences of dropping their courses. The following will occur when a student selects the
“drop” option during an enrollment request:
(1) Students will be required to select a drop reason in order to complete the withdrawal
request (the drop reason will cue whether the dropped course will count toward the 6
drop rule or not).
(2) Students will be invited to click on several links to learn more of the implications of
dropping on the 6 drop rule, on veterans, on financial aid, and on international
students.
(3) Students will be required to acknowledge the implications of withdrawing from a
class.
Before you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with the instructor
or counselor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor or counselor
may be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the
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course. You must withdraw 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 to date. Zeros averaged in for required assignments/tests not submitted will
lower your semester average significantly, most likely resulting in a failing grade (“F”).
Please visit the online registration calendars or contact the HCC Registrar’s Office to
determine class withdrawal deadlines.
International Students: Receiving a W in a course may affect the status of your student visa.
Once a W is given for the course, it will not be changed to an F because of visa
considerations.
Early Alert:
HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and DE
counselors that you might fail a class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic
performance. A counselor will then reach out to you to discuss your progress and offer any
relevant resources. This initiative is designed to provide students with support services and
resources to assist them in successfully completing their course.
Repeat Course Fee
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed
classes. To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice,
are required to pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students
to pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition
rate to students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering
course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your
instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing
homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring
or other assistance that might be available.
Incompletes:
It is my policy not to give a grade of “I” (incomplete).
HCC Student Services Information
Link: http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/
International Students
Please contact the International Student Office at 713-718-8520 if you have additional
questions about your visa status.
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
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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 the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
 Read and comprehend the textbook
 Complete the required assignments and exams
 Ask for help when there is a question or problem
 Keep copies of homework, projects, instructions, emails including this syllabus
Library Resources:
As a DE student you have the same access to first-rate information resources that the HCC
Libraries make available to all HCC students. A special website pulls together all the tools
DE students will need to get their research rolling. Visit Library resources specifically for
Distance Education students. http://library.hccs.edu/home
Library services are available throughout HCC. Through a daily library delivery service and a
listing of all materials belonging to HCC libraries, books may be requested from and
delivered to any campus library. HCC also has cooperative borrowing agreements with the
University of Houston libraries and provides a copy of the Houston Public library catalog at
each library. These arrangements provide students with access to over 4 million volumes.
Special services provided by the library system include photocopying facilities; specialized
equipment for disabled students; group and personalized instruction in library use, including
a self-instructional media program to orient students to the use of the HCCS libraries; a “term
paper” workshop; and online bibliographic search services.
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.
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