Syllabus
SLS 2930/MAT 0022C LinC
Fall 2014
Mathematics Survival Skills & Developmental Mathematics Combined
Course
CRN
Class time & place
MSS
16616
MW 12:40 pm – 1:30 pm 6 – 202
DMC
13837
MW 11:30 am – 12:35 pm 6 – 202
F 11:30 am – 12:40 pm 6 – 202
What is a LinC?
Who, Where, When:
Math
Math lab time & place
12/8
1:00 pm
Wed.
12/10 10:00 am
Welcome to our learning community! You have enrolled in a LinC course matching
Developmental Math Combined and Mathematics Survival Skills. This semester we hope
that you will make friends, study together, and learn together so that you may succeed in
college and beyond. Students who start Valencia with Mathematics Survival Skills (and
other Student Success courses) make better grades and graduate sooner. Math goes better
with Mathematics Survival Skills!
Lisa Potchen
Julie Phelps
Bldg 7 Room 142
321-689-3288 (Cell)
407-582-2527 (Office)
jphelps@valenciacollege.edu
Success Coach
Mon.
F 12:50 pm – 1:40 pm 7 – 112C
Bldg 1 Room 328
407-702-7850 (Cell)
407-582-2116 (Office)
lpotchen@valenciacollege.edu
MSS
Final exam date & time
On-Campus Engagement Hours:
MW: 9:00 am – 9:45 am (SPA)
MW: 1:45 pm – 2:15 pm (SPA)
TR: 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm (1 – 328)
F: 10:45 am – 11:15 am (SPA)
On-Campus Engagement Hours:
MTWR: 10:15 – 11:15 am (7-142)
TR: 1:15 – 2:15 (7-142 or SPA)
Online/phone times:
WR: 7:30 – 8:30 am
Sun,T,R: 8:00 – 9:00 pm
Online/phone times:
MW: 2 pm – 4 pm
Kaitlyn Brooker - Your Student Services professional who supports students
in learning communities.
East Campus Student Services Bldg 5
Office Hours: Email for an appointment
kbrooker2@valenciacollege.edu
Joint office hours
Required Materials
Developmental
Math Combined:
Upon Request
Text: Developmental Math Combined by Al Groccia
ISBN: 978-1-60797-456-7 Publisher: Linus Books.
Calculator: Will not be allowed on tests, should not be used on homework except to check
answers.
Lab: Lab booklet will be provided at no cost during your first lab. You must bring it to each lab
meeting.
Notebook: Your choice of type but must satisfy description found later in syllabus.
Other Materials: Ruler, graph paper.
Access to: Atlas email (you should check this daily if not more often),
IMathAS (your free online homework program. Instructions provided later in
syllabus.)
Blackboard (some assignments, instructions and grades may get published here)
Syllabus
SLS 2930/MAT 0022C LinC
Required Materials
Mathematics
Survival Skills
Fall 2014
Text: None
Access to: email through ATLAS & Blackboard
Calendar or day planner: bring to class EVERY day
Other Materials: Paper, pen/pencil and stapler
Credit Hours:
Each student will receive 6 credit hours upon successful completion of the LinC courses.
(4 CR – MAT 0022C; 2CR – SLS 2930) Note: Separate grades will be issued.
Course
Descriptions:
LinC:
Mathematics Survival Skills and Developmental Math Combined are LinC courses designed
to work cooperatively to prepare students for higher-level mathematics by introducing
specific mathematics study skills! It is our hope that the content of both of the courses is so
interweaved that it becomes one course in the minds of our students. Students will leave
the LinC experience with skills that are useful in any academic course that they may take in
the future.
Developmental Mathematics Combined:
Prerequisites: None. This developmental math course is designed to prepare students for MAT
1033C Intermediate Algebra. Topics include sets, computations with decimals, percents,
integers, operations with rational and polynomial expressions, solving linear equations and
simplifying expressions, plane geometric figures and applications, graphing ordered pairs and
lines and determining the intercepts of lines. A minimum final course grade of C is required for
successful completion of this course. This course does not apply toward mathematics
requirements in general education or toward any associate degree. (Special Fee: $42.00)
Valencia Developmental Math Combined Competencies:
 Operations with Rational and Polynomial Expressions
 Linear Equations with Applications/Inequalities
 Introduction to Graphing Linear Equations
 Geometry
 Sets
 Radicals
 Unit Conversion
 Operations with Fractions/Decimals
 Long Division/Multiplication Facts
 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions and Order of Operations/Exponents
Mathematics Survival Skills:
Course Purpose: Provides students with knowledge and skills for surviving college with a focus
on being successful in mathematics courses. Includes an introduction to Valencia and its
resources, selected study skills and personal resources management skills. Students will
identify skills areas and levels they wish to improve.
