Adjunct Faculty Handbook 2015-2016

Adjunct Faculty Handbook
Odessa College
Diane Acosta, Ph.D.
Blair Roberts
Instructional Division
2015 - 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Purpose ................................................................................................................................................... 4
Presidents Welcome ............................................................................................................................. 5
Welcome to Odessa College .................................................................................................................. 7
College Mission.................................................................................................................................. 7
Odessa College Purpose & Role ......................................................................................................... 7
EEOC .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Campus Initiatives............................................................................................................................... 8
Drop Rate Improvement Program (DRIP) ...................................................................................... 8
Design For Completion (D4C) ..................................................................................................... 8
MetaMajors ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) ..................................................................... 9
Achieving The Dream (ATD) Leader College ................................................................................ 9
Aspen Committee .......................................................................................................................... 10
The Community College Philosophy ................................................................................................... 11
Organization of the College ................................................................................................................. 12
Instructional Policies ............................................................................................................................ 13
Responsibilities of Adjunct Faculty .................................................................................................. 13
Course Syllabus................................................................................................................................. 13
Textbooks .......................................................................................................................................... 16
Materials and Supplies ...................................................................................................................... 16
Faculty Attendance............................................................................................................................ 16
Student Attendance ........................................................................................................................... 16
Class Enrollment .............................................................................................................................. 17
Final Exam ........................................................................................................................................ 17
Grades ............................................................................................................................................... 17
First Week Attendance Grade ....................................................................................................... 17
Grade and Grade Point Averages .................................................................................................. 17
Incomplete Grade Policy ............................................................................................................ 18
Withdrawing from a Class............................................................................................................. 18
Grade Changes .............................................................................................................................. 19
End of Semester Procedures .......................................................................................................... 19
FERPA .............................................................................................................................................. 20
Religious Observance........................................................................................................................ 20
Academic Honesty ........................................................................................................................... 20
Student Discipline & Disruptive Behavior ..................................................................................... 21
Copyright and Fair Use ..................................................................................................................... 21
Academic Responsibility .................................................................................................................. 22
Quality Instruction ............................................................................................................................... 23
The Four Commitments .................................................................................................................... 23
Connecting with Students ................................................................................................................. 23
First Class/Week Meeting ................................................................................................................. 23
Class management............................................................................................................................. 24
AVID Strategies ................................................................................................................................ 24
Feedback to Students......................................................................................................................... 24
Student Evaluation of Instruction (SEI) ........................................................................................... 25
Student Support Services .................................................................................................................. 25
Student Success Center (SSC)....................................................................................................... 25
Smartthinking ................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
D4C/MetaMajor ............................................................................................................................ 26
Special Needs Services.................................................................................................................. 26
Wrangler Express Center .............................................................................................................. 27

