Public Speaking

SPCH1315 – Public Speaking – Spring 2024 - Online

Instructor: Diana Cooley, Ph.D.

Office: A264-B

Phone #: 281.765.7814

Office Hours: by appointement via phone or WebEx

E-mail: [email protected]

Textbook: A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking – 7thEdition Authors: O’Hair, Rubenstein, Stewart ISBN-9781319247607 ISBN:9781319492359 (eBook) TEXTBOOK IS REQUIRED

Course Description: Public speaking provides the student with the essential skills and tools necessary to communicate ideas. Selection of topic, organization of data, exercises in vocal awareness, evaluation of audience, situation, and techniques of delivery are discussed & put into action. Through oral presentations in class, students will enhance their competence in oral communication. This course explores the different styles of public speaking: argumentative, ceremonial, informational, motivational & persuasive. The information presented brings attention to the strategies of planning, preparing, and presenting the speech & focuses on skill building that will benefit the student long after the Public Speaking course is over. Upon successful completion of this course, students will (as established by the LSC System):

1. Recognize and understanding of the foundational models of communication. 2. Apply elements of audience analysis. 3. Demonstrate ethical speaking and listening skills by analyzing presentations for evidence and logic. 4. Research, develop and deliver extemporaneous speeches with effective verbal and nonverbal techniques. 5. Demonstrate effective usage of technology when researching and/or presenting speeches. 6. Understand how culture, ethnicity, and gender influence communication. 7. Develop proficiency in presenting a variety of speeches as an individual or group (e.g., narrative, informative, or persuasive). 8. Demonstrate understanding of visual communication as it pertains to public speaking.

The human brain starts working the moment you are born

and never stops until you stand up to speak in public. ~ Sir George Jessel

All great speakers were bad speakers at first. ~Emerson

MESSAGE FROM INSTRUCTOR: In this course, which all of your learning will take place completely online, you have to opportunity to learn the major concepts and principles of public speaking which will provide you with the necessary tools to help you communicate effectively in your personal life and in the business arena. The course covers public speaking concepts/theories and topics such as audience analysis, communication apprehension, verbal techniques, effective use of technology, persuasion and researching etc. Each assignment builds on the next; you have explicit directions/examples provided to you to complete this course successfully and meet the course objectives set forth by the LSC system. It is your responsibility to have good time management skills and the incentive to review the necessary materials for you to be successful. You are responsible to be an active participant in your learning process. You can do the work correctly (following specific directions/examples), or you can do the work your way (for which you’ll receive a zero). The decision is yours, but the grade you earn comes from following the exact directions for each specific assignment as stated in this syllabus. You need to realize that the work you do at the beginning of the semester has a major impact on the end results (your grade). Each assignment builds on the next assignment, so it is imperative to complete your work on time. Since this is an ONLINE Public Speaking course, you are required to have an audience for all of your speeches (except for your speech of introduction). You are to have three (3) or more ADULTS in attendance for your speeches. If you feel you cannot arrange an audience of three (3) or more people, then you need to go and withdraw from this course and register for a face-to-face Public Speaking class at the college. Remember this is a Public Speaking class not a READING class, points are deducted if you read your whole speech.

COURSE INFORMATION:

All assignments are due on the dates assigned!

• You have approximately 206 hours to submit each assignment to an assignment folder. Assignment folders open at 8am and close on the due date at 10pm. Do not contact your instructor if you have technical difficulties, she cannot help you. Please contact tech support at 1-866-614-5014 and get a name and ticket number of the person who helped you. Please utilize the Microsoft Edge when in D2L. Alternative log-in to myLoneStar is d2l.lonestar.edu. There are NO DO-OVERS for submitted assignments, you are graded on what you originally submit to the assignment folder, so pay attention to what you submit.

• ALL work is deposited in the designated assignment folders in D2L as a WORD DOCUMENT ATTACHMENT ONLY, DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME AT THE TOP OF YOUR PAPERS and DO NOT submit PDFs, PAGES or JEPEGs – THEY CANNOT BE GRADED.

• NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED. DO NOT send me an email message with an attachment of your work once an assignment folder has expired. I WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE WORK.

• It is your responsibility to keep up with the readings of the assigned chapters for this course and utilize this information in your assigned work and in your presentations.

Attendance

Because this is an online course, it is recommended that each student check the online course at least two/three times a week during the course session. The instructor no longer drops students from this course, it is the student’s responsibility to drop this course when he/she feels they cannot successfully complete this course for whatever reason. The last day to drop this course and receive a ‘W’ is April 8, 2024.

Communicating with the instructor

The instructor communicates with students via D2L email only ([email protected]). I check my emails from 8am up to 8pm during the week so if you email me at 11pm please do not expect a reply until the next day – it is my policy to reply to you within 24 hours. Disrespectful or rude emails will be forwarded to the Dean of Dean Fine Arts, Business, Communication, Computers & Design, Mr. Eric Sims.

Speech Videos

• Please read/review the EXPLICIT DIRECTIONS given to you regarding recording your speech video under the content tab in D2L. An audience is required (3 or more adult individuals) for your informative, persuasion and final speech.

Dress Policy for Speeches/Speech Videos Please dress appropriately on the day of your speeches. NO jackets, hoodies, hats, headgear, sunglasses, no tank tops, swimsuits/trunks, pajamas, or evening wear. Good appearance is vital when appearing before an audience. Speech Topics

• Informative Speeches are to inform the listener (audience) of a particular topic, you have the opportunity to pick from forty (40) top ten topics, please see enclosed list under your content D2L tab (Topic Selection) or the list at the end of this syllabus. The LSC-NH librarian for this class has this informative speech list, and they can assist you in your research.

• Persuasion Speeches – the topics for your persuasion speech come from the LSC-North Harris Library Issues and Controversies web site. Please choose one of the 25 topics provided to you on the enclosed list under your content D2L tab, this list is also at the end of this syllabus. Once again, the LSC-NH librarians can assist you in your research for this speech. All your information for the persuasion speech can come from the issue/controversy’s web site.

• Information for your speech topics must come from valid sources, you cannot use Wikipedia, blogs, or Twitter, TikTok, or Social Media.

Research Assistance: Your research for your speech topics MUST come from valid sources NO Wikipedia, NO Blogs, NO Generic Web Sites. You CANNOT google your topic (especially for your speech of persuasion) and take information directly from the internet – points will be deducted from your final score. The following LSC-NH librarians can assist you with your research. Email either of the course librarians to set up virtual appointments:

• David Puller ([email protected]) You should schedule one because the research task is complex and meeting with a librarian can make it much easier and faster. These librarians have all the specific requirements for your speech assignments. DO NOT wait until the last minute to begin your research or contact a librarian for assistance.

Assignments: Syllabus Quiz - This quiz permits the student to be assessed on the policies and assessment of this course. Students are required to take this quiz online on or before the due date. POINTS: 50 possible points Speech of Introduction – This speech will be the basic speech of introducing yourself to the instructor. You are to take the letters of your first name and describe yourself. Example: “Good morning professor, I am Diana Cooley and if I had to describe myself by using the letters of my first name, I would say that I am Dynamic, Intelligent, Artistic, Nice, and Articulate. And I am going to college to be ----- when I grow up.” After you describe yourself, please inform me as to why you are going to college. Basic speech which will be 2/3 minutes. – no notes or audience required. POINTS: 50 possible points Speech of Information – A speech with the intentions of educating the listener/audience on a specific subject. Please see the list of the TOP 40 from which to pick your topic. Directions/Requirements: Proposal submitted to assignment folder, library research, formal, full-sentence outline submitted to assignment folder with reference page in APA format, visual aid (PowerPoint), 5-6 minutes. POINTS: 130 possible points Speech of Persuasion – A speech with the intentions of educating the listener/audience on a controversial topic in which many (not all) have opposing viewpoints. You are to pick your topic from the list provided to you under the content tab or at the end of the syllabus and prepare a presentation that utilizes several of the methods of persuasion that are presented to you in Chapter 23 and 24 of your textbook. Directions/Requirements: Library

