Emergency Assistance Available

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as food insecurity, housing, transportation, and childcare concerns, or you may be unable to pay your bills. These stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. TSTC offers emergency aid and services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. Please contact the TSTC Advocacy & Resource Center.

You can reach a coach here: http://bit.ly/ARCCoach

Title IX

Texas State Technical College (TSTC) seeks to provide an environment that promotes equal opportunity free from discrimination and harassment.

If you have been a victim of sexual harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or any other form of protected class discrimination, we encourage you to make a report. If you report to a faculty member, she or he must notify TSTC’s Title IX Coordinator about the incident. You may also make a confidential report to TSTC’s Counselors.

All students (including pregnant and parent students), regardless of their legal status are entitled to protections under TSTC’s policy.

For more information about Title IX or sexual misconduct, as well as your options, please visit https://www.tstc.edu/student_life/titleix.

For information about equal opportunity and civil rights policies, visit https://www.tstc.edu/governance/sos.

Student Uniforms Requirement

Fully Online Students

Texas State Technical College requires all students to wear a program-specific uniform while attending functions on and off campus. This uniform is available for purchase at the campus bookstore. As a student in a fully online program you are required to purchase at least two program-specific uniforms in the event you attend any in person or off campus learning opportunities or events (i.e. Job Fairs, Resume & Interview workshops, and media interviews).

Hybrid & F2F Students

Texas State Technical College requires all students to wear a program-specific uniform while attending functions and labs on and off campus. This uniform is available for purchase at the campus bookstore. As a student in a hybrid program you are required to purchase at least two program-specific uniforms to wear to in person labs and other learning opportunities or events held on or off campus (i.e. Job Fairs, Resume & Interview workshops, and media interviews).

Performance Based Education (PBE) Program Competencies and Traditional Program Instruction (Non-PBE) Curriculum Revisions

Each Program of Study, at least once a year, reviews its degree plans, courses, lesson plans, course objectives, course outcomes and/or competencies. They do this to ensure that each degree plan contains the most current curriculum and that it meets industry standards and requirements.

Students who successfully complete courses by meeting the minimum standards set for the course will complete the course outcomes and/or PBE competencies and assessments set at the time of enrollment. Course outcomes, competencies, and assessments can be updated at any time, especially from one academic year to another. If a student needs to repeat a course they may need to complete different lesson plans, course objectives, assessments and/or course competencies.

Example: A student drops or fails a course in the Spring semester. When the student registers to retake a course, some or all of the course lesson plans and/or competencies and assessments may be different. Therefore, the student will need to successfully complete the newest assessment requirements for the course.

Tutoring Statement

The Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring Program at TSTC offers free tutoring and academic support services to help you achieve your academic and career goals. You can access the Tutoring Schedule, as well as MyTSTC Video Tutor Library, by visiting: https://portal.tstc.edu/student/Student_Learning/Pages/Tutoring.aspx (shortened link: goo.gl/Z9vJvY ).

For more information, please contact Norma A. Salazar@ 956-364-4557.

Learning Resource Center

The Learning Resource Center provides online and in person library resources and services.  Go to tstc.libguides.com to find help with your assignments, projects, and papers.  Clicking the Student tab will allow you to find resources, homework help, tutorials, and real time chat to answer your questions.

Course Grade:

Grades of D or better are passing for TSTC 1101/1102

Grades of C or better are passing for PBE TSTC 1101/1102

• LO1.1.1: Identify where class syllabus is located.
  
• LO1.1.2: Identify important contact information on the syllabus.
  
• LO 1.1.3 Evaluate the importance of developing positive interactions with peers and instructors.

• LO2.1.1: Analyze and interpret website key information.
• LO2.1.2: Locate and understand student rights and responsibilities.
  
• LO2.1.3: Demonstrate how to use and log on to WebAdvisor, MyMail, and Portal.
• LO2.1.4: Recognize and identify policies and safety procedures relevant to TSTC students.
  
• LO2.1.5: Demonstrate how to access tutoring services.
• LO2.1.6: Practice utilization of TSTC productivity resources
• Sharing
  LO2.2.1: Examine external productivity resources
  

• LO3.1.1: Utilize and practice different study techniques.
• LO3.1.2: Calculate and evaluate the importance of GPA in reference to academic and professional situations.
  
• LO3.1.3: Recognize students' preferred learning methods as well as personality traits and their impact on learning.
  
• LO3.1.4: Utilize the Learning Resource Center
  
• LO3.1.5: Utilize external learning resources
  
• LO3.2.1: Recognize stress triggers and develop methods to reduce negative stress.

• LO3.3.1: Examine interpersonal and soft skill proficiency via designated online assessment

• LO 4.1.1: Create weekly schedule.
• LO 4.1.2: Utilize Google Calendar as a planning/organizing tool.
  
