OFFC 2214
DATABASE FOR THE OFFICE (2-2-3)
Fall 2008
UPDATED 8/18/08

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION

Private mail in WebCT Vista is the preferred method of communication, but the Clayton e-mail or phone may be used if you are unable to connect to WebCT Vista.

Lou Brackett
Office: T103
E-mail: loubrackett@clayton.edu
Phone: 678-466-4634
Lab Hours:  TBA

PREREQUISITE OR COREQUISITE: OFFC 1101

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all OFFC courses to meet program requirements.  In addition, before attempting a course that has any prerequisite courses, students must first complete all prerequisites for that course with a grade of C or better.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Hands-on computer applications of database topics using Microsoft Access.  Emphasis is on using the software to organize, store, maintain, retrieve, and sort information so a business can find and use that information effectively.

Note:  It is the student's responsibility to drop this class during the drop/add period if he or she has not properly satisfied the prerequisite requirement. If the student has not satisfied the prerequisite requirement and does not drop the course during the drop/add period, the instructor will advise the registrar's office to drop the student from the course. The student will receive a grade of "W" and no refund will be given. The student alone will be responsible for any loss of funds or financial aid that may result.

NUMBER OF REQUIRED ON-CAMPUS MEETINGS: Class meets weekly.

UNIVERSITY ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

(1)

identify the terms and concepts associated with a database management system (Access 2007).

(2)

demonstrate the ability to use database management software (Access 2007).

(3)

develop critical thinking skills by completion of assigned project

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

University policy states each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program  (as part of the registration process, students agree to this). See ITP Choice at http://itpchoice.clayton.edu for full details of this policy. Your computer should meet the given minimum specifications for the Advanced level listed at http://itpchoice.clayton.edu.

This particular class has the following technology requirements:

1.  You must have the Microsoft Office 2007 installed on your laptop. 

2.  You must have access to the Internet, either through the local area network on campus, or through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) of your choice (the costs for the ISP are your responsibility).  The main communication tool for this course will be WebCT Vista, which is available on the Internet at http://www.clayton.edu/.   No excuses will be accepted for inability to access the Internet.

3.  You must have a USB memory stick for saving/receiving test files on your computer.  I will not send test files through the mail.

COMPUTER COMPETENCIES

This is a beginning level course.  It is important that you know how to manage files and access the Internet

WebCT Vista is used as the course delivery method.  To log into the course, go to http://www.clayton.edu/ , click on WebCT Vista, click on the Login button, and enter your User Name and Password. Follow the on-screen login instructions.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Course requirements are designed to demonstrate completion and understanding of all objectives. The student will satisfactorily complete all quizzes, homework assignments, tests and projects.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION

The class will be conducted using large-group instruction and discussion sessions as well as individualized instruction. Students are encouraged to ask questions during lecture and application. Assignments will provide reinforcement of topics covered in class.

FULL SEMESTER EVALUATION

Full Semester Evaluation

 

Grading Scale

Practice Exercises/Homework

20%

A = 90-100

Production Tests

30%

B = 80-89

Objective Tests

30%

C = 70-79

Quizzes

10%

D = 65-69

Project

10%

F = Below 65

All assignments (homework, labs, etc.) are due on the date assigned by the instructor. Work handed in late will receive reduced credit. All work must be completed to successfully pass the course. 

MID-TERM PROGRESS REPORT:

The mid-term grade in this course, which will be issued between 9/23 and 10/7, reflects approximately _50%_ of the entire course grade.  Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of “W.”  Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar or online at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/registrar/, by mid-term, which occurs on _10/10/08__.  

Your midterm grade will be calculated as follows:

Midterm Evaluation

 

Grading Scale

Practice Exercises/Homework Tutorials 1-5

20%

A = 90-100

Production Test 1

30%

B = 80-89

Objective Test 1

30%

C = 70-79

Quizzes (2, without dropping any)

20%

D = 65-69

 

 

F = Below 65

 

TEXTBOOKS

New Perspectives Microsoft Office Access 2007 Comprehensive by Joseph J. Adamski, Kathleen T. Finnegan.  Published by Cengage Learning, 2008.  ISBN  1-4239-0589-X

 

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

A USB memory stick is necessary for testing.  The memory stick will be returned to you after the semester is completed and grades have been posted.  All testing storage media must be given to the instructor ONE WEEK PRIOR to the test.

8 1/2" x 11" bond paper
Laptop computer with MS Access 2007 installed.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

(1)

Attendance is expected. Any absence over two classes will result in reduction of the student's final grade one point for each additional class missed.  (It is to your benefit to attend class - historically, students who do not attend on a regular basis usually do not pass the class.)

(2)

All homework is due on the date assigned. Each student will start with 100 points for homework. Ten points will be deducted for each tutorial not turned in at all, and five points will be deducted for each lesson that is late, incomplete, or unacceptable. Late charges will be charged 72 hours after the homework is due - no exceptions.  Plan ahead - if you are going to be out of town, you should work ahead and turn the homework in before you go. 