research, proposal submitted, to assignment folder, formal, full-sentence outline with reference page in APA format submitted to assignment folder, visual aid, oral footnoting, 7-8 minutes each. POINTS: 130 possible points Closing Speech – This speech allows the student to reflect on the concepts/principles learned throughout the semester and present to the class what they have gleaned. This speech is about you and your learning, it is NOT a book review (what did you do well, what did you wish you would have done, do you look at PS differently now than you did when the semester first started. Directions/Requirements: Proposal, formal, full-sentence outline submitted to assignment folder, visual aid (PP), 5 minutes. POINTS: 120 possible points Proposals - Speech proposals allow the student the opportunity to present his/her speech idea to the instructor for approval and to receive feedback & suggestions on your presentation. Directions/Requirements: Proposals are to be typed and are a basic statement of intent. They identify the topic and the three main points the student will address in his/her speech (these three main points will be your thesis of your speech and you will address them in your outline and when you speak). You must state your source(s) that you are utilizing for your information. Your proposal will look exactly like the example provided to you under the content D2L tab. POINTS: 3 at a possible 10 points each Outlines – Formal outlines are your roadmaps to success. The outlines you submit to the assignment folders are to be formal, full sentence outlines. Please see the example in your content D2L folder. All outlines will look EXACTLY like the example: Proper Introduction, Credibility Statement, Thesis Statement, Body organized and follows thesis statement, Proper conclusion/signposting/recapping. Citing within your outline and your reference page MUST be in APA format – SEE APA reference sheets for citing properly in APA Format under the content tab - do not cite in MLA. PLEASE NOTE: Your outlines will be submitted to Turnitin.com to check for originality/plagiarism. Points will be deducted when Turnitin.com identifies the work of others and/or direct plagiarism. You will have points deducted for the following percentages: 20-24% minus 5; 25-35% minus 10; 36-45 minus 15; 46-55 minus 25; 56-67 minus 35; 68 and above minus 50. There will be three (3) formal, full sentences submitted. POINTS: 3 at a possible 30 points each. Please note if you do not submit a formal, full sentence outline you will have 20 points deducted off your speech grade. Exams - There will be three (3) exams this semester (see exam chapter schedule for each exam under the content tab). Directions/Requirements: The exams will be taken online. You have eight days to take an exam, but a 2- hour time limit to complete it once you open the exam. Plan accordingly once the due date & time has expired you will not be able to take the exam. POINTS: 3 at a possible 80 points each PSA Assignment - This assignment affords the student the opportunity to see/hear the many different levels/types of persuasion and be able to recognize the methods of persuasion. Directions/Requirements: View Werner Herzog’s documentary From One Second to the Next – It can Wait (a documentary on texting while driving at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fev32zxoh00 it is 35 minutes long). Answer the questions related to the documentary and submit to the assignment folder in D2L. POINTS: 1 at a possible 80 points each Introduction/Conclusion Assignment - This assignment permits the student to recognize and become familiar with the proper methods to begin and end a speech by reviewing 5 of the greatest speeches of century from American Rhetoric (https://www.americanrhetoric.com/). Directions/Requirements: Please follow the exact direction provided to you in the assignment folder for this assignment in D2L; see example under your content D2L tab. DO NOT put your name at the top of your paper. POINTS: 1 at a possible 80 points each Visual Aids - Visual aids help your audience retain information and allow the speaker to stay on track during his/her presentation. Please review the PP on visual aids provided to you under your content D2L folder. Submit VA to assignment folder before submitting your speech video. Your instructor will view your visual aid while she is reviewing/listening to your speech video. All speeches (except introductory speech) require a visual aid (PP).

