Course Syllabus

HFT 3523-23 Spring OM63 - Event Sales

 

Instructor Contact

• Instructor:  Steve Brinkman
• Office:  Rosen Hotels Operations Building, 415G
• Office Hours: In office, in-person:  Tuesday - 1:45 p.m. to 2:45p.m.; Wednesday - 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Phone:  407.903.8266 (office)
• E-mail:  steven.brinkman@ucf.edu or through Webcourses

Course Information

• Course Name:  Event Sales
• Course ID & Section:  HFT 3523-23 Spring OM63
• Credit Hours:  3 hours
• Semester/Year:  Spring 2023
• Class Meeting Days: Tuesday
• Class Meeting Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
• Class Location: RSH 206

Course Description

COURSE CATALOG

This class is designed to provide an in-depth look at the sales process for events, including the development of requests for proposals, negotiation skills, and sales strategies. 

PREREQUISITE COURSES/KNOWLEDGE

HFT 2500 Hospitality & Tourism Management (General Knowledge of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry), HFT 2750 The Event Industry (General Knowledge of the Event Industry) and HFT 3519 Event Services (General Knowledge of the Supply Side of the Event Industry), or consent of Instructor and Department Chair. 

Course Objectives

• Demonstrate critical sales skills by prospecting, qualifying, assessing, presenting, negotiating/overcoming objections, and closing the sale both in theory and in real life role playing sales situations by means of incorporating the seven (7) steps of selling.
• Critically evaluate a Request for Proposal (RFP), which includes all necessary information for a specific event from a meeting planner and deliver a proposal via a team effort.
• Formally create a team solutions presentation defending your property/resort.
• Demonstrate both professional verbal and nonverbal communication skills via class assignments and presentations.
• Differentiate between consultative and transactional selling and how each apply to selling events.
• Differentiate between planners and suppliers in the event industry and what selling techniques are used on both sides. 
• Critically plan a sales trip targeting meeting planners.

Required Text

• A Guide for the Hospitality Industry: Professional Sales and Selling for Meetings, Expositions, Events, Conventions, Groups Kendall Hunt.  Jeffrey Beck and George Fenich (2020) ISBN 978-1-7924-1614-9;  ebook ISBN 978-1-7924-1989-8

Supplemental Texts (not required, but good reads)

• SELLING, Building Relations and Achieving Results Wiley.  Hopkins, Dalrymple, Cron, DeCarlo (2008) ISBN 978-0-470-11125-3
• The Little Red Book of Selling: 12.5 Principles of Sales Greatness - How to make sales FOREVER Bard Press. Jeffrey Gitomer (2005) ISBN 978-1-885167-60-6
• Selling Today:  Partnering to Create Value Pearson. Manning, Gerald L. Manning, Michael Ahearne and Barry L. Reece (2015) ISBN 978-0-13-354338-4
• Winning Meetings and Events for Your Venue Goodfellow Publishers Ltd. Rob Davidson and Anthony Hyde (2014) ISBN 978-1-908999-86-3 

• Listening Effectively:  Achieving High Standards in Communication Pearson. Kline 

• Speaking Effectively: Achieving Excellence in Presentations Pearson. Kline 

• Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success Pearson.  Anderson, Bolt 

Course Requirements

Students should learn basic knowledge of event selling (principle sales analysis); apply this knowledge by using critical thinking skills (sales demographic analysis/sales technical/negotiation); and apply this knowledge they have used in this course in real-world scenarios. 

The class is in a mixed mode environment.  Students are expected to:

• read the assigned materials
• study & listen to the weekly power points
• view the videos and understand the content
• complete assignments
• apply exemplary verbal and nonverbal skills via a presentation
• apply exemplary written skills
• think critically and apply rigor
• develop a response/proposal to a Request for Proposal (RFP)
• develop a professional team presentation based on the Request for Proposal response and defend your property/resort.
• plan a sales trip targeting meeting planners and submit a travel proposal that outlines the purpose of the trip, travel itinerary and all expenses
• take online quizzes and a final exam

Assignments will be given via Webcourses.  Details regarding each assignment will be posted on Webcourses under Assignments and/or Modules.  All quizzes will be given online in the form of multiple choice and true-false.  The final exam will be given either online or in-person (instructor's discretion).  Questions will be based on the reading materials, power points (decks), videos, and any other material utilized in class. Students will be responsible for the content of the reading materials.  All students are required to take quizzes/examinations at the scheduled time.  