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for students to
learn about college resources and adopt methods that support your success in mathematics,
school and life.
Teaching Strategies: The objectives of this course will be achieved through lectures, individual
and group experiences, guest speakers, web-based technologies, and assignments outside of
class. The instructor's role is to be a facilitator/guide in your experience of learning what
Valencia expects of you, the student.
Page 2 of 8
Syllabus
SLS 2930/MAT 0022C LinC
Core Competencies
of a Valencia
Graduate:
LinC Course
Resources:
Fall 2014
Valencia’s Student Core Competencies are complex abilities that are essential to lifelong
success. This course will help you develop and demonstrate the abilities to (1) think clearly,
critically, and creatively; (2) communicate with others verbally and in written form; (3)
make reasoned value judgments and responsible commitments; and (4) act purposefully,
reflectively, and responsibly. Due to the nature of these global competencies, many
problems in math and activities will be presented in the context of an application. These
applications will require students to select appropriate information from the problem and
communicate effectively how to arrive at an appropriate solution for the problem.
This term you will learn to use your resources and the college’s support services effectively and
efficiently. These resources are at your fingertips and all around you.
 Textbooks, notes, and class assignments: We recommend that you keep all of your
work in an organized fashion so that you may refer to them when necessary.
 Your professors and Success Coach: Our goal is to give you the skills you need to
succeed and to provide a comfortable learning environment. As your professors and
advisors, we welcome all academic questions.
 Your fellow classmates: Making connections with other students in the classroom
fosters motivation, responsibility, and persistence (that means you come back the next
term).
 The Academic Success Center (ASC) is located on the first floor of building 4. It contains
the Student Computer Center, Communications Support Center, Math Support Center,
Tutoring Center, SPA, Testing Center and more. The ASC hours of operation are M-R
7am-10pm, F 7am-8pm, and Sat 8am-4pm.
http://valenciacollege.edu/east/academicsuccess/
o The Communications Support Center has computers and printers for student
use. There are tutors available to provide help writing and proofreading
assigned papers for any subject. They also provide support for reading and
speech.
http://valenciacollege.edu/east/academicsuccess/writing/
http://valenciacommunicationscenter.wikispaces.com/
o The Specialized Prep Area (SPA) provides FREE walk-in help to math students
and is a great place to do both online and textbook homework! Tutors are
available on a first-come, first-served basis. Computers and internet are
available. If you prefer to use a laptop, they can be borrowed for 4 hours at a
time at the Audio-Visual window just around the corner from the SPA. iPads
can also be borrowed from the library on the 2nd floor of building 4. White
boards line the walls and large tables are provided for students that would like
to practice their math together.
http://valenciacollege.edu/east/academicsuccess/spa/hours.cfm
o The Tutor Center provides FREE one-on-one tutoring for many subjects. To
take advantage of this service, you must sign up at the beginning of the
semester, and a tutor will be assigned to meet with you once a week.
http://valenciacollege.edu/east/academicsuccess/tutoring/
Page 3 of 8
Syllabus
SLS 2930/MAT 0022C LinC
Fall 2014
General
MAT & SLS Policies:
Attendance:
Because so much of the learning in these classes is cumulative, interactive and
participatory, attendance is a must! Attendance is required at your assigned class and lab
time. You should be on time to each class and lab, complete all assignments, and remain in
class for the entire time unless prior permission has been given by the instructor to leave
early.
Three (3) absences, without adequate excuse, may result in withdrawal from the courses.
It would be wise to contact your professors prior to class if you will be absent! If you are a
Bridges student, Bridges staff will be notified. IF YOU WISH TO DROP THE COURSES, DO
NOT RELY ON THE INSTRUCTORS TO WITHDRAW YOU. YOU MUST WITHDRAW
YOURSELF!! Failure to take action could affect your final grade. Note: If you drop or are
withdrawn from one course, you will be dropped or withdrawn from both. See
“Withdrawal” information for deadline.
Students are responsible for all work presented when they are absent, and are also
responsible for any announcements made in class. If due to an emergency you miss a class
or lab, it is your responsibility to find out what was missed. Use your student contact
names from the syllabus search.
Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and Withdrawals: 6Hx28: 4-07
“NO SHOW” PERIOD
Students who fail to “show” (participate in an academic activity) during the Drop/Refund
period (first week of class) will be withdrawn and will not receive a refund.
Tardiness/Talking:
Tardiness/Talking is considered rude and is unacceptable. Please be on time to class.
Students who persist on being tardy or leaving early will be dealt with on an individual
basis.