Procrastination is the BAD HABIT of putting off until the day after tomorrow

what should have been done the day before yesterday. ~ Napoleon Hill

COURSE SCHEDULE, ASIGNMENT DUE DATES, ASSIGNMENT FOLDER OPEN & CLOSED DATES READING REQUIREMENTS: Twenty-one (21) chapters will be covered in this course, and it is the student’s responsibility to read/review the following chapters: 1,3,4,5,6,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,16,17,18,19,20,22,23,24 and 25.

ASSIGNMENT ASSIGNMENT FOLDER OPENS

ASSIGNMENT FOLDER CLOSES

Syllabus Quiz 1/16 at 8am 1/23 at 10pm

Introductory Speeches 1/16 at 8am 1/23 at 10pm

Introduction/Conclusion Assignment 1/23 at 8am 1/30 at 10pm

Informal Speech Proposal 1/30 at 8am 2/6 at 10pm

Exam #1 2/6 at 8am 2/13 at 10pm

Informative Speech Outline 2/6 at 8am 2/13 at 10pm

Informative Speeches & Visual Aid 2/13 at 8am 2/20 at 10pm

PSA Assignment 2/20 at 8am 2/27 at 10pm

Exam #2 2/27 at 8am 3/5 at 10pm

Persuasion Speech Proposal 3/19 at 8am 3/26 at 10pm

Persuasion Speech Outline 3/26 at 8am 4/2 at 10pm

Persuasion Speeches & Visual Aid 4/2 at 8am 4/9 at 10pm

Closing Speech Proposal 4/9 at 8am 4/16 at 10pm

Closing Speech Outline/Notes 4/16 at 8am 4/23 at 10pm

Final Speeches & Visual Aid 4/23 at 8am 4/30 at 10pm

Exam #3 4/30 at 8am 5/7 at 10pm

Official Withdrawal/Drop Date: April 8, 2024 (Students must drop themselves if they feel they

cannot successfully complete this course). GRADING REQUIREMENTS/GRADEING SCALE/GRADING TABLE:

GRADING REQUIREMENTS POINTS GRADING SCALE

Syllabus Quiz 50 1000 – 900 = A

Speech of Introduction 50 899 – 800 = B

Information Speech & Visual Aid 130 799 – 700 = C

Persuasive Speech & Visual Aid 130 699 – 600 = D

Closing Speech & Visual Aid 120 599 – 500 = F

Speech Outlines 3 at a possible 30 pts. each 90

Speech Proposals 3 at a possible 10 pts each 30

Exams 3 at a possible 80 pts. each 240

Introduction/Conclusion Assignment 80

PSA Assignment 80

TOTAL 1000

PLEASE NOTE: The grading scale for this class is a simple point system, the points you earn for each assignment can add up to a possible 1000 points for the semester, the above grading scale identifies what constitutes an A-B-C-D or F for this class. You can view all the points you earn throughout the semester under the grading tab in D2L for this class. However, you are required to read the feedback from each assignment submitted in order to have your grades posted (the system informs the instructor when the feedback has been read/reviewed (date/time).

Course Policies: 1. Students are responsible for understanding D2L AND dealing with any technical issues that may arise. DO NOT call or e-mail the instructor with these kinds of issues. Please contact the

Help Desk (the link is on the D2L homepage) if you experience problems. Once again DO NOT contact your instructor when having technical issues.

2. All course assessments and assignments (unless otherwise instructed) are due by the date and time indicated in D2L. DO NOT ask for extensions. DO NOT send assignments to your professor’s e-mail after the assignment deadline; they will not be accepted.

3. The best way to contact your professor is through D2L e-mail when you are actually in the class/course. Outside e-mails cannot be verified and may not be received. It is recommended that you log into the course daily to ensure you stay on track and read any messages from your instructor.

4. THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS OR DO-OVERS FOR WORK IN THIS CLASS. You have ample time (206

hours) to complete assessments and assignments if you practice good time management. 5. All written materials submitted to the instructor and/or the class must be typed in an acceptable fashion. A standard format would be paperwork consisting of 12-point font, 1-inch margins, double-spaced, and at least three sentence paragraphs. Assignments must be submitted in a doc or docx format. NO PDFs, PAGES or JEPEGs these type of documents will not be

accepted/graded. CHECK YOUR FORMATTING SETTINGS AND PROOF READ YOUR WORK BEFORE SUBMISSION there are NO do-overs.

6. For written assignments always answer the questions and/or address all the criteria for an

assignment in a coherent manner (i.e., be organized, use detailed examples).In addition to proper grammar and appropriate language, demonstrate a good understanding and application of terms used in the notes/lessons and your textbook.

7. Avoid plagiarism and collusion (see details regarding plagiarism at the beginning of the course syllabus). All material, not originally your own must be cited properly using the APA style guide. Additionally, there should be no collaboration among students on any course work.

8. According to the LSC- Student Handbook, “disruptive activity that hinders other students’ learning or deters an instructor from effective teaching will not be tolerated under any circumstances.” Take special care when sending e-mails and responding to discussion board items.

9. It is the student’s responsibility to drop him/herself from this course. You are an adult – you

registered for this class, and you should be able to comprehend if you cannot successfully complete this course. The last day to drop this course and receive a ‘W’ is April 8, 2024.

10. DO NOT ASSUME ANYTHING. If some aspect of the course is uncertain, it is your responsibility to clarify it – ask questions!

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS,

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ~ Agnes Allen

TOP 40 INFORMATIVE SPEECH TOPICS SELECTION LIST – SPRING 2024

TOP 10 MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN

HISTORY

➢ Insulin

➢ Antiseptics

➢ Heart Surgery

➢ Genetic Engineering

➢ Organ Transplantation

➢ Germ Theory

➢ X-Rays & Medical Imaging

➢ Anesthesia

➢ Vaccines

➢ Antibiotics

TOP 10 CELEBRATIONS OF THE WORLD

➢ Holi – India

➢ Burning Man Festival – Black Rock

Desert, Nevada USA

➢ Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

➢ La Tomatina, Bunol - Valencia, Spain

➢ The Carnival of Venice - Venice, Italy

➢ Octoberfest – Munich, Germany

➢ Loy Krathong & Yee Peng Lantern

Festivals – Chiang Mai Thailand

➢ St. Patrick’s Day – Dublin, Ireland &

New York USA

➢ Running of the Bulls, Pamplona – Spain

➢ Mardi Gras – New Orleans USA

TOP 10 BIGGEST HEISTS OF ALL TIME

➢ Central Bank of Iraq Heist-2003

➢ Russian Hacking Ring - 2010

➢ Antwerp Diamond Heist - 2003

➢ Hatton Garden Saft Deposit Burglary -

2015

➢ Pink Panther Ring - 2003

➢ Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Theft -

1990

➢ British Bank of the Middle East Heist -

19976

➢ Brinks Mat Warehouse Robbery - 1993

➢ Wilcox Train Robbery - 1899

➢ Crown Jewels Robbery - 1671

TOP 10 MOST DANGEROUS JOBS IN THE

U.S. (ACCORDING TO OSHA)

➢ Fishing & Hunting Workers

➢ Logging Workers

➢ Roofers

➢ Construction Workers

➢ Aircraft Pilots & Flight Engineers

➢ Structural Iron & Steel Workers

➢ Delivery & Truck Drivers

➢ Underground Mining Machine Operators

➢ Farmers & Agricultural Workers

F.E.A.R.

Has two meanings:

Forget Everything and Run

OR

Face Everything and Rise

The choice is yours!

PERSUASION SPEECH TOPIC SELECTION LIST – SPRING 2024

The most important persuasion tool you have in your entire arsenal is your integrity.

~Derek McCoy

GOVERNMENT/GOVERNMENT

PROGRAMS & FUNDING

1. Tap Water Quality: Should the federal

government more strictly regulate the

U.S. water supply?

