INSTRUCTOR AND CONTACT INFORMATION

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1 Texas A&M University Central Texas HAMK 514 Health Informatics and Trends-- Online INSTRUCTOR AND CONTACT INFORMATION Spring 2015 Professor: Dr. David Ritter, DBA, JD, MBA, Attorney, CPA Office: 323 C Phone: 954/ Office Hours: T W 12:00 3:00 Online M-S as needed Other by Appointment BLACKBOARD. log in ritterd@ct.tamus.edu (Utilize Blackboard 9.2 Messages for course communications) Phone: office Mode of instruction and course access: This course uses TAMUCT s Blackboard system. Refer to 7.0 TECHNOLOGY in the syllabi. Student-instructor interaction: Welcome to HAMK 514 This is an online course with weekly assignments. Ensure that you allow sufficient time during the week to stay up with the course requirements. I will be checking Blackboard and several times a day, except Saturday and Sunday. I will attempt to respond to your s in less than 24 hours. or Blackboard messages sent Saturday evening or Sunday will receive a response no later than the following Monday. Learning requires students to be very self-disciplined, be sure you understand and are prepared to comply with all required class assignments and deadlines. For this course, the Weekly Assignments are posted in the syllabus and on Blackboard with due dates controlled by the submission dates on Blackboard. If there is a conflict in due dates, which I try to avoid, the Blackboard date controls. Notice that the Blackboard submission time is 11:59 pm and that you may no longer make submission, other than late submissions, starting at 12:00 AM. Submissions are to be made on Blackboard in the associated Assignment drop box, contained in the WEEK due, before the due date. You must be self-motivated, very disciplined, and an excellent planner of your time to complete a course with satisfactory results. This is a 16 week course. Plan well and allocate sufficient time to complete the assignments, quizzes, exams, and research paper in a timely manner. Late submissions are not accepted without severe penalties. No late submissions will be allowed once the assignment is graded. If you have an emergency it is your responsibility to inform me as early

2 as possible. UNILERT Emergency Warning System for Texas A&M University Central Texas UNILERT is an emergency notification service that gives Texas A&M University-Central Texas the ability to communicate health and safety emergency information quickly via and text message. By enrolling in UNILERT, university officials can quickly pass on safety-related information, regardless of your location. Please enroll today at COURSE INFORMATION 1.0 Course Overview and description: This course provides for the highest cognitive and affective understanding of applied health care informatics in health services organizations. Theoretical frameworks and empirical analyses will be used to emphasize organizational and provider services. These services will be assessed in relation to capacities and competencies within the health care industry and patient/client needs and wants. Prerequisites: Graduate Status or permission of instructor. 2.0 Course Objectives: 2.1 Course Learning Outcomes & Student Learning Objectives(SLOs) by chapter At the end of the course, students will; Chapter 1 Learning Objectives List and define five major challenges facing healthcare delivery systems today. Describe the complexity of these interrelated challenges for healthcare and HIT. Illustrate the history, development, and current state of healthcare information systems. Name and describe the four categories of healthcare information systems. Analyze the key priorities of healthcare information systems today that will affect their future. Chapter 2 Learning Objectives Define the ways in which the external environment influences the operation of the healthcare delivery system. Define the healthcare triangle, and demonstrate how it relates to management of healthcare organizations and the healthcare information technology function. Describe the interdependent challenges of cost, quality, and access currently facing the US healthcare system. Analyze the implications of the cost, quality, and access challenges for the management of healthcare information systems. Assess the relative importance of evidence-based management, organizational change, and international comparisons in the current and future management of healthcare delivery organizations. Assess how well healthcare system challenges and their implications align with healthcare information system priorities.

