Draft Syllabus: MGT 4923 (Section 003), spring 2016 Leading Organizations and Making Decisions

Section.003 (Course #27138): MW 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., BB 2.01.18Office Hours: MW 3:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m., BB 4.04.29

Dr. Wilson’s Web site: http://faculty.business.utsa.edu/bjwilsonNOTE:  Only online version of this schedule is current. Both PC and Mac users should use Mozilla

Firefox browser to access UTSA Web sites and Blackboard. Access Blackboard at http://learn.utsa.edu/.(Last non-substantive or clarifying editing update: Feb. 25, 2016)

Table of Contents & Important Contacts

Professor’s Welcome ………………………………………………… 2University Services & PoliciesDescription/Prerequisites/GoalsRequired/ Course Materials

Computer Software & Hardware ………………………………………………… 3Study Resources

Technical Support ………………………………………………… 4

Course Guidelines & Policies ………………………………………………… 5Assignments & Exams

Extra Credit ………………………………………………… 8Grading & Attendance Policies ………………………………………………… 9Frequently Asked Questions ………………………………………………… 13

Link to Weekly Class ScheduleCOURSE TEAM EMAIL ADDRESSES PHONE OFFICE HOURSProfessor BB 4.04.29

Dr. Bennie Wilson

Blackboard message or email Bennie.Wilson@utsa.edu Documented emergency absence Point deductions

Blackboard or Email Message

preferred

MW: 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.And by appointment

Teaching Assistant BB 4.04.29Blackboard Learn message or email Quizzes, exams Miscellaneous points

Message preferred

MW: 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.And by appointment

McGraw-Hill Text and “Connect”Angie FosterPublisher Rep.

Angela.Foster@mheducation.com Questions regarding “Connect”

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WELCOME TO THIS COURSE: This course will challenge your time-management skills, meaning you will have to do planning regarding completing assignments before their deadlines, particularly the online “Connect” chapter quizzes, video cases, and self-assessments. Effective time management and meeting deadlines promptly are valued and critical skills both in this course and in the real world of work.

Some of you may come to believe that this ought to be a completely online course. Genuine leadership skills cannot be learned and experienced simply online—this happens through face-to-face discussions and activities.

This is an experiential course. Students will learn from discussions, readings, presentations, cases, and applications, and will apply their learning to events they experience outside of class. The course focuses on managing self, others, goals, and processes. Students will develop leadership and management capabilities that are ethically sound, globally aware, and environmentally sustainable.

UNIVERSITY SERVICES & POLICIES: For easy access to University policies and information on the following important subjects, please go online to http://provost.utsa.edu/syllabus.asp: Counseling Services Student Code of Conduct and Scholastic Dishonesty Students with Disabilities Transitory/Minor Medical Issues Supplemental Instruction Tutoring Services The Roadrunner Creed

COURSE DESCRIPTION: MGT 4923. Leading Organizations and Making Decisions. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. Prerequisites: MGT 3003 and MGT 3013 with a grade of “C-” or better and a declared major in the College of Business or department or instructor approval. This is an advanced course focusing on traditional and contemporary perspectives on leadership. Because the leader is a decision maker, individual and organizational issues surrounding effective decision-making are addressed in detail.

COURSE ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL GOALS: Global And Civic Responsibility : Students will be able to identify and define social, ethical, environmental

and economic challenges at local, national and international levels. Students will also be able to integrate knowledge and skills in addressing these issues. Via readings and case analysis, students, will see how issues that exist within organizations are influenced by other factors occurring at a local, national, and international level.

Intellectual Innovation and Creativity : Students will be able to demonstrate their resourcefulness and originality in addressing extemporaneous problems. Students will face problems to solve throughout the semester, specifically in the form of case analysis and integration of ideas across readings.

Synthesis : Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines incorporating learning from both classroom and non-classroom settings in the completion of complex and comprehensive tasks. Students will integrate ideas from various sources to solve problems, explain positions, etc.

Communication Skills : Students will demonstrate the ability, via both written and spoken word, to effectively present, critique, and defend ideas in a cogent, persuasive manner. The majority of the assessment in this course will be in the form of written and verbal analysis. Exams will be essay based, and several written assignments are due. As part of their grade, students will engage in oral discussion of a case analysis, submitting a written analysis of the case.

