Business and Professional Speaking

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER DEPT. OF COMMUNICATION Plaza 102 www.cudenver.edu/CLAS/communication CMMU 2050 BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING SECTION 002 Spring 2011 COURSE SYLLABUS Class Location: PL 116

Meeting Days/Time: Mon/Wed 2:00 – 3:15

Instructor: Kathy Pounders Office: Plaza 102B

Office Hours: by appt. only

E-Mail: kathleen.pounders@ucdenver.edu Please do not use attachments. I do not accept assignments via e-mail, but I will offer feedback on rough drafts via e-mail, but please don’t use ―cut and paste‖ or attachments.

I will check my e-mail several times a day Mon - Fri but I don’t guarantee what time of the day I will check it.

I usually check it on the weekends, but I don’t guarantee that will happen each and every weekend. Please use our course as the ―title‖ for your e-mail—I might not automatically remember which course you are in. I don’t open e-mails without a title. An easy way to email me or other class members is to use the email function in our Blackboard Course Shell.

Course Prerequisites: None Catalog Description of Course: Development of communication skills often used in business and professional settings, with an emphasis on various kinds of presentations. Three credit hours.

Instructor Pedagogy: Through lecture and role-modeling, I hope to provide you with skills and techniques that will help you be more organized in constructing business presentations; and more confident and dynamic in delivering business presentations. The informal exercises, formal presentations, individual (and group) feedback that I will provide are all geared toward helping you to achieve the learning objectives for this course.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the semester, the average student in this course should be able to: 1. demonstrate construction and delivery of 5 standard types of business presentations 2. demonstrate dynamics involved in construction, delivery, and participation in a group business presentation 3. formulate and deliver constructive & specific feedback to other speakers 4. construct professional visual aids to accompany presentations 5. demonstrate ethical audience member behavior Required Text: Business & Professional Speaking, 2nd edition, Edited by Walkosz & Allen Communication as a Field: Communication is a very highly marketable degree. All of the current business literature shows that the business world is seeking Communication graduates. Please feel free to talk with me about the career possibilities afforded a Communication graduate. Whether you are interested in majoring or minoring in Communication, the chances are very high that you will decide to take another Communication course. I encourage you to visit the Communication Department’s Website to see all that the Communication Department can offer you http://www.cudenver.edu/CLAS/communication Advising: The Communication Department offers 4-days-a-week advising. You can sign up for an advising appointment by using the sign-up sheet outside the Advising Office, Plaza 102N.

Communication Portfolio: Some of you may have the opportunity to take the Department’s Capstone Course (CMMU 4688 Senior Seminar: Transitioning from College to Career) before you complete a degree. In the Capstone Course you will be asked to put together a communication portfolio—a compilation of the major projects completed in your communication courses. Major projects are things such as literature reviews, position papers, communication journals, major speeches, etc. The possibility that you may one day take our Capstone Course means that you should keep the major projects completed in your communication courses.

Even if you have no intention of taking the Department’s Capstone Course, a communication portfolio is a valuable asset to have once you graduate and begin looking for a job. The Interview Assignment and the final speech would both be good items for your portfolio.

Blackboard You will find all handouts, and a copy of the syllabus on Blackboard. You will also be able to keep track of your grades and your absences in the Grade Center on Blackboard. You are responsible for printing out the handouts and bringing them to class at the appropriate time. I suggest that you print out all of the handouts now, and put them in your notebook for this class, so that you will have them ready when we go over them in class. You access Blackboard by clicking on ―Blackboard‖ at the top of the main CU homepage http://www.cudenver.edu I recommend that you ―bookmark‖ this site to your computer for easy access. You will need your student ID to log onto Blackboard. The login page has instructions and access to help if you have trouble logging in. Once you log in, click on our course (CMMU2050 ). You will find the handouts under ―Handouts.‖ You will find e-mail access to me and other class members under ―Communication.‖ Your grades will be posted periodically in the course Grade Center.