3 Chapter 3 Learning Objectives Describe a justification for government intervention in business processes. 1. List five major types of government intervention into the healthcare business, and explain the need for government to invest in healthcare information management and HIT. 2. Describe the eight components of the administrative simplification portion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. 3. Assess your organization s readiness for transactions and code set development. 4. Analyze why privacy and security are important and why HIT has a key role in protecting privacy and security. 5. Assess four key questions to answer in developing privacy policies. Chapter 4 Learning Objectives List job duties and analyze functional responsibilities of senior healthcare leadership and the chief information officer (CIO). Identify key knowledge, skills, and abilities of the CIO position. Describe the alternative paths to leadership of healthcare information technology (HIT). Prepare and assess an organizational chart for the HIT department or area of a healthcare organization. Illustrate future challenges faced by healthcare CIOs. Chapter 5 Learning Objectives Explain why healthcare information technology (HIT) strategic planning has become more important for healthcare organizations. Summarize the five major components of HIT governance. Describe the major elements of a healthcare organization s planning effort. Assess the major elements of an HIT strategic plan. Describe systems theory, and explain why it is vital to HIT governance and planning. Chapter 6 Learning Objectives Define and use in context technical terms related to information technology architecture. Distinguish between the hardware and software elements of an information system and provide illustrative examples. Identify the elements of a computer network and give examples of various network structures. Distinguish among operating systems, utility programs, and application software. Introduce basic telecommunication concepts. Chapter 7 Learning Objectives Articulate the impact that unplanned work has on an HIT department. Identify a number of different process improvement frameworks that could be applied to the management of the HIT department and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Describe the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL ) service support components and how they are interrelated. Articulate why the configuration management database is critical to the service support processes. Describe the ITIL service delivery components and how they are interrelated. Describe service-level agreements and why they are important to an HIT department. Describe some of the reasons given for HIT service continuity plan failures.

4 Chapter 8 Learning Objectives Describe the steps in the HIT system selection and contract management process Articulate why it is important to clarify objectives prior to engaging in a system selection process Describe some items that an organization should pay particular attention to when negotiating and crafting terms and conditions Articulate the purpose of a total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis Articulate the purpose of a benefits realization assessment Chapter 9 Learning Objectives Define the term electronic health record (EHR) Understand the key capabilities of a robust EHR Articulate the benefits of a robust EHR Articulate some of the key cost categories associated with the purchase and implementation of an EHR Chapter 10 Learning Objectives Describe the components typically included in an enterprise resources planning system. Provide examples of transaction processing applications and discuss how they support financial management. Discuss desirable features of an automated enterprise scheduling system. Distinguish between clinical decision support software and executive information systems. Understand the use of computer applications as tools for research and medical education. Chapter 11 Learning Objectives Identify some of the primary causes of HIT project failures. Describe the main differences between HIT project management, HIT program management, and HIT portfolio management. Describe the five key processes of project management. Understand how project metrics and portfolio dashboards can facilitate HIT governance. Describe the major roles and functions of the portfolio management office. Identify the actions/changes that are necessary within an organization to reach the synchronized stage discussed by Jeffery and Leliveld (2004). Chapter 12 Learning Objectives Describe the impact of knowledge on quality of care. Articulate the differences between knowledge and information. Define sensemaking and describe how can it be applied to healthcare organizations. Define knowledge management. Chapter 13 Learning Objectives Specify why making healthcare information technology (HIT) investment decisions on the basis of realized value rather than on anecdote, inference, and opinion leads to better outcomes. Describe five changes that make today s HIT investment decisions more challenging than in the past. Provide examples of HIT costs and outcomes changes that will always be adopted and examples that will never be adopted. Analyze how the major techniques used for evaluation of an HIT investment differ.

5 List the eight key steps in cost evaluation. Analyze why certain types of HIT applications are less likely to be performed. Describe value realization and total cost of ownership methodologies. 3.0 Required Reading and Textbook(s): 3.1 Textbooks Information Systems for Healthcare Management, Eighth Edition, 2014, HAP, ISBN: Summary: HB 1096 requires the Coordinating Board to prescribe procedures for institutions of higher education to follow in notifying students of the availability of textbooks through institution-affiliated bookstores and through retailers other than university-affiliated bookstores. The notice must be by hardcopy or electronic format in a manner that ensures it is reasonably likely to come to the students attention, and must contain the following: A student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from a university-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. 4.0 Course Requirements: COURSE REQUIREMENTS Participation is essential to enhancing each student s awareness about the subject area and developing their knowledge base. You must participate in each class, turn in all assignments on time and complete all exams on time. 4.2 Exams: Exams will cover several chapters. All exams and quizzes are online and will require Respondus. The exams and quizzes will be timed and will consist of multiple choice, short answer, and fill in the blanks questions. Once the exam is started it must be completed in the same setting. Exiting the exam for any reason will cause the exam to no longer be available. The exams are open book but will require

