Undergraduate students enrolled in this course are expected to meet high academic standards and demonstrate a serious commitment to scholarly work. You are required to integrate and apply knowledge from previous coursework, showing that you can research, evaluate, and incorporate credible sources with precision and integrity. A professional tone and critical thinking are mandatory in all assignments and discussions. APA formatting is not optional*, it is a strict requirement. Every written submission must fully comply with current APA guidelines, including correct in-text citations, reference lists, headings, and document structure. Errors in citation, formatting, punctuation, or capitalization will result in grade deductions. If you are unfamiliar with APA style, it is your responsibility to consult the APA Manual or university writing resources such as the OWL at Purdue. Late submissions, careless writing, or lack of engagement will not* be tolerated. All work must be proofread, clearly organized, and demonstrate thoughtful analysis. Your contributions should reflect a strong connection to course objectives and your academic development. This course holds you accountable to a rigorous standard, and consistent adherence to APA style is a key measure of your readiness to meet it.

As your instructor, I am committed to maintaining a respectful, structured, and academically rigorous classroom environment. I expect students to arrive on time, prepared, and ready to engage. Disruptive behavior, excessive tardiness, or lack of participation will not* be tolerated and may result in grade 9/24/2025 penalties or removal from class*. Communication should always remain professional, I reserve the right to modify the syllabus or course schedule as needed, and students will be notified promptly of any changes. It is your responsibility to stay informed, meet expectations, and uphold the standards of this course.

Students enrolled in this course are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, both in and out of the classroom. Respect for peers, instructors, and the learning environment is non-negotiable. Disruptive behavior (including side conversations, use of electronic devices for non-academic purposes, or disrespectful language), will not* be tolerated and may result in removal from class or disciplinary action*. This course encourages open dialogue, but all contributions must be made in a spirit of professionalism, fairness, and academic integrity. Students are expected to follow university policies regarding behavior, plagiarism, and harassment. Violations will be documented and addressed according to institutional procedures. Your conduct reflects your commitment to learning, take it seriously

Regular attendance is required and essential for success in this course. This is an interactive, discussion-based course, and your presence directly impacts your learning and the learning of others. Students are expected to attend all* scheduled class sessions and arrive on time. Excessive absences (defined as more than three unexcused class meetings) will result in a reduction of your participation grade and may jeopardize your ability to pass the course*. If you must miss class due to illness, emergency, or university-approved activities, you* are responsible for notifying me in advance and arranging to make up any missed work. Tardiness, early departures, or disengagement during class may also affect your attendance record. * This policy is designed to uphold academic standards and foster a respectful, engaged learning environment.

Late work is not accepted* without prior approval. All assignments must be submitted on time, either in class or through the designated platform, by the posted deadline. If you anticipate a conflict, it is your responsibility to communicate with me before* the due date. Unexcused late submissions will receive a zero. * Extensions may be granted only in cases of documented emergencies or university approved circumstances and must be requested in writing. Repeated late submissions, even with communication, may result in grade penalties and loss of participation credit. This policy is designed to promote accountability, fairness, and respect for the learning process. Plan ahead, manage your time, and meet deadlines consistently.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Obligation to Report Sex Discrimination under State and Federal Law

Midwestern State University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from sex discrimination of any kind. State and federal law require University employees to report sex discrimination and sexual misconduct to the University’s Office of Title IX. As a faculty member, I am required to report to the Title IX Coordinator any allegations, personally observed behavior, or other direct or indirect knowledge of conduct that reasonably may constitute sex discrimination or sexual misconduct, which includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, or stalking, involving a student or employee. After a report is made, the office of Title IX will reach out to the affected student or employee in an effort to connect such person(s) with resources and options in addressing the allegations made in the report. You are also encouraged to report any incidents to the office of Title IX. You may do so by contacting:

Laura Hetrick

Title IX Coordinator
Sunwatcher Village Clubhouse
940-397-4213

laura.hetrick@msutexas.edu

You may also file an online report 24/7 at Maxient 

Should you wish to visit with someone about your experience in confidence, you may contact the MSU Counseling Center at 940-397-4618. For more information on the University’s policy on Title IX or sexual misconduct, please visit MSU Texas Title IX

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.