Course Methodology

The instructor may incorporate the following methods while presenting this course:  Lecture, Discussion, PowerPoint Presentations (decks), Student Presentations, Case Studies, Role-Playing, Video Films and Clips, Guest Speakers, Group Projects, Reports, Demonstrations and Materia Exercises. 

Learning Teams (Teamwork)

This course relies heavily on teamwork and cooperation throughout the semester. Early on in the semester, you will be assigned into teams at random and will be asked to accomplish various tasks in a group effort. Since your final grade is partially composed of grades on various team projects, teamwork skills are essential for this class. If you are having difficulties with working in groups, please feel free to discuss this with me and whether this course is ideal for you.

Missed Assignments/Make-Ups/Grades of Incomplete

Missed Assignments/Make-Ups

There are no make-ups for the quizzes and exams unless you have a documented emergency (excused absences listed below).  Assignments should be turned in on time.  However, I will consider making allowances for missed assignments (i.e.:  papers, postings, etc.) under EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES as outlined in the absence policy (excused absences).  Proof of such occurrences will need to be documented.  Assignments that are submitted late will be accepted but you will lose 10% of the total points available for the assignment for every day they are late.  Lastly, there are no exceptions for missed presentations.

It is the responsibility for each student to be self-directed in the pursuit of course activities.  You are responsible for yourself and your only comparison is to yourself.  You are responsible for determining any content that was presented during a missed class session. It is the responsibility of the student to track their own individual course progress.

Make-Up Assignments for Authorized University Events or Co-Curricular Activities

Students who represent the university in an authorized event or activity (for example, student-athletes) and who are unable to meet a course deadline due to a conflict with that event must provide the instructor with documentation in advance to arrange a make-up. No penalty will be applied. For more information, see the UCF policy at <https://policies.ucf.edu/documents/4-401.pdfLinks to an external site.>

Religious Observances

Students must notify their instructor in advance if they intend to miss class for a religious observance. For more information, see the UCF policy at <http://regulations.ucf.edu/chapter5/documents/5.020ReligiousObservancesFINALJanLinks to an external site.19>

Grades of Incomplete

The current university policy concerning incomplete grades will be followed in this course.  Incomplete grades are given only in situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a student from completing the course and the remaining work can be completed the next semester.  The instructor is the final authority on whether the student qualifies for an incomplete.  Incomplete work must be finished by the end of the subsequent semester or the "I" will automatically be recorded as an "F" on your transcript.

Basis for Final Grade

Your final grade will be based on 600 points, comprised of the following:

1. Quizzes – 100 points (Syllabus quiz @ 0 points, plus 5 quizzes @ 20 points each):  Quizzes will be given online throughout the semester.  All quizzes are listed in the modules.   Absolutely no makeup quizzes will be given unless the absence is excused as noted below (excused absences section).

The syllabus quiz is mandatory to gain access to the course material and MUST be completed as early as possible during the first week of classes.

3. Assignments/Discussion – 155 points (3 Assignments at 20 points each, 1 Assignment at 75 points, 1 Discussion at 20 points):  All assignments and discussions relate to the seven steps of event selling.

4. RFP Project - 245 points (5 phases):  Phase 1 is worth 0 points, Phase 2 is worth 25 points, Phase 3 is worth 20 points, Phase 4 is worth 175 points and Phase 5 is worth 25 points.

5.  Final Exam - 100 points:  The final exam is a comprehensive exam with regards to the entire semester topics.

Guest speakers may be invited to give additional perspectives on services in the event industry in class. Assignments will be given in class and via Webcourses.  Details regarding each assignment will be posted on Webcourses under Assignments and/or Modules.  All quizzes/exams will be given online in the form of multiple choice and true-false.  Questions will be based on the module materials, narrated power points (decks), videos readings/case studies and any other material utilized in class. Students will be responsible for the content of each module even though the content may not be discussed in class.  All students are required to take quizzes/exams/assignments at the scheduled time. 

