COURSE: Microsoft Office Skills — BSAD 50

Instructor Information

Instructor: ALICIA STEGGS BUCHANAN
Email: alicia.steggs@unl.edu
Office Hours: By appointment - email alicia.steggs@unl.edu to set up a time

Help with common questions can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions document posted in Canvas under Module 0 - Start Here. Please read this document before attempting the assignments for this course.

Course Description

BSAD50 is a basic-skills computer course designed to ensure that you will be able to demonstrate a minimum degree of computer proficiency using basic business software packages. The course focuses on the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access).

The BSAD 50 course is a zero-credit hour, pass/no pass course. This course is a self-directed, completely online course. You do not need to attend any classes, and there are no lectures for this course. Instead, you will work through tutorials using McGraw Hill's SIMNet software to learn the features of the four Microsoft Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Access). Most students find that substantial practice is necessary to master the material in this class, so please allow plenty of time to focus on the course material so that you can complete the course requirements by the specified deadlines. This is a five-week course, so you will need to devote a substantial amount of time during the next few weeks in order to complete the assignments by the deadlines.

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes

The Microsoft Office Suite is used extensively in upper-level College of Business courses and in the workforce to organize, analyze and interpret business data.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to demonstrate basic skills in Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access, and possess the skills required to use this software to analyze business information.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Use PowerPoint to prepare professional presentations with features including animations, transitions and embedded videos.
2. Use Word to prepare business reports and letters including embedded objects, tables and advanced formatting.
3. Use Excel to organize, display and analyze data using formulas, charts and conditional formatting.
4. Use Access to organize and track information in a relational database and generate reports.

Required Texts / Materials

This course requires the use of SIMNet course software from McGraw Hill. This course is participating in an Inclusive Access Pilot referred to as Access. This pilot is part of the STAR Initiative working to lower cost for textbooks for students at UNL.

All required course materials including the e-book and access to the SIMNet software have been automatically loaded into the Canvas site for this course. No access codes are required for this process. If you experience any difficulties accessing your e-book, please reach out to McGraw Hill Tech Support at 800-331-5094 and email me at alicia.steggs@unl.edu with your case number. Please do this ASAP to avoid difficulty accessing course material.

The cost of this e-book/access to SIMNet will appear on your student bill as "Inclusive Access Material", and can be applied toward any available financial aid. If you have any questions on this, please contact Student Accounts at 402-472-2887 studentaccounts@unl.edu.

Note that the purchase of the e-book gives you lifetime access to this material, so hang on to your login and password as you may find it helpful to use the tutorials to review for material needed for assignments in your upper-level business courses.

All of the course activities will be conducted through SIMNet, so you must have access to this software to complete the requirements for this course. You must access SIMNet through Canvas to link your grades on the SIMNet assignments to the Canvas grade book.

If you have previously taken the BSAD50 course and have already purchased the SIMNet software, you should Opt Out of the inclusive access materials. You need to Opt Out of the materials by Friday of the first week of class, to avoid being charged. If you are re-taking this course, email me at alicia.steggs@unl.edu with your name, student ID and email and I can transfer your access code from a previous semester so that you do not have to pay again for access to SIMNet.

Class Schedule / Weekly Breakdown

Task	Due Date
Complete PowerPoint Ch. 1-3 Let Me Try and Practice Exam	Sunday, January 18th at 11:59 p.m. CST
Complete PowerPoint Exam	Monday, January 19th at 11:59 p.m. CST
Complete Access Ch. 1-4 Let Me Try and Practice Exam	Sunday, January 25th at 11:59 p.m. CST
Complete Access Exam	Monday, January 26th at 11:59 p.m. CST
Complete Word Ch. 1-4 Let Me Try and Practice Exam	Sunday, February 1st at 11:59 p.m. CST
Complete Word Exam	Monday, February 2nd at 11:59 p.m. CST
Complete Excel Ch. 1-4 Let Me Try and Practice Exam	Sunday, February 8th at 11:59 p.m. CST
Complete Excel Exam	Monday, February 9th at 11:59 p.m. CST
Last Day to Finish Let Me Try Exercises, Practice Exams and Exams	Sunday, February 15th at 11:59 p.m. CST

All four modules and assignments (let me try exercises, practice exams, and exams) are available until 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the course.

Assignments and Exams

Your grade in this course is based upon completion of three types of assignments (SIMBook Let Me Try Exercises, Practice Exam and Exam) for each of the four areas of Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Access). You need to complete EVERY assignment, practice exam and exam with a minimum score of least 85% in order to pass this class.

The BSAD50 course is structured as a mastery course, which means that the Let Me Try Exercises and practice exams can be taken an unlimited number of times and exams can be taken up to four times until mastery is achieved (defined as a score of 85% or higher on all assignments). To achieve a grade of Pass in this class, you must do the following for each software application in the Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Access):

• Read the SIMBook chapters associated with the software application and complete the "Let Me Try" exercises embedded in these chapters. You only need to complete the "Let Me Try" exercises in each assigned chapter. You do not need to do any of the cases, projects or other exercises in the chapters as everything EXCEPT the "Let Me Try" exercises is optional. You must receive a score of 85% or higher on EACH of the PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Access Let Me Try exercises. You can re-take the Let My Try Exercises an unlimited number of times prior to the assignment deadline.
• Complete the practice exam associated with the software application with a grade of at least 85% on the PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Access Practice Exams. You can take each practice exam an unlimited number of times prior to the practice exam deadlines.
• Complete the exam associated with the software application with a grade of at least 85% on the PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Access Exams. The exams are similar to the practice exams, but you are limited to a maximum of four attempts on each exam.
• If you receive a score of less than minimum score on any of the exams, practice exams or Let Me Try Exercises, you will receive a No Pass in the course, even if your overall exam average is above an 85%.
• You must complete the Let Me Try exercises, practice exams and exams by the dates specified above. Note that all deadlines are in Central Daylight Time.

Exam Time Limit

Note that each exam is timed. Here are the allowed times and the minimum scores required for each exam:

Exam	# of Questions	Allowed Time	Minimum Score
PowerPoint Exam	40 questions	50 minutes	34
Access Exam	40 questions	60 minutes	34
Word Exam	50 questions	70 minutes	42
Excel Exam	50 questions	70 minutes	42

Grading Breakdown

This is a zero-credit hour, pass/no pass course.

To receive a PASS grade, you must:

• Complete EVERY Let Me Try Exercise with a minimum score of 85%
• Complete EVERY Practice Exam with a minimum score of 85%
• Complete EVERY Exam with a minimum score of 85%
• Complete all assignments by the specified deadlines

You will receive NO PASS if:

• You score less than 85% on any Let Me Try Exercise, Practice Exam, or Exam
• You fail to complete any required assignment by the deadline

Attendance Policy (Course-Specific)

This is a completely online, self-directed course. There are no class meetings or attendance requirements. You are responsible for managing your time to complete all assignments by the specified deadlines.

Late Work Policy (Course-Specific)

All assignments must be completed by the specified deadlines. Late work is not accepted. The final deadline for all work is Sunday, February 15th at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Academic Integrity (Course-Specific)

You are expected to complete all assignments individually. While you may seek help from technical support or your instructor, submitting work that is not your own or sharing answers with other students is a violation of academic integrity.

Technology Policy (Course-Specific)

This course is 100% online, so you need a desktop computer or laptop to complete the course material. The SIMnet operating system, which you will sync with in Canvas, is ran via a web browser. You CANNOT run SIMnet using Safari. In order for SIMnet to work properly, you must use either Chrome or FireFox web browsers.

Alternately, you can use the computers located in the CoB Teaching and Learning Center located on the lower level of the College of Business, or the computers in the two computer classrooms (CoB 36 and CoB 104). The computers located in the computer classrooms can be used when classes are not being held in these classrooms. Computers equipped with Office 365 are also available at:

• Andrews RM 18: 9AM-9PM M-F
• Henzlik RM 123: 8AM-8 PM M-F
• Nebraska Union (City Campus – 1st Floor West of Chick-fil-a) - 24/7

In addition, students can check out laptops from the CoB Technical Solutions office (east side of the Atrium), City Union or from Henzlik Hall for short term use.

Disclaimer on Technology

UNL and McGraw Hill will do their very best to keep Canvas and SIMNet systems operating at all times. Yet, there are numerous technology related problems that may create obstacles for the successful completion of this course. Regardless of electronic or any other obstacles, it is the student's responsibility to complete the course and see to it that all assignments and exams are successfully completed as specified. The instructor or UNL cannot be responsible for computer software or hardware issues or for any lost materials over the Internet.

If you are using your personal computer, it must meet the minimum requirements as stated on the SIMNet website. Personal computers should have a DSL, Cable or T1 connection. A wireless internet connection may cause issues with the SIMNet simulations because it may drop the connection and interrupt the transfer of data. Students are responsible for planning ahead in order to allow for technology-related problems and are responsible for acquiring the necessary hardware, software, and Internet access to permit them to access this course and the course materials.