2. Should presidents claim strong executive

power?

3. Are government programs like welfare,

food stamps, Social Security, Medicare,

and Medicaid beneficial to the United

States?

4. Opioid Epidemic: Should the

Government Take More Aggressive

Measures to Address the Opioid Crisis?

5. Government (Climate Change): Should

the U.S. government take aggressive

steps to address climate change?

6. Should the U.S. government mandate

large, graphic warning labels on cigarette

packaging?

7. Red Flag Laws: Should courts confiscate

guns from people they deem a danger to

themselves or others?

8. Universal Basic Income: Should the U.S.

government guarantee every American a

minimum income?

GOVERNMENT/MILITARY

9. Drones: Should the United States use

drones for both military and law

enforcement purposes?

10. Private Property Rights: Should the

government be able to use the power of

eminent domain to take property for

private development.

11. WikiLeaks: Is WikiLeaks justified in

publishing classified military and

government documents?

HEALTH/MEDICINE

12. Should the U.S. government impose so-

called sin taxes on cigarettes, alcohol,

and other products deemed harmful to

public health?

13. Should the Federal government strictly

regulate the vaping industry?

14. Should the federal government be

involved in the fight against childhood

obesity?

15. Smoking Bans and the Tobacco Industry:

Are smoking bans necessary to protect

public health?

16. Should the government impose soda

taxes?

17. Do social and cultural factors cause

eating disorders?

18. Should physicians be allowed to accept

payment from pharmaceutical companies

to endorse drugs?

19. Should prescription-drug prices be

regulated?

20. Right to Die: Do terminally ill patients

have a right to die with the assistance

of a physician?

SOCIETY & CULTURE

21. Cellular Telephones: Have cellular

telephones had a positive influence on

modern society?

22. Are falling birth rates a good thing for the

world?

23. Should parents be permitted to select the

gender of their children?

24. Do animals have rights similar to those of

humans?

25. Should big game hunting be legal?

26. Hate Crime Laws: Are hate crime laws

effective?

27. Gamergate: Is misogyny widespread in the video game community?

28. Women's Rights: Is further work required

to ensure women's rights?

29. Cyberbullying: Should cyberbullies be

prosecuted?

30. Bullying: Should states pass laws

requiring educational institutions to

implement anti-bullying measures?

SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

31. Science/Technology: Should the United

States government attempt to send a

person to Mars?

Get the facts, or the facts will get you.

And when you get 'em, get 'em right,

or they will get you wrong. ~Thomas Fuller

PLEASE NOTE - SOFT SKILLS

As a college student you are not only learning about a specific discipline that will benefit you in your future career, but you should also be developing and mastering the SOFT SKILLS that future employers look for in all their employees. According to the Department of Labor (2023) employers view "soft" skills as even more important to work readiness. By reviewing the following list, please recognize that these skills all fall under the concept of COMMUNICATION not only with others but also your internal communication (talking to yourself): Leadership, teamwork, time management, problem solving, adaptability, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, work ethic, creativity, interpersonal skills, organization, collaboration, conflict resolution, active listening, flexibility, paying attention to details & the ability to follow directions, project management, persuasion, confidence, decision making, empathy, enthusiasm, and growth mindset.

So as you can see from this list, the highlighted SOFT SKILLS can and do pertain directly to this course. You have all the basic information regarding assignments and due dates, it is your responsibility to complete each assignment on time and according to directions. You have sufficient time to complete your work & it is your responsibility to manage your time. Always remember Your behavior equals your consequences.

