Course Syllabus
RTV 3576C 0001: Principles of Post Production
Nicholson School of Media and Communication, College of Sciences
Spring 2022 Syllabus
| Instructor | Dr. Don Merritt |
|---|---|
| Office | Classroom Bldg 1 Room 203 (CB1 203) |
| Office Hours | TR 0830 – 0930 (please reserve in advance); Other times by appointment |
| Phone | 407.823.2571 (please ask for me, or leave a message) |
| Email* | via Webcourses* (don.merritt@ucf.edu if you can't access Webcourses) |
*Webcourses preferred. If emailing, the message must be from a Knghtsmail or ucf.edu account and have RTV 3576C in the subject line.
| Days & Times | W 1030 - 1320 |
|---|---|
| Room | NSC 161 |
| Meeting Dates | 01/12/2022 - 04/27/2022 |
| Spring Break | 03/06/2022 - /3 |
| Final Exam | Wednesday, April 27 from 1000 – 1250 |
Course Description
Basic theories and conventions applied to editing video and audio, and the role of the editor in visual storytelling.
The material in this course is meant to provide an overview of video and audio post production techniques. We'll be looking at fundamentals of editing techniques, but we'll also be looking at WHY we use certain tools and, perhaps more importantly, why we DON'T use others. The course will also introduce students to the behaviors and expectations of professionals in the field.
Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes
Each assignment is as comprehensive as possible to incorporate several different levels of thinking and learning. As a result, you should expect to learn how to:
- Understand and apply the technical skills associated with non-linear editing
- Import, project setup (incl. sequence settings), and management of media files
- Efficiently use non-linear tools in a multi-track environment
- Manage the process of export and delivery
- Apply appropriate aesthetic editing conventions
- Apply appropriate titles and effects
- Select and combine content that crafts a coherent and effective message
- Appropriately apply audio and video transitions
- Receive and provide professional, effective, and useful feedback
Required Text / Materials
- Editing Digital Video, Goodman and McGrath, 1st edition. A used copy is fine for this course.
- Other readings as assigned during class or through Webcourses.
- Regular Internet access, or use of on-campus labs. Assignment submissions will require internet access.
Optional Additional Resources
- Large capacity flash drive or external hard drive.
- LinkedIn Learning (Getting Started with LinkedIn Learning & UCF)
- If you want access to editing hardware and software from home the Technology Product Center at UCF has student discounts on hardware and software. Staff there can help you set up a subscription to Adobe Premiere Pro at the student rate.
- Other software can be used to complete some assignments, but we will use Adobe Premiere Pro in the lab.
- Additional links will be shared in the Discussions section. Feel free to add any you'd like to share that you have discovered!
General Suggestions for Success in this Course
The policies and procedures in the syllabus should not change throughout the semester unless directed by the administration. Updates to the course schedule may change as the semester progresses (hurricanes, pandemics, meteors, etc.). If changes are made there will be an announcement in Webcourses with as much lead time as possible. It is your responsibility to check for announcements regularly.
Professionalism is the key to success here and throughout your future schoolwork and career. One of the key indicators of professionalism is good time management skills. Life (and hurricanes, or pandemics, or sharknados) can throw a curve ball at us at any time. Note the due dates on the calendar, and plan ahead! I do not accept late work except in specific circumstances. Most clients or bosses won’t pay you for late work either.
You’re encouraged to follow up on anything you find confusing by bringing it up during class, messaging me, or discussing issues with your classmates. Another indicator of professionalism is a willingness to engage with your professional peers – here, your fellow classmates. Keep all discussions professional and courteous!
Syllabus Sections
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- Instructor Introduction and Teaching Philosophy
- About this Course
- Course Requirements and Expectations
- Assignments, Grades, and Due Dates
- Calendar
- Protocols
- Philosophy
- Student Help
- COVID-19 Information
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The calendar for all UCF important dates (holidays, exams, etc.) can be found on the Academic Calendar for each semester. The link for the current academic calendar is at https://calendar.ucf.edu. Final exam schedules can be found at https://exams.sdes.ucf.edu.