Communication Expectations

If you are experiencing technical difficulties while you are using SIMNet, you should:

1. Try the remedies outlined in the Frequently Asked Questions document.
2. Contact McGraw Hill's technical support line at 800-331-5094. Alternately, you can get help by clicking the ? symbol on the horizontal bar at the top of the SIMNet screen. Click the SIMNet Instant Help button on the next screen for tutorials on each aspect of SIMNet.
3. When you contact SIMNet support, you will receive an incident number. If your technology issues are not resolved through McGraw-Hill's support, email me at alicia.steggs@unl.edu. Include a description of the problem and include the McGraw Hill incident number. For technical issues, you must contact McGraw Hill's technical support prior to contacting me. If you do not include an incident number, I will direct you to McGraw Hill's technical support. SIMNet technical issues cannot be resolved by the College of Business Technical Solutions Center or the UNL Computer Help Center.
4. If you experience technical issues that you are not able to resolve, you should document your issues by 1) taking a video of the issue with your phone and sending that video to me or 2) showing me your issue during scheduled office hours.

You should complete the required exams and assignments well in advance of the due dates to allow you time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter. I will not allow extensions due to technical issues unless you can provide an incident number from McGraw Hill to verify that unresolved technical issues occurred. I will follow up with McGraw Hill to verify that you contacted technical support prior to 5:00 p.m. on the due date of the assignment, and that technical support was unable to resolve your issue.

Additional Course Policies

Canvas Information

Canvas is the where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

• The URL to access Canvas is: http://canvas.unl.edu
• For Canvas, passwords, or any other computer-related technical support contact the IT Help Center:
  • Phone: 402-472-3970
  • Website: http://mysupport.unl.edu/
  • Submit a support ticket: mysupport@unl.edu

Important Dates

• January 18: PowerPoint assignments and practice exam due
• January 19: PowerPoint exam due
• January 25: Access assignments and practice exam due
• January 26: Access exam due
• February 1: Word assignments and practice exam due
• February 2: Word exam due
• February 8: Excel assignments and practice exam due
• February 9: Excel exam due
• February 15: FINAL DEADLINE for all coursework

Notes

Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for detailed instructions for getting started with the SIMNet software and solutions for common technical issues.

COURSE: PrEP II: Career Development and Planning — BSAD 222

Instructor Information

Section Instructor: Serves as the primary contact as it relates to overall class policy, grading, or attendance, and will teach the class each week. Will send weekly announcements to the entire class via Canvas. Any extenuating circumstances impacting your progress in the course need to be communicated with your section instructor by sending a message over Canvas.

Moderator: You will be assigned a Moderator, who will be your primary contact for grading-related questions. Your moderator will grade your assignments, provide advice and individualized feedback, and monitor your progress in the course. You will also be meeting with your moderator for your 1:1 coaching session.

Course Description

The College of Business’s Empowered Professional Program is a series of classes designed to develop confident, professional, and connected students for lifelong career success. BSAD 222 is an eight-week face-to-face course occurring in the second half of the semester which allows you the opportunity to explore, develop, and articulate your career plans prior to applying for opportunities. In this course, you will explore your interests, skills, and values as well as potential career paths and industries. You will also create a professional résumé with 1:1 feedback from a coach and practice your networking skills with professionals.

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes

As a result of successful completion of BSAD 222, you will be able to:

• Understand and apply the career development process to strengthen major and career decisions
• Identify interests, skills, values, and Strengths and recognize how they apply to major and career selection
• Evaluate and narrow your professional career goals
• Create an action plan to develop transferable skills and make progress toward career goals
• Write an effective résumé for professional development or internship opportunities
• Network with professional and personal connections to explore business majors and careers

Required Texts / Materials

There are no required materials to be purchased for this course.

• Any videos or readings required outside of the classroom setting to help you understand the course learning objectives and complete assignments will be provided in the module materials.
• Students may reuse their assessment results from BSAD 111 or BSAD 111s for the CliftonStrengths assessment assignment. If you have not taken the CliftonStrengths assessment before, you do not need to purchase a code to take the assessment. A code will be issued via email once it has been verified that you did not take BSAD 111 or BSAD 111s.

Other Technology Needed

• This class requires the use of a webcam and microphone. If you do not have access to this equipment, computers with webcams are available by contacting the UNL College of Business ITS.
• It also utilizes the following technologies or online platforms: Handshake and Zoom. For assistance on Zoom, see the ITS Zoom Video Conferencing Guide.
• All written assignments must be submitted in a Word format (.doc, .docx). Microsoft Office Suite is available for free through your UNL Outlook account.

Class Schedule / Weekly Breakdown

Module	Due Date	Assignments
Module 1: Assess Your Defining Experiences	Thursday, March 12th by 11:59pm (day before class)	• Review Start Here and Syllabus in Canvas • Pre-Class Survey • Class Conduct/Expectations Quiz (Score 100%) • Review Informational Interview & Reflection Assignment Overview • Confirm end-of-semester (May 1st) Networking Capstone Event Time
	Sunday, March 22nd by 11:59pm	• Quiz Module 1: Assess Your Defining Experiences (Virtual) • View Craft Your Résumé Videos • Résumé Formatting Quiz (2 attempts to score 22/25) • View Building Your Resume Instructions – Begin drafting your resume
Module 2: Showcase Your Strengths & Skills	Thursday, March 26th by 11:59pm (day before class)	• Big Interview Resume Scan Assignment – Must score Gold • Revised Résumé Assignment – Résumé MUST utilize one of the approved CoB formats
	Sunday, March 29th by 11:59pm	• Complete 1:1 Résumé Coaching Session Sign-up Confirmation (coaching sessions must be completed between March 30th and April 24th)
Module 3: Investigate Your Possibilities	Thursday, April 2nd by 11:59pm (day before class)	• Review the "Investigate Your Possibilities Videos/Readings" • Module 3 Quiz • Clifton Strengths Report • Focus2 Assessment Assignment
	Sunday, April 5th by 11:59pm	• Informational Interview Checkpoint
Module 4: Develop Your Plan	Thursday, April 9th by 11:59pm (day before class)	• Review the "Career Research Resources" page • Career Research: Exploring Your Career Options Discussion Post
	Sunday, April 12th by 11:59pm	• Quiz Handshake Profile Checkpoint
Module 5: Target Your Brand	Thursday, April 16th by 11:59pm (day before class)	• Review the "Resources to Develop Your Plan" page • Career Growth Strategy & Action Plan Assignment
Module 6: Personalize Your Pitch	Thursday, April 23rd by 11:59pm (day before class)	• Review the "Personalize Your Pitch Module Videos/Readings" • Networking Event Preparation Checkpoint
	Friday, April 24th by 5:00pm	• Résumé Coaching Session – Must be completed by 5:00pm
	Sunday, April 26th by 11:59pm	• Professional Résumé Assignment
Module 7: Build Your Community	Thursday, April 30th by 11:59pm (day before class)	• Informational Interview Reflection Assignment
	Friday, May 1st – Day of Class Reminders	• Attendance for this module is MANDATORY and will be checked via sign-in and sign-out • Check-in to assigned classroom location (sent via Husker Email) and leave backpacks in classroom • Networking with professionals will take place on the 2nd floor in the Atrium • Check-out of the event using your N-Card • Business professional dress is REQUIRED
Module 8: Start Your Story	Friday, May 1st by 8:00am	• Module 8 Checklist (Canvas)
Module 8: Start Your Story	Sunday, May 3rd by 11:59pm	• Networking Event Reflection (Available right after class May 1st) • Internship Entry • Post-Class Reflection • College of Business Course Evaluation (through Watermark Course Evaluations & Surveys)

Assignments and Exams

Course Assignment	To "Pass", students must:
Attendance/Participation (*Note that attendance for the networking event in module 7 is mandatory.)	Attend all 6 in-person class sessions (Virtual Assignment for 1st day of Class, March 13th)
Class Conduct/Expectations Quiz	Score 100% (unlimited attempts)
Pre-Class Survey	Complete
Confirm end-of-semester (May 1st) Networking Capstone	Complete
Résumé Formatting Quiz	Score minimum of 22/25 (2 attempts)
Big Interview Resume Scan	Complete (Gold Score Required)
1 Module Quiz	Score 80%
4 Checkpoints (Coaching Session, Informational Interview, Handshake, Networking)	Complete
CliftonStrengths Report	Complete
Focus2 Assessment	Complete
Revised Résumé	Approved (prior to 1:1 coaching appointment)
Career Research	Complete
Career Growth Strategy & Action Plan	Complete
1:1 Résumé Coaching Session with Instructor	Complete
Professional Résumé	Almost Ready (Graded Rubric)
Informational Interview Reflection	Complete
Networking Event Reflection	Complete
Internship and Employer Survey, Post-Class Reflection, and Course Evaluation	Complete

Grading Breakdown

This course is a one-credit-hour, Pass/No Pass course. You are required to earn a grade of "Pass" in BSAD 222 in order to graduate from the College of Business.