6 you to understand the information in the chapters before attempting the exam if you are going to have time to consult your text book during the allotted time. You are on your honor to not receive help from or assist others during the exam period. Do not discuss the exam questions or answers and do not attempt to clarify the exam for others as this is also cheating 4.4 Research Paper - 30% (300 points) Prepare a research paper relating to CURRENT Health Care Information Systems TOPICS. You must research current authoritative literature and obtain sufficient competent information to substantiate your conclusions. You will be required to research and cite at least 20 articles from authoritative literature. Authoritative literature includes refereed journals, Court Cases, government regulations, and professional publications such as professional journals. Do not cite blogs, internet sources other than professional journals, magazines, or newspapers. Text book citations will not count in the 20 articles and should not be used other than to be used as a short, one sentence, quote if necessary for your paper topic. Do not cite the textbook used for this course. Citing inappropriate sources will result in a 20 point per citation penalty, will be considered as Filler to increase paper length, and will be subtracted from your paper s length The articles that you cite must all be less than 3 years old, ( ) correctly cited and used to support your position. Significant Court Cases, which still provide precedence, may be cited. ENSURE THAT SOURCES YOU CITE HAVE NOT BEEN SUPERCEEDED BY MORE CURRENT SOURCES. Your research paper subject is are due in class 2 (submit on Blackboard) Your research paper subject and Abstract are due in class 2 (submit on Blackboard) Your research paper outline, with at least 15 articles to be used listed in the proper section of your outline, is due in class 3. (submit on Blackboard) Your completed research paper is due in class 4. (submit on Blackboard) Do not use I or other personal pronouns. Personal knowledge or common knowledge is not acceptable in research for this course and will be treated as sources not cited for the determination of plagiarism. THE PAPER IS REQUIRED TO FINISH THE CLASS. IF AN ACCEPTABLE PAPER IS NOT TURNED IN THE FINAL COURSE GRADE WILL BE AN F. Conduct your research and writing in accordance with APA guidelines. Research and cite at least twenty (20) different authoritative sources. Ensure that you follow the guidelines on your Dashboard.(Note there are several departures from strict APA guidelines) Only one article can be used from any issue (same date) of a source document. No more than 2 government publications may be cited.

7 Place copies of all cited articles, cases, or other sources, in a separate PDF document in the same order in which they are cited in the paper. If the article you are citing is lengthy, attach the cover page of the article and the pages from which you developed your information or the page containing the quote. Submit the finished paper and accompanying articles, as Word documents. Lengthy quotes and tables will be deducted from your paper length. Prepare a research paper using APA guidelines for writing guidelines and citing your sources. Use the research guidelines provided by APA and AVOID PLAGIARISM. Plagiarism will result in an F for the course. One departure from APA guidelines, for this paper, is that you must include the page number or page numbers for paraphrased material and direct quotes. (Author, p. 15) I do read you attached articles and will deduct for inaccurate paraphrasing and erroneous quotations. If you do not cite an article do not include it in your references. The Running Head must be within the one inch top margin. The body of the paper must be more than twelve (12) full pages long, not including title page, abstract page and reference pages. Submit the paper and attachments as 2 word documents. Use a cover page which will not count in paper length. Include your Abstract which will not count in paper length. The paper is to be typed, double spaced, font not larger than 12, with one inch margins top, bottom, and sides. GRADING Content will be graded as 67% of the paper grade. Erroneous citations or source documents not attached in the proper sequence will result in a 10 point per occurrence deduction. Research Paper Evaluation Rubric Percentage awarded based on points available are in () for each criteria. CONTENT (67% of paper grade or 200 points) Criteria A paper( ) B paper( ) C paper( ) D or lower paper Content(60% of grade)(180 points) Student produces logical, coherent, and well-structured writing and a proper conclusion for the research assignment. All ideas are presented in a logical order. Ideas are clearly introduced and connected. Body includes sufficient level of detail, and conclusion summarizes main idea or effectively closes the presentation. All authoritative sources utilized correctly (180 points) Ideas are presented in an overall logical order. The writing includes introduction to, development of, and conclusion for the topic. There are no distracting shifts in presentation of ideas throughout the writing. All authoritative sources utilized relate effectively to the research topic. (120 points %) Most ideas are presented in a logical order. There is an indication of an organized research effort with properly cited authoritative data to support the research topic. (90 points) (below 140) Weak research and few or no authoritative citations to support the research subject Details may be missing, disjointed, or inapplicable. (15 points)