Very Important: The evaluation forms for Speeches 2 & 3 are found on Blackboard. These are the forms I will use to evaluate these speeches and provide feedback to you on your strengths and areas to improve. You are responsible for printing these out and bringing them to class on your speech day. If I don’t have your evaluation form, I can’t grade your speech; therefore, you will not be allowed to speak. I strongly suggest you print these out now, and put them in the notebook you will use for this class.

I will post any class cancellations on the main course page on Blackboard. I will also send a broadcast e-mail if I need to cancel class for any reason. We are all required to use our official UCD e-mail addresses. If you have not yet activated your UCD e-mail account, you need to do so immediately. That is the primary way UCD (and I ) will contact you with important information. The easiest way to email me or other class members is to use the email function on our Blackboard Course Shell.

Policies and Procedures 1. Department of Comm. Participation Policy: Attendance is a basic requirement of students enrolled in COMM 2050. Whether delivering a speech or being part of the audience, you are in an active learning situation at every class meeting. Students who do not regularly attend class typically do not do well in the course. The Dept. policy stands for each and every student. As part of the learning objectives for this course is to become an ethical audience member, and to give constructive feedback to other speakers, your attendance is required on all presentation days. Attendance will be taken on presentation and exercise days. Unless you have signed documentation on official letterhead of illness or emergency, 25 points will be deducted from your final grade for each absence on a presentation or exercise day. All of the presentations and exercises are marked in bold on the Weekly Course Schedule. I suggest you put them on your calendar now. If you miss an Exercise presentation day you will receive a zero for the exercise as well as the deduction of 25 points for your absence.

Students consistently arriving late and/or leaving early will eventually accumulate a full absence. If you are late on a presentation or exercise day it is your responsibility to locate and sign the attendance sheet.

Do not be late on group exercise or presentation days. If your group has started to present, you may not join the presentation or exercise and will receive a zero for that assignment. *Note—we will have a guest speaker on April 11th, attendance will also be taken that day and will count. The week of April 11th is the annual Communication Department ―Communication Days.‖ During that week, Instructors are encouraged to bring guest speakers to class to further awareness of communication in the community. You will be given a calendar of the guest speakers for all of the classes and you are invited to any of the class presentations during the week. This year’s keynote speaker for the week is Dr. Robbie Cox, three-time President of the Sierra Club and Emeritus Professor of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina. He will be speaking on Wednesday, 13 April 2011, at 11:00 in the St. Cajetan’s Cathedral. All of our students are strongly encouraged to attend.

I start class on time and usually go right till the end of the class period. If you come late or leave early you could miss valuable information. You are responsible for obtaining any missed information or course work. I suggest that you trade phone numbers to obtain missed information (I don’t do individual lectures, so please don’t call or email me to ask what you’ve missed). While I don’t have any mandatory attendance policies for lecture days, historically students who are frequently absent or late do not do well in the course.

2. CLAS Incomplete Policy: The faculty in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences passed effective as of January1, 2009 a CU Uniform Grading Policy relating to the awarding of Incomplete grades. No longer will the IW or IF be used. This CLAS policy is consistent with the UC Denver campus policy. Incomplete grades are not granted for low academic performance. To be eligible for an Incomplete grade, students must: 1. successfully complete a minimum of 75% of the course 2. have special circumstances beyond their control that preclude them from attending class and completing graded assignments i. Verification of special circumstances is required 3. make arrangements to complete the missing assignments with the original instructor Completion of a CLAS Course Completion Agreement is strongly suggested. Incompletes cannot be awarded that stipulate: i. ii. iii. iv.

a student may repeat the entire course repeat or replace existing grades allow the student an indeterminate period of time to complete the course allow the student to repeat the course with a different instructor

The CLAS Course Completion Agreement is available from the CLAS Advising Office, NC2024 If the student does not complete the work for the course within 12 months, the grade reverts to an F. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of all academic drop/add dates (attached to syllabus)

3. Assignments: Assigned chapter readings are to be done outside of and prior to class. Students are responsible for text information, and need to come prepared to discuss text material. Class lecture is meant to supplement text material, not cover it in entirety. There is a lot of reading up front in order for you to assimilate the information necessary to deliver effective presentations. Students are responsible for printing all handouts from Blackboard at the beginning of the semester and bringing them to class to have them readily available when discussed in class.