Questions during class are always accepted as long as they are relevant to the lecture.
Persistent disruption (including ringing/singing/beeping/honking/ vibrating cell phones)
will be cause for removal from the classroom.
Make up/Late Work:
It is our policy that you hand your work in early or on-time. Make up and late work will be
accepted with documentation of an emergency (illness, jury duty, etc.) and is at the
discretion of the instructors.
Electronic Devices:
(Phones, iPods, etc.): Please use them for academic purposes only! Many studies have
shown that the brain needs to focus on one thing at a time. We think it should be math
and Mathematics Survival Skills. If you have an emergency situation that requires your cell
phone to be on, please notify your instructors at the beginning of class.
Class Participation:
You should consider being a student as a full-time job. You should attend all classes, labs,
study sessions, participate in class, ask relevant questions, turn in assignments when they
are due, and ask for help when needed from an instructor, tutor, or another student.
Expect to spend 10 – 15 hours a week on Math/MSS, outside of class time.
Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and Withdrawals: 6Hx28: 4-07
Page 4 of 8
Syllabus
SLS 2930/MAT 0022C LinC
Communication:
Fall 2014
We will frequently communicate through your Atlas e-mail account, so it is important that
you check BOTH on a daily basis. Grades and private matters discussed via email should only
be discussed through Atlas email.
When emailing your professors you MUST include your full name, class days and times (ex:
Mary Doe, MSS, TR 12:40 pm). Please also include a brief and descriptive subject line.
Remember, we have a professional relationship, you are expected to write in full sentences,
using correct grammar and spelling. Ur not 2 use txtng shrthnd.
Final Exams:
There will be comprehensive (covering the entire semester) final exams for both
Developmental Math Combined and Mathematics Survival Skills. Each final exam will take
place during scheduled final exam periods. Failure to attend the final exams will result in
a grade of F (which can impact your GPA)!! The schedule for final exams at Valencia
college can be found at http://valenciacollege.edu/calendar/FinalExam.cfm. Schedule
times for LinC classes can be different so final exam times for this LinC class are posted at
the top of page one of this syllabus.
Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and Withdrawals: 6Hx28: 4-07
Withdrawal Policy:
Withdrawal Deadline: The withdrawal deadline for receiving a non-punitive grade of "W" is
November 7, 2014. During a first or second attempt in the same course at Valencia, if you
withdraw, or are withdrawn by the professor, you will receive a W (Withdrawn). You will not
receive credit for the course, and the W will not be calculated in your grade point average;
however, the enrollment will count in your total attempts in the specific course.
Note: A “W” may affect your eligibility for financial aid and certain scholarships.
Note: Withdrawal from one LinC class will result in withdrawal from both courses. Please talk
to us BEFORE you withdraw or quit coming to class.
After the Withdrawal Deadline:
A student is not permitted to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline. A professor may
withdraw you up to the beginning of the final exam period for violation of the class
attendance policy in which case you will receive a grade of “W”. If the professor does not
withdraw you, your grade will be what you had earned. Remember, failing to sit for the Final
Exam will earn you an “F” for the course.
Before you withdraw from a course, you should be aware that course withdrawals:
 Will increase the cost of your education
 May affect your financial aid status
 May affect your transfer grade point average
 May result in your having to pay the full cost of instruction fee to retake the course
 May affect your anticipated graduation date
 May result in your being denied access to limited access programs
 May affect your eligibility for the Honors Program
 May affect your immigration status if you are attending Valencia on a nonimmigrant
visa
 Will result in your required repayment of course fees paid by a Bright Futures
scholarship.
Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and Withdrawals: 6Hx28: 4-07
Page 5 of 8
Syllabus
SLS 2930/MAT 0022C LinC
Academic Honesty:
Fall 2014
All students are expected to be in complete compliance with Valencia College’s policies on
academic honesty as stated in the Student Handbook. If any student is caught giving or
receiving aid on a test or quiz, all students involved will receive a zero score for that
particular assignment. Plagiarism is claiming as your own a paper, report, article or speech
which in whole or in part was prepared by someone other than yourself. Students who
plagiarize or cheat in any way, risk dismissal from class and/or expulsion from college.
Academic Dishonesty: 6Hx28: 8-11
In addition, please follow college policy relating to children on campus. Please make
arrangements for childcare outside the classrooms or labs.
Student Assistance
Program:
Valencia College is interested in making sure all our students have a rewarding and
successful college experience. Valencia students can get FREE immediate help with issues
dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time
management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work. Students
have 24 hour unlimited access to the BayCare Behavioral Health’s confidential student
assistance program phone counseling services by calling (800) 878-5470. Three free
confidential face-to-face counseling sessions are also available to students.
