Syllabi for Figueroa Martorell
TERM: 202310 Term Dates: February 16 – April 30, 2023
| Instructor: | Griselle Figueroa-Martorell, M.A. Business Education | CRN: | 27588 |
| Office Hours: | By appointment. Phone calls or Zoom online platforms are available. | Credit Hours: | 3 |
| Cell Phone: | 407-502-2149 (Call or Text) | Class Meetings Room & Time: | Thursdays 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm |
| Email: | Prerequisites: | NONE |
Course Description
This course presents an overview of business communications, including international considerations, and focuses on constructing, formatting, and proofreading good news, bad news, and persuasive business messages. Preparation and formatting proposals, business reports, and oral presentations are included. Students will proofread, review grammar, and create an employment package consisting of resumes, application letters, and job interviewing techniques.
Prerequisites: None
Major Learning Outcomes
1. Students will explain the communication process.
2. Students will create Good News, Bad News, and Persuasive messages.
3. Students will demonstrate active listening.
4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of oral/nonverbal communication in business situations.
5. Students will be able to work effectively in teams.
6. Students will apply research skills to the field of business careers.
7. Students will create a letter of application and resume.
Core Competencies of a Valencia Graduate
Valencia’s Student Core Competencies are complex abilities that are considered the essential elements of a successful student. This course will help you develop and demonstrate the abilities to Think, Value, Act, and Communicate, specifically to:
1) think clearly, critically, reflectively, and creatively.
2) communicate with others verbally and in written form.
3) make reasoned value judgments and responsible commitments.
4) act purposefully, reflectively, and responsibly.
Our goal is to provide these global competencies in the context of application; this means that students will be required to understand problems and effectively communicate an appropriate solution. http://valenciacc.edu/competencies/default.cfm
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Textbook:
| · Business Communications (Business Communication Process & Product.) 10th Edition · Author: Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loewy. · Publisher: South-Western Cengage Learning | MindTap For Guffey/Loewy's Business Communication: Process & Product, 10th Edition, [Instant Access] by Guffey; Mary Ellen; Loewy; Dana ISBN: 9780357129258 ISBN10: 0357129253 |
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The materials required for this class—and any other classes using Cengage products—are included in ONE Cengage Unlimited subscription. With a Cengage Unlimited subscription, you get access to ALL your Cengage eTextbooks and online homework in ONE place. Four FREE hardcopy textbook rentals are also available for select titles, just pay $7.99 S&H each. Please note the different lengths that are available for you to purchase. It may be beneficial to purchase a longer subscription if you are taking classes in a future semester that will utilize Cengage materials. Access: https://www.cengage.com/student/
Textbook format options (Choose ONE option only)
1. Cengage eBook 1 Term: ISBN: 9780357709405 Access until June 2022 - $42.99
2. Cengage Unlimited eTextbooks (4-month access) $69.99 – No Mindtap
· Textbook may be purchased from the college bookstore or the publisher website: https://www.cengage.com/student/. It is available in different formats such as printed textbook, loose leaf issue and/or e-book, e-chapter.
· To find the book in the bookstore, go to Valencia College Campus Store https://valenciacollege.edu/students/campus-store/
· Follow the instructions below to find your course materials.
1. Click on Get Your Books!
2. Log into Atlas with your Valencia Username and Password.
3. Select the Current Registered Term and click on the Submit button.
4. You will be redirected to your Student Detail Schedule, where you can view courses that you are currently enrolled.
5. On the Student Detail Schedule page, select the text Click here for all your course materials.
6. A list of all your course materials will populate. Add the course materials you wish to purchase by clicking on the Plus Sign (+).
· Full version of the text includes Cengage MindTap. However, I do not provide graded assignments in Mindtap in my courses. You may buy access to the eTextbook from Cengage - https://www.cengage.com/c/business-communication-process-product-10e-guffey-loewy/9780357129234/
· Microsoft Office
o As a Valencia student, you have access to Microsoft Word (as well as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) free for personal use. You can learn more about accessing these applications in Atlas, on the "My Atlas" tab, right hand column, under "Microsoft Office for Personal Use."