All written assignments must be typed or word-processed using size 12 font. Assignments of more than one page must be stapled. Unstapled papers will be penalized. Late written assignments will be penalized by 25% off the top if the assignment is one class period late, and by 50% off the top if the assignment is 2 class periods late. If an assignment is not turned in by two class periods past the due date, it will not be accepted, and you will receive a grade of 0 (zero) for that assignment.

Typed Speaking Plans can never be turned in late. Typed Speaking Plans are due at the beginning of the class period in which the speech is to be delivered. If the typed Speaking Plan is not turned in, you will not be allowed to deliver your speech. Students are required to deliver their speeches at the assigned time. The schedule for this class is extremely tight; there is very little time allowed for make-up speeches. If you miss a speech you must contact me immediately, and you must bring signed documentation on official letterhead of illness or emergency to the next class period. You must come prepared to deliver your speech the next class period (or when called upon). If you have the documentation , you will be allowed to make up your speech with no penalty. If you do not have the documentation, you must come prepared to give your speech the very next class period. If there is time, you will be allowed to make up your speech. A speech that is given one class period late will have 25% deducted from the top. A speech that is given 2 class periods late will have 50% deducted off the top. If you haven’t given your speech by 2 class periods after it was assigned, or if you are not prepared when called on, you lose the opportunity to speak.

Outside sources are required for outlines and speeches. Dictionaries and personal interviews do not count as sources for this requirement. Sources must be seen in the body of the Speaking Plan and heard in the body of the speech in order to fulfill the requirement. Complete bibliographical information must be given for each source on the speaking plan (this means, for example, that you must provide the article name or place on the website if using an electronic source—just giving the web-path is not complete information).

4. Academic Honesty: Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated and will lead to possible dismissal from the University. Plagiarism and cheating will be dealt with to the letter according to the Academic Honor Code (found in the UCDHSC catalog) and on our Dept. website (under Student Resources). Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by others. Any student who is not certain as to what may be considered plagiarism should consult with the Writing Center. A safe rule of thumb is: when in doubt, give credit to the source.

You are responsible for being attentive to or observant of campus policies about academic honesty as stated in the University’s Student Conduct Code http://thunder1.cudenver.edu/studentlife/discipline.html 5. Speaking Language: Please use sex-neutral language in your speaking and writing. As the language we speak and write leads us to perceive in certain ways, sex-neutral language will help all of us perceive women and men on equal terms, participating fully in the world. Language that demeans or slurs any cultural, ethnic, or religious group in any way will not be tolerated.

The Dept. of Communication Mission Statement: “The mission of the Department of Communication is threefold. First, the Department aims to create a learning environment in which students develop the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to use communication to create a more civil and humane world. Second, the Department strives to create scholarship of the highest intellectual merit and to contribute scholarly and creative works that further the study, teaching, and practice of communication. Third, the Department aspires to provide excellent service to our college, university, profession, and community.”

6. Class Conduct: You have ethical responsibilities as a class member. Your activities in class affect those around you. Please do us a favor and turn off all cell phones and pagers before coming to class, and take off/turn off all I-Pods, music devices, text messaging, etc. Take off all ear-phones. Please do not read or do work for other classes/activities. Please do not carry on side conversations with fellow students. Please do not sleep!! If you are using a laptop to take class notes, make sure that is all you are doing with your computer— don’t check e-mail, play games, etc. These behaviors are rude and distracting to those around you. These activities do not constitute ethical audience behavior.

7. Special Accommodations: Religious Holiday Accommodations: The faculty at UCD has both a legal and moral responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations to students absent from classes because of religious holidays. Faculty are expected to develop course-consistent accommodations for students who miss class or graded assignments in order to observe religious holidays. Faculty are encouraged to (1.) avoid examinations during major religious holidays and (2.) ask students to privately identify all course conflicts at the beginning of the semester. We will provide reasonable accommodations to students who must be absent from classes because of religious holidays. The student must provide a list of all such holidays by the end of the second week of the semester.

