South Puget Sound Community College
CIS 171 Syllabus
TITLE: Office Procedures
PREREQUISITE: CIS 108 recommended
Instructors:
E-mail:
Phone:
Office:
Office hours:
Staci Groeschell
sgroeschell@spscc.ctc.edu
754-7711 ext. 4726
Bldg 34, Rm. 112
by appointment
CLASS: CIS 171
CREDITS: 3
Annamary Fitzgerald
afitzgerald@spscc.ctc.edu
754-7711 ext. 5485
Bldg 33, Rm. 111
by appointment
If possible, contact me by e-mail
Required Text: Sharon Burton: Office Procedures for the 21st Century, 7ed
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Overview of the role and responsibilities of the office professional. Topics covered include telephone
and reception techniques, scheduling, handling mail, office safety, and career development.
II.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
A. Understand the role of the office professional.
B. Understand the office structure and work flow.
C. Use an electronic calendar to schedule appointments; maintain realistic schedules.
D. Utilize good telephoning techniques.
E. Be able to properly greet visitors and make introductions.
F. Process incoming and outgoing mail.
G. Identify and use appropriate special mail services.
H. Identify various office supplies and equipment and analyze their appropriate use.
I. Participate in a work setting which uses environmentally sound practices.
J. Apply good job search techniques including resume writing, successful interview techniques,
and safety procedures in an office setting.
III.
COLLEGE-WIDE ABILITIES:
A. Gather information about, understand and explain clearly to others concepts relevant to
successful performance in the office administration field.
B. Think logically and critically and apply these thinking skills to office administration field.
C. Communicate effectively in oral, written and graphic form.
D. Demonstrate skills in dealing with differences and managing interpersonal relationships.
E. Understand fundamental ethical issues and their related responsibilities and liabilities.
IV.
COURSE CONTENT:
A. Introduction to the office professional career
B. The office environment
C. Workstation arrangement and office supplies
D. Office safety and ergonomics
E. Scheduling appointments and maintaining calendars
F. Office etiquette in greeting visitors
G. Telephone techniques
H. Processing mail
I. Reprographics
J. Specialized office equipment
K. Job search techniques
COURSE POLICIES:
Academic Honesty: Breach of any of the categories (cheating and plagiarism) found in the document
Statement of Academic Honesty may result in dismissal from the college as outlined in the Code of Student
Rights and Responsibilities. A copy of the document on Academic Honesty may be found on the SPSCC
intranet. Knowledge of the information contained in these documents is the student’s responsibility.
Reference http://www.spscc.ctc.edu/student_services/code_of_rights_responsibilities.html
Financial Aid: Students receiving financial aid should ALWAYS check with financial aid prior to
withdrawing, signing an incomplete contract, changing to an audit, or receiving an F or V grade in a class.”
“V” AND “I” GRADES:
Students not attending class after the midpoint of the quarter will receive a “V” grade. The class requirements
have been discussed in detail; therefore, NO incompletes will be given for not meeting the requirements for
CIS 171 unless prior arrangements have been made with me.
SPECIAL NEEDS:
If you have special needs relevant to classroom participation, please see me before class. It is also
recommended that you contact the counseling center.
SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE:
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Library and Writing
Computer Labs
Disability Support Services
Tutoring available if enrolled in technical program
GRADING POLICIES:
Evaluation:
A.
Tests and quizzes
B.
Assignments
C.
Check-in assignments
50%
35%
15%
Grading Scale:
95 - 100 = A
92 - 94 = A90 - 91 = B+
85 - 89 = B
82 - 84 = B80 - 81 = C+
75 - 79 = C
72 - 74 = C70 - 71 = D+
65 - 69 = D
62 - 64 = F
Class Assignments:
Due Dates: All assignments have due dates, which will be announced in class.
All homework and check-in assignments must be turned in on the due date to receive a full grade for the
Homework/Check-In Assignments portion of the class. Some assignments may not be turned in late and
others will be accepted late for half credit if the assignment is turned in by the next class. Assignments turned
in later than one class past the due date will not receive credit. If you are absent the day an assignment is due,
e-mail it to me or turn it into the computer lab by the end of class and it will not be late.
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Your homework grade will be based 90% on content and 10% on presentation—grammar, punctuation,
and flow.

Your homework grade will be calculated by dividing the number of points you earned by the total number
of points available.
Format: All class assignments must be typed following the format discussed in class and are due at the
beginning of class. (See Corrections Symbols / Proofreaders’ Marks handout).
LABELING PAPERS:
Unless otherwise instructed, assignments must be typed, 12 pt. font size, Times New Roman, and 1.5” line
spacing. You may print single or double-sided. Please staple your papers in the upper left-hand corner before
submitting it to me. Also, properly label your paper in the upper right-hand corner of the first page.
Assignments not typed will not be graded and will be considered late when resubmitted.
Student Name
Groeschell
CIS 171
Name of Assignment
Tests and Quizzes:
All tests and quizzes must be taken in class on the due date to earn full credit. I will drop your lowest test and
quiz scores; therefore, you cannot make up the first missed quiz or test. Succeeding tests and quizzes may be
made up at a 10% reduction. The final is worth two tests.
Attendance:
As in the workplace, you must attend class and be on time. I will take role the first five minutes of class. If
you are not present, if you are tardy, or if you leave early, you are considered absent. You are given three
“freebees” before your grade is affected. Prearranged absences are still absences—again, if you are not
present, you are considered absent. Four absences or tardies reduces your grade by one letter.
If you are absent, tardy, or leave early, it is your responsibility to obtain assignment/testing information from
another class member or me.
DISCLAIMER:
The instructor reserves the right to make adjustments in the operation of this course to enhance students
learning and meet the objectives of CIS 171.