Evaluation and Grading

Event Sales is a rigorous course and has a rigorous grading scale.  All categories listed below will be graded by assigning a point value equivalent to the percentage of values below.  At the end of the semester, the points will be added and a final grade will be assigned based upon the following points system (no rounding; not based on %):  

Point Value Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Percentage	Points
A	94 - 100%	564 - 600 points
A-	90 - 93.9%	540 - 563 points
B+	87 - 89.9%	522 - 539 points
B	84 - 86.9%	504 - 521 points
B-	80 - 83.9%	480 - 503 points
C+	77 - 79.9%	462 - 479 points
C	74 - 76.9%	444 - 461 points
C-	70 - 73.9%	420 - 443 points
D+	67 - 69.9%	402 - 419 points
D	64 - 66.9%	384 - 401 points
D-	61 - 63.9%	366 - 383 points
F	60.9%	365 and below

 

Grading Criteria	Points
Assignments & Discussions	155
Quizzes (five)	100
Final Exam	100
RFP Team Project	245
Total	600

NOTE:  Final grades based on points are absolute.  For example, a student who has 539 points at the end of the semester will receive a B+.  The grade will not be rounded up to an A-.

IMPORTANT: In most cases, a C or better is required to receive credit for this class.  That means a C- or below is not sufficient.  See your academic advisor with any questions about this.

How to Study for this Course

Since the textbook is technical and in-depth about the topics, I recommend skimming through the reading first, then reading it again in more detail so that you have a greater grasp of the material.  I would also like to recommend making a list of questions or confusing points in the reading so that I can emphasize it more in class.  I have seen that study groups that go over key concepts are the most effective way to studying for my tests.

Unauthorized Use and Distribution of Class Notes

Third parties may be selling class notes and other materials from this class without my authorization.  Please be aware that such class materials may contain errors, which could affect your performance or grade.  I suggest not using these materials.

Moreover, 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, and making use of the Student Academic Resource Center (SARC), the University Writing Center (UWC), the Computer 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.

Attendance/Absence Policy

Attendance in ALL class sessions is deemed necessary and is required for the appropriate learning to take place. Students are expected to come to each class, participate in all activities, read assignments, and be prepared for discussion. Students learn through practical experience and discussion as well as individual reading and research. In order to participate in a meaningful way, you must be on time, pay attention, and engage in discussions. Attendance will be taken for each class. Attendance will be tracked by various methods throughout the semester (e.g., sign-in sheets, group discussions).  Also, don’t arrive late or leave early unless you have a legitimate excuse. Absences will hinder your learning potential, team effectiveness, and grade in the course.  

It is the student’s responsibility to keep abreast of the current class topics and class requirements. If for any reason you do miss a class, assignment, quiz or examination, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor BEFORE the absence via email. There is a chance that an absence can be excused (which will be determined by the instructor). 

The following absences are excusable at the discretion of the instructor with proper documentation (missed work must be made up when possible) as follows:

• Bereavement: immediate family only
• Accidents: personally affected, loss of vehicle or medical treatment required as a result
• Medical Emergency: treatment by licensed health care providers, other than regular or periodic care
• Force Majeure: loss of residence or property through natural disaster
• Civil Responsibility: jury duty, military service, mandatory court appearance
• UCF Sanctioned Events: career fair, band, athletic, or other approved field trips and/or conventions, not volunteer experiences
• Religious Holidays: If attendance precludes participation in a scheduled religious service 

Classroom Conduct/Teaching Philosophy

Classroom Conduct

This course requires professional and respectful classroom conduct.  Students will be able to use their laptops for use in the class (for note taking).  However, if I find that you are using your cellphone and texting without my approval, reading other non-class materials, chatting and/or sleeping, then the student will be subject to dismissal from the class. 

Teaching Philosophy

Students will demonstrate respect for the instructor, as well as for one another while collaborating via discussions, presentations, etc.  Such respectful behavior includes constructive participation in scholarly discussion.  You are encouraged to review Professionalism is for Everyone by James R. Ball. 

Technology/Online Communication

Webcourses 

Webcourses is an online course management system (accessed through my.ucf.edu and then the "Online Course Tools" tab) which will be used as a medium for: (1) downloading class material, such as PowerPoint slides; (2) turning in assignments/quizzes, etc.; (3) checking progress (grades); (4) a forum for communicating with your teammates; and (5) communicating with the instructor (including announcements). Students are expected to check Webcourses on a regular basis, and check any announcements or updates. 