Cengage Course Registering
1. To access your online textbook if you purchased Cengage Unlimited, click https://student.cengage.com/course-link/MTPNBPLZ2SSM
2. From there, create your Cengage account or sign in to an existing one and follow the instructions to complete the registration process. Course Key: MTPNBPLZ2SSM
3. Need help? Visit cengage.com/start-strong for step-by-step registration instructions and videos. Just select MindTap, Canvas, and No (Valencia does NOT participate in Inclusive Access).
4. Note: You only need to purchase one Cengage Unlimited subscription to add any Cengage eTextbook or online homework for other classes to your dashboard at no additional cost.
5. Download the free Cengage Mobile App to get your Cengage eTextbooks and study tools on your phone. Ask for Cengage Unlimited in the bookstore or visit cengage.com/unlimited to try it for free.
6. Beware of sites that are selling discounted Cengage Unlimited subscriptions. These sources are likely unauthorized sellers who have acquired access codes illegally, and transactions with such sources may pose a risk to your personal information.
Canvas
· Since all assignments are submitted through Canvas (unless otherwise noted), access to a computer is required for this course.
· Students have free access to computers at all Valencia campuses.
· Students should verify computer software and hardware requirements to ensure course work can be submitted successfully.
· Canvas lists minimum computer specifications supported browsers (Links to an external site.) and to ensure compatibility.
· The Chrome browser (Links to an external site.) is recommended.
· Students are also encouraged to install the Canvas app on their Android (Links to an external site.) phone or iPhone (Links to an external site.) in order to receive mobile notifications and to access your courses via your mobile device.
· Valencia College also provides student support and resources for general technical issues or frequently asked questions. (Links to an external site.)
· It is recommended that you review the tutorials before beginning this material and set up your phone or e-mail to give alerts for Canvas. Class updates and reminders through the Canvas announcements option. For details, contact Canvas support: 407-582-5600 or by visiting the Canvas Help website. (Links to an external site.)
· This course requires the production of business documents; therefore, Microsoft Office or Office 365 is required. As a Valencia student, you have access to Microsoft Word (as well as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) free for personal use. You can learn more about accessing these applications in the Help Page for "Downloading Microsoft Office for Personal Use. " (Links to an external site.)
Educational Supplies
These supplies are not required but are strongly recommended.
· A college-level dictionary and thesaurus, including online resources, such as: www.webster.com, www.wiktionary.org, or www.dictionary.com.
SUPPORT AT VALENCIA
Learning Support Services provides students with academic support through distance tutoring, face to face tutoring at the campuses, writing consultations, library services, and resources. Tutoring is offered in most academic disciplines including math, science, foreign languages, English for academic purposes (EAP), computer programming and writing assistance for any course. Assistance with library research can be accessed online through Atlas or the tutoring LibGuide. For more information on how to access tutoring and library research assistance, please visit the college-wide Learning Support Services LibGuide at: www.valenciacollege.edu/tutoring
Please note: Brainfuse is our new 24/7 online tutoring and learning hub, which is available to all of Valencia’s students. This service is best used as a back-up to Valencia’s Distance Tutoring service, not as a replacement. Brainfuse is accessible through Canvas or by visiting www.valenciacollege.edu/tutoring.
Important Information for Services
| Enrollment services: Call: 407-582-1507 Email: enrollment@valenciacollege.edu Hours: Mon-Thurs: 8 AM - 8 PM Fri: 8 AM - 5 PM Sat and Sun: - 10 AM - 3 PM | Academic Advising: Call: 407-582-1507 Email: advising@valenciacollege.edu Link to “chat” https://valenciacollege.edu/students/advising-counseling/ Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 AM – 10 PM Sat and Sun: - 10 AM - 10 PM | Financial Aid: Contact FinAidOffice@valenciacollege.edu for their financial aid questions, as well as for potential assistance with financial support. |
FACE TO FACE CLASSROOM POLICIES
Attendance
· Presence is a major contributing factor to student success. As such it is important that you dedicate time to show weekly presence in Canvas classroom and complete assignments following instructions by the due date as expected. Students are encouraged to participate in Canvas online conferences as invited by the professor.