Grading: This course uses competency-based grading. This means that grading in this course is NOT points-based, even though you may see points associated with assignments and quizzes. Points are merely used on quizzes to ensure you understand the material and to grade assignments fairly following a detailed rubric. The table above indicates the requirements you must complete to successfully pass this course.

Grading Scale: The course is specifically designed to meet individuals where they are at in their career development and create opportunities, thus why many assignments are complete/incomplete or utilize a not ready to ready scale.

To Pass: You will pass this course if you follow instructions, submit quality work based on the course material, and submit assignments on time. You will know if you were a high performer in this course based on your moderator's feedback as well as receiving a score of "READY" on graded rubric assignments.

Attendance Policy (Course-Specific)

BSAD 222 is a mini-semester course that moves quite rapidly; it also relies heavily on course discussions and activities. Therefore, attendance is crucial, and you are required to attend ALL of our class sessions to ensure you are able to achieve the course's learning objectives.

One Absence:

If you miss one class session, regardless of the reason (illness, personal circumstances, University events, etc.), you will be required to complete a make-up assignment. This assignment will be sent to you via Canvas Inbox from your primary instructor. Completion requirements typically include 2-3 pages of written work, accompanied by assigned readings and/or videos, designed to cover the material missed during your absence. The make-up assignment will be due by 11:59 PM the night before the next scheduled class session.

Two Absences:

Due to the first class being virtual, missing a second class would result in missing nearly 30% of the course. A second absence without documentation of an extremely extenuating circumstance will result in a "No Pass" grade for the class.

Please communicate all attendance concerns with your instructor as far in advance as possible by reaching out via Canvas inbox or Outlook.

Mandatory Coaching Session & Networking Event Attendance Policy:

1:1 Coaching Session (scheduled with your moderator between Monday, March 30th, and Friday, April 24th, time slots between 8:00am-5:00pm CT)

• You must attend a coaching session with your assigned moderator, either in-person or virtually. You are responsible for scheduling this coaching session, and no-shows or last-minute cancellations are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
• You are expected to reschedule appointments at least 24 hours in advance. In the event of an emergency or illness, please contact your instructor or moderator directly within 24 hours to inform them of the situation.
• If you schedule and then fail to attend 2 appointments without communicating with your instructor or moderator, you may be issued a "No Pass" for the course.

Networking Capstone Event - Friday, May 1st (Logistics & Expectations)

• You will participate in a mandatory 50-minute networking session with professionals, which will occur on the final day of class. Please ensure you block your calendar and do not schedule any conflicts with this event. Details for registration will be provided before the 1st week of classes.
• Students who do not attend the networking event will be issued a "No Pass" for the course (if extreme circumstances arise, reach out to your section instructor immediately)

Late Work Policy (Course-Specific)

Assignment Deadlines: All assignments are required to be submitted through Canvas on the due date by 11:59pm CT. Not meeting these requirements could result in a "no pass."

Extensions: In the case of an extenuating circumstance that leads to an assignment being submitted late, you are expected to communicate as proactively as possible with your instructor or moderator (typically this should be within 24 hours of the missed deadline).

• An extension will be provided if you are honest, professional, lead communication efforts, and establish a suitable assignment completion timeline.
• If repeated behavior of needing extensions becomes evident or if you appear to be taking advantage of this extension policy, the section instructor or moderator holds the right to issue a No Pass.
• Communication and timeliness are a part of professionalism. BSAD 222 moves quickly, so staying on top of assignments, following instructions, and communicating appropriately will ensure success in the course.

Academic Integrity (Course-Specific)

Academic Integrity Policy:

• You may NOT reuse assignments completed for other courses which includes BSAD 111, BSAD 222, BSAD 333, and BSAD 444. An example of this includes résumé assignments, which must be updated from previous classes to reflect gains in knowledge and experience. If you received a grade of "No Pass" in a previous semester of BSAD 222 or withdrew from the course, you may NOT reuse any assignments completed for past BSAD 222 classes. That is defined as self-plagiarism and will be considered cheating.
• Using external sources to copy professional career related documents and profiles (i.e. résumés, cover letters, LinkedIn) will not be acceptable for assignment submission. By copying, borrowing or purchasing templates and content from any source, you have not exercised original thought to communicate your experiences to employers. Additionally, paying others to create documents falls within this policy. If suspected in violation, the section instructor will review the assignment and determine appropriate action based on University policy and course performance. The maximum penalty for plagiarism is a "No Pass" in this course.

Technology Policy (Course-Specific)

This course is conducted primarily in the classroom, with all assignments and communication taking place through Canvas. Students will need access to a reliable computer with internet and are expected to check Canvas daily.

Policy on the Use of AI:

While the use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT) is permitted in this course, all submissions (application materials, reflections, discussion board posts, etc.) must be in your own words and reflect your personal insights and lived experiences. When utilizing AI, remember that its purpose should align with enhancing your ideas rather than replacing them. Additionally, keep in mind that the quality of AI-generated content may not meet course standards.

Permitted AI Usage:

• Brainstorming and refining your ideas
• Checking grammar, writing style, and tone
• Fine-tuning your existing materials by asking AI to identify gaps between your document and positions you are interested in

Non-Permitted AI Usage:

• Writing or generating all or a significant portion of your application materials (résumés, cover letters, LinkedIn), reflection papers, or discussion board posts
• Writing or generating entire bullet statements, sentences, or paragraphs to complete assignments

You are responsible for ensuring that your submitted assignments uphold academic integrity. Using AI in an unethical or irresponsible manner, such as copying or paraphrasing output, passing off output as your own work, or using output to misrepresent your knowledge or skills, is considered a form of academic dishonesty. Any misuse or violation of this policy may result in a No Pass grade or further disciplinary action as outlined in the above UNL policies.

Communication Expectations

Communication Methods & Response Time:

• All communication outside of the classroom setting will occur through Canvas. You are expected to check Canvas Conversations daily.
• In extenuating circumstances, your instructor or moderator may reach out to you via email. Any email communication will always be sent to your Huskers email address.
• You can expect messages to be answered within 24 hours if the message was received between 8am and 5pm, Monday - Friday. Messages received after 5pm will be answered the next business day. Messages received on the weekend will be answered on Monday.
• You are also expected to respond to messages from your instructor or moderator within 24 hours.

Expectations:

• Utilize a short, yet descriptive subject line that includes "BSAD 222"
• Address the instructor or your moderator professionally, such as Dear Instructor Caldwell. Refrain from informal openings such as "Hey" or launching directly into a question. Appropriate professional titles include Instructor/Moderator, Mr., Ms., Mx.
• Messages should show signs of being proofread. Full sentences should be used, and messages should be both grammatically correct and spell-checked.
• Check messages for tone. Messages are expected to be professional and utilize a respectful tone.
• Include a closing and a signature identifying who you are.

*Any communication that does not follow these guidelines will be asked to be rewritten.*

Additional Course Policies

Classroom Conduct

Students are expected to treat each other, the instructor, moderators, employers, and guests with the utmost respect at all times.

• This includes arriving to class on time, staying for the duration of class or events, participating in discussions, actively listening, and submitting assignments on time.
• Healthy debate and discussion is encouraged, but it is expected that you will do so in a way that maintains the dignity of each person as an individual and shows respect for different opinions. Any student caught being disrespectful of another person will be asked to drop the course.

Inclement Weather and Instructional Continuity Guidance:

If in-person classes are canceled, you will be notified of the instructional continuity plan for this class through Canvas.

Important Dates

• March 13: Virtual class session
• March 30 - April 24: 1:1 Coaching Sessions window
• April 24, 5:00pm: Coaching session must be completed
• May 1: MANDATORY Networking Capstone Event

Notes

Keep an eye on Canvas email for follow-up on missing or incomplete assignments (check your class status via the "Grades" tab) to ensure you've completed the course. Assignments subject to change.

COURSE: College Algebra — MATH 101

Instructor Information

Instructor: Reese White

Office Location: Avery 342

Office Hours: Tuesdays 11:00am-12:00pm; Thursdays 2:00pm-3:00pm (by appointment)

Course Description

Math 101, College Algebra, is a 3-credit course designed to deepen students' understanding of functions and prepare them for success in subsequent mathematics courses. In this course you will study many types of functions including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and piecewise, and learn to use functions to model real-world situations.

Prerequisites: Appropriate score on the Math Placement Exam; or grade of P, C, or better in Math 100A. The Department of Mathematics will drop all students who do not satisfy this policy (review the Math Placement Policy at http://www.math.unl.edu/resources/undergraduate/mpe/).

Important Note: Students with previous credit in any calculus course (that is, Math 104 or Math 106, 107, or 208 or their honors versions) may not register for or earn credit toward their degree in this course or any other math course numbered 104 or below.

