COURSE SYLLABUS
PD120-Personal Financial Management
FACULTY CONTACT INFO & OFFICE HOURS:
Instructor’s name: Monica J Phillis
Phone Number: 252-532-1188
DAY
Monday
OFFICE HOURS (EST)
8:00 – 10:00am EST
Tuesday
Wednesday
6:00 – 8:00pm EST
Thursday
Friday
8:00 – 12:00pm EST
Saturday
Sunday
Eliminate Office Hour: Wednesday’s @ 1pm EST
COMMUNICATION WITH THE INSTRUCTOR:
The best method of communication is via email. Please use the internal messages system at the
MESSAGES link found along the left menu for personal written communication throughout this course.
Messages will be answered within 24 hours.
GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION:
Date:
November 28, 2011 – December 21, 2011
Course Number:
PD 120
Course Name:
Personal Financial Management
Semester Credit Hours: 1 semester hour
1
Prerequisite(s):
None
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course deals with concepts of personal financial planning and financial control. Topics center on critical self
examination of student planning techniques through analysis and research of personal financial legal documents,
checking accounts and banking services, income tax procedures, savings methods, investment planning, risk
management and insurance, and credit records, credit law, and the cost of credit.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate proper techniques for maintaining personal financial records.
2. Create a comprehensive personal budget.
3. Calculate the total cost of a loan.
4. Define individual responsibilities associated with honoring loan contracts and other financial agreements.
5. Create a long term financial plan.
REQUIRED TEXT(S):
Ryan, Joan S. (2010). Managing your Personal Finance, 6th ed. Mason, Ohio: Southwestern-Cengage Learning.
ISBN: 0538449373 ISBN-13: 9780538449373
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:
There are many course resources available for you to use to help you with assignments, tests, and learning.
Resources are linked to your session page each week and are compatible with the week’s learning exercises. You
may also wish to access the Herzing Online Library or contact technical support as needed.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND ONLINE ETIQUETTE:
Academic honesty is fundamental value at Herzing College Online. Academic Integrity is a demonstration of
response for the scholarship and the intellectual/creative efforts of others. Herzing will not accept academic
dishonesty, which includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, cheating in any form, theft of educational material, and
the falsification of data. Plagiarism is the use of another source, person or group’s work without giving the
author(s) credit. Plagiarism is lying, dishonest, and illegal and will not be tolerated in an institution whose mission
is to educate students and help them obtain the skills that enable them to make decisions of conscience. Herzing
policy stipulates that an instance of plagiarism, academic dishonesty or cheating will result in a failing grade for the
assignment and at the discretion of the instructor a failing grade for the course. In addition, a written warning will
be retained on record in the student’s academic file. A second warning may result in the student being expelled
from the college.
In all instances when borrowing ideas from other sources, students must provide reference of the source.
References should be presented in APA format according to the American Psychological Association (APA).
Since we cannot see each other, we must be careful how we address one another. Let’s please be polite to
everyone’s personality, culture, and learning curve. Not everyone learns everything at the same pace. Therefore,
let’s please be courteous to one another when responding to each other’s communication efforts by not criticizing
other’s work, praising a good effort as well as being polite and sensitive to cultural backgrounds and engaging in
politically correct language.
We should also stick to the learning topics outlined by the instructor when participating in classroom discussion
threads. Discussions outside the context of the weekly learning activities should be directed to the chat café rather
than the weekly discussion board to be respectful of everyone’s time constraints.
2
CLASSROOM POLICIES:
Study Time: Online students should expect to spend about six (6) hours per week (over a 7½-week period) in their
studies for each credit hour enrolled. This would include reading, researching, and writing papers, doing projects,
completing exercises, studying, and reflecting on the course material as well as the time spent on the computer
participating in discussion threads, reviewing online course materials, taking tests, and uploading/downloading
materials. The time devoted to classes scheduled for other than 7½-week periods would adjust proportionately.
Written Assignments: All assignments should be submitted by Sunday, midnight on the week they are assigned.
A template is provided for you to complete the assignment. This template is located in the weekly assessments
section.
Quizzes: All unit quizzes must be completed by Sunday evening, midnight of the week they are assigned. The
quizzes consist of multiple choice questions and essay questions. The unit quizzes cover the materials discussed
during the unit. The final exam is an assessment of all material reviewed in the course.
Discussion Boards: The following discussion requirements for the course need to be followed by all students.
Weekly Discussions are required: All online courses should have weekly discussion questions and all weekly
discussions should be graded. All graded discussions will include feedback in the grade center, under instructors’