Instructor Introduction and Teaching Philosophy
Instructor Introduction
I am the Director of the Office of Instructional Resources (OIR) here at UCF. Our current responsibilities include institutional-level event production and multimedia resources for all UCF campuses. In the past we have also been home to video production and graphic design services, Faculty Multimedia Training, and Lecture Capture support. I first began teaching at UCF in the Fall of 2001 (MMC 4200) and have taught several other media and journalism courses since then.
You can get an overview of my recent professional career on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/donmerrittucf/). That covers my professional life since moving to Florida in the summer of 1999. Before that I was a Supervising Director at Shop at Home networks in Antioch, TN; a freelance videographer and producer; Director at WJHL-TV in Johnson City, TN; a Director for Chinquapin Corp broadcasting the Commissioners’ meetings for the city of Johnson City, TN; on-air DJ for WMJD-FM in VA, and occasionally did on-air TV stuff. I also have some production credits for a few independent and experimental media projects over the years.
Starting so long ago, I’ve seen the evolution of production from the days of splicing tape with a razor blade (which I’ve done!) to the current use of non-linear tools. Regardless of that change, the basics of storytelling (visual or otherwise) still apply. Lots of people know how to edit. The how and the why are different things. Here, we’ll learn how to tell the pros from the rest and to become pros ourselves.
Pro tip – the tools don’t matter as much as you think. It’s the end product that counts.
Outside of work I enjoy video games, traveling, the outdoors, and spending quality time with family and friends. I grew up on a farm and now keep lots of plants, which is a great distraction from everyday stresses. I’m married to a Disney cast member so I can sometimes be found in the parks (preferably Epcot). We also have a small dog that really runs the house. We’re just there to fill his treat ball.
Most importantly, I love Orlando and UCF. This is the place where I figured out who I am at the same time it was figuring out itself. And by Orlando, I mean the central part of town with all of the great neighborhoods that I hope you are able to explore (the Milk District, SoDo, and the Hourglass Districts especially). Go visit “PomPom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria” on south Bumby, if you’ve never been there. There are so many hidden gems around town like Pom’s, and I hope to visit them all. Let me know if there’s one you think doesn’t get enough love!
My Teaching Philosophy
Much of what I believe and how I teach is a product of my experiences, both professional and personal. So that you may better understand me and why I work the way I do, I offer you this abridged statement on my teaching philosophy.
We each contribute to the public’s trust of our profession, and it is our responsibility to hold each other to the highest standards.
I believe it is my responsibility to instill in my students the skills and mindset to be excellent members of the profession, and exemplary peers to others. My classroom is a space where we actively engage with one another through courteous, professional, honest, and congenial conversation. Our activities or pre-planned exercises are not meant as “weeding-out” exercises but as activities that will build confidence in everyone’s capabilities and encourage them to explore beyond their current skill sets and knowledge base.
Above all, I believe that we are creating a community of creatives and professionals who can rely on each other even after our time in the classroom. Many of my student peers went on to become my professional peers, and many of my professional peers have become some of my closest friends.
What you should expect of me:
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- evaluate your work in a professional context
- direct discussion toward the course goals
- offer fair, balanced, honest assessment of work
- provide direction toward answer
- evaluate and return graded work in a timely manner
About this course
This is an opportunity for you to learn skills, tactics, and theoretical foundations for crafting messages through audio and video media. This course is designed to teach you the basics of video and audio production values, producing work by a deadline, and honing your aesthetic eye. In addition, you'll explore how different types of media are changing the way that media professionals do their work and what that means as you begin your career.
This is a skills course, so we will focus most of our efforts on learning how to produce visual media. Most of your assignments will be video assignments created to test your skill sets. Therefore, most of the education will be hands-on. Additional readings that help you understand the topics we’ll discuss and frame those discussions.
This course is divided into weekly modules of content. On the Modules page you'll find the content for each week. Some content may open before the week in which it is assigned. You’re welcome to work ahead in those cases, but exams and quizzes will not usually open early. I want to make sure everyone comes away from the course with the same level of fundamental skills, but if you’re ready to be pushed then let’s push!