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS Hughes, R.L., Ginnett, R.C., & Curphy, G.J. (2015). Leadership: Enhancing the Lessons of Experience (8th

Edition). McGraw-Hill. Learnsmart/Connect Module that accompanies this text.

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http://connect.mheducation.com/class/c-messal-smartstart-course_2 Approximately 20 copies of ParScore test form number X-101864-PAR-L (50 questions per side), to be

used for recording class attendance and for completing the examinations. Review Chapter PowerPoint Slides

COMPUTER SOFTWARE & HARDWARE: The primary software requirement for accessing UTSA networks is Microsoft Windows 7, 8, or 8.1. If you use a MAC computer, you must be able to produce documents that are compatible with Microsoft Office 2010 or 2013. (NOTE: Do not submit documents as zip files or files that are not compatible with Microsoft Office 2010 or 2013, e.g., Google docs, etc.)

STUDY RESOURCES:

Study and Learning Assistance

o Tomás Rivera Center (TRC) : Learning Assistance Services for Undergraduate Students at the TRC provides one-on-one Academic Coaching, which can assist with many educational concerns, such as time management, overcoming procrastination, reading strategies, note taking, and study skills.  To schedule an Academic Coaching appointment at either the Main Campus or the Downtown Campus, call 210.458.4694 or email Learn.Assist@utsa.edu.  Visit the TRC website (www.utsa.edu/trcss) and the UTSA LearnAssist Facebook page for more information on any of these services

o McGraw-Hill “Connect ”: This interactive eLearning and assignment program is available at the course Blackboard site, located at the links on the left side of each Blackboard page. It provides many extensive study and evaluation tools to assist your success in reading and understanding chapter materials in the text. These include practice chapter pre- and post-quizzes, simulation exercises, etc. In addition, this program is required to access Connect-based quizzes and writing assignment.

Register on Blackboard for “Connect” by accessing the “Connect” tab at the course Blackboard site, using the instructions at http://highered.mheducation.com/olc2/dl/866234/Connect_Blackboard_FDOC_First_Day_ofClass_814.pdf.   You must register for “Connect” via Blackboard only using an access code that came with your hard copy text or that you obtained by purchasing access to the text e-book via the Blackboard “Connect” link. (NOTE:  Access and register “Connect” only at the course Blackboard site—do not register for “Connect” via a McGraw-Hill web link.)

“Connect” also includes access to:

LearnSmart “SmartBook ”: An adaptive reading experience designed to change the way students read and learn. It creates a personalized reading experience by highlighting the most important concepts a student needs to learn at that moment in time. The student’s text reading continuously adapts by highlighting content based on what the student does and does not know. This ensures that the focus is on the content he or she needs to learn, while simultaneously promoting long-term retention of material.

LearnSmart “Achieve ”: Improves writing editing skills and empowers students to put responsible writing into practice. It is an adaptive learning system to help students learn faster, study more efficiently, and retain more knowledge. It pinpoints concepts the student does not understand and maps out a personalized study plan. Based on students’ self-diagnoses of their proficiency, it provides students with a series of adaptive questions. This provides students with a personalized one-on-one tutor experience.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Follow the following instructions immediately if you believe there has been a systemic network outage affecting your access to Blackboard or McGraw-Hill Connect.

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If Unable to Access Blackboard : First, access the UTSA Office of Information Technology (OIT) public alert web page at https://utsacloud-public.sharepoint.com/alerts, which has a history of Blackboard outages and what time they occurred. Notify me if you believe a Blackboard outage affected you.

Second, if no outages occurred, and you still cannot access Blackboard, email OIT Tech Support at OITConnect@utsa.edu and provide the following information:o Your name, email address, banner ID/Usernameo Details of your problemo Phone number where you can be contactedo Your course and section number, and the name of your professoro Your computer’s operating system & version number, e.g. Mac OSX, Windows 7, Windows XP, etc.o The name and version of internet browser in which you are using blackboard, e.g., Safari version 5.1.2,

Internet Explorer version 8, Mozilla Firefox version 12, etc.o If you used a UTSA-owned computer, provide your computer’s inventory/asset number

If Unable to Access Connect Quiz : Phone or email McGraw-Hill technical support. Be sure to inform them that you registered on “Connect” via Blackboard, not via the McGraw-Hill Web site .   o Call Tech support at (800) 331-5094 during below times (Central Daylight Time):

Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. Monday thru Thursday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

o Email Tech support by accessing http://mpss.mhhe.com/contact.php. Complete “Your Information” on the form. Select “Connect” under “Product Name.” Click “Submit Question”

Tell them the specifics of your problem and the date and time of your issue. Ask if there was a systemic Connect systems outage, and the date/times thereof. Record the incident reference number they provide you. Ask them to notify your professor of their findings at his/her email address.

o Whether or not McGraw-Hill tech support is able to resolve the issue, contact our McGraw-Hill representative, Angie Foster, at Angela.Foster@mheducation.com , and provide her the technical support reference number and the user ID and password you use to access Blackboard.