comments, to let students know what they did well, why they received the point total that they did, and what they
can improve upon the next time.
Number of posts:
Students are required to post three posts spread over three different days. The initial post should be the answer to
the main discussion question and the other secondary posts should be students’ interactions with their peers’
posts.
Quality of posts:
The initial and secondary posts should be meaningful and should promote further discussion. Please refer to the
discussion threads grading rubric for more about the quality of posts.
Due Dates:
Post your initial post by Wednesday of the week and the other secondary posts by Sunday midnight of the week
No discussion will take place when the week is over.
Number of words:
All discussion questions should be meaningfully answered. Please refer to the grading rubric. The number of
words of the initial post should be no less than 200 words and the number of words in each of the secondary posts
should be no less than 100 words.
Discussion Grades:
The weekly discussion question is worth 50 points. 25 points are allocated to the initial post and 25 points are
allocated to secondary posts. Please refer to the Discussion Threads Grading Rubric for further information about
discussion threads grading.
3
Class Participation:
At Herzing University Online Campus, we are committed to helping you succeed and encourage you to actively
participate in your classes to get the most from your educational experience and investment. Here are suggested
best student practices for your online classroom participation and attendance:
1. It is strongly recommended that you login and participate three to four times per week on different days to
post to the discussion boards, check announcements, review the syllabus, and complete written
assignments, quizzes, and exams. These guidelines are based on academic success rates at Herzing
University and other universities that use the online format.
2.
You must click into the content area of your classroom to have your attendance counted. That means, you
should click into the learning activities folder, discussion board forum, etc to have your attendance tracked.
3. For most classes, 25% or more of your grade is based on your participation in online discussions. Many
instructors evaluate your posts to the discussion board based on frequency, timeliness, and quality of
content. While many of you have busy full-time work schedules, it is recommended that you log in both
during the week and on the weekend to fulfill the requirements and deadlines for discussion questions.
4. Instructors post class announcements about important deadlines, assignments, and other pertinent
information for your class. It is highly recommended that you regularly check the internal messages
section, announcements, and within the classroom for any updated information. If you have any doubts
about deadlines for assignments, email or call your instructor so you don't miss the deadlines.
5. Attendance is tracked by Student Services and the Registrar's Office and your student status can fall in
jeopardy if you do not actively login to your classes. You will be contacted by our Student Services Office
if you do not log in for 4 or more days.
6. You will be automatically dropped from enrollment if you do not login for 14 consecutive days. Being
dismissed from school for a lack of attendance can result in negative academic and financial consequences
that will adversely affect your ability to re-enter Herzing University Online Campus.
Late Assignments:
Assignments submitted after Sunday will receive a 10 percent reduction in points. Assignments received one
week late (7 days late) will receive a 50 percent reduction in points. Assignments received more than 1 week after
the due date will not be graded.
SUMMARY OF WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS/ASSESSMENTS:
Week 1
11/28/11 –
12/04/11
Course Contract – Please review the contract located in the syllabus link, electronically sign
and submit the contract in the week 1 assessment.
Read Chapters 6 and 7 in textbook.
Review materials in supporting lesson links.
Discussion Assignment #1 50 points
Respond to each of the questions below in your initial post no later than Wednesday. Your
initial response provided contains a minimum of 200 words. Two additional posts (100word minimum) are required on separate days and may respond to other students' responses
or additional questions posted. (Ex: Initial Post - Wednesday; Second post - Friday; Third
post - Sunday) Posts submitted after Sunday evening will not be graded.
4
1. What employment records are important to keep? Why?
2. Taxpayers are responsible to file a tax return every year. Filling in the forms by hand, tax
preparation software and tax preparers are a few of the methods of completing your income
tax return. Compare and contrast two available tools. Which method will you/did you use
this year? Why?
Written Assignment #1 – 75 points Your homework assignment consists of two problems
listed below. Please use the template to complete your assignment.
Problem 1 - Prepare an employee withholding sheet similar to Figure 6.2 of the textbook,
using the following information:
Mike Anderson, whose social security number is 999-00-9962, is paid weekly. He is single
and has one withholding allowance. He works in Oregon *use Figure 6.3 and 6.4 to
determine his income tax withholdings). He worked 40 hours at his regular rate of $7.70 an
hour and 6 overtime hours last week. In addition to the required deductions, he had $22 for
insurance, $12 for union dues, and $10 for charitable contributions withheld from his
paycheck.