Course Requirements and Expectations
Online Learning & Technology
While this class is primarily a face-to-face course there will be a considerable amount of learning taking place outside of the class meeting time. This requires planning and self-pacing. I expect you to keep up with weekly readings, modules, and assignments as per the calendar. Please do not be tempted to skip two weeks of modules and expect to catch up easily.
Students will be expected to have access to a computer frequently. You will be expected to have regular access to the Internet and email. Some learning modules include links to outside Internet sites. All students at UCF are required to obtain a Knight's Email account and check it regularly for official university communications.
If your Internet connection or computer is the failing technology, you may NOT make-up the assignment. There are many resources available on campus to assist with doing your work. Do not wait until the last minute to complete or turn in assignments. If you anticipate issues with making a due date for an assignment, please contact me BEFORE the assignment is due, preferably at the time it is assigned.
See the Student Help section for more resources.
Student Help
If you encounter technology issues with Webcourses when completing an assignment your first course of action is to contact the Tech Rangers at Webcourses@UCF. You can contact Webcourses@UCF Support by phone (407-823-0407), email (webcourses@ucf.edu), live chat, or through the Online Support Form. Save this information somewhere outside of this course in case you can’t get into Webcourses!
I would also encourage you to use the Discussion section in Webcourses to ask each other for help, tips, and tricks. Not everyone uses the software in the exact same way to get the same results. I use a lot of keyboard shortcuts, while some of you may prefer to use the menus. Let's help each other accomplish our goals and discover new ways to work with the systems that get us there.
I suggest you take quizzes and exams somewhere with a secure Internet connection and on a reliable computer. There are many computer labs available to students across the campus, and you are eligible to use the labs at some other campuses as well. Plan in advance. For information on university computer labs, please go to http://registrar.sdes.ucf.edu/webguide/index_quickfind.aspx. Checking your Knights email and Webcourses for announcements, etc., should be done several times throughout the week.
Additional Resources
Course Development & Web Services maintains a web site, Learning Online, devoted to learner support issues including:
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- Information to help students determine whether they want to take an online course
- How to prepare for an online course and what to expect
- Study hints/skills for distance learners
- Library
Assignments, Grades, and Due Dates
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Letter Grade |
Points |
Range |
|---|---|---|
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A |
157.5 to 175 |
100 % to 90.0% |
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B |
140.0 to 157.5 |
< 90.0 % to 80.0% |
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C |
122.5 to 140.0 |
< 80.0 % to 70.0% |
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D |
105.0 to 122.5 |
< 70.0 % to 60.0% |
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F |
< 105.0 |
< 60.0 % to 0.0% |
Attendance/Participation: You are expected to contribute to class regularly, in accordance with the policies of the School and the University. You will also be expected to participate in class discussion and provide constructive feedback to your classmates during screening sessions and online, when requested.
NOTE: this does not mean you will be penalized if you are unable to make it to class because of a documented illness.
Late work will not be accepted without prior approval. All assignments are to be submitted through Webcourses by the time indicated. Incomplete submissions could get a grade higher than zero but will not receive full credit. The media profession is built upon deadlines, and we will hold ourselves to that standard. I do not offer extra credit opportunities except in exceptional circumstances.
10% of the grade - Quizzes: There will be a short quiz on each reading assigned and over some lecture and discussion material. These will be done in Webcourses.
10% of the grade - Lab work: You will be asked to submit work at the end of some lab sessions. These will ensure that you understand the concepts that we are working on and to ensure that no one falls behind. These will be submitted through Webcourses.
40% of the grade - 4 class projects: There will be four editing assignments.
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- The first assignment content will be generated by you with simple, cuts only sequence editing.
- The second assignment will be a narrative, cuts only edit which involves basic dialog edit between two or more characters.
- The third assignment will involve titles and graphics with more sophisticated transitions between clips.
- The fourth assignment details will be based on our shared progress during the semester but will ask you to apply all of the skills we’ve covered in one assignment.
10% of the grade - Midterm Project: There will be a sound edit, where students will be required to incorporate a multi-track sound edit with video. Students will need to match up the audio and video, then edit the scene so that it flows with no jump cuts or sync problems.
