Welcome to Class US 101 check in

Welcome to Class : 

US/101 with Julia Westlake Welcome to Class

Welcome : 

Welcome Go through this presentation/the welcome thread slowly and follow instructions! You only need to check in 1 time per course. When you check in correctly I will place a blue ? Tag by your post If you have questions please ask!

Location of Course Materials Forum : 

Location of Course Materials Forum

Setting Your Preferences : 

Setting Your Preferences In the “See Also…” box on the left hand side of your screen click on the Preferences link and do the following: Type in a display name (preferred first name and last name that is on the roster/your student records) Change the font size to either small or medium (your choice) Select a font type (again your choice) Click YES to enable spell check In the “My Signature” box type a signature in consisting of at least your first and last name (enter) your email address (set the font as you want it to appear but use colors that are EASILY read) – when you have the signature you are satisfied with from the drop down select “Apply to All Messages” Click “Save Preferences”

Preference Set Up : 

Preference Set Up Turn your auto-spell check to YES Make sure your Apply To drop down box says “All Messages”

Software : 

Software Verify that you OWN and HAVE INSTALLED the following software programs (they are all required – if you do not own them you can buy a discounted copy on your student webpage from the “University Marketplace”): Microsoft Word (not Works) Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Excel Open Office is NOT the same as Microsoft Office and is NOT a substitute. Go to the Start Menu on your computer Go to All Programs Go to Microsoft Office You should see at a minimum Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Compatibility : 

Compatibility If you own anything older than Microsoft 2007, please install the following compatibility patch (required): http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466&displaylang=en If the link does not work for you, because Microsoft occasionally changes it, please go to www.microsoft.com and in the search box type “compatibility pack” then download the latest version of the MS Office compatibility pack

Security Updates : 

Security Updates Update your security patches and virus software (hopefully you have these on auto-update but if not do it manually) Note: Free virus protection software is just that, free so it may not protect you fully when you are on the internet for class. If you opt not to buy a robust virus protection software this is your choice but do everything possible to have a back-up plan and your work save somewhere else than your main computer.

Documents and Email : 

Documents and Email Print out the syllabus and course calendar – all located in the course materials forum – Yes it is vital that you print these documents Set up your University of Phoenix/Axia College email account, if you have issues call technical support (If you see me online you can IM me through my UOP account – everyone has chat capabilities through their Axia College email)

Do not Post New Threads : 

Do not Post New Threads At the top of your screen when you have selected the Main forum there is a link called “Post New Thread” – by checking in you acknowledge that you are never to click on the Post New Thread link in the Main forum – you are not allowed to begin your own threads in the Main forum Foul language, name calling, and the like are not allowed in class or class related discussions regardless of whether or not they take place in or outside the classroom (emails, posts, phone calls, etc – aka all communications - are encompassed by this policy) All of the university code of conduct policies apply in this classroom Academic integrity is taken very seriously in this course – do not cheat, buy your work, or plagiarize, penalties are severe for these actions

Manage Your Own Time : 

Manage Your Own Time You are personally responsible for managing your class time, turning in work on-time, following assignment instructions, and asking questions (if you have them) well before due dates/deadlines You must be in class, substantively participating in the Main forum discussions (2 substantive posts each day on 4 different days of each class week) – this does not include assignment completion time or anything else – just participation On average students will need to spend a minimum of 7 hours per week to complete class work for just this class. If you spend less and get a good grade consider yourself lucky, if you spend more this is likely because (1) you want a good grade and/or (2) it is your first time taking this course. Most students end up needing more than 7 hours per week – plan for this. (**This time encompasses all course related activities including reading assignments, participating, assignment completion, etc)

Excused Absences & Incompletes : 

Excused Absences & Incompletes Excused RARE and there is a max. 1 “excuse” per class max. - This cannot apply to participation. Incompletes are not given for students failing the course or even close to it. In order to qualify for an incomplete you have to meet every single requirement as stated in the university policies. Remember, if you take an incomplete your grade automatically drops one full grade letter – regardless of the reason.

Ready to Check in! : 

Ready to Check in! When replying you must: Reply to this thread, a thread is my original message that begins the “conversation” – do not reply to a classmate under this thread. State that you have Microsoft Office including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. If you do not own these programs please note that you are required to have these programs so go to www.Microsoft.com and download the free trial then go to the university marketplace on your student webpage and purchase Microsoft Office (this is the least expensive place I have found to purchase the programs). State that you have read, understand, and have completed everything in the thread. State that you have printed out the syllabus, course calendar, and assignment checklist. Have your signature line set up and in your post (no graphics or emoticons, they do not show up the way you intend)   (Note, if you fail to verify/state everything and have your signature set up and in your reply or if you do not post your work correctly I will mark your post with a red U, then you will need to re-do your post. If you complete the check in correctly I will mark your post with a blue ?.