Problem 2 - Janette is a student with a baby-sitting service. She’s unsure whether she needs
to file a federal tax return on her income. She also wants to know how long she needs to
keep tax-related records. Visit the sites listed below and answer the following questions
Website: Internal Revenue
Servicehttp://www.irs.gov/individuals/students/article/0,,id=96674,00.html Website:
Bankrate.comhttp://www.bankrate.com/brm/itax/tips/20010207a.aspWebsite: Internal
Revenue Servicehttp://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=105111,00.html
1. What types of income typically received by students may be taxable?
2. What are Janette’s options for submitting a tax return? (Remember, she is selfemployed.)
3. Provide guidelines for taxpayers eligible to complete the 1040EZ, 1040A, and 1040 form.
4. Besides your actual tax returns, what tax records should you keep?
APA Guidelines and Academic Dishonesty Quiz – (not included in gradebook)
The APA quiz consists of 15 multiple choice/true false questions. This is due by Sunday
evening, midnight of Week 1.
Week 2
12/05/11 –
12/11/11
Quiz #1 – 50 points
The Week 1 Quiz consists of 6 multiple choice questions worth 5 points each and 2 short
essays worth 10 points each.
Read Chapters 20, 8, and 9 in textbook.
Review materials in supporting lessons links.
Discussion Assignment #2 – 50 points
Respond to each of the questions below in your initial post no later than Wednesday. Your
initial response provided contains a minimum of 200 words. Two additional posts (100word minimum) are required on separate days and may respond to other students' responses
or additional questions posted. (Ex: Initial Post - Wednesday; Second post - Friday; Third
post - Sunday) Posts submitted after Sunday evening will not be graded.
1. Budgeting should begin early in your life. Discuss how your budget is based on personal
values and choices and modified when new "life events" occur. Why do some individuals
ignore planning and budgeting?
5
2. Checking accounts have many good features, such as overdraft protection. List banking
services that appeal to you and explain why these services are important.
3. Discuss a contract that you have entered into and your obligations of the contract. Was it
an expressed or implied contract? Explain
Mini-Project Budget – 150 points
The Mini-Budget consists of four sections. Please use either the word document or template
attached to complete your Mini-Project Budget.
Section 1
Complete the Current Budget/Cash Flow Statement by collecting all source documents for
gathering your monthly income and expenses. Examples of information include check
registers, bank statements, pay stubs, pay statements, child-support documents and other
pertinent documents. Input the source document and income in the worksheet. Gather
source documents for expenses including rental agreements, loan statements, monthly
billing statements, bank statements, check registers, cash receipts and miscellaneous
documents. Input the source document and expense in the worksheet.
Section 2
Compile previous loan statements your have taken out to date. Find the source document
and total the loan balances. Document the interest rate. Determine your schooling expense
on an annual basis. Include tuition, school fees, books, computers and additional items
needed for your education. Enter this information in the worksheet.
Section 3
Provide your anticipated monthly income by researching the pay rate for your "future
employment". Document this information in the source document section and input data in
the worksheet. Enter additional sources of income in the worksheet. Provide anticipated
monthly cash outflows. The first expense to incorporate is your student loan obligation.
Access the loan calculator in Week 2 Additional Resources. Enter the estimate loan balance,
interest rate and payment schedule to determine your monthly loan payment. Enter
additional cash outflows.
Section 4
Summary of Results - In a 400 word essay, discuss the following:
1. Describe the results of your cash flow statement. Discuss income and expense categories
you have mastered and what you perceive are possible areas of improvement.
2. Needs are defined as "air and water" but our society can make us believe differently.
How has society influenced your decision making? Does this affect your choices in a
positive or negative manner? How?
3. Do you formulate a plan for big purchases or events? How can the decision-making
process change your spending habits?
4. What aspect of financial planning is new to you? Explain.
5. What type of contracts do you plan to enter into in the next 5 years? How will this affect
your budget?
6
Criteria:
Complete all parts of the Budget worksheet.
Week 3
12/12/11 –
12/18/11
Quiz #2 – 50 points
The Week 2 Quiz consists of 6 multiple-choice worth 5 points each and 2 short essays
worth 10 points each.
Read Chapters 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 and 19 from the textbook.
Review materials in supporting lesson links.
Discussion Assignment #3 – 50 points
Respond to each of the questions below in your initial post no later than Wednesday. Your
initial response provided contains a minimum of 200 words. Two additional posts (100word minimum) are required on separate days and may respond to other students' responses
or additional questions posted. (Ex: Initial Post - Wednesday; Second post - Friday; Third
post - Sunday) Posts submitted after Sunday evening will not be graded
1. The Federal Trade Commission estimates there are as many as 9 million Americans that
are subject to identify theft each year. Identify theft is on the rise with the advancement of
electronic media. Have you or anyone you know ever been the victim of identity theft? Do