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes

Course Goals:

1. Establish constructive attitudes about the value of math by highlighting its link to the real world.
2. Develop a wide base of mathematical knowledge and ability including:
   • computational skills
   • understanding of concepts
   • geometric visualization
   • problem-solving, reasoning, and generalizing
3. Strengthen essential academic skills such as:
   • critical thinking
   • writing
   • giving clear verbal explanations
   • understanding and using technology
   • working collaboratively
4. Gain the knowledge and ability needed to be successful in subsequent courses such as Math 104, Math 106, and Stat 218.

Required Texts / Materials

Textbook: Mathematics: PreCalculus Mathematics at Nebraska by Funk, Setniker, Uhing, Wakefield. This is a free digital textbook! Available at: https://mathbooks.unl.edu/

Course Packet: Active learning in this course will be guided by the Math 101 Course Packet, authored by the Department of Mathematics to align with the course textbook and curriculum. You must order a copy of this course packet for pickup or delivery from the UNL Campus Store and be prepared to begin working in the course packet on the first day of class.

Calculator: You are encouraged to utilize a scientific calculator or other technology to do routine computations. Online graphing calculators, such as Desmos, may also be useful tools throughout the course. However, for all assessments, only a scientific (non-graphing) calculator is allowed.

Class Schedule / Weekly Breakdown

This course will likely be quite different from previous math courses you have taken. Rather than overloading you with numerous exercises of the exact same type, this course will focus on enhancing your understanding of algebraic skills through novel problems that require a heightened level of critical thinking and reasoning.

Meeting Times:

Lecture Format: A typical class will include a mixture of lecture by the instructor and group work and will cover approximately one section per day corresponding to the course's online textbook. Lecture will be time for the instructor to go over any important material and concepts for the day's lesson. The group work portion of the class will often resemble student being split into groups and to work collaboratively on problems from worksheets in your course packet.

Assignments and Exams

All sections of this course use the same grading guidelines to ensure a fair, standardized evaluation process.

Course Readiness Activity (CRA) - 5% of grade

We want all students to be successful in this course. To ensure all students have retained and mastered essential background knowledge and skills, we administer a Course Readiness Activity (CRA) during the first two weeks of class. The activity assesses knowledge that a student should have learned in an Algebra II class in high school or by taking UNL's Math 100A. Calculators are not permitted for the CRA. The activity has 15 questions worth a total of 20 points, and the passing level is 16 out of 20 points.

• If a student passes the CRA by Sunday January 18th at 11:59pm, they will receive 23/20 points as a congratulations for starting the semester well.
• Students that have attempted the CRA and attained a score of at least 10/20 by Sunday, January 18th at 11:59pm, will be guaranteed at least a score of 10/20.
• Students who meet the 16 out of 20 proficiency level by Tuesday, January 27th at 11:59pm will earn 20/20 points towards their course grade.
• Students who do not meet this standard receive 0/20 points.
• The CRA may be taken up to once every 24 hours until you achieve a passing score.

Active Participation - 20% of grade

Since much of the learning in this course occurs interactively during class time, regular, on-time attendance is essential. Attendance will be taken each day of class and will count toward your total grade. If you are sick, you should NOT attend class. If you become so sick that you cannot attend class, then there are make-up opportunities at the discretion of your instructor.

WeBWork (online homework) - 15% of grade

We use an online system called WeBWorK to assess the individual component of your homework. There will be approximately two or three assignment due each week starting the second week of class. Each assignment will be weighted evenly. You are permitted 6 attempts for each question. Your lowest two scores will be dropped.

DLC Outcomes - 30% of grade

There is a total of 19 outcomes worth 10 points each to be completed in the Digital Learning Center (DLC). After the corresponding content for an outcome is covered in class, the student will be able to attempt mastery of the corresponding outcome at the DLC. Students will receive one attempt per day for each outcome until its corresponding due date. Students will NOT be permitted to use a calculator on the DLC Outcomes. You are responsible for booking your own appointments at the DLC.

The DLC Outcomes are organized into five "groupings" of outcomes. For each grouping, you can receive 5 points Extra Credit for receiving 5 or more out of 10 points on each outcome a week before the outcome groupings' deadline:

Outcome Group	Outcomes in Group	Extra Credit Deadline	Due Date
Chapters 1 and 2	1B, 1C, 1D, 1F, 2A	February 8th	February 15th
Chapter 3 and 4	3A, 3C, 3D, 4B, 4C	March 8th	March 15th
Chapters 5 and 6	5A, 5B, 5D, 6A	April 5th	April 12th
Chapters 7 and 8	7A, 7C, 8A, 8B, 8C	April 26th	May 3rd

In-Class Outcomes - 30% of grade

There is a total of 14 outcomes to be completed in class. Students are allowed to use a non-graphing calculator on the in class outcomes. There will usually be one to two in-class outcomes each week and these will typically take place during the last 10 to 20 minutes of class time each Friday. For each in-class outcome, students will have an initial attempt, a second attempt (usually a week later), and a third attempt on the appropriate "Exam" day.

For each outcome, there are four levels of performance:

• Mastery (10/10 points): The work is complete and clear, and any error is trivial and/or does not relate to the outcome being graded. The solution is easy to follow and justification is provided when necessary.
• Sufficient Mastery (7/10 points): The solution displays almost complete understanding. The work is almost correct, but the justification is unclear or incomplete.
• Partially Mastered (5/10 points): Partial understanding is evident, but there are significant gaps in the solution.
• Little or No Mastery (0/10 points): Understanding could not be measured from the solution. Not enough work was submitted, significant errors were made, and/or the method used was inappropriate.

Grading Breakdown

Assessment Category	Percentage of Total Grade
Course Readiness Activity (CRA)	5%
Active Participation	20%
WeBWork (online homework)	15%
Digital Learning Center (DLC) Outcomes	30%
In-Class Outcomes	30%

Grading Scale:

Letter Grade	A+	A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	D-
Percent Needed	96	90	87	84	80	77	74	70	67	64	60	57

Passing Grade Guarantee

If you earn a 90% for active participation, receive a sufficient mastery or better on 90% (12 out of 14) of in-class outcomes and 90% (17 out of 19) of DLC Outcomes, then we will guarantee that your grade will be a C or better. You are required to attempt all in-class and DLC outcomes.

Attendance Policy (Course-Specific)

Since much of the learning in this course occurs interactively during class time, regular, on-time attendance is essential. If you are sick and therefore unable to attend class, you should contact your instructor before class if possible.

If repeated absences (or arriving late to class) become excessive, it will significantly impact your performance in this class. Students anticipating more than one or two absences due to athletic commitments (or any other type of predictable commitment) should contact their instructor as soon as possible to discuss arrangements for the missed class(es).

Late Work Policy (Course-Specific)

Online homework (WeBWork) assignments have specific due dates. Late submissions are not accepted. However, your lowest two WeBWork scores will be dropped.

DLC Outcomes and In-Class Outcomes must be attempted by their specified deadlines. Make-up opportunities are built into the system with multiple attempt windows.

Academic Integrity (Course-Specific)

Academic honesty is essential to the existence and integrity of an academic institution. The responsibility for maintaining that integrity is shared by all members of the academic community. The University's Student Code of Conduct addresses academic dishonesty. Students who commit acts of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action and are granted due process and the right to appeal any decision.

Generative Artificial Intelligence

The unauthorized use of artificial intelligence to complete coursework is a violation of the University of Nebraska Student Code of Conduct Standards of Academic Integrity. Students who are unsure whether or not particular conduct is appropriate should ask the instructor. Failing to act with academic integrity violates the University of Nebraska Student Code of Conduct and will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards. Students who violate academic integrity standards may receive academic sanctions, up to and including receiving a grade of "F" in the course.

Technology Policy (Course-Specific)

Course Packet: The worksheets in the course packet are designed to help you prepare for homework assignments and assessments. You do not need to do the worksheets before class as a large portion of each class period will be spent working on these worksheets. Although this will not be graded directly, you will be expected to fill out the course packet during class time as part of your learning and active participation in the class.

Calculator Policy: You are encouraged to utilize a scientific calculator or other technology to do routine computations. Online graphing calculators, such as Desmos, may also be useful tools. However, for all assessments, only a scientific (non-graphing) calculator is allowed.

Digital Communication: The instructor will be posting announcements and updates about the course almost daily using Canvas Announcements or the Canvas Inbox feature. It is your responsibility to check Canvas and your Canvas Inbox daily.

Communication Expectations

Check with your section instructor for their specific communication policies and office hours.

The Math Resource Center (MRC) is a center staffed with graduate and undergraduate mathematics tutors. The MRC is free and open to all students in this course. You can use the MRC to study separately or with a group, get advice on assignments, or study with a tutor! Most of the hours are in-person with a few virtual options, the Zoom link for which can be found on the main MRC webpage.

MRC Location: Avery 13 (basement of Avery)

MRC Hours:

Finding Avery 13: Avery 13 is located in the basement of Avery. Full details about utilizing the MRC can be found on the main MRC webpage. Please read through the information so you know what to expect!