Important Notes Regarding Online Assignment Connectivity :

o Computer systems are notoriously subject to unforeseen and uncontrollable situations that may cause them to crash. Failure to complete online assignments on time due to the following unfortunate events will not be a basis for deadline extensions or “do overs” of Blackboard or “Connect” based assignments.

Do not use Wi-Fi connections for online assignments—use only hardwired computers such as those in UTSA computer labs, the library, and elsewhere on campus. AirRowdy and other wireless connections--particularly those serving apartment complexes, dormitories, and other high-volume areas--are prone to disconnecting unexpectedly.

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Whether or not you use a hard-wired computer, there are serious hazards involved in waiting until near the deadline time to complete online assignments. Risky high-volume times to complete assignments that might experience connection issues will not be a basis for a “do-over.” Accordingly:

Systems problems with Blackboard and/or Connect that prohibit online access and/or creates outages after 12:00 noon on the assignment deadline date are considered the result of system overload created by an inordinate number of students attempting to access these assignments at the end of the deadline date. You attempt to complete online assignments during this period at your own risk.

Bad weather such as electrical storms and the like that may result in computer disruptions.

At the risk of causing quizzes to terminate prematurely, do not attempt accessing Connect-based content while connected to the assessment. Also, do not set your computer to “time-out” during a level of inactivity that may “time-out” the quiz.

COURSE GUIDELINES & POLICIES:

Professional Behavior : Please be respectful of each other at all times. Be on time; be good listeners.

Assignment Submissions & Returns : If you must submit a hardcopy of an assignment by a specific date and/or time, and class is not in session or the professor is not in the office, you may slide the assignment under the office door or scan it and email—on or before the deadline. If you are not present when the TA returns a graded assignment in class, you must pick it up during office hours.

Delinquent Fees : The University drops students from class if they are delinquent in paying University fees (tuition, fines, etc.) by the end of the 20 th day of classes (see class schedule) . These students cannot attend classes and cannot submit course assignments— in hard copy or online, either in advance or retroactively--during the time dropped from classes, even if eventually the student pays his/her fees.

ASSIGNMENTS & EXAMS

Quizzes & Examinations : IMPORTANT NOTE: “Connect”-based chapter quiz questions are randomly selected for each student. You may access each quiz at

any time, starting with the first day of the semester, until its “deadline.” Once you start a quiz, you have until the time limit to complete it—there are no “do-overs” or extensions.” When you reach the time limit,

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Summary of Regular Assignments(Blackboard grade book label)

Max.Points Deadlines

Chapter Quizzes via “Connect” (”Chap Quiz 1,” etc.) 100 See below chartMidterm Exam (“Midterm”) 250 Feb. 24Self-Assessments via “Connect” (“Self-Assessment 1,” etc.) 100 See below chart

Group Presentation 300 Presentation Schedule on Blackboard

Final Exam (”Final”) 250 May 4Total [excluding extra-credit points] 1000Absent from, arriving late, or leaving early for any class -10 ea.

the quiz stops and “Connect” grades the questions you answered. After the deadline passes, you may re-access the quiz site for feedback on how you did on each quiz question.

o “Connect” Chapter Quizzes: There are 10 quizzes, each worth 10 points for a total of 100 points—see the below schedule for quiz deadlines. Assess each quiz through “Connect” on Blackboard. There are no extensions under any circumstances since these are available online for several days.

“Connect” generates quiz questions randomly. You may access each quiz any time between when its “available” and its “deadline.” Once you start a quiz, you have until the time limit to complete it—there are no “do-overs” or “extensions.” After the deadline passes, you may re-access the quiz site for feedback on how you did on each quiz question.

Before attempting to access each Connect assignment, click on Check My Computer to see if your computer meets the requirements for Connect. If not compatible for listed reasons, correct the issue and troubleshoot again. If compatible, click “Connect Quizzes & Writing Assignment” at your Blackboard site, to access the assignment.