an internet search of identity theft stories. How did it happen? How do you protect yourself
from identity theft?
2. Credit cards, secured and unsecured loans and installment loans are used for short-term
and long-term financing. Without sharing personal or confidential information, (no
institution names please) discuss the types of creditors you are currently dealing with and
explain your responsibility towards these creditors. How do you plan to fill your obligation?
3. Investments may take the form of savings, certificates of deposits, mutual funds, stocks,
bonds and retirement accounts. Identify criteria you have used or plan to use to evaluate an
investment. What criteria are most important to you? Why?
Written Assignment #3 – 75 points
Problem 1
Objectives:
Calculate the total cost of a loan.
Task:
Respond to each of the scenarios below. Compute the answer showing your work.
Context:
1. You are considering buying a used piano. The cash price of the piano is $600. The
company selling the piano is willing to sell it to you for $50 down plus 12 monthly
payments of $50. What is the total price? What is the finance charge?
2. Logan ran up a credit card debt of $1,000. He decided that he would not put any
more purchases on the card until he paid off the debt. He can pay $50 a month, and
the interest rate is 18 percent. On the internet, locate a loan planner tool to find out
7
how many monthly payments Logan will have to make to pay off his debt. How
many years will he be paying on the debt?
Problem 2
Objectives:
1. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using credit.
2. Describe the concept of creditworthiness.
3. Describe the responsibilities of consumer credit.
Task: In a 300 word essay, respond to the questions below.
Context:
The wide use of credit can lead to abuses. Some people take out more credit than they can
repay and refuse to pay back what they have borrowed. When merchants get stuck with
unpaid balances, they pass along that cost to other customers in the form of higher prices.
Thus we all pay for people who overuse credit.
Is it ethical for people to overextend their credit, knowing or suspecting that they will not be
able to repay it?
What can we all do to keep the cost of products and services at reasonable levels?
Week 4
12/19/11 –
12/20/11
Quiz #3 – 50 points
The Week 3 Quiz consists of 6 multiple-choice worth 5 points each and 2 short essays
worth 10 points each.
Read Chapters 25, 26 and 27 from the textbook.
Review materials in supporting lessons links.
Discussion Assignment #4 – 50 points
Respond to each of the questions below in your initial post no later than Monday. Your
initial response provided contains a minimum of 200 words. Two additional posts (100word minimum) are required on separate days and may respond to other students' responses
or additional questions posted. (Ex: Initial Post - Wednesday; Second post - Friday; Third
post - Sunday) Posts submitted after Sunday evening will not be graded.
1. Everyone faces risks, but individuals react differently to them. Risk management is used
to protect your assets and income. Using the chart on page 576, identify your most
significant risks you potentially face and what causes them. What steps have you taken or
can you take to minimize these risks?
2. A risk management plan uses a combination of techniques to lower overall risks.
Interview an individual that is at a "different stage of life" and ask them for advice on a risk
management plan. Discuss their recommendations.
Mini-Project Insurance Assessment – 150 points
1. Using material discussed in the book and additional resources on the internet, explain
the purpose of each of the following types of insurance: (300 word minimum)
a. Homeowners’ insurance
b. Automobile insurance
8
c.
d.
e.
f.
Liability insurance
Health insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
2. Based on your current situation, discuss the insurance you currently purchase and your
specific needs for each insurance type. (200 word minimum)
A. Homeowners’ insurance
B. Automobile insurance
C. Liability insurance
D. Health Insurance
E. Disability insurance
F. Life insurance
3. How do you anticipate that your need for each of these insurance types will change in
the next five years? (200 word minimum)
A. Homeowners’ insurance
B. Automobile insurance
C. Liability insurance
D. Health Insurance
E. Disability insurance
F. Life insurance
4. List several guidelines for building a plan for purchasing all types of insurance. (150
word minimum)
5. Compare term-life insurance with a whole-life policy. Provide the advantages and
disadvantages in each type of policy. ( provide one reference in your response) (200
word minimum
Final Exam – 200 points
The final exam consists of 20 multiple choice worth 5 points each and 5 essay questions
worth 20 points each.
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Grade Summary
Points
Discussions
200
20%
Assignments
150
15%
Final Exam
200
20%
2 Mini-Projects
300
30%
Quizzes
150
15%
1000
100%
Totals
Weight
Grade Scale
A
93% - 100%
A-
90% - 92%
B+
87% - 89%
B
83% - 86%
BC+
80% - 82%
C
70% - 75%
D+
66% - 69%
D
60% - 65%
F
I
= < 59%
Incomplete
76% - 79%
10
Item
Percentage
Due Date
Meet & Greet
0%
ASAP
Discussion 1
5%
12/04/2011
Assignment 1
7.5%
12/04/2011
Course Contract
0%
ASAP
APA quiz
0%
ASAP
Quiz #1
5%
12/04/2011
Discussion 2
5%
12/11/2011
Mini-Project 1
15%
12/11/2011
Quiz #2
5%
12/11/2011
Discussion 3
5%
12/18/2011
7.5%
12/18/2011
Quiz #3
5%
12/18/2011
Discussion 4
5%
12/20/2011
Mini-Project 2
15%
12/20/2011
Final Exam
20%
12/20/2011
Total
100%
Assignment #3
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Grading Rubric for All Written Assignments
A: Superior Work
B: Above average
C: Average
D: Below
F: Fails to meet
Average
Intro