· If you are unable to participate in the Canvas course for other reasons, e.g., illness, family emergency, etc., please communicate with me as soon as possible to create a plan to complete any missed assignments so that your learning can progress in your course. In the case of a prolonged absence, continuation in the course will be determined on a case-by-case basis through discussion between you and your professor.
As a student, I expect from you:
· To be present in the classroom every Thursday. Collaborate and share ideas, including in the Canvas discussion boards.
· To be in the course and complete all required assignments as assigned every week.
· To communicate with me for any questions, concerns, or other situations as soon as possible via text, email, or phone call. (See my phone number above).
“No Show” Status
Class attendance is required beginning with the first-class meeting. If you do not attend class during the first week, you may be withdrawn from the class as a “no show. (Logging in Canvas is not enough, you must attend our Thursday meeting class and complete the first week assignments). If you are withdrawn as a “no show,” you will be financially responsible for the class and a final grade of “W” will appear on your transcript for the course.
Online Canvas Participation
Students are expected to maintain proper decorum while using Canvas. Proper etiquette includes, but is not limited to, treating your fellow students with respect online, using appropriate language in all work submitted online, and acting the same way you would behave in a classroom – consider the digital classroom to be no different from the physical classroom you attend each week.
Class Participation
Please, have all required course material, and are prepared to be actively engaged in the course by the first week or second week of the course. Students are expected to actively participate in live sessions as well as online discussion forums, if assigned.
Cell Phone Use in Face-to-Face Class
As your professor, I’m committed to giving you as many opportunities and resources to support your learning as possible. Therefore, you may find it beneficial to record class lectures to review later. Please keep in mind that you do not have your peers’ permission to record them, and they have a right to privacy; your peers should not be in your recordings. You may not record class discussions, student presentations, labs, group work, and private conversations. These recordings are permitted for your own personal use; you should contact me to discuss sharing options. Note that while these recordings are useful for review, we want you to attend class for your insights and questions; these recordings are not substitutes for class participation and attendance. Should you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me through Atlas email or Canvas message.
Valencia I.D. Cards:
Valencia I.D. cards are required to use the LRC (Library), Testing Center, and for other services on campus. Cards are free and can be obtained in the Security Office (SSB-170).
International Students (F-1 or J-1 Visa)
Please be advised that withdrawal from this course due to attendance may result in the termination of your visa status if you fall below the full-time enrollment requirement of 12 credit hours. Contact Valencia’s International Student Services<http://valenciacollege.edu/international/> office for more information.
COURSE DISTRIBUTION, ASSIGNMENTS, EVALUATION AND GRADING
Read detailed instructions for each assignment carefully and contact me for questions or concerns.
All Graded assignments/activities, etc. are subject to changes at the discretion of the instructor.
Grading Categories, Points And Percentages:
| Description/Examples | Percentage of Grade | |
| Category 1: Participation, Collaboration & Reinforcement | Discussions posts, Grammar Quizzes | 15% = Total Points Obtained multiplied by 1.5 |
| Category 2: Analysis Assessments | Analysis Assignments based on given situations. | 30% = Total Points Obtained multiplied by 3 |
| Category 3: Application Assignments | Application Assignments based on given situations. | 35% = Total Points Obtained multiplied by 3.5 |
| Final Exam | Final Evaluation Assignment | 20% = Total Points Obtained Multiplied by 2 |
Grading Scale:
| A = 90 – 100% | B = 80 – 89% | C = 70 – 79% | D = 60 – 69% | F = Below 60% |
· It is your responsibility to check your final grade in Canvas before deadline to submit final grades. Review your final grade and contact professor for questions and corrections as needed.
· FAILURE TO CONTACT PROFESSOR BEFORE Final Grades are due for reporting, will be understood as student DOES NOT HAVING QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS about the final grade.