Directions to Avery 13:

• From the side stairwell (entrance near the parking lot): Enter the stairwell, go down the stairs, and turn right. Keep following the hallway until the MRC is on your right.
• From the front stairwell (across from Burnett): Enter the stairwell, go down the stairs, and go straight/left. Keep following the hallway until the MRC is on your left.

Additional Course Policies

Your Responsibilities as a Class Member

• Regular, on-time attendance and active participation in class activities until class is dismissed.
• Be ready to concentrate on math and discuss the day's material. Once class starts, it is not a place for casual conversations, reading the newspaper, doing homework for other classes, etc.
• Stay on task. No texting, reading messages or browsing the web with a phone, tablet or computer.
• Be respectful and polite. Listen to your instructor and your fellow students when they are talking.
• If you understand the mathematics, help others learn. Mathematics is not a competitive game and we want everyone to succeed.
• In order to benefit from being in an interactive class, each student must come to class prepared. Come to class having done the assigned reading and watched the assigned videos.

Why We Emphasize Writing

Writing is a crucial part of the thinking process itself. Writing explanations of your work will improve your understanding. The more carefully and clearly you write your mathematics, the more likely it is to be correct, and the more likely you will be to remember it. The answer to a math problem is not a number, but an explanation of how that number was obtained.

Why We Encourage a Team Approach

By working in a team, you will learn the material more thoroughly and remember it better. Out in the "real world", you will spend most of your working life as part of a team and you can start working on being an effective team member now. The ability to communicate (and understand) technical material is particularly important.

Department Grading Policies

The Department of Mathematics does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. If you believe you have been subject to such discrimination or harassment, please contact the department. If you believe your grade was assigned incorrectly or capriciously, then appeals may be made to (in order) the instructor, the vice chair, the Department grading appeals committee, the College of Arts and Sciences grading appeals committee, and the University grading appeals committee.

Important Dates

• January 18, 11:59pm: CRA early bonus deadline
• January 27, 11:59pm: CRA final deadline
• February 15: DLC Outcomes 1B, 1C, 1D, 1F, 2A due
• March 15: DLC Outcomes 3A, 3C, 3D, 4B, 4C due
• April 12: DLC Outcomes 5A, 5B, 5D, 6A due
• May 3: DLC Outcomes 7A, 7C, 8A, 8B, 8C due

Notes

The Department of Mathematics Course Evaluation Form will be available through your Canvas account during the last two weeks of class. Evaluations are anonymous and instructors do not see any of the responses until after final grades have been submitted. Please complete the evaluation thoughtfully.

Time Commitment: This course requires a solid effort. To be successful, you should be prepared to study (and work math problems) a minimum of two hours each week outside class for each credit hour. We expect you to spend at least 6 hours per week outside of class working on mathematics.

COURSE: Elements of Physical Geography — GEOG 155-250

Instructor Information

Lecture Instructor: James Benes, Ph.D
Office: Oldfather Hall 926
Office Hours: Tuesdays 2:00-3:00pm and Wednesdays 2:30-3:30pm or by appointment (preferred)
Email: jbenes2@unl.edu
Mailbox: School of Global Integrative Studies main office, 816 Oldfather

Lab Instructor: Chang Li
Email: cli26@huskers.unl.edu
Office Location: Oldfather Hall 928
Office Hours: Tuesday 15:45 -- 16:45 at BURN 127
Mailbox: School of Global Integrative Studies Main Office, Oldfather 816

Course Description

Physical Geography is the study of the earth's atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. By the end of this course, you will understand the interactions of many of the major processes that impact the earth as well as their influences on landscapes, climates, biota and humanity. This course will emphasize the use of the scientific method and show how physical geographers acquire and decipher data to reach their conclusions. The laboratory exercises are designed to complement and provide additional information on atmospheric and earth surface processes that are important to the study of physical geography.

Meeting Times:
Lecture: Check your section on MyRed (Sections 001-004, 101)
Lab: Sections 252, 256 - Burnett Hall 127

This is a UNL ACE 4 lecture and lab course. ACE 4 is defined as "Use scientific methods and knowledge to pose questions, frame hypotheses, interpret data, and evaluate whether conclusions about the natural and physical world are reasonable."

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the climatic and physical processes responsible for changes in landscapes and climates across the globe as well as through time.
2. Become familiar with the language of different types of maps and the information they portray.
3. Understand the complex relationships between humans and earth's physical resources.

ACE SLO4: The Weather Data Major Assignment addresses SLO4. In this assignment, students will engage with their assumptions about weather data, specifically temperature changes throughout the semester. They will make predictions based on their prior knowledge, take measurements each week, and compare their recorded data to historical temperature datasets to assess their critical thinking skills.

Required Texts / Materials

Lecture Textbook: Hess, Darrel, 2017. McKnight's Physical Geography A Landscape Appreciation. Pearson. 13th Edition.

Lab Manual: Hanson, Paul, Smith, Chad and Ryan Weichelt, 2012, Physical Geography 155 Laboratory Manual, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Print Shop: Lincoln, Nebraska

Required Software: Please download Google Earth Pro for Desktop as soon as possible. This is a free software that we will be using for many labs. Available at: https://www.google.com/earth/versions/

Important: At least one person per table needs to bring a computer to lab classes in which we use Google Earth Pro. Most labs use Google Earth Pro.

Class Schedule / Weekly Breakdown

Lecture Schedule:

Week	Topic
Week 1	Introductions, Introduction to the Earth
Week 2	Portraying Earth
Week 3	Intro to the Atmosphere
Week 4	Insolation and Temperature
Week 5	Atmospheric Pressure and Wind
Week 5	Exam 1 (Units 1-5)
Week 6	Atmospheric Moisture
Week 7	Atmospheric Disturbances
Week 8	Climate and Climate Change
Week 9	The Hydrosphere
Week 10	Spring Break (March 16-20)
Week 11	Cycles and Patterns in the Biosphere; Terrestrial Flora and Fauna; Soils
Week 11	Exam 2 (Units 7-11)
Week 12	Introduction to Landform Study
Week 13	Rivers and Fluvial Processes
Week 14	Dynamic Earth
Week 15	Volcanoes / Earthquakes / Glacial Landforms
Week 16	Glacial landforms / Study session / Make up work
Finals Week	Final Exam (Exam 3) - Monday, May 4th, 10am-12pm

Lab Schedule:

Week	Week of	Lab #	Topic
1	01/12	1	Introduction to Maps
2	01/19	2	Introduction to Topographic Maps
3	01/26	3	Introduction to Remote Sensing and GIS
4	02/02	4	The Seasons and Time on Earth
5	02/09	5	Atmospheric Circulation Patterns and Winds
6	02/16	6	Fire History / Paleoecology / Lab Tour
7	02/23	7	Map Assignment Lab
8	03/02	8	Weather Fronts and Severe Weather
9	03/09	9	Earth's Climate (Map Assignment Part 1 due)
10	03/16	No Lab	Spring Break -- You can go to Robber's Cave*
11	03/23	10	Groundwater
12	03/30	11	Soils (Robber's Cave Assignment due)
13	04/06	12	Campus Rock Tour
14	04/13	13	Rivers and Streams
15	04/20	14	Glaciers (Map Assignment Part 2 due)

*Must book in advance: call/text 402-975-0598, or email greenyj4@icloud.com, mention GEOG 155.

Assignments and Exams

Lecture Components:

• 3 Exams: 285 points (95 points each)
• 3 Quizzes: 100 points (33 points each)
• 3 Major Assignments: 300 points (100 points each)
  • Weather Data Part 1 (Due 01/16/26)
  • Morrill Hall Visit (lecture; due Apr 13, 2026, 11:59pm on Canvas—confirm on your lecture calendar)
  • Weather Data Part 2 (Due 04/24/26)
• 3 Minor Assignments: 75 points (25 points each)
• Extra Credit: 1 or 2 extra credit opportunities may be announced

Lab Components:

• Laboratory: 225 points
• Each lab will have equal weight towards the final grade
• Each lab includes:
  • Quiz at the beginning of the lab period
  • Short lecture
  • Completion of the workbook assignment in groups/tables
  • Instructor review of work and dismissal of individual tables
  • Measure outdoor temperature

Important Lab Policies:

• READ the lab text BEFORE coming to class but DO NOT complete the lab assignment prior to attending lab
• Each lab quiz occurs at the BEGINNING of the lab period
• Students late to lab (more than 10 minutes) will NOT be allowed to take the quiz
• The usage of personal electronic devices is strictly prohibited during quiz time. Failing to comply will result in zero points for that quiz.

Grading Breakdown

Students must pass both lecture and lab sections to pass GEOG 155.

Grading Scale:

98-100%	93-97%	90-92%	87-89%	83-86%	80-82%	77-79%	73-76%	70-72%	67-69%	63-66%	60-62%	<60%
A+	A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	D-	F

Important: Grades will not be curved.