Technology, Resources, & Professional Development ........................................................................ 28
OC Portal........................................................................................................................................... 28
Announcements ............................................................................................................................. 28
Email ............................................................................................................................................. 28
WebAdvisor .................................................................................................................................. 28
OC Global & Blackboard .................................................................................................................. 28
TechSmith Relay ........................................................................................................................... 28
Blackboard Collaborate ................................................................................................................. 29
Blackboard Grade Center .............................................................................................................. 29
Blackboard Retention Center ........................................................................................................ 29
Professional Development Trainings ................................................................................................ 29
Blackboard 101 ............................................................................................................................. 29
Quality Course Components (QC2) .............................................................................................. 29
AVID Training .............................................................................................................................. 30
Classroom Equipment ...................................................................................................................... 30
Learning Resources Center .............................................................................................................. 30
Personnel Information .......................................................................................................................... 31
Required Personnel Paperwork ....................................................................................................... 31
Salary and Pay ................................................................................................................................... 31
Faculty Evaluations .......................................................................................................................... 31
Campus Mail..................................................................................................................................... 32
Office Space ...................................................................................................................................... 32
Parking .............................................................................................................................................. 32
College Keys ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Standard of Conduct ........................................................................................................................ 32
Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco Use .................................................................................................. 33
Smoking Policy ................................................................................................................................ 33
Violations .......................................................................................................................................... 33
Emergency Procedures......................................................................................................................... 35
Phone Numbers ................................................................................................................................ 35
Personnel Injuries .............................................................................................................................. 36
Injury or Illness in a Classroom or Laboratory: ................................................................................ 36
Assault- Physical .............................................................................................................................. 36
Chemical Spills ................................................................................................................................. 36
Fire .................................................................................................................................................... 37
Tornado/Natural Disaster ................................................................................................................. 37
Medical Emergencies, First Aid and Medical Treatment ............................................................. 38
Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 39
Appendix A .......................................................................................................................................... 40
Appendix B .......................................................................................................................................... 41
Appendix C .......................................................................................................................................... 43
Purpose
The purpose of this handbook is to help adjunct faculty get acquainted with the administrative
procedures at Odessa College. It is important to provide adjunct faculty the appropriate
resources through this handbook since they normally are on campus only during their classroom
periods and for a relatively brief time before and after class. Also, adjunct faculty may not come
to campus. Moreover, adjunct faculty may not be present at meetings to receive the briefings
available to full-time instructors concerning changing guidelines or college regulations.
This handbook may not contain explanations of all the administrative forms and procedures.
Also, instructional problems may arise in your class that this booklet does not cover. If you have
any questions regarding anything that is not covered in this handbook, please do not hesitate to
contact your department chair. Our goal is that you are successful in the classroom and have an
enjoyable experience as an adjunct faculty at Odessa College.
This handbook is subject to change as the academic year progresses. Check with your
department chair for any updates to this document.
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Last Revised 8/5/2015
Presidents Welcome
Odessa and Odessa College are both riding a wave that is carrying us to new heights. OC is both
benefitted and challenged by our burgeoning economy. On the one hand, resources are easier to
come by. On the other, students are heading to the oil fields for jobs. But this is where Odessa
College has worked to change its fate and the fate of those who follow the call of the oilfields.
Even with a good job now, there will come a day when a college degree is what puts food on the
table and helps raise a family. We want that dream for every resident of our community, so we
revel in these boom times ... but we are working continuously to make OC the kind of college
that doesnt make our community choose between life and education. OC is committed to being
a college that allows people to start a job AND come to college; attend high school AND begin
college classes; work at a long-term job AND train for a new one. We want our community to
have solutions, not just options.
But its more than that. We want the best for each and every resident of our service area. That
means we need to deliver the best, and good is not good enough. We are challenging ourselves to
be great. Words? Not to us. We are setting the bar and striving to clear it. Let me offer a few
examples.
Odessa College is leading our state in its course completion levels. In 2008, 82% of the
students who started a course completed it. In Fall 2012 that number was 92%. For that
level of success, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board gave OC a
Recognition of Excellence Award.
Student success is our core mission. In a little over one year of concerted effort, we have
reduced drop out rates from 11% to 7%, while increasing GPA and the success rates
(those who earn As, Bs or Cs) from 67% to 72%.
OC students are graduating in record numbers. This fall we had our largest graduating
class ever, with 246 students taking home a tassel and a degree.
These are a few of the signs of our commitment to our students and to you. And thanks to this
community, this year OC has new buildings, new programs and new equipment, enhancing what
we can offer you and the manner in which it is offered. We are blessed to be in this community.
Odessa has always looked to the future and we are thankful for your vote on the Bond measure
that has given us new resources for that future. More importantly, we are humbled by your
unstinting support and your faith in us.
Here are a few of the initiatives we are currently implementing.
The college is currently looking at digital textbooks as a way to lower costs and improve
accessibility.
OC faculty are challenging themselves to find new ways to reach students and continue to
improve the rates of student success.
Instructors are leveraging technology to flip the classroom model on its head, allowing
students to learn content directly, and come to class, not to be lectured to, but to be
challenged and encouraged.
We are creating enhanced programs such as Culinary Arts that offer state-of-the-art
training to students in the classroom, and a gourmet experience to our community
through a college-operated restaurant.
And through it all is a focus on institutional effectiveness. We are not hoping we are
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improving, or guessing at our progress. We are measuring and responding to reality. Odessa
has always embraced big goals because it wants the best for its children and its future. Thats
what we want too. Together, well get there.
Our commitment to you is to become the best community college in the nation.
Dr. Greg Williams, President of Odessa College
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Welcome to Odessa College

College Mission
Odessa College will lead the way in preparing its students and community for the future. The
College offers exemplary courses, programs, and services to assist students in achieving their
educational goals and becoming lifelong learners, community builders, and global citizens.
Odessa College empowers its employees to model excellence in their service to students,
colleagues, and community.
Odessa College Purpose & Role