Graded Assignments
| Major Learning Outcomes Grammar Reviews are integrated each week | Chapter | Assignments | Due Date | |
| Feb. 16, 2023 | 1. Explain the communication process. 2. Work effectively in teams. 3. Grammar Review 1: Sentence Structure | Chapter 1, Focus 1.4, 1.5 Chapter 4, Focus: 4.1
| 1. Grammar Review Quiz 2. Analysis Assignment | Feb. 23 |
| Feb. 23, 2023 | 4. Demonstrate active listening and oral communication skills using telephone scenarios with voice over Internet Protocol applications | Chapter 2, Focus 2.2, 2.3 | 1. Grammar Review Quiz 2. Analysis and Summary Assignment |
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| 3. Demonstrate their awareness of the importance of nonverbal communication in business situations | Chapter 2, Focus 2.4 | March 2nd | ||
| 4. Research international business procedures 5. Grammar Review 2: Grammar and Mechanics | Chapter 3, Focus 3.4 |
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| March 2, 2023 | 6. Planning and Organizing Business Messages 7. Grammar Review 3: Nouns & Pronouns 8. Revising Work Business Messages | Chapters 4, Focus: 4.2, 4.3, Chapter 5, Focus: 5.3 Chapter 6: All content | 1. Grammar Review Quiz 2. Analysis Assignment | March 9 |
| March 9, 2023 | 9. Create Good News messages in business situations. 10. Grammar Review 4: Adjectives & Adverbs | Chapter 8 | 1. Grammar Review Quiz 2. Application Assignment | March 23 |
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Spring Break: March 13-19, 2023
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| March 23, 2023 | 11. Create Bad News messages in business situations. 12. Grammar Review 5: Commas | Chapter 9 | 1. Grammar Review Quiz 2. Application Assignment | March 30 |
| March 30, 2023 | 13. Create Persuasive messages in business situations. 14. Grammar Review 6: Semicolons & Colons | Chapter 10 | 1. Grammar Review Quiz 2. Application Assignment | April 6 |
| April 6, 2023 | 15. Prepare and format informal proposals. 16. Grammar Review: Apostrophes & Other Punctuation | Chapter 13 | 1. Grammar Review Quiz 2. Application Assignment | April 13 |
| April 13, 2023 | 17. Prepare and format an informal business report. 18. Grammar Review: Capitalization & Number usage | Chapter 13 | 1. Grammar Review Quiz 2. Application Assignment | April 20 |
| April 20, 2023 | 19. Prepare an oral presentation. 20. Gramma Review: Confusing Words & Frequently Misspelled Words | Chapter 14 | 1. Grammar Review Quiz 2. Application Assignment | April 27 |
| Final Exam April 27, 2023 | · Research business/careers available in their major. · Create a letter of application and resume. · Demonstrate job interview techniques | Chapter 15 | Job Application Project/Exam completed in the classroom. | April 27 |
Graded Project/Assessment/Exam/Quiz, etc. Make Up Policy
Make-up assignments will be given in emergency situations, provided the instructor is notified within a reasonable time frame. In the event of an emergency, the assignment will be accessed in Canvas. If you are approved for making up an assignment you missed, it must be completed in a week, or at an approved date set by the professor. Please note that missing an assignment or project will have an adverse effect on your grade.
Late Work Make Up Policy
· All assignments must be submitted by designated deadlines and submitted only in Canvas. Specific situations must be discussed with the professor.
· Late Assignments will be accepted up to five days late. Keep in mind that you have 2% of the assignment grade deducted per day it is late. For example, three days late will have 2% deducted the first day is late, an additional 2% percent if submitted two days late, an additional 2% if submitted three days late and so forth until the fifth day after the due date. Assignments will be posted in our electronic learning system (Canvas).
· All written assignments must be submitted in Microsoft Word unless otherwise specified.
Extra Credit Assignments
· The availability of extra credit opportunities is at the instructor’s discretion and the request shall be due to a serious situation.