Disability Accommodations: The faculty at UCD has both a legal and moral obligation to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. To be eligible for these accommodations, the student must be registered with the UC Denver Office of Disability Resources and Services (DRS), located at NC2514, (303 556-3450 or TTY/TDD 303 556-4766. The DRS staff has experience to assist faculty in determining reasonable accommodations and to coordinate these accommodations. If a student is given accommodations, they must be followed. If a student chooses not to accept the accommodations set forth by the DRS, they must complete all assignments and do all course work in the same manner as all other students. No exceptions or alternate forms of evaluation can be used except those mandated by the DRS. Faculty cannot arbitrarily decide to give a student extra time, extra assistance, or other forms of aid unless it is formally mandated by the DRS. To be eligible for these accommodations the student must provide documentations from the Office of Disability and Resources and Services to me. It is strongly encouraged that you do so by the end of the second week of the semester.

The policies provide a fair/equal platform for all of us. The skills you learn in this class will be valuable in your personal, professional, and academic life. No matter your beginning skills and attitudes, you will have more confidence in all areas of communication by the end of the semester. I am here to challenge you to do your best, and to support you in all your endeavors.

Please do not hesitate to call or come see me any time you need help or want to talk. I will not automatically know if you need clarification or help, so always let me know when you need

anything. I am excited to share my knowledge, experience, and research with you. I’m looking forward to a great semester.

APPROXIMATE WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE This is an approximate schedule. I reserve the right to change dates, topics, assignments, etc. You are responsible for making note of such changes. All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period.

Reading of text is to be completed outside of and prior to class. Come prepared to discuss and participate. Due dates for assignments are in bold. Note that there is either a written or oral assignment due approximately every 2 weeks throughout the semester—plan your schedules accordingly.

Week 1 Jan 19

Chptr

2 Jan 24/26

*Discuss syllabus/Get Acquainted *Speaker Characteristics/Ethics 4&7

*Informative Presentations/Developing Ideas * Class to deliver Exercise #1—Introduce (26th)

3 Jan 31 Feb 2 5 & 6

*Organizing and Supporting Ideas *Creating Speaking Plans and Speaking Notes

4 Feb 7/9

*Introductions and Conclusions

5 Feb 14/16

*Class to deliver Presentation #2--Inform

6 Feb 21/23

8

7 Fb 28 Mrch 2 11

8 March 7/9 9 March 14/16

*Persuasion *Speaking to Stimulate *Language & Delivery *Persuasive Organization Patterns *Class to Deliver Exercise #2 (23rd) *Logical Fallacies *Group Presentations * Class to Deliver Exercise #3 (2nd) *Class to Deliver Presentation #3--Stimulate

9 & 10

*Interviewing Skills *Class to Deliver Exercise #4 (16th)

10 March 21/23

*Spring Break—no class—have fun!

11 March 28/30

*Group Presentations, cont.

12 April 4/6

*Class to Deliver Presentation #4—Progress Reports (4th) *Group Presentations, cont.

13 April 11/13 5

*Guest Speaker (11th)—attendance will be taken *Class to Deliver Exercise #5—Visual Aids (13th)

14 April 18/20

*Informational Interview Paper due (18th) *Facilitating Discussion *No class on 20th—work in groups to fine tune final presentation

15 April 25/27

*Groups 1 & 2 to Deliver Presentation #5--Facilitate Discussion *Globalization and Global Economy—the effect on the professional world *Corporate Responsibility to community and employees

16 May 2/4

*Groups 3 & 4 to Deliver Presentation #5 *Service Learning as it relates to the professional world *Social Media in business today

17 Finals Week

*Date to be determined

SEMESTER ASSIGNMENTS Note: This is a Business and Professional Speaking Course. All of your speech topics mush relate to the career world in some way. Most topics could fit in some way to the career world (although some would be harder to fit than others). In your speech you must convey to us how your topic relates to the career world if it is not already obvious.