E-Mail Communication 

In this class our official mode of communication is through email located inside Webcourses. All communication between student and instructor and between student and student should be respectful and professional. It is the student’s responsibility to check the “coursemail” tool frequently. You may also wish to create a Knight’s Email account at https://knightsemail.ucf.eduLinks to an external site. for separate official communication from the university.

Remember to also regularly check your Knights E-Mail address as it is used for all university business, including class rosters, financial aid, advising, etc. There will be no other e-mail address available for university personnel to access. 

All communications between student and professor and between student and student should be respectful and professional. Below is proper email etiquette that apply not only to this course but in any situation: (1) When sending an email, please make sure to have a proper subject line including HFT 3523 or Event Sales. Since the professor receives a variety of emails each day, not all emails are immediately read. By having this professional subject line, the professor will likely read your email in a timely manner. (2) Be respectful and professional by addressing the professor by name (e.g., Professor Brinkman). (3) Make sure that your email includes a considerate welcome, greeting, and closing. This makes it not appear demanding. (4) Spell check! Not only the content but also the name of the recipient. (5) Always end with “Thank you,” “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” etc. 

Zoom

This course is labeled a mixed mode course.  Please do your best to attend classes on the scheduled day and time.  At times, the professor may incorporate Zoom for interviews, presentations, examples, office hours, etc.  Therefore, please take the time to familiarize yourself with Zoom by visiting the UCF Zoom Guides at <https://cdl.ucf.edu/support/webcourses/zoom/>. You may choose to use Zoom on your mobile device (phone or tablet).

Things to Know About Zoom:

• You must sign in to my Zoom session using your UCF NID and password.
• The Zoom sessions may be recorded.
• Improper classroom behavior is not tolerated within Zoom sessions and may result in a referral to the Office of Student Conduct.
• You can contact Webcourses@UCF Support at <https://cdl.ucf.edu/support/webcourses/> if you have any technical issues accessing Zoom.
• Required:  You must have downloaded Zoom, have a laptop, computer or mobile device, a microphone and a camera to access and use Zoom.

Professor Availability 

I am available face-to-face during my offices hours listed above.  If you need to make an appointment for different days/times, please email me on Webcourses or at steven.brinkman@ucf.edu. Please do not expect an immediate response after 5 pm, over the weekend, and during holidays.

Rules/Protocols of Communication Online

Before posting, always make sure your posting doesn't have grammatical, punctuation, or spelling errors. You may do this by copying and pasting the text into Microsoft Word, use Spell Check and then paste it back to the posting area.  Also, you can download Grammarly, a free app that can check for spelling and punctuation errors.

Please use the following conventions when composing an online posting:

• A helpful hint for use with both online posting and email – Compose your message in your word-processing application in order to check spelling, punctuation, and grammar – then copy and paste your composition into the email or the posting area. This not only saves online time but also works as a preventative measure from losing information while typing. Grammar will be graded in this course.
• Avoid posting large blocks of text. If you must, break them into paragraphs and use a space between paragraphs.
• Use the “reply” button rather than the “compose” button if you are replying to someone else’s posting in a discussion assignment.
• Do not use postings such as “I agree,” “I don’t know either,” “Who cares,” or “ditto.” They do not add to the discussion and will not be counted for assignment credit.
• Everyone should feel free to participate in online discussions. Regular and meaningful discussion postings constitute a substantial portion of your grade.
• Respect each other’s ideas, feelings, and experience.
• Be courteous and considerate. It is important to be honest and to express yourself freely, but being considerate of others is just as important and expected online, as it is in the classroom.
• If you want to send a personal message to the instructor or to another student, use email rather than the discussions.
• Be patient. Do not expect an immediate response when you send a message.
• Explore disagreements and support assertions with data and evidence. 

Unauthorized Use of Technology for Graded Work

If you were in a classroom setting taking a quiz, would you ask the student sitting next to you for an answer to a quiz or test question? The answer should be no. This also applies to graded homework, quizzes, tests, etc.

