Welcome to Professor Mort's website!  Please review this ENTIRE page.  Most of the information on this page pertains to online and hybrid class students; however, some of this will be helpful to traditional, on-campus students as well.

OCC has implemented a mandatory student email system.  Make sure that your email address is correct in Online Services or there will be no way to contact you.  If you do not want to check your OCC email regularly, you can configure OCC student email to forward your email to your preferred email account.  Either way, you must be able to monitor your OCC email regularly to successfully complete the course.

After reading this page, be sure to click on the appropriate semester button on the left, read that, then click again on down through the menus following your particular course.  You must read all these pages to be fully informed.

TechTips for using Blackboard

• Test Speed, click here: (Choose the Chicago Server)
  

• Firefox web browser is REQUIRED
   

• For all the latest plug-ins, other updates, and Student Technical Helpdesk, go here:

  • http://www.oaklandcc.edu/dl/download_central.htm
     

• For many types of help, go here:

  • http://www.oaklandcc.edu/DL/

Details

1. Read the entire syllabus by clicking on the appropriate submenu buttons on the upper left of this page.
2. There will be no on-campus orientation to the class for online students.  However, OCC has instituted a General orientation to Blackboard.  If you have never used Blackboard or are the least apprehensive about taking an online class, then I HIGHLY recommend you attend.  I assume that your computer is up and running before the class starts and able to accomplish the assigned tasks.
3. This is the link to the OCC General Blackboard Orientation Schedule: http://www.oaklandcc.edu/dl/orientations.htm
4. At some point before semester start, I'll release the class at which time you'll be able to access your course in Blackboard.  Once you have access, familiarize yourself with the Blackboard layout.

Distance learning takes advantage of current technology to innovatively deliver a quality education with the maximum amount of flexibility and individualization for the student.  It is my sincere wish that you, the student, and I, as your professor, rise to all the challenges of this innovative approach.

ADA Notification

Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the Americans with Disabilities Act) should contact the ACCESS office.  The ACCESS office will inform the instructor of any special conditions pertaining to their learning.  Access link:
http://www.oaklandcc.edu/ACCESS/

FERPA

IMPORTANT FERPA REMINDER: Per the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), college personnel are not allowed to release students’ personal information to anyone, including other students. If you have any questions regarding FERPA, please refer to the current College Catalog. http://www.oaklandcc.edu/Catalog/Experience/CollegePolicies.aspx

Small Print Disclaimer: I reserve the right to unilaterally modify this syllabus as the weeks unfold. If in my professional opinion I think that I need to change something in order to more effectively promote the learning experience, I retain that right to make such change. After all, the learning experience is the principal purpose for our meeting. This syllabus should aid in the completion of that goal. It should not hinder the successful learning experience. If changes are made, all students will be notified.

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Revised: January 01, 2010