Fall 2009 (SLN: 80722)
This Internet course will run from August 24 to December 8, 2009 (16 weeks)

Please note:  The best way to contact the instructor is by email.  Calling the office and leaving a message will result in a delayed response.

Important Phone numbers:
Undergraduate office phone: 480 - 965-7195
Distance Learning Office: 480-965-6738

Important Web Addresses to Bookmark:
Your Online Account: http://my.asu.edu
Instructor's Web Page: http://math.la.asu.edu/~arce
Distance Learning Web Site: http://asuonline.asu.edu

Important dates:

Course Withdrawal Deadline: November 8 - this is the last day a student can withdraw from a single class.  
Complete Withdrawal: December 8 - this is the last day a student can withdraw from all ASU classes. 

Topics and Homework Schedule:

All online Homework and Web Tests are due by 11:00 pm on the given day

Online Homework link: http://www.coursecompass.com/

Lecture Notes link : Lecture Notes

Homework:

All homework assignments are submitted on-line using a program called MyMathLab.  This can be accessed through BlackBoard under the Assignments link on the left side.  The homework assignments can also be accessed directly through the website: http://www.coursecompass.com/

You will need 3 items to register for MyMathLab:
1. course ID: arce54246
2. valid access code (from text book or online registration)
3. valid email address

You may either buy a textbook that comes with an access code, or you may buy the access code online. The textbook can be accessed online so it is not necessary to buy an actual textbook. The text use in this course is College Algebra, 8th Edition by Michael Sullivan.

If you need help with MyMathLab, click here: MyMathLab Help

Web Tests:

There are 5 tests taken on the Web. Each web test is typically available for a  48 hour period, as indicated in the table below.  After that time has elapsed, if no work is submitted, a score of zero is automatically entered into the grade book for that exam.  All Web Tests are submitted on-line through BlackBoard under the Assignments link.

Homework/Webtest Makeup Policy: Homework assignments and Webtests are due by the date on the table at 11pm. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED for any personal excuses or personal computer problems.  Makeups for the assignment are given at the discretion of the instructor and only in the case of verified medical or other appropiate documented emergencies. Notify your instructor before the deadline time/date of the assignment. The instructor is not required to accommodate you.
 

In Person Exams (show your work, no multiple choice):

MIDTERM EXAM: Your choice of October 26, 27 or 28, Mon, Tues, or Wed (not timed)

Location: ASU Main Campus, Math Testing Center, PSA21: http://math.asu.edu/fym/tstcenter.html

Hours or operation: 8:00 AM -8:00 PM Monday – Thursday - The last exam is given out at 6:30 PM.

What you need: ASU Suncard, Graphing calculator, pencil (don't use your own scratch paper)

FINAL EXAM: Saturday, December 12, 2009 7:30 - 9:20 am (timed exam)

Location: ASU Main Campus, room number to be announced

For those students who do not live in Central Arizona ONLY

1.  Notify me by email the first week of classes if you plan to take a midterm and/or final at a remote site.

2. Contact the testing services at a nearby university, community college or other professional school. Request to have your midterm and/or final exam proctore by them.

3. Fill out the proctor request form I provide in the first week by the following deadlines: Monday, September 14^th  (midterm) and Monday, November 2^nd  (final). If you miss the deadline, you must take your exam at the Tempe campus.

Other Important Information:

Online Tutoring:

Online Office Hours: Click on the virtual classroom button in Mat 210, then on the Join button next to Lecture Hall. (Not the Chat room since a white board is not available here.) My online office hours will be held Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2:30 to 3:30pm. After getting help from me, ask for the "secret word."  Then use the "secret word" for the week as the password into the Online tutor Extra Credit (located in the Assignments area), and the bonus points will be added to your homework point total. (If you are unable to make it to my online office hours, please let me know asap.

Other online tutoring will be announced at a later date if available.

In-Person Tutoring:

MATH TUTOR CENTER: The Department of Mathematics maintains an in-person tutor center that is free to you as a math student registered in this course. It is located In PSA 116. This is free, quality tutoring to all ASU students registered in mat210. However, you must bring your Sun Card.

The tutor center will open on Monday, August 31 to December 8, closed on September 7, November 11, 26 and 27.

The hours of operation are: 
           8:00 AM to 6:00 PM  Mondays-Thursdays
           8:00 AM to 4:00 PM  Fridays
          1:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sundays

LRC TUTOR CENTER: Located in the residential halls. Please visit the website below for all times and locations.

http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/lss/

PREREQUISITE COURSE(S): Students entering MAT 117 (College Algebra) are expected to have completed MAT 106 (Intermediate Algebra or high school algebra 2 ) or its equivalent with a grade of A, B or C. It is important to keep in mind that you need a working knowledge of the skills from beginning and intermediate algebra.

