Week 1 – Assignment 1: Importance of a Human Resource Department

HRM-7000: Human Resources Management in the 21st Century

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

· Begin by carefully reading your course syllabus. Since this is your ‘contract’ for the course. Pay attention to the course and assignment requirements and grading for your assignments. It also includes NCU policies and resources that are important during this course and your academic program at the university.

· You will find that this course provides an exciting learning experience with a variety of different types of assignment activities. It is important to remember that all written assignments are still expected to be completed as scholarly works adhering to academic and APA standards.

· Feedback is the foundation by which instructors teach students in NCU courses. Just as you will spend time carefully preparing your assignments, instructors do the same as we prepare your feedback. Because it is critical that you get the most out of the feedback you receive, NCU has created a video that will help you to benefit from feedback. As you start this course, I encourage you to use this link to the NCU video "How to Benefit from Feedback" at:

http://www.viddler.com/v/96826c0b.

I believe you will find this very helpful as you progress through this course and other courses towards your graduate degree at NCU. 

· It is important that you know the University has great resources available to you as a learner on your academic journey. Along with academic advisors, the NCU library, and the Academic Success Center just to name a few. If you believe that you may qualify for academic accommodations, please consult Disability Services for assistance.

· Remember, while online courses give you great flexibility, they also require discipline, commitment, and organization. We will cover a lot of material in a very short amount of time in this course and therefore, it is important that you be self-motivated, self-disciplined and manage your time effectively to avoid falling behind. As you begin the course, it will help you to make a plan that includes time for studying and preparing your assignments. If you find yourself in a situation where you are struggling or falling behind, speak up by contacting me as your faculty and/or your academic advisor.

Expectations for assignments:

· As stated in your syllabus, assignments should be submitted on the due date listed in your

NCU courseroom. The University requires that most assignments are submitted before midnight on the Sunday due date to avoid late assignments. This may be different for your discussion posts assignments. Past due assignments receive a deduction (10%) in points for each day the assignment is late and, per University policy, assignments will not be accepted if they are seven (7) days or more past due. These assignments will automatically receive a failing grade of zero points. I cannot change or violate this NCU policy. If you find that you have extenuating circumstances that will prevent you from submitting an assignment on time, immediately contact me.

· All assignments should be submitted with a NCU Assignment Cover Sheet (in your paper formatting template).

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· Know that I will grade your assignments in a timely manner within a four-day period and that I expect you will take time to review and act on my feedback before submitting your next assignment. If you have questions or need clarification regarding assignment feedback, it is important that you let me know. Know that the best way to improve your assignments and your grade is to act on the feedback you receive.

· Don’t forget that University policy prevents students from “bulk loading” of assignments; submitting one or more assignments before receiving feedback on an earlier assignment. If I receive bulk assignments near the completion of the course, I will only grade one assignment that is appropriately submitted and request you to redo and resubmit the next assignment after you have received my feedback. When there is no time to resubmit assignment, you will receive a “0” grade for all assignments.

· All assignments are expected to be written at a graduate student level demonstrating higher-level thinking; thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts that are presented in the course; and your insights and thoughts related to the assignment topic. You must also adhere to APA standards (6th Edition APA Guide) including proper margins, title page, headers, citations in text, and a reference list. Abstracts are expected for written assignments. Know that the Academic Success Center can help you with APA resources as well as with writing overall.

These are two of the APA tutorials they suggest to assist you:

The Basics of APA Style  -  http://www.apastyle.org/learn/tutorials/basics-tutorial.aspx APA Formatting and Style Guide -   http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/17/

· It is imperative that you read the Northcentral University Academic Integrity Policy. In adherence to NCU policy, assignments are submitted through the plagiarism detection software, Turnitin. Be aware that even unintentional plagiarism is still plagiarism. Self-plagiarism often happens when students submit a past assignment from another course or because they are retaking the course. If you are retaking the course you are required to get my approval before using past assignments. If you are not sure about properly citing information in your assignment, you might refer to APA’s website and blog or check with the NCU Academic Success Center.

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