Access “Connect” assignments/quizzes through the Blackboard “Connect Quizzes” link. They are available from the start of the semester and there are no extensions under any circumstances unless the McGraw-Hill tech support staff certifies to the professor that there was a systemic Connect outage during the time you attempted to access a particular quiz consistent with the provisions of this syllabus.

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“Connect” Chapter Quiz ScheduleQuiz

#Chapter Possible

PointsTime Limit (Minutes)

Quiz Available

Quiz Deadline (Date & Time or Earlier)

1 2 10 10 Jan. 11 Sun., Jan. 24, 11:59 p.m.2 3 10 10 Jan. 11 Sun., Jan. 31, 11:59 p.m.3 4 10 10 Jan. 11 Sun., Feb. 7, 11:59 p.m.4 5 10 10 Jan. 11 Sun., Feb. 14, 11:59 p.m.

5 7 10 10 Jan. 11 Sun., Feb. 21, 11:59 p.m.6 8 10 10 Jan. 11 Sun., Feb. 28, 11:59 p.m.7 9 10 10 Jan. 11 Sun., Mar. 6, 11:59 p.m.8 10 10 10 Jan. 11 Sun., Mar. 20, 11:59 p.m.9 12 10 10 Jan. 11 Sun., Mar. 27, 11:59 p.m.10 16 10 10 Jan. 11 Sun., Apr. 3, 11:59 p.m.11* 15 10 * 10 Jan. 11 Sun., Apr. 10, 11:59 p.m.

o Midterm Exam : The midterm is in class and consists of multiple-choice questions from the textchapters indicated on the class schedule.

o Final Exam : The final is comprehensive, in class, and consists of multiple-choice questions from all of the text chapters covered in class.

Class Assignments :

Self-Assessment Topics Assess #

No. ofAssessments

Points Quiz Deadline (Date & Time or Earlier)

Leadership 1 2 10 Fri., Jan. 22, 11:59 p.m.Creativity 2 1 5 Fri., Jan. 29, 11:59 p.m.Individual Differences/Personality

3 6 30 Fri., Feb. 5, 11:59 p.m.

Power & Conflict 4 1 5 Fri., Feb. 12, 11:59 p.m.Ethics 5 1 5 Fri., Feb. 19, 11:59 p.m.Diversity & Perception 6 1 5 Fri., Feb. 26, 11:59 p.m.Culture 7 1 5 Fri., Feb. 26, 11:59 p.m.Communication 8 2 10 Fri., Mar. 4, 11:59 p.m.Feedback 9 1 5 Fri., Mar. 11, 11:59 p.m.Groups & Teams 10 1 5 Fri., Mar. 25, 11:59 p.m.Org Structure & Technology 11 1 5 Fri., Apr. 1, 11:59 p.m.Decision-Making 12 2 10 Fri., Apr. 8, 11:59 p.m.

o Self-Assessments : It seems easy to evaluate and form opinions regarding others; however, personal opinions about oneself have little objectivity or validity. To get “another view” of how others may view you and to help you learn what your personal and professional strengths and weaknesses might be, you will complete via Connect 20 self-assessments, which will be due as shown above. Access them under the “Library” tab and labeled “Student Resources.” Each fully completed assessment is worth 5 points.

o Team Chapter Presentations : Each student is a member of a presentation team as shown at this link. Each team will make two in-class team presentations on one chapter over two class periods. For example, Team #1 will make an in-class presentation during a class period to the rest of the class on the leadership concepts and issues in chapter 3 of the text. The following class period, Team #1 will complete/continue its presentation to the rest of the class on the leadership issues and concepts in chapter 3. Each day, team presentations should be at least 45 minutes in length, including questions-and-answers and class discussions.

Each team as a group and each team member as individuals will lead a class by exhibiting its own leadership, followership, coordination, organization, participation, and preparation skills within both group and individual contexts.

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Guidelines:

Think of this as if you are presenting at a conference and your audience is leadership experts. The second presentation for a particular chapter may refer to the material in the first presentation,

but only as a transitional-refresher for the audience. The second presentation will then seamlessly continue presentation of the chapter material to conclusion.

Give an introduction, a body, and your conclusions and thoughts, reasonably congruent with the grading rubric at this link.