Body:
Organization






Deliberate, creates
interest
Gives title/author if
needed
Clear, concise and
specific thesis
statement
Organized throughout
Logical, clear
sequence
Completely supports
thesis
Exhibits critical
thinking
Has consistent
transitions
Proper in-text
citations









Body:
Fluency



Uses excellent
vocabulary well
Stays on topic/meets
assignment
Correct tense/point of
view



Body:
Mechanics



Has sentence variety
Correct
spelling/punctuation
Writes in scholarly
style



Adequately
introduces topic
Thesis statement
may be lacking
specificity.

Well organized
Easy to follow
Thesis could use
more support
(adequate but not
extended)
Majority of citations
are correct
Shows some
original thought
Has several
transitions
Majority of citations
are correct
Attempts higher
level vocabulary
with some success
Stays on
topic/meets
assignment
Mostly correct
tense/point of view

Sentences correct
but lacking in
variety
Few spelling errors
Writes in scholarly
style












Conclusion



Appearance


Deliberate closing
strategy
Does not introduce
new material
Paraphrases thesis, but
does not merely repeat
introduction
Neat, properly
formatted
References in APA
format
requirements






Adequate closing
Does not introduce
new material
Re-states thesis in
same words, but
does not completely
repeat introduction
May have a few
formatting errors
References mostly
correct





Some intro
components
missing

Thesis
statement is
poor or
unidentifiabl
e
Difficult to follow
May jump topics
Does not
prove/support
thesis
Citations incorrect
Very few
transitions

Both higher and
lower
vocabulary
Some
tense/point of
view errors
Meets
assignment
mostly, but
occasionally
strays off topic
Some sentence
fragments/runons/not varied
Several
preventable
spelling errors
Mix of formal
and informal
writing


Weak closing
Does not
introduce new
material
Merely repeats
introduction

Some improper
formatting
References
incomplete or
incorrectly
formatted

Intro is too short
– does not
introduce topic
Thesis statement
is vague- should
be more narrow
Some org.
problems
Some gaps in
flow
Not enough
thesis support
Shows little
original thought
Some transitions
but lacking
Citations are
both correct and
incorrect