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR THE COURSE:

1. Textbook: College Algebra, 8th Edition by Michael Sullivan.  You can either buy a textbook at the ASU bookstore, which comes with an access code for MyMathLab, or just buy the access code for the homework and the text can be viewed online.

2.  Graphing Calculator: Casio 9850GB plus and TI-84 plus are highly recommended.  Calculators that perform algebraic steps, like the Casio FX2, TI-89 and the TI-92, are not permitted in the Testing Center.  Practice with a calculator that you will be able to use during the midterm and final exam. 

3.  Computer Access: You need access to the World Wide Web on a computer that uses either Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Explorer 4.0 or higher to input your online homework, quizzes, tests, and to utilize the tutorials, notes and other resources provided for you.  Your browser needs to be Java enabled (most are) and you need the latest Flash plugin. There are homework deadlines the first week of class, so you need to get started right away.

How your grade is determined:
 

Grading Scale:
 

Final Note about Communication:  Expect frequent communication via email from your instructor updating you on various aspects of the course, including providing hints and other problem solving tips. It is extremely important you keep your email address current within Blackboard and WeBWorK, and that you check your email frequently.    So, check daily:

• Announcement Page in Blackboard

• Your email daily

Unrestricted Withdrawal: A student may withdraw from a course with a grade of W during the unrestricted withdrawal period. The instructor's signature is not required.
Restricted Withdrawal: In order to withdraw during this period, the student must obtain the instructor's signature. A grade of W will be assigned only if the student is doing acceptable work at the time of the request. Otherwise, the student will receive an E.
Final Exam Make-up Policy: The final exam schedule listed in the Schedule of Classes will be strictly followed. Exceptions to the schedule and requests for make-up examinations can be granted only by the Department Chair, Associate Department Chair or the Director of First Year Mathematics, and for one of the following reasons:
1. Religious conflict (e.g., the student celebrates the Sabbath on Saturday)
2. The student has more than three exams scheduled on the same day as the math final
3. There is a time conflict between the math final and another final exam.
Incomplete: A grade of incomplete will be awarded only in the event that a documented emergency or illness prevents the student who is doing acceptable work from completing a small percentage of the course requirements. The guidelines in the current general ASU catalog regarding a grade of incomplete will be strictly followed.  If there is a last-minute personal or medical emergency, the student may receive a grade of Incomplete and make up the final within one calendar year. The student must provide written documentation and be passing the class at the time to receive an Incomplete. Make-up exams will NOT be given for reasons of a non-refundable airline tickets, vacation plans, work schedules, weddings, family reunions, and other such activities. Students should consult the final exam schedule before making end-of-semester travel plans. The Dean of the student's college must approve any exceptions to these rules.
Honor Policy: The highest standards of academic integrity are expected of all students. The failure of any student to meet these standards may result in suspension or expulsion from the University or other sanctions as specified in the University Student Academic Integrity Policy. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to, cheating, fabrication, tampering, plagiarism or facilitating such activities.
The grade of XE: A grade of XE is reserved for "failure for academic dishonesty." The grade goes on the student's transcript; the student needs to petition to have it removed after 1 year.
Ethics: It's highly unethical to bring to your instructor's attention the possible impact of your mathematics grade on your future plans, including graduation, scholarships, jobs, etc. The instructor may exercise an option to withdraw you from the course if they think you are compromising the ability to assess your work independently of any other consideration. Students found to be involved in academic dishonesty will be removed from the class and a grade of XE for the course will be submitted to the registrar. The student will be advised to repeat the course with another professor, possibly at another institution. This is the least action taken. Further, more serious actions may be taken if the situation indicated that such actions are appropriate. We will act very harshly against cheating during Quizzes or Exams.

Academic Dishonesty: In the “Student Academic Integrity Policy” manual, ASU defines “’Plagiarism” [as] using another's words, ideas, materials or work without properly acknowledging and documenting the source. Students are responsible for knowing the rules governing the use of another's work or materials and for acknowledging and documenting the source appropriately.” You can find this definition at:

http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/studentlife/judicial/academic_integrity.htm#definitions

Academic dishonesty, including inappropriate collaboration, will not be tolerated. There are severe sanctions for cheating, plagiarizing and any other form of dishonesty.