10% of the grade - Final Project: Students will edit a music video which will incorporate sourced video, sound, and graphics. The final project will be presented to the class.
10% of the grade - Midterm Exam: The midterm exam will include concepts from your text, handouts, lectures, and lab practices. It will consist of two parts - questions presented in Webcourses, and editing a video that will be exported and uploaded to Webcourses.
10% of the grade - Final Exam: The Final exam will be comprehensive and include concepts from your text, handouts, lectures, and lab practices. It will consist of two parts - questions presented in Webcourses, and editing a video that will be exported and uploaded to Webcourses.
Calendar
This course is following the standard calendar. Please make sure to look through the deadlines for the assignments listed below. Topic dates are subject to change.
The calendar for all UCF important dates (holidays, exams, etc.) can be found on the UCF Academic Calendar at https://calendar.ucf.edu. Final exam schedules can be found at https://exams.sdes.ucf.edu.
Course Policies and Protocols
Professionalism & Technology
Civility is genuine respect and regard for others. It includes politeness, consideration, tact, good manners, graciousness, cordiality, affability, amiability, and courteousness. Civility enhances academic freedom and is a prerequisite of the free exchange of ideas and knowledge in a learning environment. Civility is expected of you in all your communications with your classmates and with your instructor.
Please be polite. I encourage you to start seeing your fellow students as your colleagues and to treat them with respect via your interactions with them this semester. I also encourage you to be aware of civility in the context of emailing me with any questions or concerns you may have. I expect some topics or assignments may be more confusing to you than others. I expect that you may not be pleased with every grade you earn. I even expect there to be some technological issues from time to time. These are not excuses for incivility or a lack of professionalism.
If you have questions regarding course material (including questions on a quiz or exam) or other items, I will be happy to respond to your emails or Webcourses messages. You are also welcome to come to my office during office hours or schedule an appointment at another time. I try to respond to messages in a timely manner, which means within 48 hours during normal business hours. Please do not expect me to respond in the evenings, over the weekend, or during holidays. The flexibility of online communication is one of its advantages, but that that does not mean that I'll be working Saturday nights. You shouldn’t either unless there’s no other time available!
Academic Integrity
Students should familiarize themselves with UCF’s Rules of Conduct at https://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/student-rules-of-conduct/. According to Section 1, “Academic Misconduct,” students are prohibited from engaging in
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- Unauthorized assistance: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise unless specifically authorized by the instructor of record. The unauthorized possession of examination or course-related material also constitutes cheating.
- Communication to another through written, visual, electronic, or oral means: The presentation of material which has not been studied or learned, but rather was obtained through someone else’s efforts and used as part of an examination, course assignment, or project.
- Commercial Use of Academic Material: Selling of course material to another person, student, and/or uploading course material to a third-party vendor without authorization or without the express written permission of the university and the instructor. Course materials include but are not limited to class notes, Instructor’s PowerPoints, course syllabi, tests, quizzes, labs, instruction sheets, homework, study guides, handouts, etc.
- Falsifying or misrepresenting the student’s own academic work.
- Plagiarism: Using or appropriating another’s work without any indication of the source, thereby attempting to convey the impression that such work is the student’s own.
- Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same academic work for credit more than once without the express written permission of the instructor.
- Helping another violate academic behavior standards.
- Soliciting assistance with academic coursework and/or degree requirements.
Responses to Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism, or Cheating
Students should also familiarize themselves with the procedures for academic misconduct in UCF’s student handbook, The Golden Rule <https://goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/>. UCF faculty members have a responsibility for students’ education and the value of a UCF degree, and so seek to prevent unethical behavior and respond to academic misconduct when necessary. Penalties for violating rules, policies, and instructions within this course can range from a zero on the exercise to an “F” letter grade in the course. In addition, an Academic Misconduct report could be filed with the Office of Student Conduct, which could lead to disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, or deferred suspension or separation from the University through suspension, dismissal, or expulsion with the addition of a “Z” designation on one’s transcript.