VALENCIA COLLEGE POLICIES & GENERAL INFORMATION
Important Valencia Website Links
· College Calendar: http://valenciacollege.edu/calendar/
· Important Dates & Deadlines: https://valenciacollege.edu/academics/calendar/documents/2021-2022-important-dates-calendar.pdf
· College Catalog: https://catalog.valenciacollege.edu/
· Valencia Policy and Procedures: http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/
· FERPA: http://valenciacollege.edu/ferpa/
Important Course and College Dates (Spring 2022)
| Event – Reminder Information | Date |
| Class Begins | February 16, 2023 |
| Drop/Refund Deadline (11:59 p.m.) | February 20, 2023 |
| No Show Reporting Period | February 21 – March 2, 2023 |
| Withdrawal Deadline - "W" Grade (11:59 p.m.) | April 7, 2023 |
| Spring Break (Holiday week) – No classes | March 13-19, 2023 |
| Veteran's Affairs Deferral Deadline | April 8, 2023 |
| Faculty Final Date to Enter Withdrawal | April 27, 2023 |
| Final Exam | April 27, 2023 |
| Term Ends | April 27, 2023 |
| Grades Due (9:00 a.m.) Faculty Submission Deadline | May 1, 2023 |
| Final Grades Viewable in ATLAS | May 2, 2023 |
No Show Policy
Class attendance is required for face-to-face classes beginning with the first-class meeting. Per Valencia No Show Policy, if you do not log in to the course during the first week and complete the first assignment, you will be withdrawn from the class as a “no show.” If you are withdrawn as a “no show,” you will be financially responsible for the class and a final grade of “WN” will appear on your transcript for the course.”
Withdrawal Policy
Per Valencia Withdrawal Policy, a student who withdraws from class before the established deadline for a particular term will receive a grade of “W". A student is not permitted to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline.
A faculty member will withdraw a student up to the withdrawal deadline for violation of the class attendance policy. A student who is withdrawn by faculty for violation of the class attendance policy will receive a grade of “W”. After the withdrawal deadline, the faculty will not withdraw a student and the student will receive the grade earned at the end of the course. Any student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a class during a third or subsequent attempt in the same course will be assigned a grade of “F.” If you do not intend to complete the course, you must withdraw yourself prior to the withdrawal date.
Student Code of Conduct
Valencia is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but also to the development of responsible personal and social conduct. As a registered student, you assume the responsibility for conducting yourself in a manner that contributes positively to Valencia’s learning community and that does not impair, interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the college as described in the Student Code of Conduct.
Academic Honesty
All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, acts or attempted acts of plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, facilitating academic dishonesty, and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive.
All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the students' individual thoughts, research, and self-expression. Whenever a student uses ideas, wording, or organization from another source, the source shall be appropriately acknowledged. If a student is caught submitting plagiarized work a first offense will result in a zero score on the assignment, a second offense will result a class grade of F.
Copyright Policy
Each student is required to follow Valencia's policy regarding academic honesty. All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the student’s individual thoughts, research, and self-expression, unless the assignment specifically states, “group project.” Any act of academic dishonesty will be handled in accordance with Valencia's policy as set forth in the Student Handbook and Catalog. At Valencia, we expect the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic dishonesty is prohibited in accordance with Policy 6Hx28: 8-11 upheld by the Vice President of Student Affairs. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive.
Students with Disabilities
Valencia is committed to ensuring that all its programs and services are accessible to students with disabilities. The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) determines reasonable and appropriate accommodations for qualified students with documented disabilities based upon the need and impact of the specific disability.
Any student requiring course accommodations due to physical, emotional, or learning disability must contact the instructor and provide a Notification to Instructor form by the end of the second week of class. To obtain a letter of accommodation, contact OSD at 407-582-2229.
From the Office for 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 the professor, preferably during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities. All requests will be kept in strict confidence.
Statement of Support for Students with Food/Housing/Financial Needs
Any student who has difficulty accessing sufficient food to eat, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live and believes this may affect his or her performance in the course, is urged to meet with a Counselor in the Advising & Counseling Center for information about resources that may be available from the college or community.
Baycare Student Assistance Services
Valencia College strives to ensure all our students have a rewarding and successful college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get 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. BayCare Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program (SAP) services are free to all Valencia students and available 24 hours a day by calling (800) 878-5470. If needed, the counselor may refer the student to appropriate resources or to speak face-to-face with a licensed counselor.
Disclaimer
This syllabus, assignments, and due dates are subject to change at the discretion of the professor.