• LO 4.1.3: Set measurable short and long term goals.

• LO 4.1.4: Maintain productivity by planning and organizing tasks.
  

• LO 5.1: Assess the importance of developing skills to increase Employability.
• LO 5.2.1: Describe initiative.

• LO6.1.1: Contrast different communication styles.
• LO6.1.2: Evaluate conflict resolution techniques.
  

• LO7.1.1: Describe the importance of being a reliable and dependable employee.
  
• LO7.1.2: Demonstrate understanding of keeping a high “Say/Do” ratio.
  
• LO7.1.3: Summarize the characteristics that enable individuals to recognize and effectively adjust to changes at work.
  
• LO7.2.1: Compare and contrast previous soft skills scores with current soft skills scores.
  

Technology Requirements

Please note that this is an online course. Students will need regular access to a computer with reliable internet access in order to be successful in this course.

Required Items/Materials:

• Internet accessibility (high speed)

• Preferred Microburst Learning browser – Google Chrome (download instructions: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95346?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en)
• Adobe Reader - Can be downloaded for free at (http://get.adobe.com/reader/)

• Access to your TSTC student email/TSTC MyMail, which you should check regularly for updates
• Access to the Microburst Learning EmployAbility Learning Management System. (Can be used with any browser, but works best with Google Chrome.) For questions, please access the TSTC Help Desk via phone: 1-800-592-8784 or email: tstchelpdesk@tstc.edu

• A personal set of earbuds or headphones that can be used when completing coursework and/or assessments (recommended, not required)

• Access to Canvas (https://tstc.instructure.com).
• For questions, contact the TSTC Online Learning Office (956-364-4361) or TSTC Help Desk via phone: 1-800-592-8784 or email: tstchelpdesk@tstc.edu

Technological Challenges:

Students are strongly encouraged to 1) take a screenshot of whatever the problem is, and 2) contact the TSTC HelpDesk, which is available seven days per week, if they encounter any difficulties with Microburst Learning and/or Canvas. To reach the HelpDesk, students may call 1-800-592-8784 and/or send an email to tstcHelpDesk@tstc.edu . Instructors are unlikely to be able to rectify most technological issues.

For questions, please access the TSTC Help Desk via phone: 1-800-592-8784 or email: tstchelpdesk@tstc.edu

TSTC PBE Grading Policy for General Education Courses

(Grades for courses must be C or better)

See College Catalog for complete descriptions.

PBE Information

This course is a Performance-Based Education (PBE) Course, the name of TSTC’s course-based, Competency-Based Education (CBE) initiative. PBE courses require a minimum grade standard to be met. For this course, the minimum grade standard is set at 70%. 

Mastery assessments have been built to align with industry reviewed course competencies and you will have multiple attempts to reach this mastery level as outlined in the Mastery Assessments in General Education Courses policy below. All Mastery Assessments must be completed with a minimum mastery grade by the end of the semester. Your work in this course will be self-guided, which means that you will be able to determine how much time will be devoted to each of the learning modules with the guidance of your Enrollment Coach and Faculty member.  Please refer to the Guide Dates (suggested due dates in Canvas) to check your progress in the course based on a 15-week semester.  

A Mastery Assessments in First Year Seminar Courses policy is provided that will be followed as well. The final grade for this course will be determined by averaging all the Mastery Assessments, each of which must meet the minimum mastery grade requirement (70%).

Enrollment Coach Information

TSTC is here to help you succeed and to aid you through your journey with us. We have assigned you an Enrollment Coach who will assist you with scheduling your classes, guide you towards completing your classes on time, and let you know about all the services TSTC offers.  In order to help you stay on track to your great paying job, we ask that you meet with your enrollment coach weekly, whether in person, on the computer, or through a phone call.  These meetings won’t take long and we want to make sure you know how you are doing and how to get where you are going!  To schedule a meeting with your enrollment coach you can click on this link: http://tstc.edu/meetwithcoach.  Our job is to help you succeed!

 Mastery Assessments in First Year Seminar Courses

In Performance Based Education (PBE) courses, you are required to show mastery of course competencies through assessments. At TSTC, First Year Seminar Course Mastery Assessments have the mastery level set at 70% or better. You will need to complete ALL Mastery Assessments at or above the required mastery level in order to complete the course. The benefit of PBE is that in the event you do not finish the course, Mastery Assessment scores will carry over to the next semester and you can pick up where you left off in the course.  For First Year Seminar classes, you have unlimited attempts for each Mastery Assessment. 

Before Your First Mastery Assessment Attempt

Before attempting a Mastery Assessment, you should complete any formative assessments (typically labeled “Practice and Apply” or “Activity” or “Lab” or “Check for Understanding”) included in the module. These formative assessments are designed to help gauge your understanding of the content and help you prepare for the Mastery Assessment.