Odessa College is an open door, two-year institution offering quality career, technical, and
academic courses for certification or associate degrees. Additionally, the College offers
continuing education, remedial and compensatory education, and provides guidance and
counseling programs. Odessa College primarily serves individuals located in our service area and
insists on excellence in teaching, research, and public service.
The purpose of Odessa College, as prescribed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board, is to provide:
1. Technical programs up to two years in length leading to associate degrees or
certificates.
2. Career and technical programs leading directly to employment in semi-skilled and
skilled occupations.
3. Freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences.
4. Continuing adult education programs for occupational or cultural upgrading.
5. Compensatory education programs designed to fulfill the commitment of an
admissions policy allowing the enrollment of disadvantaged students.
6. A continuing program of counseling and guidance designed to assist students in
achieving their
7. Individual educational goals.
8. Workforce development programs designed to meet local and statewide needs.
9. Adult literacy and other basic skills programs for adults.
EEOC
Equal Educational and Employment Opportunity Policy (EEOC)
The college is committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunity regardless
of race, color, age, national origin, religion, sex, disability or sexual orientation. The college
provides equal opportunity in accordance with federal and state laws. Equal educational
opportunity includes admission recruitment, extra- curricular programs and activities, access to
course offerings, counseling and testing, financial aid, employment, health and insurance
services and athletics. Existing administrative procedures of the college are used to handle
faculty and student grievances.
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Campus Initiatives
Odessa College faculty and staff are committed to excellence to provide students with the best
learning experience. Such commitment is supported through various campus initiatives that are
based on improving student success and retention. The following section provides an overview
of the campus initiatives that are at the heart of the institution.
Drop Rate Improvement Program (DRIP)

The Drop Rate Improvement Program (DRIP) is an original Odessa College program launched
in fall 2011 that has elevated student retention and success to historic levels. The program was
developed from a retrospective study, which analyzed student drop-out patterns from on-line
and face-to-face classes over a three-year period. We found a statistically significant pattern to
student withdrawals from classes in all departments that tracked to individual instructors and
did not correlate with the class standing, age, gender, ethnicity or other demographic profile of
students. In a follow-up study, possible practices of instruction and/or qualities of studentinstructor interactions that might account for an individual instructors drop rate pattern were
analyzed. From that analysis, data-driven suggestions for instructors were established to help
them reduce student drop outs from their classes and the Drop Rate Improvement Program
was developed. The Drop Rate Improvement Program was initiated in the Arts and Sciences
division in fall, 2011 and in the Career, Technical, Workforce Education division in spring,
2012. Since then, class drop-outs in both divisions have fallen to historic lows and the course
completion rate throughout the college is now over 90%.
Know your student and let your student know you care about their education is the essential
hardcore of the Drop Rate Improvement Program. What the three-year results from DRIP
emphasize is that dramatic, immediate change in student persistence and faculty effectiveness
can be achieved at virtually no cost through implementation of data-driven programs.
The Four Commitments of the Drop Rate Improvement Program
1. Interacting with student by name by first class/end of first week
2. Close monitoring of student behavior and progress with immediate intervention
3. One-on-one meetings/frequent communications with students early in semester
4. Masters of Paradox: highly structured courses w/ penalties for missed
exams/assignments, etc, but flexible when appropriate.
Dr. Don Wood and Dr. Greg Williams
Design For Completion (D4C)

Design For Completion is a program that involves placing students on teams with a Student
Success Coach, Faculty Mentor, and Program Advisor. A Student Success Coach is an advisor
that helps students with their schedule, career exploration, and any concerns students may have
during their time at OC. A Faculty Mentor is a full-time faculty member that mentors students
throughout their time at OC, whether it is through a quick text, email, or office visit. A
Program Advisor is a faculty member that is an expert in the students chosen field. They
provide guidance regarding their degree plan, career options, etc. throughout the students time
at OC. The idea behind D4C is to provide a wrap-around support system for each student to
ensure they stay in school and complete their educational goals. Faculty communicate with
Student Success Coaches regarding struggling students, as well as students who have stopped
attending class.
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MetaMajors
Since the D4C program involves creating teams of students, success coaches, faculty
mentors, and program advisors, there was a need to develop an appropriate system for
placing students on teams. That is how the MetaMajors concept was created. Students are
placed on a team based on their chosen degree. The importance of the MetaMajor concept
is to avoid automatically placing undecided students in a General Studies degree plan and
never revisiting the students interest after a semester.
When a student visits with a Success Coach to begin their college education at OC, they
choose a MetaMajor from the following list:
Business & Industry
Health Sciences
Arts & Humanities
Public & Consumer Services
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Check with your department chair for a detailed list of where the different disciplines fall
within the categories in this list. You will want this information in order to submit names
of struggling students and students who may have stopped attending class.
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