Students are not allowed to use GroupMe, WhatsApp, or any other form of technology to exchange course material associated with a graded assignment, quiz, test, etc. when opened on Webcourses.

The completion of graded work in an online course should be considered a formal process: Just because you are not in a formal classroom setting being proctored while taking a quiz or test does not mean that the completion of graded work in an online course should not be treated with integrity.

The following is not all inclusive of what is considered academic misconduct. These examples show how the use of technology can be considered academic misconduct and could result in the same penalties as cheating in a face-to-face class:

• Taking a screen shot of an online quiz or test question, posting it to GroupMe or WhatsApp, and asking for assistance is considered academic misconduct.
• Answering an online quiz or test question posted to GroupMe or WhatsApp is considered academic misconduct. Giving advice, assistance, or suggestions on how to complete a question associated with an online assignment, quiz, or test is considered academic misconduct.
• The use of outside assistance from another student or by searching the internet, Googling for answers, use of websites such as Quizlet, Course Hero, Chegg Study, etc. is considered academic misconduct.
• Gathering to take an online quiz or test with others and sharing answers in the process is considered academic misconduct.

If a student or group of students are found to be exchanging material associated with a graded assignment, quiz, or test through any form of technology (GroupMe, WhatsApp, etc.), or use outside assistance (Googling answers, use of websites such as Quizlet, Course Hero, Chegg Study, etc.), they could receive anywhere from a zero grade on the exercise to an “F” in the course depending on the act.

Academic Integrity

Students should familiarize themselves with UCF’s Rules of Conduct at <https://scai.sdes.ucf.edu/student-rules-of-conduct/Links to an external site.>. According to Section 1, “Academic Misconduct,” students are prohibited from engaging in

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Falsifying or misrepresenting the student’s own academic work.
5. 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.
6. Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same academic work for credit more than once without the express written permission of the instructor.
7. Helping another violate academic behavior standards.
8. 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/Links to an external site.>. 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.

Ethics

UCF faculty support the UCF Creed. Integrity – practicing and defending academic and personal honesty – is the first tenet of the UCF Creed. This is in part a reflection of the second tenet, Scholarship: – I will cherish and honor learning as a fundamental purpose of membership in the UCF community. – Course assignments and tests are designed to have educational value; the process of preparing for and completing these exercises will help improve your skills and knowledge. Material presented to satisfy course requirements is therefore expected to be the result of your own original scholarly efforts.

Plagiarism and cheating – presenting another’s ideas, arguments, words or images as your own, using unauthorized material, or giving or accepting unauthorized help on assignments or tests – contradict the educational value of these exercises. Students who attempt to obtain unearned academic credentials that do not reflect their skills and knowledge can also undermine the value of the UCF degrees earned by their more honest peers.

Turnitin.com

In this course we may utilize turnitin.com, an automated system which instructors can use to quickly and easily compare each student’s assignment with billions of web sites, as well as an enormous database of student papers that grows with each submission. Accordingly, you may be expected to submit assignments in electronic format. After the assignment is processed, as an instructor I receive a report from turnitin.com that states if and how another author’s work was used in the assignment. For a more detailed look at this process, visit http://www.turnitin.com (Links to an external site.).

UCF Creed

Coronavirus/Covid-19 Safety Protocols

To access the latest protocols about Coronavirus/Covid-19, you may click on the official CDC webpage. (Links to an external site.)  While the COVID line at UCF no longer exists, Student Health Services has resumed normal operations for providing care to students. This care includes providing COVID testing and care for students, and vaccination for everyone.

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.

• 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 <https://centralflorida-prod.modolabs.net/student/safety/index (Links to an external site.)>.
• 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-locationsLinks to an external site.>.  At Rosen College, the AED and first-aid kit are located in the Hall of Fame.
• To stay informed about emergency situations, students can sign up to receive UCF text alerts by going to <https://my.ucf.eduLinks to an external site.> 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 (Links to an external site.)>).

Deployed Active Duty Military Students

Students who are deployed active duty military and/or National Guard personnel and require accommodation should contact their instructors as soon as possible after the semester begins and/or after they receive notification of deployment to make related arrangements.

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/Links to an external site.> (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.

Copyright

This course may contain copyright protected materials such as audio or video clips, images, text materials, etc. These items are being used with regard to the Fair Use doctrine in order to enhance the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download or distribute these items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this online classroom environment and your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder.