After Your First Mastery Assessment Attempt

Instructors will grade your Mastery Assessment within 2 business days. While waiting for feedback on the assessment, continue working on your other course(s).

In the event that you do not meet the predetermined score to indicate mastery of the content, you will be given another assessment opportunity. 

If your first attempt score is between 50 and 69% on a First Year Seminar course Mastery Assessment, you can self-direct your module review or meet with an instructor to close the gaps in your knowledge, skills, or abilities.

If you scored below 50% on a First Year Seminar course mastery assessment, you will need to return to the corresponding module(s) and view all lectures, complete all readings and attempt or reattempt all formative assessments. 

After Your Second Mastery Assessment Attempt

If you fail to demonstrate mastery on the second and any subsequent Mastery Assessment attempt, you MUST schedule a time to meet with your instructor to review the previous attempts. The instructor will assign mandatory tasks for you to successfully complete before additional attempts can be made.  

Mastery Assessments in the Gradebook

The highest score from all attempts will be recorded for each Mastery Assessment.  

If you desire an additional attempt to raise your score, you must complete all Mastery Assessments in the course first and then contact your instructor for directions. Note: You cannot request an attempt to raise a score after the semester has ended. It is your responsibility to plan your coursework so that adequate time remains at the end of the semester to administer any additional assessment(s).

Deadline for Submitting Final Mastery Assessment Attempts

If your final mastery assessment has a manually graded section, the final attempt for the semester is due Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. CST the last week of the semester. This will allow your instructor 2 business days to grade your assessment. Assessments that are computer graded will close at 5:00 p.m. CST on the last Friday of the semester.

Mastery Assessment Grade Carry Over

If you do not master an assessment before the end of the semester, you will pick up with that assessment the next semester. Any attempts on that assessment from the previous semester will reset and start over with the first attempt in the new semester. (Note: Failure to complete all mastery assessments in a course with required score will result in an ‘F’ in the course. You will need to register and pay for the course again to continue.)

Mastery Assessment scores are good for one calendar year. In other words, you have three semesters after the initial semester ends to complete the course. For example, if a student masters assessments for modules 1 and 2 in a course but not the third module in the Spring 2023 semester, they will need to finish the course by Summer 2023, Fall 2023, or Spring 2024 semester to carry over the scores for Mastery Assessments 1 and 2. The student will need to repeat the entire course if they wait until the Summer 2024 semester. 

Course Updates

The First Year Seminar Division seeks to continuously improve the curriculum for our courses. These curriculum updates are based on the needs of the course, requirements from our accreditation agencies, and the needs of our industry partners. Students that need to repeat a course might find additional assessments in a course that must be completed to pass the course. If you are repeating a course, discuss with your instructor possible curriculum changes as well as where to begin in the course. 

Additional Important Information

NOTE: All first-time TSTC Students are required to take TSTC 1102, as well as all transfer students with less than 24 semester course hours. The course is required for graduation, but it is not required for Dual Enrollment or Continuing Education students. 

All Assignments – Students are to submit assignments according to the instructions provided. Unless otherwise instructed, please do not submit assignments via email, in a comment on Canvas, by message, DropBox, iCloud, voicemail, fax, SMS, by hand, nor in One Note, Pages, Microsoft Works, WordPad, LibreOffice.

Learning Management System Access – Regular access to both the Microburst Learning Management System AND the Canvas Learning Management System (https://tstc.instructure.com) is a requirement for this course; students cannot pass this course without utilizing both. Students may access the Microburst LMS via the direct link in their course in Canvas. Students may also access Microburst by utilizing the following urls: 

• https://tstc.microburstelearning.com/
• softskills.tstc.edu (for mobile devices)

Technological Challenges – Students are strongly encouraged to 1) take a screenshot of whatever the problem is, and 2) contact the TSTC HelpDesk, which is available seven days per week, if they encounter any difficulties with Microburst Learning and/or Canvas: 1-800-592-8784; tstcHelpDesk@tstc.edu

General Course For Your Information

TSTC 1102 Pre Self-Perception Survey: In or prior to Module 3, all students must complete a brief online survey in which they self-rate their soft skills. They will access the survey through a direct link in Canvas. Completion of this survey is required in order to proceed beyond Module 3.

Employability Skills Pre-Assessment (400A): In Module 3, students will take a EmployAbility Skills pre-assessment, 400A, inside the Microburst Learning LMS. It has ~65 multiple choice questions and takes ~20 minutes to complete. Once completed, students’ scores will be displayed on the screen. There will be ten scores in total (one for each of ten different soft skills) and each score will be displayed as either Needs Improvement (below average),Bronze (average), Silver (above average), or Gold (exceptional). Students are required to screenshot, print, or otherwise save their ten scores. Students who do not successfully complete their 400A pre-assessment will not be able to progress to the Microburst modules to complete any work; successful completion of the 400A pre-assessment is required for the first module to unlock. After completing 400A, students will not take it again that semester. 