(3)

Assignments should be submitted electronically in WebCT Vista. 

Homework may not be submitted using the loubrackett@mail.clayton.edu e-mail address since our campus e-mail does not allow databases to be attached due to virus possibilities. 

Send all assignments for one tutorial on one e-mail in WebCT Vista.  Put the tutorial number in the subject line of the e-mail. Example: the subject line should read Tutorial 1 and the e-mail should have attachments for Tutorial 1 only.  Do not send any homework for Tutorial 2 on the Tutorial 1 e-mail.

(4)

Bring your laptop computer and textbook to every class.

(5)

NO MAKEUP TESTS WILL BE GIVEN unless the instructor is notified before test time by e-mail or phone and a valid reason is given for missing the test.  

Students must arrange an appointment to take the makeup test within one week of missing the test (with the exception of the test given on the exam date) and must keep the appointment.  No additional appointments will be made.

Tests scheduled during the exam period must be made up within 1 day of the scheduled exam date.

Only one make up test will be allowed per student per semester.  

Make-up tests are at the instructor's convenience.

(6) 

NO MAKEUP QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN.  The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.

(7)

Only under certain extenuating circumstances will any exceptions be made toward the grading policy and procedures of this class.

(8)

No eating, smoking, drinking in the classroom.

(9)

In consideration for other students, please turn all cell phones and beepers to a non-audio signal. 

(10)

Students must abide by all policies in the University Catalog, Student Handbooks, and, if applicable, program handbook. Academic misconduct (cheating) will not be tolerated. Please read your student handbook if you have any questions on what constitutes academic misconduct. 

(11)

Students should read and understand the Basic Student Responsibilities policy posted at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/registrar/forms/BasicUndergraduateStudentResponsibilities.doc These responsibilities should be considered part of this class syllabus and should be adhered to.

(12)

A student who stops attending class will receive a grade of "F". To receive a "W" grade, the student must officially withdraw from the course by 10/10/08.  If you find it necessary to withdraw after this date, you must request a hardship withdrawal.  Hardship withdrawals are granted ONLY if ALL criteria specified in the college catalog have been met. 

 

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Students with disabilities who require accommodations need to register with Disability Services.  Contact them at DisabilityServices@clayton.edu or visit their office in the Student Center Room 255.  If you do qualify for services, please give your letter of accommodations to your instructor as soon as possible.

CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Students are encouraged to visit Clayton State’s Center for Academic Success (CAS).  CAS offers a variety of personalized academic services to all Clayton State University students, including staff and peer tutoring in a variety of subjects and multimedia instruction. CAS tutors not only can help students understand the content of their classes, but also can help them develop the skills and strategies necessary to continue learning throughout their lifetimes. CAS Hours are Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.  Call 678-466-4070 or visit the website at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/caa/.

Free tutoring is also available for this particular class.  Contact the instructor for more information.

FINANCIAL AID

Financial Aid, including grants, scholarships and loans, can only be used to cover the costs of courses that are required for your currently declared major. If you are declared as a certificate major, your financial aid cannot be used for courses in an AAS or BAS major (or any major other than what is declared). It is your responsibility to contact the Office of Financial Aid to request an adjustment to your award if you register for courses that cannot be covered. If you do not do so, you will eventually be billed for any financial aid that you have received for courses that were not required for your declared major. It is also your responsibility to re-apply for financial aid each academic year; applications become available January of each year for the following fall semester.  If you are unsure about your major, go to the Duck to see how it is listed. If you are unsure about what is covered under financial aid, please call them or make an appointment with someone in financial aid.

APPLYING FOR GRADUATION

For a student to graduate from a program, he/she must apply to graduate by the dates indicated below. To obtain an application for graduation, see the web site for your program or contact your advisor. This form must be completed for each certificate and/or degree in which the student plans to graduate. For students graduating at the end of Fall Semester, the graduation application is due to the registrar's office no later than June 1. For students graduating at the end of Spring Semester, the graduation application is due to the registrar's office no later than September 15. For students graduating at the end of Summer Semester, the graduation application is due to the registrar's office no later than January 30.

 

IN CASE OF CAMPUS EMERGENCY

 

If there is an emergency on campus, please contact the Clayton State University Department of Public Safety. They are fully trained for emergency responses and they will contact 911 if necessary. The CSU Department of Public Safety can be reached by dialing 770-961-3540. Please program this number into your cell phone. You can also use one of the Emergency Blue Light Network phones located around campus. To activate one of the Blue Light phones pick up the phone and press the black button. You will automatically be connected to the University Police Communications Center.  Clayton State also has a siren system that will be activated in case of emergencies.

 

DATA COLLECTION SURVEY

Students are asked to complete the Data Collection Survey every semester to comply with requirements from the Department of Technical & Adult Education.  The survey is located at https://secure.clayton.edu/advising/data.htm. You may be asked to provide a confirmation form.