AVID is a college readiness program that was first established in the K-12 system. Recently,
however, AVID has created a higher education strand called AVID for Higher Education
(AHE). AVID for Higher Education is designed specifically to meet the needs of students
attending a college or university. AHE resources systemically address the goals of increased
learning, persistence, completion and success in and beyond college. AVID assists higher
education professionals in analyzing existing student support initiatives and data, identifying
barriers and needs, and establishing and assessing student learning outcomes
(http://www.avid.org/what-is-avid-for-higher-ed.ashx).
All new full-time faculty members receive training in AVID strategies, which are high
engagement strategies that aid in student success and retention. Each semester, AVID trainers
visit the campus to provide workshops for faculty members. In addition to training faculty
members, tutors in the Student Success Center are trained in AVID strategies, which means
that students are not only exposed to these high engagement strategies in the classroom, they
also revisit them in their tutoring sessions.
Odessa College was recently named an AVID Certified Campus, which means that the College
met and exceeded the specific elements of the program. With this recognition, the next step is
for OC to work on becoming the first AVID for Higher Education national demonstration site.
There are Professional Development Training sessions on AVID that are available to all faculty
members, including adjunct faculty members. See your department chair for on-campus
training opportunities. You can also view AVID trainings online in the Adjunct Corner
Blackboard shell. See Appendix C for instructions on logging into the Adjunct Corner
Blackboard course.
Achieving The Dream (ATD) Leader College

ATD is a network of colleges and states that make up a comprehensive national reform
network for student success in higher education. Achieving the Dream is based on the
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premise that to improve student success on a substantial scale, colleges must fundamentally
change the way they operate. Using a Student-Centered Model of Institutional Improvement,
Achieving the Dream helps colleges create a culture of evidence in which data and inquiry
inform broad-based institutional efforts to close achievement gaps and improve student
outcomes (http://achievingthedream.org/about-us). Community colleges across the nation
have joined the movement of becoming an ATD college, and each year ATD data coaches visit
campuses to check on their progress in their efforts as an ATD college. Each year, ATD names
Leader Colleges based on their efforts on closing the achievement gap for students.
Dr. Williams created an ATD Committee in 2010 to begin working towards becoming an ATD
Leader College. Led by full-time faculty member, Dr. Daniel Regalado, the ATD committee is
comprised of faculty, staff, and administrators. Committee members worked together to create
a data-driven campus culture that engages all stakeholders in the commitment to improving
student success.
Odessa College was named an ATD Leader College in 2013 after three years of working
towards becoming an ATD Leader College.
Aspen Committee
The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington,
DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan
venue for dealing with critical issues. The Institute has campuses in Aspen, Colorado, and on
the Wye River on Marylands Eastern Shore. It also maintains offices in New York City and
has an international network of partners (The Aspen Institute, 2013). The Aspen Institute
recognizes outstanding community colleges who continually strive for excellence in the realms
of student completion, labor market outcomes, learning outcomes, and equitable outcomes for
students. Community colleges across the nation are invited to apply for the Aspen Prize based
on their efforts to address these essential elements. Aspen Prize winners are recognized as the
number one community college in the nation and are awarded a $1 million dollar prize (The
Aspen Institute, 2014).
Dr. Williams established the Aspen Committee at Odessa College in August, 2013 because the
College has committed to becoming the number one community college in the nation. Led by
Department Chair of Criminal Justice, Jennifer S. Myers, the committee is comprised of
faculty and staff members from various departments on campus, and they are working together
to address the five areas of the Aspen Institute.
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The Community College Philosophy