Attendance Policy (Course-Specific)

Lecture Attendance: Class attendance in lectures is strongly encouraged and required for you to pass this course. Read the text prior to the lecture, be attentive and take notes in class, and ask questions when you don't understand the content.

If you miss class, there is zero expectation to be informed about upcoming quizzes, tests, materials, etc. Canvas announcements may be used to supplement announcements made in class but are not a substitute. If you miss class, it is expected you will talk to the instructor, TA, or a classmate to get caught up.

Lab Attendance: Students are expected to attend lab every week. Attendance and participation are crucial to students' success in class and lab.

• Missed labs due to athletic competition/travel or class field trips must be documented with official letters.
• Please provide at least 72 hours prior notice for excused events, for emergencies or unexpected absences please email within 24 hours after your scheduled lab.
• Missed labs are to be completed before the next lab class. Completed missed lab assignment pages and quizzes will need to be emailed prior to the next class unless further accommodations need to be made.
• As a matter of policy -- you may miss one lab, unexcused. If you have more than one unexcused lab, you will receive a zero for the lab points at the end of the semester. Zero points for the lab results in failing GEOG 155.
• Active participation is expected. Personal Electronics must be in silent mode and not used during lab time (unless use is directed by your TA). Failing to follow will result in deduction of attendance points.
• Students may only leave after instructor's dismissal of individual tables. Leaving early without permission will be considered as an unexcused absence.

Make-up Lab Policy: It is your responsibility to attend another lab, should you need to do a make-up. Check MyRed for other Section 250 lab times, email instructor of lab regarding which lab you plan to attend, and follow up with lab instructor after attending another lab.

Late Work Policy (Course-Specific)

Lecture: Assignments turned in late will receive a one-point deduction for every day it is late. Assignments turned in six days after the due date will not be accepted.

Lab: Assignment deadlines are set in consideration of the difficulty. It is students' responsibility to submit any assignments on time, and your submission should comply with the requirements. Late work will not be accepted.

Academic Integrity (Course-Specific)

All types of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and cheating, will not be tolerated. Students are expected to adhere to guidelines concerning academic dishonesty outlined in Section 4.2 of the University's Student Code of Conduct. Any incidences of academic dishonesty will be immediately reported to the Geography Chair. Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for clarification of these guidelines if they have questions or concerns.

Technology Policy (Course-Specific)

Artificially Generated Content: Using AI tools to create information or products is not inherently a "bad" thing. But in this course, you are expected to produce your own content without the use of such tools. Unless otherwise directed, AI-generated content is forbidden and use of it will result in a "zero" grade.

Communication Expectations

Lecture Instructor Email Format:

Dear Dr. Benes,
[TEXT OF EMAIL]
Email should generally be free of errors and slang. Emails are not texting and henceforth have a different format.
Regards, [or some other sign off]
[Your Name]

The instructor will respond to your email inquiries within 48 hours, and you should not expect anything sooner. If it's an emergency, please indicate that in your subject line of your email. Email is the primary mode of communication with your instructor.

Other Contact: Please contact Dr. Sophia Perdikaris, SGIS Director, sperdikaris2@unl.edu, in the event of issues arising in this course.

Additional Course Policies

Quizzes and Assignments

Quizzes will be given in between exams, during lecture. Missing lecture results in missing these opportunities for grades -- no make-up work is allowed. Assignments will be clearly outlined and assigned in advance with online instructions on directions.

Lab

You must pass both the lecture and the laboratory to pass the course. If you miss two labs, you automatically fail the course. The labs do not exactly follow the lecture material, but sometimes they align more closely than others.

Free Speech

In this classroom all viewpoints are respected and valued. The college experience is one in which you can discuss controversial topics in a mature setting. At absolutely no time are you to feel that you cannot freely express your viewpoint. If you have any problems with this---or feel that you can't express your viewpoint in class---contact me so we can discuss.

Illness

If you miss a class, or exam due to illness, it is your responsibility to schedule and communicate the remedy and plan for how you intend to make up the lost work. Communication is key -- email ASAP when there is an issue. In the case where the instructor is ill or cannot attend class, Zoom might be used as an alternative for a short period of time. In general, the class will not be made available via Zoom.

Important Dates

• January 16: Weather Data Part 1 Due
• April 13: Morrill Hall Visit (lecture) due 11:59pm (Canvas)
• April 24: Weather Data Part 2 Due; Notes From the Field Due
• May 4, 10:00am-12:00pm: FINAL EXAM (Exam 3) in lecture location

Notes

You earn your grade. College should be difficult, challenging and rewarding. If you aren't being challenged, please speak with the instructor -- if it is too challenging, the instructor can help offer ways and means to cope and strategize your learning.

Before deciding to take the class pass/fail, please check with your advisor.

COURSE: Introduction to Business — MNGT 101

Instructor Information

Instructor: Shawntell Kroese
Email: skroese2@nebraska.edu
Office Hours: Wednesdays 10-11 and by appointment
Office location: HLH 325J
Response Time: I will respond to emails within 24 hours. If you have an emergency or need a faster response, please text me at 402.980.3266.

Course Description

Mngt 101- Introduction to Business provides a broad introduction to the core disciplines of business -covering areas such as management, marketing, finance, supply chain management, economics and accounting. In this class, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills and will be exposed to a variety of business scenarios. You will apply foundational concepts in a real-world business competition, along with applying what they learn to current issues and current companies. As part of this course, there will be the following components:

• Business Battle: A team-based, real-world case challenged supported by student coaches and industry mentors.
• Foundational Curriculum: The course will help set-up students for success by bringing exposure to all business disciplines.
• Mentoring and Coaching: Students will be provided support through smaller recitations and early exposure to career development and professional networks.

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes

The primary learning goals for this are:

1. Students will be exposed to all key business college disciplines and understand how they interconnect.
2. Students will build their college and business acumen confidence which will help set them up for success during their time at UNL and beyond.
3. Students will practice solving real business problems.
4. Students will work in teams and will have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership, accountability and collaboration.
5. Student will be challenged to communicate their ideas both verbally and in writing on diverse business scenarios.
6. Student will get a solid start in building their professional network and business college peer group.

Required Texts / Materials

There will be no book for this class; instead, please use the Guided Notes and other resources posted on Canvas. All key resources will be available on Canvas.

Class Schedule / Weekly Breakdown

Weekly Topics:

• Week 1: Introduction, Get organized, Entrepreneurship
• Week 2: Management (Hiring, Performance Mgt)
• Week 3: Management / MARKETING speaker
• Week 4: Marketing
• Week 5: Accounting
• Week 6: Economics
• Week 7: Finance
• Week 8: Strategy and Ethical Decision Making
• Week 9: Finish Strategy / Ethics and Start Supply Chain
• Week 10: Spring Break (March 16-20)
• Week 11: Introduce Business Battle
• Week 12-14: Guided worktime, consultant meetings
• Week 15-16: Peer review of deliverable, live presentation of top teams, Business Battle Celebration

Assignments and Exams

The grade for this course will consist of the following components:

Assignment	Points
Daily Assignments and/or Reflection Assignment (total of 14)	10 points each (700 total)
Knowledge Checks (total of 14)	10 points each (700 total)
Guided Notes (total of 14)	10 points each (700 total)
Exam #1	100 points
Exam #2	100 points
Exam #3	100 points
Recitation Participating and Assignments	10 points each
Recitation Coach Meeting	20 points
Business Battle Peer Evaluation	30 points
Business Battle Submission	50 pts
Business Battle Team Member evaluation	35 points

Exam Windows:

• Exam #1: February 1st -- February 5th
• Exam #2: February 22nd-February 26th
• Exam #3: March 8-March 12th

Grading Breakdown

Exam/Activity	Maximum Points	Percentage of Grade
Exam I	100	16.67%
Exam II	100	16.67%
Exam III	100	16.67%
Daily Assignments/Reflection (14)	700
Knowledge Checks (14)	700
Guided Notes (14)	700
Recitation Participation	varies
Business Battle Submission	50
Business Battle Peer Evaluation	30
Business Battle Team Member Evaluation	35
Total Available Points	3500 Points	100%

Grading Scale:

Grade	Range
A+	100% to 97.0%
A	< 97.0% to 92.0%
A-	< 92.0% to 90.0%
B+	< 90.0% to 87.0%
B	< 87.0% to 82.0%
B-	< 82.0% to 80.0%
C+	< 80.0% to 77.0%
C	< 77.0% to 72.0%
C-	< 72.0% to 70.0%
D+	< 70.0% to 67.0%
D	< 67.0% to 62.0%
D-	< 62.0% to 60.0%
F	< 60.0% to 0.0%

Attendance Policy (Course-Specific)

It will be critical for students to attend the class. Each class period, there will be given points as part of Daily Assignments, Knowledge Checks, and Guided Notes components. Attendance is crucial for your success in this course.