Third-Party Software and FERPA

During this course you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you need not make any personally identifying information on a public site. Do not post or provide any private information about yourself or your classmates. Where appropriate you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personally identity-sensitive information. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your instructor.

Financial Aid

Each semester, all faculty members are required to document students' academic activity at the beginning of each course.  In order to document that you began this course, please complete the on-line syllabus academic activity by the end of the first week of classes, or as soon as possible after adding the course.  Failure to do so will result in a delay in the disbursement of your financial aid.  

In-Class Recording Statement

UCF Cares

During your UCF career, you may experience challenges including struggles with academics, finances, or your personal well-being. UCF has a multitude of resources available to all students. Please visit UCFCares.com (Links to an external site.) if you are seeking resources and support, or if you are worried about a friend or classmate. Free services and information are included for a variety of student concerns, including but not limited to alcohol use, bias incidents, mental health concerns, and financial challenges. You can also e-mail ucfcares@ucf.edu with questions or for additional assistance. You can reach a UCF Cares staff member between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. by calling 407-823-5607. If you are in immediate distress, please call Counseling and Psychological Services to speak directly with a counselor 24/7 at 407-823-2811, or please call 911.

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Central Florida considers the diversity of its students, faculty, and staff to be a strength and critical to its educational mission. UCF expects every member of the university community to contribute to an inclusive and respectful culture for all in its classrooms, work environments, and at campus events. Dimensions of diversity can include sex, race, age, national origin, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, intellectual and physical ability, sexual orientation, income, faith and non-faith perspectives, socio-economic class, political ideology, education, primary language, family status, military experience, cognitive style, and communication style. The individual intersection of these experiences and characteristics must be valued in our community.

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct, sexual violence, sexual harassment, and retaliation. If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you can find resources available to support the victim, including confidential resources and information concerning reporting options at https://letsbeclear.ucf.eduLinks to an external site. and http://cares.sdes.ucf.edu/Links to an external site..

For more information on diversity and inclusion, Title IX, accessibility, or UCF’s complaint processes contact:

• Title IX – OIE – http://oie.ucf.edu/Links to an external site. & askanadvocate@ucf.edu
• Disability Accommodation – Student Accessibility Services – http://sas.sdes.ucf.edu/Links to an external site. & sas@ucf.edu
• Diversity and Inclusion Training and Events – www.diversity.ucf.eduLinks to an external site.
• UCF Compliance and Ethics Office – http://compliance.ucf.edu/Links to an external site. & complianceandethics@ucf.edu
• Ombuds Office – http://www.ombuds.ucf.eduLinks to an external site.

University Writing Center

University Writing Center
Trevor Colbourn Hall 109
Satellite Locations: Main Library, Rosen Library, Online
407-823-2197
http://uwc.cah.ucf.edu/Links to an external site.

The University Writing Center (UWC) offers writing support to students from first-year to graduate in every discipline. Tutors provide help at every stage of the writing process, including understanding assignments, researching, drafting, revising, incorporating sources, and learning to proofread and edit. The UWC’s purpose is not merely to fix or edit papers, but to teach writing strategies that can be applied to any writing situation. Consultations are available for individuals and small groups. You may schedule a 45-minute appointment by clicking the Success Resources tab on Webcourses, calling the UWC at 407-823-2197, or through the UWC website.

The UWC seeks graduate and undergraduate tutors from all majors. To learn more about becoming a writing tutor, please contact us.

Important Dates to Remember

• Classes Begin:  Monday, January 9, 2023
• Last Day to Drop/Swap Classes:  Friday, January 13, 2023
• Last Day to Add Classes:  Friday, January 13, 2023
• Martin Luther King Holiday:  Monday, January 16, 2023
• Payment Deadline:  Friday, January 20, 2023
• Spring Break:  Monday, March 13, 2023 - Sunday, March 19, 2023
• Withdrawal Deadline:  Friday, March 24, 2023
• Classes End: Monday, April 24, 2023
• Study Day:  Tuesday, April 25, 2023
• Final Exam Week:  Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - Tuesday, May 2, 2023
• Commencement: Thursday, May 4, 2023 - Saturday, May 6, 2023