Being found in violation of academic conduct standards could result in a student having to disclose such behavior on a graduate school application, being removed from a leadership position within a student organization, the recipient of scholarships, participation in University activities such as study abroad, internships, etc.
Let’s avoid all of this by demonstrating values of honesty, trust, and integrity. No grade is worth compromising your integrity and moving your moral compass. Stay true to doing the right thing: take the zero, not a shortcut.
Unauthorized Use of Websites and Internet Resources
There are many websites claiming to offer study aids to students, but in using such websites, students could find themselves in violation of academic conduct guidelines. These websites include (but are not limited to) Quizlet, Course Hero, Chegg Study, and Clutch Prep. UCF does not endorse the use of these products in an unethical manner, which could lead to a violation of our University’s Rules of Conduct. They encourage students to upload course materials, such as test questions, individual assignments, and examples of graded material. Such materials are the intellectual property of instructors, the university, or publishers and may not be distributed without prior authorization. Students who engage in such activity could be found in violation of academic conduct standards and could face course and/or University penalties. Please let me know if you are uncertain about the use of a website so I can determine its legitimacy.
Unauthorized Distribution of Class Notes
Third parties may attempt to connect with you to sell your notes and other course information from this class. Distributing course materials to a third party without my authorization is a violation of our University’s Rules of Conduct. Please be aware that such class materials that may have already been given to such third parties may contain errors, which could affect your performance or grade. Recommendations for success in this course include coming to class on a routine basis, visiting me during my office hours, connecting with the Teaching Assistant (TA), and making use of the Student Academic Resource Center (SARC), the University Writing Center (UWC), the Math Lab, etc. If a third party should contact you regarding such an offer, I would appreciate your bringing this to my attention. We all play a part in creating a course climate of integrity.
In-Class Recording
Students may, without prior notice, record video or audio of a class lecture for a class in which the student is enrolled for their own personal educational use. A class lecture is defined as a formal or methodical oral presentation as part of a university course intended to present information or teach enrolled students about a particular subject. Recording class activities other than class lectures, including but not limited to lab sessions, student presentations (whether individually or part of a group), class discussion (except when incidental to and incorporated within a class lecture), clinical presentations such as patient history, academic exercises involving student participation, test or examination administrations, field trips, private conversations between students in the class or between a student and the faculty member, and invited guest speakers is prohibited. Recordings may not be used as a substitute for class participation and class attendance and may not be published or shared without the written consent of the faculty member. Failure to adhere to these requirements may constitute a violation of the University’s Student Code of Conduct as described in the Golden Rule.
Course Accessibility Statement
The University of Central Florida is committed to providing access and inclusion for all persons with disabilities. Students with disabilities who need access to course content due to course design limitations should contact the professor as soon as possible. Students should also connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) <http://sas.sdes.ucf.edu/> (Ferrell Commons 185, sas@ucf.edu, phone 407-823-2371). For students connected with SAS, a Course Accessibility Letter may be created and sent to professors, which informs faculty of potential course access and accommodations that might be necessary and reasonable. Determining reasonable access and accommodations requires consideration of the course design, course learning objectives and the individual academic and course barriers experienced by the student. Further conversation with SAS, faculty and the student may be warranted to ensure an accessible course experience.
Campus Safety Statement
Emergencies on campus are rare, but if one should arise during class, everyone needs to work together. Students should be aware of their surroundings and familiar with some basic safety and security concepts.
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- In case of an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.
- Every UCF classroom contains an emergency procedure guide posted on a wall near the door. Students should make a note of the guide’s physical location and review the online version at <http://emergency.ucf.edu/emergency_guide.html>.
- Students should know the evacuation routes from each of their classrooms and have a plan for finding safety in case of an emergency.
- If there is a medical emergency during class, students may need to access a first-aid kit or AED (Automated External Defibrillator). To learn where those are located, see <https://ehs.ucf.edu/automated-external-defibrillator-aed-locations>.