Late Work Policy (Course-Specific)

I will not accept late work in this class. However, I will allow students to drop 3 of their lowest scores (Daily Assignments/Reflection Assignments, Knowledge Checks, or Guided Notes assignments). No late work will be allowed for tests or anything associated with the Business Battle.

Academic Integrity (Course-Specific)

Under the Course and University Policies you'll find the College of Business Academic Integrity policy. For this course that means:

• Do your own work on all assignments and exams.
• Do not attempt to gain any advantage by fabrication of events.

Technology Policy (Course-Specific)

AI Usage and Academic Integrity

The use of A.I. tools like Chat GPT is neither encouraged nor prohibited on assignments for this course. If you choose to use Chat GPT for assignments, please be sure to revise the content for clarity, conciseness, and audience awareness. Chat GPT is simply a tool and should not be used as a way to produce first and only drafts. Every assignment submission will be graded using the rubric provided in the syllabus. Be aware that Chat GPT may not develop high-quality work that earns a passing grade. It is your responsibility to review and revise all work before submitting to the instructor.

Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor

This course uses Respondus LockDown Browser for exams and quizzes. This is a proctoring tool that disables web browsing and messaging while taking an exam or quiz. Respondus LockDown Browser can be downloaded here through UNL and is free of charge. You will need to sign in using your UNL credentials. Students must ensure the browser is downloaded, installed, and up to date BEFORE their exams or quizzes.

Communication Expectations

My goal is to create an engaging and relevant course that drives curiosity and helps prepare all students for their respective business school experience. I want to provide a safe and inclusive environment that supports all students. The course work will help to develop critical thinking skills and connect theory to real-world applications.

Instructor's Role: My role is to facilitate learning, by creating a supportive and inclusive environment. I want to build your confidence as you start your College of Business experience. I want to encourage critical thinking through discussion, assignments, and activities. And help you build your professional acumen and prepare you for future business opportunities, both academically and professionally.

Student Role: As a student in this course, your role is to be an active, engaged participant in your own learning. Come prepared to class and bring your questions and ideas. Take initiative in your learning and seek help when you need it. Support a class culture of collaboration, curiosity, and be a good team player in team projects and activities.

Additional Course Policies

Expectations for Student Conduct

My expectations for student conduct:

• This class will be a safe place for intelligent dialogue and perspective, and it will provide practical experience that will help you in your future endeavors.
• Display respect, courtesy, and professionalism to professor and classmates
• Watch and answer follow up questions for all lectures and guest speakers
• Read and be prepared to discuss all assigned readings
• Actively participate in discussions and activities
• Complete and submit all assignments on time
• Adhere to University of Nebraska- Lincoln policies on academic honesty

Inclement Weather Notification

The university's campus closing options regarding classes will be:

• all classes are canceled.
• in-person classes are canceled and follow instructional continuity plans.
• all classes are conducted as usual.

In the case that all classes are canceled for inclement weather, we WILL HOLD CLASS via Zoom. An email with a Zoom link will be sent via Canvas and posted to the course announcements at the time the university has announced the official campus closure for inclement weather.

Important Dates

• January 19: Martin Luther King Day -- NO CLASS
• February 1-5: Exam #1
• February 13: Business Battle team sign-up
• February 22-26: Exam #2
• March 8-12: Exam #3
• March 13: Major Showcase
• March 16-20: Spring Break
• March 23: Business Battle Kick-off
• April 3: First Consultant meeting
• April 10: Email consultants recording by midnight Sunday
• April 15: 2nd consultant meeting in Atrium
• April 20: Practice presentations begin
• April 29: Business Battle Celebration -- LAST DAY OF CLASS

Notes

This syllabus is a guideline. It can change based on instructor and student input, as well as unforeseen circumstances. As a condensed class, communication and completion are the keys to this course.

COURSE: Sales Communication — MRKT 257-001

Instructor Information

Instructor: Chad Mardesen
Meeting Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM to 9:15 AM
Meeting Location: HLH 020 (Auditorium B)

Course Description

Provides an introduction to the fundamentals of sales communication including verbal, listening and written skills. Students learn the various components of the selling process, develop a written selling plan, and gain experience in executing each step of the selling process through role-play exercises.

Selling is a fundamental part of not only business but everyday life. You are called upon to sell all the time – whether it is an idea, product, service, or point of view. This course is designed to teach you about sales communication, including communicating with entities internal and external to the organization. The course also focuses on the role of personal selling in business and how salespeople carry out their duties. We will review the different aspects of the sales task and how to accomplish these jobs effectively and efficiently. The course will utilize a variety of learning approaches including, but not limited to: (1) required readings, (2) role-plays, (3) observational learning, (4) lectures, and (5) open discussion about various sales-related issues.

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes

The objectives of this class are for you to:

• Improve your communication skills: verbal, written, and listening
• Foster a customer-oriented and ethical approach to professional selling
• Develop critical thinking skills and decision-making abilities as it pertains to relevant sales topics
• Enhance your ability to "sell", including selling yourself and selling your ideas to others
• Via experiential learning, demonstrate an understanding and application of the sales process

ACE Credit

Learning Outcome: MRKT257 satisfies ACE Learning Outcome 2A: demonstrate communication competence by employing a repertoire of communication skills for developing and maintaining professional and personal relationships.

The opportunities to learn and the assignments that enable achievement of this outcome include:

• Role Plays: Each student will engage in recorded role plays comprising: (a) one five-minute (approximate) individual role play to execute the SPIN selling concept (Situation, Problem, Implication, Need-Payoff), and (b) one 15-minute (approximate) individual role play to demonstrate knowledge of the critical elements of the selling process, within a simulated buyer-seller sales situation.
• Written Selling Plan: This is a written team assignment where each team will prepare a written plan for a successful sales call. The selling plan should include: value proposition, features/benefits summary, competitive comparison, delineation of promotional support elements, and a business proposal.

Required Texts / Materials

Course Text: Selling: Building Partnerships (11th ed.); Stephen B. Castleberry & John F. Tanner, 2013; (ISBN-978-1-259-57320-0) - REQUIRED

The bookstore's ACCESS program is provisioning eBook access for each student enrolled in this course; you should have received an email from "donoreply@redshelf.com" to your huskers.unl.edu email address with information on how to access the digital material. For the fall term, students can opt-out (or to opt back in after initially opting out) if they choose to obtain the required material through another means.

Course Website: Canvas, MRKT 257-001.1258

Course Materials: Harvard Business Review (HBR) Case(s) (if needed)

Class Schedule / Weekly Breakdown

Date	Topics Covered
13-Jan	Syllabus Review/Class Objectives
15-Jan	Chapter 1: Selling and Salespeople
20-Jan	Chapter 13: Building Partnering Relationships
22-Jan	Chapter 2: Ethical and Legal Issues in Selling
27-Jan	Chapter 3: Buying Behavior and the Buying Process
29-Jan	Chapter 4: Using Communication Principles to Build Relationships
3-Feb	PROJECT REVIEW SESSION | EXAM 1 REVIEW SESSION (open Q&A)
5-Feb	EXAM 1 DUE: Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, & 13 (no class, exam given at the DLC)
10-Feb	Guest Speaker - TBD
12-Feb	Chapter 5: Adaptive Selling for Relationship Building
17-Feb	Chapter 6: Prospecting
19-Feb	Chapter 7: Planning the Sales Call
24-Feb	Chapter 8: Making the Sales Call
26-Feb	Guest Speaker - TBD
2-March	ROLE PLAY LAB RESERVATIONS OPEN (HLH 045)
3-March	Chapter 9: Strengthening the Presentation
4 & 5 March	ROLE PLAY LAB OPEN (HLH 045 - Lab Hours are 8:30 AM to 4 PM)
5-March	ROLE PLAY 1 DUE (uploaded to Canvas by 5 PM)
10-March	Center for Sales Applications Due; Chapter 10: Responding to Objections
12-March	Guest Speaker - TBD
16 - 20 March	SPRING BREAK - NO CLASS
24-March	Exam 2 Review Session (Open Q&A)
26-March	EXAM 2 DUE: (Ch. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10) - exam given in the DLC
31-March	Selling Plan Review/Exam 2 Review (Open Q&A)
2-April	Chapter 11: Obtaining Commitment
7-April	Chapter 12: Formal Negotiating
9-April	Chapter 14: Building Long-Term Partnerships; SELLING PLANS DUE (submitted to Canvas by midnight)
14-April	ROLE PLAY 2 REVIEW SESSION
16-April	Chapter 15: Time and Territory; ROLE PLAY LAB RESERVATIONS OPEN (HLH 045)
20 & 21 April	ROLE PLAY LAB OPEN (HLH 045 - Lab Hours are 8:30 AM to 4 PM)
21- April	ROLE PLAY 2 DUE (uploaded to Canvas by 5 PM)
23-April	Chapter 17: Managing Your Career
28-April	Guest Speaker - TBD
30-April	Exam 3 Review & Open Q&A; Course Wrap-Up
6-May	EXAM III Due: Ch. 11, 12, 14, 15, 17 & Speakers (exam given in the DLC)

Assignments and Exams

Exams: Exams will cover material from discussions, speakers & speaker videos (when applicable), additional videos and assigned readings. Although classroom lectures will serve to highlight and reinforce key topics and issues, they are not intended to replace your textbook. It is critical that you read and comprehend all assigned materials prior to the corresponding exam session. Exam format is multiple-choice questions. Anyone caught cheating or using a cellular phone during an exam will be asked to leave and will receive a ZERO on that exam.