Vocabulary
is very basic
and incorrect
Some
tense/pov
errors
Attempts but
does not
succeed in
meting
assignment
Many
sentence
fragments/ru
n-ons
Many
spelling
errors
Majority of
writing is
informal
Weak
closing
Introduces
new material
Does not
refer to
thesis
Improper
format in
most places
References
incomplete
and
incorrectly
formatted













Thesis missing
Introduction
does not
introduce
topic
No sequence
Jumps topics
frequently
No in-text
citations
No transitions
Improper
word choices
Many tense
and point of
view errors
Fails to meet
assignment
Many
mechanical
errors of all
types
Writes
informally
No formal
closing
New material
introduced
Does not refer
to introduction
Improper
format
throughout
No reference
page
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Discussion Threads Grading Rubric
Discussion Threads Grading Rubric
The Academic Dishonesty policy will be strictly followed and non-compliance with the policy will result in consequences as outlined
in that policy.
GRADE
Quality of
Initial Post
A
B
Examples of fully
developed posts
may include one or
more of the
following points:
Examples of
clearly defined
posts may
include one or
more of the
following points:
C
D
F
Examples of
Examples of
No discussion
partially
posts that have post submitted
developed posts not been
may include one developed may
or more of the include one of
following
the following
points:
points:

Thorough use 
of key terms
and concepts
relevant to the
discussion
Correct use 
of key terms
and concepts
relevant to
the
discussion
Minimal use 
of key terms
and
concepts
relevant to
the
discussion
No
knowledge
of the key
terms and
concepts
relevant to
the
discussion

Thoroughly

incorporates
textbook and
other academic
or professional
resources
Correctly

incorporates
textbook and
other
academic or
professional
resources
Minimally 
incorporates
textbook
and other
academic or
professional
resources
No use of
textbook
and other
academic or
professional
resources

Real-life

experiences
fully relate to
the discussion
Real-life
experiences
do not fully
relate to the
discussion

Real-life

experiences
do not relate
to the
discussion
No
application
of real-life
experience
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Discussion Threads Grading Rubric
The Academic Dishonesty policy will be strictly followed and non-compliance with the policy will result in consequences as outlined
in that policy.
GRADE
A
B

Comprehensive 
demonstration
of analytical
and cognitive
thinking skills

Thorough use
of current
events

Use of correct
spelling,
grammar, and
punctuation
with no errors
Initial Post
Deadline

Quality and
Quantity of
Secondary
Posts
Examples of fully
developed posts
may include one or
more of the
following points:
C
D
F
Demonstrates 
of analytical
and cognitive
thinking
skills
Limited

demonstrati
on of
analytical
and
cognitive
thinking
skills
No
demonstrati
on of
analytical
and
cognitive
thinking
skills

Correct use 
of current
events
Minimal use 
of current
events
No use of
current
events

Use of

correct
spelling,
grammar,
and
punctuation
with
minimal
errors
Incorrect

spelling,
grammar,
and
punctuation
with
multiple
errors
Incorrect
spelling,
grammar,
and
punctuation
with many
errors
Mid-Week

(e.g.
Wednesday or
Thursday,
depending on
the due date
assigned by the
Instructor)
One day

after the due
date
assigned by
the
Instructor
Two days 
after the
due date
assigned by
the
instructor
Last day of No discussion
the week (as posts submitted
defined by
the
Instructor)
Examples of
clearly defined
posts may
include one or
more of the
following points:
Examples of
Examples of
No discussion
partially
posts that have posts submitted
developed posts not been
may include one developed may
or more of the include one of
following
the following
points:
points:
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Discussion Threads Grading Rubric
The Academic Dishonesty policy will be strictly followed and non-compliance with the policy will result in consequences as outlined
in that policy.
GRADE
A
B
C
D

Thorough use 
of key terms
and concepts
relevant to the
discussion
Correct use 
of key terms
and concepts
relevant to
the
discussion
Minimal use 
of key terms
and
concepts
relevant to
the
discussion
No
knowledge
of the key
terms and
concepts
relevant to
the
discussion

Real-life

experiences
fully relate to
the discussion
Real-life
experiences
do not fully
relate to the
discussion

Real-life

experiences
do not relate
to the
discussion
No
application
of real-life
experience

Comprehensive 
demonstration
of analytical
and cognitive
thinking skills
Demonstrates 
of analytical
and cognitive
thinking
skills