Each team member must complete, and submit to the professor within a day or two after the second presentation, a confidential peer review form provided at this link.

Be able to speak about what you found interesting and relevant in the chapter. Discuss integrations with other course material and current events. Be prepared to build off previous presentations on other chapters, knowing the chapter well

enough to speak ad hoc, not merely repeating the previous team’s ideas.

Rules of Engagement

Professor selects the team members (approximately 5 members per team) Individual team members may not switch to another team Teams may not swap chapters Presentation dates cannot be switched

EXTRA CREDIT (EC) POINTS: You have the opportunity to earn extra-credit points, using the following guidelines:

If you volunteer to undertake an extra-credit event, and for non-emergency reasons (1) you withdraw your volunteer status, (2) you are late for the event, or (3) you otherwise do not meet the conditions for appropriately completing the event; the number of extra-credit points for the event is deducted from your points. This is to help ensure that you meet the commitments for which you volunteer and for which, as a result, you have a responsibility to meet—just as is expected in the real world of work.

If you attend extra-credit events that conflict with your MGT 3003 class, you cannot earn the associated extra-credit points.

You are responsible for keeping track of the extra-credit points you earn. If you desire to challenge the number of extra-credit points recorded for you, then you must list in writing the extra-credit events you attended for that extra-credit category (EC-Lec, EC-Misc, etc.) you attended, and the name, date, and time of the events.

Extra-credit (EC) Items (Blackboard Learn label) Extra-credit Points

Due Not Later Than

Career Action Program (1) (“EC-CAP”) [Business majors only] 40

Register for Orientation in the Center for Student Professional Development

(CPSD)Connect Chap Quiz #11 (“EC-Quiz 11 (Ch. 15) (2) 10 Apr. 10Guest Lectures, workshops, seminars, etc., annotated on the course schedule as “extra credit” (“EC-Lec”) (3)

5 (each) April 22

Miscellaneous Points (4) (“EC-Misc.”) As earned April 22

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(1) The Career Action Program: (CAP) is a College of Business professional development program under the Center for Student Professional Development (CSPD) and supported by H-E-B. The deadline for signing up for CAP at www.facebook.com/CareerActionProgram. If you previously completed the CAP program and earned extra credit for doing so, you may not earn this extra credit again.

The CAP program only accepts business students who are highly motivated self-starters who have a firm commitment to professional excellence. The College of Business finances the CAP program; therefore, only business majors may participate in the program. Volunteers who successfully complete the program will earn a certificate attesting to their accomplishments. CAP includes presentations, résumé writing, workshops, mock interviews, and business site visits. The CAP résumé requirement also satisfies the MGT 3003 résumé-writing requirement. Required CAP Orientation Sessions are published by the CSPD.

The College of Business expends much time and financial resources to provide its students the very best professional support through the CAP program. Accordingly, once you have completed the CAP orientation session and have signed up for the CAP Conference, you assume a professional commitment to the program. Accordingly,

If you commit to attending the CAP Conference, but do not attend, you are subject to a $50 fee to pay for the conference expenses your commitment initiated.

If you fail to complete one of the mandatory CAP events, e.g., group mock interview, speed networking, etc., you cannot earn CAP certification and the extra-credit points.

(2) Quizzes: Access this as shown on the “Connect” Chapter Quiz Schedule.

(3) Guest Lectures, etc. If available, lectures, conferences, panels, meetings, workshops, or seminars annotated on the course schedule as extra credit. I will add these to the class schedule as they become available. Attendance slips or sign-in sheets will certify attendance at extra-credit symposia, lectures, or conferences. Guest lectures conducted in and/or during your normally scheduled MGT 4923 class do not earn extra credit for you. Only the event sponsors can provide me completed attendance slips or attendance rosters.

(4) Miscellaneous Points: Included under this category are extra-credit points that do not pertain to any other category, including the following:

The one-time 10 extra-credit points to compensate partially for being late or absent from classes where attendance is taken, whether or not the absence is or is not an “emergency” as defined in this syllabus. These points represent the real world use of sick, vacation, bereavement, or other forms of sanctioned leave of absence.

Extra-credit points equal to 1% of total points earned toward your course grade for completing the course survey by the semester deadline for doing so. The University will provide me a listing of those who do so.

Any points awarded for class participation, at the professor’s discretion.