If something comes up in your personal life after the schedule for an individual speech has been prepared, you may trade with another speaker. It is your responsibility to find someone on another presentation day to trade with you. I need a written notification of the trade, with signatures from you both before the trade will be approved.

In order to give you many chances to be on your feet speaking to an audience, you will deliver both Presentations and Exercises. There are 4 scheduled Presentations, and 5 scheduled Exercises. This means you will be speaking to the audience 9 times this semester. The difference between the two is:  A Presentation will be graded on each individual component. A Presentation requires a typed Speaking Plan.  An Exercise will be graded on participation only. If you participate in the Exercise, you will receive the full points. An Exercise does not require a typed Speaking Plan.

Speaking Plans A typed speaking plan must be turned in on the day you deliver your Presentation. If I do not have a typed speaking plan in my hand before you speak, you will not be allowed to speak. Speaking Plans will generally follow the format in the textbook, but will have specific requirements for this class (provided on a handout in Blackboard).

Informational/Career Search Interview

You will go into the community to conduct an information gathering Career Search interview with someone who works in a career field in which you are interested. This must be a face to face interview (no phone interviews), and it must be with someone you have never met before. Then you will write a paper about your experience. The requirements for this can be found on Blackboard Peer Evaluations You will write feedback evaluations for your fellow students for Presentations 3 & 4. There are specific forms for these evaluations on Blackboard.

Exercise # 1 (Introduction) A basic speech in business is an introduction speech. An effective introduction contains both demographic and interpersonal information. In this speech you will introduce yourself to the class and acquaint them with your career interests. This is a ―participation‖ presentation. If you give the presentation, you get the full points.

General requirements are that this speech is 2-3 minutes long (do not speak for 4-5 minutes!). In addition to an introductory sentence or two, and a summary sentence or two, you will have two main points for this speech.

Please cover the first main point before moving to the second (don't go back and forth). Be sure to utilize a summary/conclusion. The required two main points: 1. Briefly describe what the career entails (duties, possible communication opportunities, etc) 2. Why you chose this career (from where does your passion come?)

There is no speaking plan required for this presentation. If you presently do not have (or have not decided upon) a career, then you will need to quickly investigate a career that interests you in order to fill in the information required for this speech.

Exercises #2 – 3 The content and format for these exercises will be explained at that point in the semester in which you participate in them.

Exercise #4 This will be a group exercise. Your group will be assigned certain pages from Chapters 9 & 10 to teach the class. The requirements handout for this exercise can be found on Blackboard.

Exercise #5 This will be a group exercise. Your group will be assigned certain pages from Chapter 5 to teach the class.

The requirements handout for this exercise can be found on Blackboard.

Presentation #1 (Inform) Informational reports, briefings, instructional sessions, etc. are common forms of business communication. In this speech you will be informing the audience about a subject either within a specific career, or within the general business (working) world. General requirements are that this speech is neutral (not persuasive), that it is 3-4 minutes long, that one outside source is cited in the body of the speech, and that an approved organization pattern is followed. Possible topic choices are: gender communication, safety tips, stress relief, time management, how to write a resume, etc.

Presentation #2 (Stimulate) At times in business you will be asked to give a motivational (or stimulate) speech. This speech will allow you to practice the components of a motivational speech. You will inspire the audience about one positive human quality (such as caring or fairness) with the use of stories. General requirements are that this speech is 4-5 minutes long, that one outside source is cited in the body of the speech, that the speaker utilizes at least one narrative to illustrate the quality, that the speaker is dressed for credibility, and that the Statement of Reasons organization pattern is utilized.

Presentation #3 Progress Report A standard presentation in the business world is to deliver a report on the progress of a project. In this presentation you will deliver (as a group) a Progress Report on your progress of your work on Presentation #4.

The requirements for this presentation can be found on Blackboard.

Presentation #4 (Facilitating Discussion) Working in (and presenting with) teams is common-place in the working world. Another common type of presentation in the working world is to teach by facilitation. This presentation will combine both of those concepts. For this presentation you will be assigned to a team and each team will be assigned a business topic.