Use of correct
spelling,
grammar, and
punctuation
with no errors

Limited

demonstrati
on of
analytical
and
cognitive
thinking
skills
Use of
 Incorrect

correct
spelling,
spelling,
grammar,
grammar,
and
and
punctuation
punctuation
with
with
multiple
minimal
errors
errors
F
No
demonstrati
on of
analytical
and
cognitive
thinking
skills
Incorrect
spelling,
grammar,
and
punctuation
with many
errors
15
Discussion Threads Grading Rubric
The Academic Dishonesty policy will be strictly followed and non-compliance with the policy will result in consequences as outlined
in that policy.
GRADE
A

Meets or

exceeds the
required
number of
secondary
posts as
defined by the
Instructor;
posts are
spread out over
at least 3 days
(including day
of initial post)
B
Meets the
required
number of
secondary
posts as
defined by
the
Instructor;
posts are
spread out
over 2 days
C

Did not

post the
required
number of
secondary
posts as
defined by
the
Instructor;
posts are
submitted
on the same
day, prior
to the last
day
D
F
Did not post
the required
number of
secondary
posts as
defined by
the
Instructor;
posts are
submitted
on the last
day
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY POLICY:
Original Work, Cheating, Plagiarism, and Paraphrasing
The Herzing University Catalog addresses academic dishonesty in general in the “Student Conduct” section of the
University catalog. Original Work Cheating, Plagiarism, and Paraphrasing are addressed in greater detail here.
When completing an assignment for a Herzing University course, students are expected to do original work for the
assignment and to not reuse work they may have done in previous courses or other settings unless specific prior
approval is granted by the instructor.
Cheating is defined as “the giving or receiving of aid (whether written, oral or otherwise) in order for a student to
receive undeserved credit on class work, homework, tests or any other assignment that is his or her own
responsibility.”
Plagiarism violates the central core of Herzing University’s educational philosophy. It involves stealing another
person’s work and claiming it as one’s own. It occurs whenever one directly copies another person’s intellectual
effort and integrates it into his/her class work without giving proper credit to the author.
Paraphrasing is defined as "a restatement of a text or passage giving the meaning in another form” (Webster’s
New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, 1996). When one paraphrases but intentionally omits authorship of the
work, this, too, is a serious violation of academic honesty.
All Herzing University students have an individual responsibility to understand what cheating, plagiarism, and
paraphrasing are. The student must also be aware that the consequences for cheating and plagiarism, or for
16
paraphrasing without proper attribution, are severe. Whenever you have doubt about what constitutes cheating,
plagiarism, or paraphrasing, contact your instructor. With the advent of the Internet, the potential for cheating by
simply cutting and pasting information into a paper is tempting. Be aware that these dishonest activities will not be
tolerated and instructors have access to increasingly sophisticated search engines to “test” the validity of student
work. Plagiarism, in particular, is easily traced.
Consequences and Sanctions
Herzing University will, upon finding that a student has violated its policies on Academic Dishonesty, enact the
following:
1. For the first offense the student may receive a zero on the assignment involved or a failing grade in the course.
The student will be required to repeat the entire course if completion of a failed course is needed to graduate.
2. Upon a second offense, the student may be immediately and permanently expelled from the University.
Academic Appeal Process
The student is directed to the “Grievance/Complaint Procedure” and “Academic Appeal for Termination” sections
of the Herzing University Catalog for information for petitioning the University to reconsider its action.
To avoid academic dishonesty, proper references to any text and outside resources are ALWAYS required.
You should also consult the following websites and resources or APA reference manual to comply with this
requirement:
APA Overview Presentation: https://herzing.blackboard.com/modules/_199_1/APA-6th-imp.jar
Basics of APA Style: http://www.apastyle.org/
Electronic References: http://www.apastyle.org/manual/related/electronic-sources.pdf
OWL (Online Writing Laboratory): http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
APA Tip Sheet: 6th Edition APA Tip Sheet
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) POLICY:
Herzing University is committed to addressing the needs of students who meet the criteria for special
accommodations. It is the University’s policy to comply fully with federal and state laws, including Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), regarding students with
disabilities. Information concerning the University’s policies and procedures related to a disability can be found in
the Student Handbook and Academic Catalog.
Contact the Online Campus Student Services Department for a copy of the "Request for Accommodation"
documents should you have a need.
17