System Policies: According to the LSC System: Faculty members have full authority to set reasonable standards of conduct that are acceptable in their classrooms. These include, but are not limited to the following:

• Academic dishonesty

• Use of personal technology devices in classrooms

• Behavior and Dress Code

Classroom Behavior: Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately while on college property or in an

online environment. Students may receive disciplinary action up to and including suspension, if they violate System or College rules, disrupt classes, or interfere with the opportunity of others to obtain an education. Students who pose a threat to the safety of others will be subject to immediate withdrawal from the classroom, campus environment, and/or online environment, as well as face subsequent criminal charges, as appropriate. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct located online at http://www.lonestar.edu/3579.htm for additional information. It is the policy of this class to provide students with an appropriate and adult learning atmosphere. Questions and comments should be brought forth in a respectful and orderly manner. We thrive on class discussion and questions. If for any reason you, the student, have difficulty with course work, lectures, exams, projects, another student, or the instructor, please follow proper protocol when dealing with the situation. Proper protocol is to speak with the instructor first and if you feel that your needs/concerns have not been addressed then you need to speak with the Chair of the Speech Department: Wade Hescht at 281-618- 5641. The instructor will also take the same procedure when dealing with a student. Lone Star College North Harris participates in dual-credit programs including early college programs. These programs typically serve high school students, which means some of the students on our campus and in our classrooms may be under eighteen years old. This is a reminder that all rights and privileges of college students are extended to dual-credit or early college students, regardless of age. This is also a reminder that in Texas persons under the age of seventeen cannot provide effective consent to sexual conduct with an adult. For more information, or to report any such behavior, please visit the College’s Sexual Assault Prevention webpage: http://www.lonestar.edu/sexual-assault.htm.

Online Etiquette: Politeness and appropriateness are expected when communicating in the course. When in

doubt, err on the side of uber-caution when you are composing a message whether it be an e-mail or in a discussion board. When reading someone else’s message, try to remember that written communication is easily misconstrued, so if you find yourself reacting poorly to someone’s message, request clarification of their meaning before you get upset and respond with a hostile message.

Academic Integrity: Lone Star College-North Harris is committed to a high standard of academic integrity in the

academic community. In becoming a part of the academic community, students are responsible for honesty and independent effort. Failure to uphold these standards includes, but is not limited to, the following: plagiarizing written work or projects, cheating on exams or assignments, collusion on an exam or project, and misrepresentation of credentials or prerequisites when registering for a course. Cheating includes looking at or copying from another student's exam, orally communicating, or receiving answers during an exam, having another person take an exam or complete a project or assignment, using unauthorized notes, texts, or other materials for an exam, and obtaining or distributing an unauthorized copy of an exam or any part of an exam. Plagiarism means passing off as his/her own the ideas or writings of another (that is, without giving proper credit by documenting sources). Plagiarism includes submitting a paper, report, or project that someone else has prepared, in whole or in part. Collusion is inappropriately collaborating on assignments designed to be completed independently. These definitions are not exhaustive. When there is clear evidence of cheating, plagiarism, collusion, or misrepresentation, disciplinary action may include but is not limited to requiring you to retake or resubmit an exam or assignment, assigning a grade of zero or "F" for an exam or assignment; or assigning a grade of "F" for the course.

Additional sanctions including being withdrawn from the course, program or expelled from school may be imposed on students who violate the standards of academic integrity.

ADA Statement: LSCS recognizes and supports the principles set forth in federal and state laws designed to

prevent and eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities. LSCS believes in equal access to educational opportunities for all individuals and is committed to making reasonable accommodations, including furnishing auxiliary aids and services, for individuals with disabilities as required by law. Please review LSC's Board Policy and Chancellor's Procedures on Students with Disability Rights (Section VI.D.11) to find more information, including how to request accommodation. Policy & Procedures: LoneStar.edu/policy and Disability Services: LoneStar.edu/disability-services

Equal Opportunity It is the policy of the Lone Star College System to provide equal employment, Statement: admission and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, veteran's status, sexual orientation, or disability. Lone Star Colleges

Lone Star Colleges strive to provide an excellent learning environment free from harassment or intimidation directed at any person’s race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, veteran's status, sexual orientation, or disability. Any form of harassment will not be tolerated.

