To learn about the natural and human components of environmental science; to understand that scientific observations make possible protection and management of Earth’s environment. Students will be able to

• ·        Explain environmental change in terms of continuous natural processes as well as growing human impacts
• ·        Observe and report on the environment scientifically, using established methods and protocols to ensure accuracy
• ·        Relate changes in environmental variables in one part of the Earth System to impacts on other systems
• ·        Recognize real, discrete environmental issues and identify sustainable solutions
• ·        Reflect on how your analysis of, assumptions about, and perspectives on environmental issues have changed over the period of this course, and how the activities in this course have facilitated this change

Students are expected to participate in all aspects of the classes in which they are enrolled. For this class, participation involves taking the weekly progress monitor quizzes and tests within the allowed period. Posting and replying to Discussion topics in a timely manner are both part of participation. Although in general students are graded on intellectual effort and performance rather than participation, non-participation may lower the student’s grade. A student who fails to participate in discussions and to submit quizzes and tests in a timely manner may be dropped from a course by the instructor. The instructor must give the student a verbal or written warning prior to being dropped from the class. The instructor’s records will stand as evidence of participation. Any individual faculty member or college has the authority to establish a participation policy, providing the policy is in accordance with the General University Policies.

Netiquette is a set of rules for behaving properly online. Something about cyberspace makes it easy for people to forget that they are interacting with other real people. The following bullet points cover some basics to communicating online:

·        Be sensitive to the fact that there will be cultural and linguistic backgrounds, as well as different political and religious beliefs.

·        Use good taste when composing your responses in Discussion Forums. Swearing and profanity is also part of being sensitive to your classmates and should be avoided. Also, consider that slang can be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

·        Do not use all capital letters when composing your responses as this is considered “shouting” on the Internet and is regarded as impolite or aggressive. It is also stressful on the eye when trying to read your message.

·        Be respectful of your others’ views and opinions. Avoid “flaming” (publicly attacking or insulting) them as this can decrease the chances of getting all different types of points of view.

·        Be careful when using acronyms. If you use an acronym, it is best to spell out its meaning first, and then put the acronym in parentheses afterward for example: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). After that, you can use the acronym freely throughout your message.

·        Use good grammar and spelling and avoid using text-messaging shortcuts.

Late work may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Communicate with your instructor if you have a reasonable need for extra time to complete coursework. Students will not be allowed to make up late work unless they communicate with the instructor via email within 24 hours (before or after) of having missed the due date. Communications should be sent to rebecca.dodge@msutexas.edu

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.