8 Inadvertent Plagiarism (Negative Points) Sources not correctly cited Personal or common knowledge is not acceptable in research and will be treated as sources not cited sources for the determination of Plagiarism. All sources correctly cited. No points deducted 1-3 sources not cited.(-10 points per occurrence) 4-5 sources not cited.(- 20 points per occurrence) More than 5 sources not cited. (-180 point deduction and an F on the paper) MECHANICS (33% of paper grade or 100 points) Criteria A paper(90-100) B paper(80-89) C paper(70-79) D or lower paper Format, Organization & Writing Standards (60 points) Student produces logical, coherent, and well-structured writing. Spelling and misused words (40 points) Words are spelled correctly and used in a grammatically correct manner. (50-60 points) All ideas are presented in a logical order. Ideas are clearly introduced and connected. Body includes sufficient level of detail, and conclusion summarizes main idea or effectively closes the presentation. Impeccable spelling, grammar, word usage, sentence structure, punctuation, and citation format points) 2 or less misspelled or misused words no deduction (40-49 points) Ideas are presented in an overall logical order. The writing includes introduction to, development of, and conclusion for the topic. There are no distracting shifts in presentation of ideas throughout the writing. Very few errors in spelling, grammar, word usage, and punctuation. Proficient use of proper APA citation format points) All one issues are clearly identified and a fully supported, by authoritative data, conclusion may be reached. (30-39 points) Most ideas are presented in a logical order. There is an indication of an organizational pattern introduction, body and conclusion although they may not be equally effective. Level and organization of details may be weak with occasional distracting shifts in presentation of ideas. Several errors in grammar, spelling, sentence structure, word usage, punctuation, or citations. (10-19 points) Research contributes to the proper identification of issues and leads to proper authoritative sources. (below 70) (30 or less points) Limited presentation in logical order. Writing occasionally fragmented with very weak considerations for presentation. Details may be missing, disjointed, or inapplicable. (Below 10 points) Insufficient research to justify an authoritative conclusion.

9 Inadvertent Plagiarism, sources not properly cited, will result in a 5% deduction per occurrence for the first 3 occurrences, a 10% deduction each for 4-5, and a 100% deduction for more 5 sources not properly cited. Personal knowledge or common Knowledge are not appropriate in research and will be counted as sources not cited for the determination of plagiarism. If you turn in a paper which is short, not properly cited, or do not attach the required articles the paper will receive a fifty percent (50%) minimum penalty and be returned to you for proper completion. Late papers are assessed a twenty (20) point per day penalty. If you do not turn in an acceptable paper you will receive an F in the course. ALL papers will be checked on TURNITIN. 4.5 Discussion Topics 10% Submit your initial posting covering all of the discussion questions by Tuesday. Ensure that you post your initial response by Tuesday to allow others to review your posting and comment. Late postings will receive a 50% maximum credit. Posting all responses in one brief visit to the discussion board will result in a 50% penalty. Remember that Discussions are an ongoing process and if you do not hold up your side of the Discussion you are harming your Classmate s. Discussion topics will be posted several times during the term. You must participate in each discussion. Minimum participation, for a 70% credit, requires posting 1 original response, reading all posts by other class members, and responding to 3 class member responses with a comment or question. Well researched, thoughtful, discussion original responses and responses to other class member posts will receive positive credit. 5 well thought out responses will result in 100% credit. Random, not on topic responses will receive negative marks. To get the most learning from this course, you must actively participate in the classroom experience. Participation means actively participating in the course discussions. We will have Discussion Questions every week of the course. You will be assigned discussion question(s) based on the topics for that classroom experience. Each discussion question will have its own threaded discussion space. You are expected to offer responses to these questions and/or comments on your classmates responses. I will monitor the quantity and quality of your responses. At a minimum, you will be expected to post at least one substantive quality posting in response to the Week s discussion question and at least 2 responses your classmate s posting for a C(70%) response. The minimum number of postings each week is 3. Participation accounts for 20% of your grade. If the quality of your postings is not sufficient, the points will not be earned. You are expected to contribute to the class discussions in meaningful ways. That means: Contributing new and relevant information to the course discussion and online sources; Commenting in a positive manner; Building on the remarks of your fellow students; Posing questions of your fellow students; and sharing quotes, websites, and other supplementary information. Demonstrating practical application of the week's key concepts from your professional/personal experience. Substantive does not include I agree, Great point or You re wonderful type postings. These types of postings are examples of positive teaming and are fine but not by themselves. They do not add depth or breadth to the discussion. A substantive posting should include: Your thesis (main point)