Students with
Disabilities
Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a letter
from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with their
professor(s), preferably during the first two weeks of class.
OSD website: http://valenciacc.edu/osd/, East Campus: 5-216
Dev. Math
Combined Course
Specific Evaluation
Policies:
Homework: Homework will be assigned after each section. It is assigned so you can learn
the material and serves as practice material for the tests. You should do homework with
the goal of understanding and not just for the grade you will receive on your homework.
Exercises completed through IMathAS are part of your “Homework” grade, unless
otherwise noted.
Logging In http://imathas.valenciacollege.edu/index.php
At the Login page, you will be asked to supply your login credentials (Atlas
username and the temporary password… math).
Home Page
The home page lists the classes you're currently taking, and also has options for
enrolling in a course, changing your password, changing your user info, or logging
out of the system.
Tests: There will be five (5) Developmental Math Combined tests during the semester. If
you know ahead of time that you are going to be absent the day of a test, you may
schedule a time before that test date to take the test. If a student misses two tests, they
may be withdrawn from the class and therefore withdrawn from both courses. Test items
may come from examples from class, examples from the text, homework exercises and/or
lab activities.
Page 6 of 8
Syllabus
Dev. Math
Combined Course
Specific Evaluation
Policies:
(continued)
SLS 2930/MAT 0022C LinC
Fall 2014
Mathematics Portfolio Section: The portfolio’s contents are necessary parts for any
mathematics course and as such they are a required part of this course.
The tabs in your notebook should be the following:
1. Notes: Every student is expected to keep accurate lecture notes each class
meeting. (A sample of the way notes should be taken will be demonstrated during
class.)
2. Homework: Completion of your homework assignments on a regular basis is crucial
to your success in this class. Answers only will not be accepted.
3. Lab: Attached to this course is a separate lab, with its own work. This work will be
collected and graded and will comprise your “Labs and Activities” grade, in addition
to several in class activities. These are facilitated to reinforce concepts learned and
gain additional practice. Your lab booklet will be given to you on the first day of
labs. All labs must be received complete on the due date; late work is handled on a
case-by-case basis. Working together is encouraged, but individual work must be
turned in. Attendance in lab is mandatory to receive a grade on the lab
assignment!
4. Test Corrections: Tests must be corrected and for each problem missed not only
must you rework the problem, but you must also explain your correction so you will
remember what you did wrong. Complete documentation is mandatory. (A test
correction sample will be provided during class.)
5. Quizzes: Completion of your online module and quiz assessments must be kept in
this section of your portfolio. Answers only will not be accepted.
Think of the math portfolio as the Developmental Math Combined Course Insurance
policy! If your portfolio is an A average and your online homework is a B average, your
lowest test grade will be replaced by your final exam.
Mathematics
Survival Skills
Course Specific
Information:
Students will develop skills to enhance their Valencia College mathematics success.

Homework assignments will often accompany classroom discussions, guest
speaker presentations or outside classroom activities. All assignments and are due
by the date and time posted on our schedule or as noted in class. All writing
assignments must be typed (12 point font), double-spaced free of grammatical and
spelling errors. Name, date and class meeting times must be on each assignment;
with the exception of the Thank You Letters (they should have your signature).
DO NOT wait for instructor to collect homework, drop on desk when you arrive.

All writing assignments are expected to be at college level. Hastily written work,
without depth or thought, will be returned. The 1st occurrence can be resubmitted
for a grade, all other occurrences will result in a loss of points.

Students are encouraged to take lecture notes (including those from guest
speakers). You would be wise to clearly label your notes with the topic/date and
place in a notebook or portfolio. (These will come in very handy at the end of the
term.)

All lectures, discussions and presentation materials are fair game for final exam.
Page 7 of 8
Syllabus
SLS 2930/MAT 0022C LinC
Grading Scales:
Fall 2014
The following scales will be used to determine your final grade:
A:
90%+
B:
80%-89%
C:
70%-79%
D:
60%-69%
F:
< 60%
Developmental Math Combined Weight Scale:
Tests:
50%
Homework/Quizzes/other:
10%
LinC projects:
5%
Labs:
10%
Final exam:
25%
Total
100%
Mathematics Survival Skills Grading Scale*:
MSS Assignments/Journals
MSS Journals
LinC Assignments
LinC Group Project
Final Exam
Total points
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
500 points
* due to the nature of this LinC course, assignments may be added or deleted
during the term, so this total may change.
Additional information may be provided in Blackboard, on your instructors’ websites and on
your course schedule.
Disclaimer:
This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the professors.
Page 8 of 8