Your team will be responsible for teaching the information about the topic by facilitating a class discussion about the topic. You will need to do research on the topic. This is a 60-65 minute interactive presentation. The goal is to provide some basic information about the topic, and to lead the audience in discussion on the topic.

Specific requirements for this presentation, and Speaking Plan and Evaluations are on Blackboard. As this is a group presentation, there are absolutely no make-ups for this presentation. Once you have been assigned to a team and topic, you may not trade teams.

Exam There will be one cumulative Final Exam given during Finals Week.

Criteria for Evaluating Presentations The below average presentation (Grade of D or F) would be seriously deficient in the criteria required for the C speech The average presentation (Grade of C) would meet the following criteria:  Conforms to the type of presentation assigned  Is delivered in an extemporaneous manner (not read word for word)  Fulfills any special requirements of the assignment, e.g. required number of sources, etc.  Has an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion  Utilizes a clear organization pattern  Has a clear commitment sentence  Shows reasonable competence in delivery  Is relatively free of errors in grammar and word usage The above average presentation (Grade of B) would meet the preceding criteria and also:  Addresses a challenging topic

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Specifically utilizes a true attention-getter, and specific common ground in introduction Clearly identifies speaker credibility Supports main points with evidence that meets the test of accuracy, relevance, and credibility Exhibits clear use of transitions Leaves the audience with a memorable statement Shows energy and passion for topic Uses meaningful gestures and sustained eye contact Speaker does not stand behind lectern Minimal fidgeting, dysfluencies, etc.

The excellent presentation (Grade of A) would meet the preceding criteria and also:  Constitutes a genuine contribution to the knowledge of the audience  Continues specific relevancy and common ground throughout the speech  Utilizes vivid and imagery-based language  Utilizes specific and meaningful examples and stories to amplify main points  Delivery is polished and dynamic to retain attention  Speaker is not rooted to one spot

Assignment

Exercise 1 (Introduce) Presentation 1 (Inform) ---Plan Presentation 2 (Stimulate) ---Plan Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4 Exercise 5 Presentation 3 (Progress) ---Plan ---Peer Evaluation Interview Paper Presentation 4 (Discussion) ---Plan ---Handout ---Group Critique ---Peer Evaluation Final Exam

Points

10 50 20 50 20 10 10 10 10 50 20 10 50 100 20 15 15 10 100

Be sure to periodically check the Grade Center on Blackboard to see your current percentage.

That way you will know at any given time what your current grade is.

Spring 2011 CLAS Academic Policies The following policies pertain to all students and are strictly adhered to by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).  Every student MUST check and verify their schedule prior to the published drop/add deadlines in the student portal. Failure to verify a schedule is not sufficient reason to justify a late add or drop later in the semester. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that their schedule is correct prior to the appropriate deadlines.  CLAS students must use their email.ucdenver.edu email address. Email is the official method of communication for all University of Colorado Denver business. All email correspondence will take place using your UCDenver email address. Go to http://www.ucdenver.edu/studentservices/resources/registrar/students/policies/Pages/EmailPolicy.aspx to activate your email address.  Students are NOT automatically added to a course off a wait list after wait lists are dropped. If a student is told by a faculty member that they will be added off the wait list, it is the responsibility of the student to complete the proper paperwork to add a course.  Students are not automatically notified if they are added to a class from a wait-list.

Again, it is the responsibility of the student to verify their schedule prior to any official dates to drop or add courses.  Students must complete and submit a drop/add form to make any schedule changes.