- To stay informed about emergency situations, students can sign up to receive UCF text alerts by going to <https://my.ucf.edu> and logging in. Click on “Student Self Service” located on the left side of the screen in the toolbar, scroll down to the blue “Personal Information” heading on the Student Center screen, click on “UCF Alert”, fill out the information, including e-mail address, cell phone number, and cell phone provider, click “Apply” to save the changes, and then click “OK.”
- Students with special needs related to emergency situations should speak with their instructors outside of class.
- To learn about how to manage an active-shooter situation on campus or elsewhere, consider viewing this video (<https://youtu.be/NIKYajEx4pk>).
Deployed Active Duty Military Students
If you are a deployed active duty military student and feel that you may need a special accommodation due to that unique status, please contact your instructor to discuss your circumstances.
COVID 19 INFORMATION
UCF EMERGENCY POLICY: COVID 19 Campus Policy: https://policies.ucf.edu/documents/PolicyEmergencyCOVIDReturnPolicy.pdf
The most up-to-date information for UCF’s approach to the pandemic can be found at https://www.ucf.edu/coronavirus/. Changes announced via that website and / or any other official university channels may override any of the following items at any time during the semester.
- Official university policies can be found at https://policies.ucf.edu.
General Statement from the Instructor
As per the emergency policy linked above, UCF expects that all members of our campus community who are able to do so get vaccinated, and we expect all members of our campus community to wear masks indoors, in line with the latest CDC guidelines. Masks are required in approved clinical or health care settings.
Notifications in Case of Faculty Illness
If the instructor falls ill during the semester, there may be temporary changes to this course, including having a backup instructor take over the course or going remote for a short time. Please look for announcements or mail in Webcourses@UCF or Knights email for any temporary alterations to this course.
If You Test Positive
If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and do not come to UCF. Avoid contact with other people and social gatherings to keep from spreading your illness to others. All students and faculty and staff members should notify UCF that they have tested positive by calling the UCF COVID Line at 407-823-2509.
If Someone You’ve Been Close to Tests Positive
If you know that you have had close contact with a friend, co-worker, visitor, family member or other individual who has confirmed COVID-19, you should stay home and contact your primary care physician, who will determine whether testing is needed. A high-risk exposure generally involves exposure of eyes, nose or mouth, particularly if the individual was in contact of less than 6 feet for a period more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period with a person infected with COVID-19.
COVID-19 and Illness Notification
Employees and students are required to notify the university if they receive a positive COVID-19 test result or diagnosis by calling the UCF COVID Line at 407-823-2509. This will ensure robust tracing of cases at UCF and will help the university identify and contain potentially impacted populations.
Students should not come to campus if they are ill, are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID, or if anyone living in their residence has tested positive or is sick with COVID-19 symptoms.
Students should contact their instructor(s) as soon as possible if they miss class for any illness reason to discuss reasonable adjustments that might need to be made. When possible, students should contact their instructor(s) before missing class.
No person should come to campus (or, if they live on campus, leave their residence hall room) if they have tested positive for COVID-19, even if they are asymptomatic, until such time as they are cleared by a healthcare provider to return to normal activities. No person should come to campus (or, if they live on campus, leave their residence hall room):
- if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or
- if unvaccinated, if any person living in the same residence has tested positive for COVID-19 or is sick with or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or
- if unvaccinated, for the advised period after close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is ill with COVID-19 symptoms, or
- until released by a healthcare provider or a public health official after receiving a positive COVID-19 test result, even if asymptomatic, or
- for the period advised by a healthcare provider or public health official while waiting for COVID-19 test results.
CDC guidance as to COVID-19 symptoms can be found here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
Course Accessibility and Disability COVID-19 Supplemental Statement
Accommodations may need to be added or adjusted should this course shift from an on-campus to a remote format. Students with disabilities should speak with their instructor and should contact sas@ucf.edu to discuss specific accommodations for this or other courses.
Technology Access – Depending upon modality, this course might need to shift to remote instruction based on medical guidance. If students do not have proper access to technology, including a computer and reliable Wi-Fi, please let the instructor know as soon as possible. Information about technology lending on campus can be found at https://it.ucf.edu/techcommons/ and https://library.ucf.edu/libtech.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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