Internet & E-mail: The System provides computing and network resources to students. You are encouraged to

use the computers, software packages, and electronic mail (e-mail) for educational or System-related activities and to facilitate the efficient exchange of useful information. However, the equipment, software, and network capacities provided through the district computer services are and remain the property of the System. Use of the equipment and networks is to comport with the policies and procedures of the System and access may be denied to any student who fails to comply with the System’s policies and procedures regarding its use. Access to the System’s e-mail and similar electronic communications systems are a privilege and certain responsibilities accompany that privilege. All users are expected to demonstrate the same level of ethical and professional manner, as is required in face-to-face or written communications. Threatening, anonymous, or forged messages will be treated as a violation of this policy.

Computer Virus Computer viruses are, unfortunately, a fact of life. Using removable devices on more Statement: than one computer creates the possibility of infecting computers and devices with a

computer virus. This exposes the computers of the college, your personal computer, and any others you may be using to potentially damaging viruses. The college has aggressive anti-virus procedures in place to protect its computers but cannot guarantee that a virus might not temporarily infect one of its machines. It is your responsibility to protect all computers under your control and use and ensure that each device you use, whenever or wherever you use it, has been scanned with anti-virus software. Since new viruses arise continually, your anti- virus software must be kept current. And, since no anti-virus software will find every virus, keeping backup copies is extremely important.

Six Drop Rule: Students who enrolled in Texas public institutions of higher education as first-time college

students during the Fall 2007 term or later are subject to section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code, which states that an institution of higher education may not permit a student to drop (withdraw with a grade of “W”) from more than six courses, including courses that a transfer student has previously dropped at other Texas public institutions of higher education that have already been counted against their six drop limit. Each student should fully understand this drop limit before you drop any course. Please see a Counselor or Advisor in our Student Services area for additional information and assistance.

Emergency for Lone Star College System (LSCS) is committed to maintaining the safety of the students, School Notifications faculty, staff, and guests while visiting any of Closure our campuses. See http://www.lonestar.edu/LoneStarAlert.htm for details.

All current LSC students and employees are automatically opted-in to our emergency alert system with their LoneStar.edu email address as the primary communication source. Personal contact information must be updated in myLoneStar to receive emergency text messages or notifications to a personal email account. If you want to receive emergency text messages to your cell phone, you MUST login to myLoneStar and update your official student or employee personal information record with your cell phone information. If you want to receive notifications to a personal email address, you can add additional email addresses to your personal information record.

Tutoring Services: Lone Star College-North Harris is committed to student success. To facilitate this, visit

visit http://www.lonestar.edu/learning-nharris.htm for more information regarding our tutoring services or visit the Learning Center in Academic Building Room 200.

Library: The Lone Star College-North Harris is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Library Building and contains information resources for both college students and community members. Librarians are available to assist with research. The library has books, online information databases, computers, free wireless internet, and many more information/research related amenities to ensure student success. For Library hours and contact information, please visit http://www.lonestar.edu/library/info.htm or call (281) 618-5707.

Campus Carry: The Texas Legislature enacted campus carry by passing Senate Bill 11, effective at LSC on August 1, 2017. Senate Bill 11, known as the “Campus Carry” law, amends Texas law to allow license holders to carry concealed handguns on college campuses. To carry a concealed handgun on LSC campuses, an individual must have a valid License to Carry issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety. LSC has established rules and regulations regarding enforcement of Campus Carry. Lone Star College prohibits concealed carry in some areas of LSC campuses. While HB 1927 (2021) generally permits individuals 21 years or older to carry a firearm without a license, it is still illegal to (1) bring a firearm onto the College’s property without a license, or (2) to carry a firearm openly on the College’s property. (Tex. Pen. Code § 46.03; HB 1927 at pages 19-20, 22.) For more information about Campus Carry, visit the LSC Campus Carry website at http://www.lonestar.edu/campuscarry.

According to most studies,

people’s number one fear is public speaking.

Number two is death.

Death is number two!

Does that sound right?

This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral,

you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.

~Jerry Seinfeld