Students are not automatically dropped from a class if they never attended, stopped attending or do not make tuition payments.  Late adds will be approved only when circumstances surrounding the late add are beyond the student’s control and can be documented independently. This will require a petition and documentation from the student. Please note that the signature of a faculty member on an add form does not guarantee that a late add petition will be approved. Petitions for undergraduates are available in NC 4002 and for graduate students in NC 5012.  Late drops will be approved only when circumstances surrounding the late drop have arisen after the published drop deadlines, are beyond the student’s control, and can be documented independently. This will require a petition and documentation from the student. Pre-existing circumstances (circumstances that existed prior to the published drop deadlines) regarding illness, work, family, or other confounding issues will not be considered adequate reason to drop or withdraw from courses after the published University and/or College drop deadlines. Please note that the signature of a faculty member does not guarantee that a late drop petition will be approved. Petitions are available in NC 4002 for undergraduates and NC 5012 for graduate students.  Undergraduate students wishing to graduate in spring of 2011 must complete the on line intent to graduate and meet with their academic advisor by census date to obtain a graduation application. This application must be completed and submitted by 5 PM on February 2, 2011. You can obtain an application ONLY after meeting with your

academic advisor. There are no exceptions to this policy or date.  Graduate students wishing to graduate in spring semester 2011 must complete their Intent to Graduate form and have a Request for Admissions to Candidacy on file with the CLAS Dean’s office no later than 5 PM, February 2, 2011.  Students are responsible for completing financial arrangements with financial aid, family, scholarships, etc. to pay their tuition. Students will be responsible for all tuition and fees for courses they do not officially drop using proper drop/add procedures and forms.

Students who drop after the published drop/add period will not be eligible for a refund of the COF hours or tuition.

Important Dates    

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January 18, 2011: First day of Class January 23, 2011: Last day to add a class or be added to a wait list for a class using the UCDAccess student portal. After this date you must use a schedule adjustment form to change add or drop a course.

January 24, 2011: LAST DAY TO DROP WITHOUT DROP CHARGE – THIS INCLUDES SECTION CHANGES. January 24, 2011: Wait Lists are dropped. Any student who was not added to a course automatically from the wait list by this date and time MUST complete a schedule adjustment form to be added to the class. Students are NOT automatically added to the class from the wait list after this date and time. If your name is not on the official student roster, you are not registered for the course.

January 25-February 2, 2011: Students are responsible for verifying an accurate spring 2011 course schedule via the UCDAccess student portal. Students are NOT notified of their wait-list status by the university. All students must check their scheduled prior to February 2, 2011 for accuracy.

January 25, 2011: First day instructor may approve request to add a student to a full course with a Schedule Adjustment Form.

February 2, 2011: Census date.

February 2, 2011 at 5 PM: Last day to add structured courses without a written petition for a late add. This is an absolute deadline and is treated as such. This deadline does not apply to independent study, internships, project hours, thesis hours, dissertation hours, and late-starting modular courses.

February 2, 2011 at 5 PM: Last day to drop a spring 2011 course or completely with draw from all spring 2011 courses using a schedule adjustment form with a tuition adjustment minus the drop charge and no transcript notation – this includes section changes. Drops after this date will appear on your transcript. This is an absolute deadline and is treated as such.

February 2, 2011 at 5 PM: Last day to request pass/fail or no credit option for a course.

February 2, 2011 at 5 PM: Last day to for a graduate student to register for a Candidate for Degree.

February 2, 2011 at 5 PM: Last day for a Ph.D. student to petition for a reduction in hours.

February 2, 2011 at 5 PM: Last day to apply for spring 2011 graduation. You must make an appointment and see your academic advisor before this date to apply for graduation if you are an undergraduate; you must complete the intent to graduate and candidate for degree form if you are a graduate student.

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February 14-23, 2011: Faculty can use the early alert system.

March 21-27, 2011: Spring break (no classes/campus open) April 1, 2011 at 5 PM: Last day for CLAS students to drop or withdraw from all classes without a petition and special approval from the student’s academic Dean. After this date, a dean’s signature is needed.

April 15, 2011 at 5 PM: Last day for CLAS students to drop or withdraw from all classes with signatures from the faculty and Dean without a full petition. This is treated as an absolute deadline.

After April 15, 2011 all schedule changes require a full petition. Petitions are available in NC 4002 for undergraduates and NC 5012 for graduate students.

May 9-14, 2011: Finals Week No schedule changes will be granted once finals week has started. There are NO exceptions to this policy.