GRADING & ATTENDANCE POLICIES:

Attendance : Students must be on time for every class, be attentive, and participate in class activities until the professor adjourns class. Class attendance may be taken anytime (using the appropriate ParScore form) during each class. Attendance in conjunction with extra-credit events--whether in our class or at another time or location--is taken via attendance slips or lists prepared by the event sponsors.

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o For every class: Students must have on-hand at least two appropriate ParScore forms, both with the following information already entered/bubbled on the forms: Banner ID Name, course & section number

o When attendance is announced (the goal is speed and accuracy): No one may enter the classroom until attendance process is completed. Students enter on the form the “Test Form” and the “Answer to the First Question Response” that

the professor or the TA announces. Students immediately pass a completed appropriate ParScore form to the center aisle. Student sitting on the aisle collects/confirms number of forms equals the number of students in that

row, and gives forms to the professor or TA.

o Arriving in class after the class starting time means you are late. Students who are absent from or late for class will have 10 points deducted from their point totals, except for documented conflicting emergencies or mandatory obligations as discussed below.

o Completed ParScore attendance forms are machine graded and the UTSA testing office staff will not hand-score ParScore forms not properly completed, e.g., not bubbling in Banner ID, recording the wrong Banner ID, not recording the proper test form, putting the wrong attendance answer to question #1 on the ParScore, using ink instead of pencil to record responses, etc.  Students doing so are late/absent. Our class is simply too large to do it any other way.

o Students who are absent from scheduled assignments or exams will receive grades of “zero” if the absence is not the result of a documented emergency or mandatory obligation as discussed below. There are no “make-ups” for these missed assignments; however, you may take and/or turn them in early with the approval of the professor or the TA.

o Students who sit in classroom areas in violation of fire laws, who have their laptops and cell phones open, who engage in “texting” (or reading, writing, or other inattentive activities), or who engage in disruptive conversation or other activities, are considered “absent” from class and will have 10 points deducted.

o Online and other assignments that can be done via computer while not in class, i.e., “Connect”-based assignments, etc., must be completed early or on time regardless of the reason for the absence, or will otherwise be graded “zero.”

o If you miss or are late for a class for one of the below reasons, you will not have points deducted after your award of the 10 extra-credit points for all initial absences.

Documented, verifiable emergencies of immediate family members. A verifiable, written documented emergency involves you or a member of your immediate family, i.e., spouse, parent, guardian, sibling, or other relative who resides full time with you, and is of the nature of a major issue, e.g., death, funeral, extremely serious illness or injury, etc.

Written documentation of a personal/private nature, e.g., medical information, legal transactions, etc., is neither desired nor required. The documentation should simply state that, for example, the medical situation was of a sudden, emergency nature, or that the legal situation was under the purview of appropriate court officials requiring your presence.

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“Significant others,” boyfriends/girlfriends, grandparents or other relatives are not considered members of your immediate family unless they currently live full time with you.

Absences for viruses that are preventable with appropriate immunizations, but for which you have not received the vaccination, are not excused.

Hospital and doctors’ appointments, as scheduled appointments. Please refer to http://provost.utsa.edu/syllabus.asp (quoted below) for university policy regarding

“Transitory/Minor Medical Issues,” which in this class are not considered “emergencies.”

Documented conflicting, mandatory UTSA obligations (for example, on UTSA athletic team, participant in Leadership Challenge program, etc.). To be eligible for this provision, an appropriate UTSA official must certify the UTSA mandatory obligation in writing and in advance of the date of the event, and you must complete scheduled conflicting assignments and examinations early. (NOTE: Registering for overlapping classes/labs is not eligible for this exception—students may not register for classes or associated labs that conflict with the days and times that this or other classes meet.)

Documented conflicting, mandatory religious obligations prohibiting working during the time of a scheduled class. You must provide each of your professors (whose courses take place during the absence) advanced written documentation and notification of your intention not to attend classes on the dates and/or times of mandatory religious obligation. Documented evidence includes credible evidence of the mandatory nature of the absence.

Written military mobilization orders, copies of which you provide each of your professors prior to the date of the mobilization.

Written city, county, state, or federal order/subpoena, a copy of which you provide each of your professors prior to the day of the event, e.g., to report to court, jury duty, court witness, or other mandatory legal proceeding, e.g., immigration/citizenship proceedings, etc., on a specific date. (NOTE: Excluded here is traffic court in which you voluntarily decide to challenge or otherwise adjudicate a traffic ticket.)