10 Your supporting arguments A reference to class or outside material to support your thesis Provide an example to support your thesis. A: Weak Responses (No Credit): 1. That is exactly what I did. It is so much cheaper. 2. I know what you mean. It's confusing, but I just went along with it. I hope I get credit for it. 3. I like your answers, short and to the point! The above responses require minimal thought, show no research, and do not add to the discussion B: Good Responses: 1. Great job on answering the questions. There were two key words that you listed that I did not even think about: 1. Highly compensated employee and excess compensation. Thanks 2. I too started listing words that I thought would be relevant to the case when I could not find the right information. I also found that by going back to the chapter and looking for similar examples, I can pick out certain keywords that I was unaware of. 3. I like your suggestion to use "and" when searching key words. Sometimes just rearranging the order of words can help as well. Usually the problem gives us plenty of information to go off of for research, we just have to read it carefully and several times. C: Best Responses: 1. I agree that it is important to be familiar with the databases you plan to use. The more you know about the database you are using the more efficient you will be and the more time you will save. In today's professional world time means everything! The research problems are a great way for us to become familiar with the databases and to practice our research skills. 2. I agree that professional needs to have all the information about the client's situation before proceeding. One mistake could costs precious money and the professionals credibility. I like your reference to your attached web site. Referring to the web site examples helped me understand the problem.. More than the minimum requirements will earn additional credit. A minimum of 5 meaningful responses is necessary to achieve all points possible. It is possible to earn bonus points by posting extra, meaningful and well researched postings. Ensure that your comments and postings are well thought out, utilize correct grammar and spelling, and contribute to the topic. Comments not on point will be graded negatively.

11 5.0 Grading Criteria Rubric and Conversion Exam 1 (100 points) Exam 2 (100 points) Exam 3 (100 points) Final Exam ( 200 points) Quizzes (100 points) A= Research Paper (300 points) B=80-89% Discussion Topics (100 points) C= 70-79% D= 60-69% F= Below 60% TOTAL (1000 points) 100%. 6.0 Posting of Grades: Grades will be posted within one week of completion of the submission due date. 7.0 TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT Technology Requirements This course will use the pilot TAMU-CT Blackboard Learn learning management system for class communications, content distribution, and assessments. 7.0 TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT This course will use the new TAMU-CT Blackboard Learn learning management system for class communications, content distribution, and assessments. Logon to to access the course. Username: Your MyCT username (xx123 or everything before the "@" in your MyCT address) Initial password: Your MyCT password For this course, you will need reliable and frequent access to a computer and to the Internet. You will also need a headset with a microphone or speakers and a microphone to be able to listen to online resources and conduct other activities in the course. If you do not have frequent and reliable access to a computer with Internet connection, please consider dropping this course or contact me (your and phone number) to discuss your situation. Blackboard supports the most common operating systems: PC: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista

12 Mac: Mac OS X Mavericks NOTE: Computers using Windows XP, Windows 8 RT and OS X 10.6 or lower are NO longer supported Check browser and computer compatibility by following the Browser Check link on the TAMU- CTBlackboard logon page. ( This is a CRITICAL step as these settings are important for when you take an exam or submit an assignment. Upon logging on to Blackboard Learn, you will see a link to Blackboard Student Orientation under My Courses tab. Click on that link and study the materials in this orientation course. The new Blackboard is a brand-new interface and you will have to come up to speed with it really quickly. This orientation course will help you get there. There is also a link to Blackboard Help from inside the course on the left-hand menubar. The first week of the course includes activities and assignments that will help you get up to speed with navigation, sending and receiving messages and discussion posts, and submitting an assignment. Your ability to function within the Blackboard system will facilitate your success in this course. Technology issues are not an excuse for missing a course requirement make sure your computer is configured correctly and address issues well in advance of deadlines.

13 7.1 Technology Support Example: For technological or computer issues, students should contact Help Desk Central. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: helpdesk@tamu.edu Phone: (254) Web Chat: When calling for support please let your support technician know you are a TAMUCT student. For issues related to course content and requirements, contact your instructor. Phone: or Toll Free: Option 3 For issues related to course content and requirements, contact your professor.

14 COURSE OUTLINE AND CALENDAR 8.0. Complete Course Outline SPRING 2014 * SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE DISCRETION OF INSTRUCTOR WEEK DATE TOPIC ASSIGNMENTS 1 01/19 Course Welcome, Introduction, and Expectations You should purchase your text before the end of the first day. READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE SYLLABUS Read Chapter /26 Read Chapter 2 Review research process and problem answer format. Read Plagiarism & Academic Integrity on the Library homepage under RESEARCH.. Discussion Topic 1 Closes Sunday 1. Introduce yourself to the class. 2. Read the Plagiarism explanation on the Library page 3. Find an online site which discusses the research process. 4. Discuss Plagiarism 5. Discuss the research process and provide at least 1 internet site address. Discussion Topic 2 Closes Friday Submit Paper Subject through Blackboard Quiz 1 1. What is common knowledge. 2. Why is it not acceptable to use common knowledge in a research paper? 3. What is the penalty in this class for using common knowledge? 4. What is paraphrasing in a research paper? 5. Why is an improper paraphrase considered Plagairism? Research Paper Subject due by Sunday 3 02/02 Read Chapters 3 Quiz /09 Read Chapter 4 Quiz 3 Discussion Topic 3 Closes Friday Research Paper Abstract due by Sunday Research Paper Outline due by Sunday Discussion Topic 4 Closes Friday 5 02/16 Read Chapter 5 Quiz /23 Read Chapter 6 Quiz /02 Read Chapter 7 Quiz /09 Read Chapter 8

15 Quiz 7 SPRING BREAK 03/15 03/22 WEEK DATE TOPIC ASSIGNMENTS 9 03/23 Read Chapter 9 Quiz 8 SLO: Research Auditing Research Problems are due before 11:59 pm on the Sunday 10 03/30 Research Paper Due Research Paper is due before Sunday 11:59PM Research Cases are due before 11:59 pm on Sunday 11 04/06 Read Chapter 10 Quiz /13 Read Chapter 11 Quiz /20 Read Chapter 12 Quiz /27 Read Chapter 13 Quiz /04 Quiz /11 Finals 9.0 Drop Policy COURSE AND UNIVERSITY PROCEDURES AND POLICIES If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and ask for the necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the student. The record s office will provide a deadline for which the form must be returned, completed and signed. Once you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into Duck Trax and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. Should you still be enrolled, FOLLOW-UP with the records office immediately? You are to attend class until the procedure is complete to avoid penalty for absence. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive an F in the course Academic Integrity Texas A&M University - Central Texas expects all students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Students guilty of academic dishonestly are subject to disciplinary action. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. The faculty member is responsible for initiating action for each case of