Selling Project Components:

Part I: SPIN Selling (50 Points; Individual Grade)

This is an individual role-play assignment, meaning everyone must complete the SPIN sell (each student will perform the sales-person role in the role-play). The purpose of this assignment is to improve and assess your ability to ask questions and turn customer responses into actionable recommendations. You are required to submit an approximately 5 minute video with a partner during which you will execute a SPIN (Situation, Problem, Implication, Need-Payoff) role-play with a buyer. These videos will be completed using the Center for Sales Excellence Lab (located in HLH 045). Due: March 5, 5:00pm

Part II: Selling Plan (50 Points; Group Grade)

The purpose of the selling plan is to prepare your team for a successful sales call. The selling plan should include: customer value proposition, customer benefit proposition, competitive comparison, delineation of promotional support elements, solution quantification, and buyer profiles. Due: April 9, midnight

Part III: The Role-Play (100 Points; Individual Grade)

The purpose of the Role-Play is to demonstrate the selling principles and techniques discussed in class over the course of the semester. Using the product highlighted in the Role-Play (published on Canvas) you will be selling using information from the case as well as information you created in your Selling Plan; each student will execute one 15-minute (approximate) sales call during which you will demonstrate your knowledge of the critical elements of the selling process. These videos will be recorded using the Center for Sales Excellence lab in HLH 045. Due: April 21, 5:00pm

Part IV: Peer Evaluation (25 Points; Individual Grade)

All students must complete and submit the Peer Evaluation Form for all team members, including the student themself. The peer evaluation should be submitted via canvas. If you do not submit a peer evaluation, evaluating the members of your group, you may receive a reduced peer evaluation score. Due: April 21, 5:00pm

Grading Breakdown

Exam/Activity	Maximum Points	Percentage of Grade
Exam I	100	16.67%
Exam II	100	16.67%
Exam III	100	16.67%
SPIN Selling	50	8.33%
Selling Plan	50	8.33%
The Role-Play	100	16.67%
Peer Evaluation	25	4.17%
Attendance	75	12.50%
Total Available Points	600 Points	100%

Class Grading Scale:

Total Points	Percentage Points	Course Grade
579-600 Points	97 - 100%	A+
555-578 Points	93 - 96%	A
537-554 Points	90 - 92%	A-
519-536 Points	87 - 89%	B+
495-518 Points	83 - 86%	B
477-494 Points	80 - 82%	B-
459-476 Points	77 - 79%	C+
435-458 Points	73 - 76%	C
417-434 Points	70 - 72%	C-
399-416 Points	67 - 69%	D+
375-398 Points	63 - 66%	D
357-374 Points	60 - 62%	D-
< 357 Points	Below 60%	F

Attendance Policy (Course-Specific)

All students are expected to be present and regular in attendance for scheduled classes and open labs. Absences will be considered justified and excusable only in cases of emergencies, serious illness or death in the immediate family. Regular attendance is critical for your success in this course.

I want to create an environment in which you are mentally engaged in class by reading the material beforehand and coming prepared with something to contribute. To encourage this, a portion of your course grade will depend on your attendance and participation (the total available points split 50/50 between the two). Your attendance grade will be dependent on your presence; however, your participation grade will be determined based on the quality of your input in class.

Missing Class: If you want to be excused from class for a valid reason (e.g., job interview), check with me beforehand, preferably through email. If you are unable to attend class because you fall sick or have some last-minute emergency, send me an email or leave a message in my voice mailbox before class. For excused absences, I will give attendance points for the class, but you should not expect to receive any participation points. No points will be awarded for unexcused absences. If you miss more than 25% of the classes, you should not expect a passing grade in the course irrespective of your performance on the tests and other components of the course.

Attention: Inappropriate behavior during discussions distracts your instructor and classmates, thus is unacceptable. You may be dismissed from class if your behavior disrupts classroom activities. If everyone "shows up" and is engaged and respectful of others, the experience will be much better for everyone.

Late Work Policy (Course-Specific)

While the syllabus includes dates for exams, the exam dates may be extended by a day or two due to DLC availability. Exams will be conducted within the date windows indicated on the DLC scheduling website. Project role-plays will all have specific due dates. No make-up examinations or extended deadlines on projects will be provided unless arranged and agreed upon in advance of the dates on your syllabus (Canvas) or the DLC registration system. Decisions regarding make-up exams and projects will be made on a case-by-case basis. To preserve the integrity of these processes, I reserve the right to change the content (i.e., questions) and/or format (e.g., multiple-choice vs. essay) of make-up work.

Academic Integrity (Course-Specific)

Academic honesty is essential to the existence and integrity of an academic institution. Students are expected to adhere to the University of Nebraska- Lincoln policies on academic honesty.

Technology Policy (Course-Specific)

AI Use Policy

The use of A.I. tools like Chat GPT is neither encouraged nor prohibited on assignments for this course. If you choose to use AI tools for assignments, please be sure to revise the content for clarity, conciseness, and audience awareness. Chat GPT and AI tools like it, are just tools. However, it is extremely important that AI tools don't stand alone and represent your entire effort on a project. It's important that your own original work and thoughts drive your work because learning only occurs when that effort is your own.

Every assignment submission will be graded using the rubric provided in the syllabus. Be aware that Chat GPT may not develop high-quality work that earns a passing grade. It is your responsibility to review and revise all work before submitting to the instructor.

Since writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills are part of the learning outcomes of this course, all writing assignments should be prepared primarily by the student. Developing strong competencies in this area will prepare you for a competitive workplace.

Communication Expectations

Expectations for Student Conduct:

• Display respect, courtesy, and professionalism to professor and classmates
• Watch and answer follow up questions for all lectures and guest speakers (this counts towards your attendance grade)
• Read and be prepared to discuss all assigned readings
• Actively participate in discussions and activities
• Complete and submit all assignments on time
• Adhere to University of Nebraska- Lincoln policies on academic honesty

Canvas: Lecture videos (when possible) and other course materials will be distributed via the course Canvas page. Be sure to frequently check announcements and changes. You will submit all assignments via Canvas. I will utilize Canvas and email to communicate important course information.

Additional Course Policies

Incomplete

An instructor uses the grade of an "I" (Incomplete) at the end of a term to designate incomplete work in a course. It should be used only when the student was unable to complete the requirements of the course because of illness, military services, hardship, or death in the immediate family. A grade of "I" should be given only if the student has substantially completed the major requirements of the course. Arrangements to remove an Incomplete should be made with the instructor who taught the course.

Changes to Schedule or Syllabus

The syllabus is a general plan for the course. Modifications, verbally or in writing, may be necessary to fit our course objectives.

Harassment Policy

This class and the University will not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any type, including that due to race, gender, religion, etc. If harassment occurs, please contact the instructor (Chad Mardesen), the Chair of the Marketing Department (Dr. Amit Saini), the Dean of the College of Business (Dean Kathy Farrell), or the UNL EEO/Affirmative Action Office.

Recording of Class-Related Activity

Each student contributes to an environment that shapes the learning process. Any work and/or communication that you are privy to as a member of this course should be treated as the intellectual property of the speaker/creator, and is not to be shared outside the context of this course.

Students may not make or distribute screen captures, audio/video recordings of, or livestream, any class-related activity, including lectures and presentations, without express prior written consent from me or an approved accommodation from Services for Students with Disabilities. Failure to follow this policy on recording or distributing class-related activities may subject you to discipline under the Student Code of Conduct.

Inclement Weather Notification

The university's campus closing options regarding classes will be:

• all classes are canceled.
• in-person classes are canceled and follow instructional continuity plans.
• all classes are conducted as usual.

In the case that all classes are canceled for inclement weather, we WILL HOLD CLASS via Zoom. An email with a Zoom link will be sent via Canvas and posted to the course announcements at the time the university has announced the official campus closure for inclement weather.

Important Dates

• February 5: Exam I due
• March 5, 5:00pm: SPIN Selling (Role Play 1) due
• March 10: Center for Sales Applications due
• March 16-20: Spring Break
• March 26: Exam II due
• April 9, midnight: Selling Plans due
• April 21, 5:00pm: Role Play 2 and Peer Evaluations due
• May 6: Exam III due

Notes

If you would like to save a PDF copy of this syllabus for your records you can open your browser's Print dialog and set your print destination to "Save as PDF" or "Microsoft Print to PDF."

For more information about the Writing Center, please visit unl.edu/writing. Grammarly is available for College of Business students at: go.unl.edu/grammarlysignup