Post-Secondary Lessons (400B): From Modules 3-7, there are ten 400B post-secondary lessons in Microburst Learning that students must complete. Because all post-secondary lessons are part of the 400B category, each individual lesson per module also ends with a “B” as well. (To use the example of Interpersonal skills, since its module number is 401, the 400B Post-Secondary Lesson you need to do for the Interpersonal Skills module is “401B.”) Each 400B takes ~30-45 minutes to complete and can be taken more than once if necessary. It is necessary to view all the videos to complete the final post-assessment (400D) in Microburst Learning.

Applied Assignments: In Modules 3-7 students will complete assignments designed to enhance learning through application and reinforcement of the concepts learned; these must be completed in Canvas as assigned.

Final 400D Soft Skills Post-Assessment: In Module 7, students will take a final soft skills 400D post-assessment that has ~65 multiple choice questions and takes ~20 minutes to complete. They will access it via a direct link in Canvas. Once completed, students’ scores will be displayed on the screen. There will be ten scores in total (one for each of ten different soft skills) and each score will be displayed as either Needs Improvement (below average), Bronze (average), Silver (above average), or Gold (exceptional). Students must screenshot, print, or otherwise save their ten scores. Students will be expected to compare their 400A Pre-Assessment and 400D Final Post-Assessment Scores in a reflection assessment. After completing the Final 400D, students will not take it again. 

TSTC 1102 Post Self-Perception Survey:  All students will complete a final brief online survey in which they again self-rate their soft skills. They will access the survey through a direct link in Canvas. Completion of this survey is required in order to finish this course.

Helpful Microburst Tips – Students should be aware of the following tips when inside the Microburst LMS. Failure to adhere to these recommendations may result in a student losing some or all of their progress and/or cause the screen to freeze or shut down.

• Use the Chrome browser if possible (Firefox can be used as a second choice too, but Chrome is preferred.)
• Do NOT press the "back" arrows or the "back" button
• Do NOT leave your screen/window idle for lengthy periods of time (i.e. over 15 minutes)
• Do NOT open up another browser, tab, or window when completing Microburst lessons  and/or assessments
• Do NOT leave a page until you see the confirmation on the screen that your content has been saved; if you move on while it is still "loading" it is likely that you will lost your content
• Do NOT take any of the optional Microburst Learning certification assessments (400D) if you do not feel you have a strong grasp on the content for that module. These certification assessments can only be taken twice, so be confident that you have mastered the material enough to earn a minimum of an 80% before taking it
• DO reach out to the HelpDesk first (and your instructor second) if you encounter problems in the Microburst LMS. We can't help you if we don't have the necessary information.

Course Announcements and/or Q & A Forums (in Canvas) – Designated forums for updates, communication, etc.

Academic Support Services and Tutoring

The Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring Program at TSTC offers free tutoring and academic support services to help you achieve your academic and career goals.  You can access the Tutoring Schedule, as well as MyTSTC Video Tutor Library, by visiting: https://portal.tstc.edu/student/Student_Learning/Pages/tutoring.aspx.

You can acquire more information on tutoring and/or access the MyTSTC Video Tutor Library by visiting these links:

https://portal.tstc.edu/student/Student_Learning/Pages/Tutoring.aspx

https://www.youtube.com/user/MyTSTCVideoTutor/playlists

Safety

Students should register and be familiar with the TSTC Emergency Notification System in order to get important safety-related updates from TSTC. There will likely be updates on social media and/or the TSTC website as well. Students should also be prepared to dial 911 or utilize the appropriate emergency contact for their area as needed.

Academic Integrity and Copyright Statement 

All work turned in must be your own original work. Any work turned in represented as yours that is not will be considered plagiarism. The punishment for plagiarism will be removal from the course with a grade of F and possible removal from the program and/or college.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT:

The materials used in the course (textbooks, handouts, media files (podcast, MP3, Videos, RSS Feeds), and all instructional resources on the college’s Learning Management Systems are intended for use only by students registered and enrolled in this course, and are only to be used for instructional use, activities associated with, and for the duration of the course. By "handouts," this means all materials generated for this course, which includes but are not limited to syllabi, quizzes, exams, lab problems, in-class materials, review sheets, and any additional materials. These materials may not be retained in another medium or disseminated further. They are provided in compliance with the provisions of the Teach Act. These materials may not be reproduced, displayed, modified or distributed without the express prior written permission of the copyright holder or TSTC. Contact the instructor(s) with questions.