16 academic dishonestly. More information can be found at Disability Support Services 12.0 Smarthinking 13.0 Library Services Texas A&M University Central Texas complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of TAMUCT promotes the use of the Principles of Universal Design to ensure that course design and activities are accessible to the greatest extent possible. Students who require reasonable accommodations based on the impact of a disability should contact Gail Johnson, Disability Support Coordinator at (254) in Student Affairs, Office 114E. The Disability Support Coordinator is responsible for reviewing documentation provided by students requesting accommodations, determining eligibility for accommodations, helping students request and use accommodations, and coordinating accommodations. Additional information can be found at Online tutoring platform that enables TAMU-CT students to log-in and receive FREE online tutoring and writing support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, General and Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology, Accounting, Economics, Introductory Finance, Spanish, and Statistics. Students will have access to Smarthinking after 5:00pm on the 4th class day. Students may gain access by going to smarthinking.com and entering in their University Student ID as their username and Birthday (mmddyyyy) as their password. Once you login, you have the option to change your log-in information. If you have difficulties contact Student Affairs at Information literacy focuses on research skills which prepare individuals to live and work in an information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the development of critical reasoning, ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary research techniques. Help may include, yet is not limited to: exploration of information resources such as library collections and services, identification of subject databases and scholarly journals, and execution of effective search strategies. Library Resources are outlined and accessed at by clicking on the Library tab on the Texas A & M University Central Texas home page Any instructor policies related to absence, grading, etc. This is an online course and there should not be any missed assignments unless there is an emergency or deployment. If you are scheduled for a deployment notify the instructor so that proper preparations can be made to allow you to complete the course. If you miss an assignment due to an emergency contact the instructor immediately, within three days of the miss, to ask for an excused assignment. Assignments can be turned in early so you should plan your work schedule so that you may turn in your assignment. Waiting until the last minute to complete an assignment and encountering a problem will result in the grade earned or a zero if the assignment is missed.

17 Waiting until the last moment to complete your assignment will result in problems with computers, work schedule, or other unforeseen circumstance for which there will be no excuse granted The Operation of the Online Course and Being an Online Student Online learning requires students to be very self-disciplined, be sure you understand and are prepared to comply with all required class assignments and deadlines. For this course, the Weekly Assignment are posted in the syllabus and on Blackboard with due dates controlled by the submission dates on Blackboard. Submissions are to be made on Blackboard in the associated Assignment drop box before the due date. You must be self motivated, very disciplined, and an excellent planner of your time to complete an online course with satisfactory results. You should log on to Blackboard daily to ensure that you are not missing an assignment or a change to an assignment. If you miss the submission time and date and an excuse is granted, you will be charged a 25% penalty, per 24 hours, for a late submission of less than 48 hours after the due date. Submissions more than 48 hours after the due date will not be accepted and will earn a grade of zero COURSE COMMUNICATIONS Please practice good communication skills. You must utilize proper communication skills while searching for a job and then during your entire career. Remember that Blackboard communication, through Messages, and communication must be in proper format. We will practice formal business communication s so that you will develop good habits. A poor to a superior in business results a poor impression. Start out every with the name of the person you are ing and close with your name. Utilize spelling and grammar check to help you write better. I will return unanswered unless you use proper English writing skills and the required Course Communication guidelines. Begin Subject of s, other than in Blackboard, with Course number, ACC 586 so that I can identify your class Instructor s Personal Statement The skills that you acquire in this course will benefit you your entire career. Remember that Accounting is the language of business and must be understood and utilized at all levels of management or business operations. My grading is strict and fair. Pay strict attention to the guidelines for research. Remember that you are responsible to yourself, your client, and to the governing bodies for your results. If you have any questions please communicate with me. You may send an , visit during my office hours or telephone during office hours. This is a rewarding course. If you keep up with the assignments you will enjoy the learning

18 environment and the material covered. I have practiced as a CPA for over 30 years with a lartge part of my practice being in management advisory services dealing directly with the content of this course being applied in practice, and have used, and continue to use, planning and compliance on a regular basis to help my clients understand their individual and business responsibilities, and planning for contingencies. Let us all have a great semester.