Off-campus events, e.g., State and national professional association meetings and conferences, etc., with expenses paid completely or in part by UTSA, with a copy of the written UTSA approval provided each of your professors prior to the day of the event. Participation in events/activities under sponsorship of other classes and that conflict with attending class, are not excused absences—they are non-emergency, unavoidable absences that meet the criteria of the one-time 10 extra-credit points that all students receive at the beginning of the semester.

Course Grades : This course will use the plus/minus (+/-) grading system in assigning course letter grades (see below grading chart showing grading points for each course letter grade).

o Challenging Grades: If you disagree with a grade you receive (either for a course assignment, for an extra credit event, or a deduction), bring the matter to my attention in writing (Blackboard Learn message, email, letter, etc.) within seven calendar days from the date I post the grade on Blackboard Learn. Otherwise, the grade will remain as is. It is your responsibility to check Blackboard at least twice a week for announcements, course messages, and posted grades.

I will not change assigned grades without concrete, factual information for my consideration. Frivolous claims of incorrect points are not be honored.

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o “Curved” Grades: There is no grading “on the curve” in this class for individual assignments since there are opportunities for extra-credit points. However, once grades are calculated after final exams are completed, if the average total points for the class reflects fewer than 733 points (“C“), each student’s total points will be adjusted upward to reflect an average total score for the class of 733 points.

o Incomplete/Late Assignments: All assignments not submitted on time are graded “zero.” Unless otherwise noted on the class schedule, all assignments that are due in class are due by the beginning of class.

o Course Grade Determination

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Course Grade Determination(Based on Max 1000 Assignment Points plus Extra-Credit Points)Course Letter

GradeGrade Points Course Points Between

A+ 4.00 966.33 1000+A 4.00 933.00 966.32A- 3.67 899.66 932.00B+ 3.33 866.33 899.65B 3.00 833.00 866.32B- 2.67 799.66 832.00C+ 2.33 766.33 799.65C 2.00 733.00 766.32C- 1.67 699.66 732.00D+ 1.33 666.33 699.65D 1.00 633.00 666.32D- 0.67 599.66 632.00F 0.00 0 599.65

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. If I previously took this course from Dr. Wilson (but I am now retaking his course), must I again complete the regular and extra-credit assignments in order to again get credit for them? Yes.

2. May I email the assignments to you? If you will not be in class on the day that an assignment is due, you must turn the assignment in early, or slide it under my office door or send it to me or my teaching assistant via email or Blackboard Learn mail message attachment by the time and day that it is due. CAUTION: If the formatting or printing of the emailed assignment is such that sending it electronically adversely affected the document, e.g., parts chopped off, formatting skewed, etc., your grade on the assignment will be affected accordingly.

3. Whom do I contact regarding questions about my assignment points? Excused absences and documentation of emergencies (Dr. Wilson) Quizzes and Exams (Dr. Wilson or TA) Extra-credit points: (TA) Deducted points (Dr. Wilson)

4. I will not be in class next week; are there any other assignments (a paper, etc.) that I can complete to help make up points for missing class? Other than the extra-credit opportunities listed in this syllabus, there are no other assignments to help you make-up missed points.

5. How do I appeal an assignment or course grade? To appeal an assignment grade given or confirmed by me, you must meet with me and discuss the

assignment grade. My decision regarding the assignment grade is final. I may affirm the previous grade, or I may elect to re-grade the assignment personally, in which case the new grade—whether lower, the same, or higher than the original grade—will be final.

To appeal a course grade, you must appeal in writing to Dr. Robert Cardy, chairman of the Department of Management, BB 4.01.06, within 90 calendar days from the end of the semester. You must have "compelling evidence" that your course grade reflects "discrimination, differential treatment, factual mistake, or violation of a relevant University policy" (reference appendix E of the UTSA Information Bulletin at http://www.utsa.edu/infoguide/appendices/e.html). You must include the following in your written appeal:o The date of the appeal.o Your name, your Banner ID number, and your academic major.o Your full address, telephone number, and email address.o My name (Dr. Bennie Wilson) and your course and section number.o State specifically the grade you are appealing (exam, quiz number, etc.)o State specifically the action you want done regarding the grade.o Explain the rationale supporting your appeal and provide any supporting documentation. (NOTE: It is

not sufficient to state that you disagree with my judgment.)

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