Those who are associated with the two-year college often hear about the "community college
philosophy." Unless you engage in formal educational courses that focus on the community
college, discovering the implications of this philosophy may take years. It is critical that you, as
an integral part of Odessa College, understand the unique mission of the community college so
that you will appreciate why effective teaching and student success is a priority.
The community college has been described as an institution whose heart is in the right place but
whose head is in the stars a Don Quixote marching out to tilt at every societal problem. In
reality, the community college is a unique American institution. It ought to be called
"Democracy's College." Odessa College was established in 1946 because of the need for more
educational opportunities for veterans and others who had given up formal education because of
World War II. Also, many Americans returning to colleges and universities were finding that
their academic success was suffering because of the years they had been away from the
classroom. Odessa College served as a bridge back to improved academic success and an
improved life for many Permian Basin residents.
Odessa College was started because of the need for more educational opportunities for veterans
and has continued because of the word "more" more people, more college-age people, more
jobs requiring post-high-school training, more older people returning to work, more housewives
seeking to supplement income for a family living through more inflation, more technology and
workplace changes that resulted in more obsolete jobs, more unemployment, and more underemployment. This has resulted in a world that now requires more re-training, more specialized
business training, and a necessity for more education in general in order to exist in this complex
society. In response to these demands, the community college responded by "opening the doors"
of opportunity. Odessa College continually fulfills the workforce demands of our community
by offering more than thirty occupational/vocational programs, with additional programs planned
to meet the needs of citizens who want to learn new or improve existing skills.
Because of these responsibilities, community colleges like Odessa College have been leading
American higher education for the last fifty years. Odessa College has led, not only in opening
the door through equal access to all populations, but in working to provide teaching excellence
and learning experiences that provide students with the opportunity to reach their educational
goals. Today, Odessa College continues to lead by experimenting with new educational
concepts and applications of technology and in developing the potential of all community
members who wish to take advantage of this unique American opportunity.
Odessa College has an "open door" admissions policy, welcoming all adults who have the ability
to benefit from and fulfill collegiate level expectations. Any adult, whether a high school
graduate or not, who is interested in learning can be admitted to college. Specific criteria
regarding categories of admissions are printed in the Odessa College catalog
(http://www.odessa.edu/catalog/current_catalog/).
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Organization of the College

Odessa College has an elected Board of Trustees that operates through the College President.
Under the President is a Vice President for Instruction, who supervises several directors and
division deans. Each division dean supervises several department chairs who, in turn, supervise
the full-time and adjunct faculty in the department. The Odessa College Human Resources
department has an outline of these vice presidents, deans, and department chairs:
https://portal.odessa.edu/employees/hr/Pages/default.aspx
In addition to the Vice President for Instruction, Odessa College has a Vice President for Student
Services and Enrollment Management, a Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, a Vice
President for Advancement, a Vice President for Information Technology, and a Vice President
for Business Affairs. Each of these Vice Presidents has directors that report to their office. The
Odessa College Human Resources department has an outline of these vice presidents:
https://portal.odessa.edu/employees/hr/Pages/default.aspx
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Instructional Policies
Responsibilities of Adjunct Faculty
The general responsibilities of adjunct instructors are defined by the Odessa College Board of
Trustees. A part-time instructional employee is expected:
To meet all classes at the place and time specified, or, when unable to do so, to notify
your supervisor.
To be well prepared for each class session.
To develop a college syllabus for each course to be taught and post on Blackboard for
student access. Each syllabus should contain at least the information listed in the next
section.
To certify class attendance on the designated certification date.
To certify and submit final grades in accordance with the deadlines and guidelines
established by the Registrar.
To maintain accurate grade information (using Blackboard in accordance with the
guidelines established by the Vice President for Instruction).
To be familiar with the contents of handbooks, instructional resources guides, and other
items of information which are distributed for faculty use.
To enforce district and college policies and procedures.
To participate in staff development activities that are agreed upon by you and your
supervisor.
If unable to attend class, the faculty member will be required to arrange for class
assignments/instruction in consultation with the appropriate supervisor.
Course Syllabus
Syllabi must be turned into your department chair at the beginning of the semester. See your
department chair for a standard syllabus template that must be used for all courses. The
syllabus should also be included in your Blackboard course shell, as it is a template in
Blackboard. A Blackboard 101 training course has been developed for faculty to learn how to
add their syllabus information to the template. Please see Appendix C to enroll in the
Blackboard 101 course.
An exemplary syllabus has been defined by Odessa College as one that contains certain critical
elements:
Faculty Information
o Faculty Name
o Contact Information (e-mail address, phone number, office number)
o Preferred method(s) of communication
o Times of face-to-face office hours and of online office hours
o Some information about the instructor education, credentials, some
casual information that will help to personalize the experience for the
student
o Photo of the instructor
o What the student can expect from the online instructor
Required Materials
o Textbook
o Hardware/Software
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Date
o Specialized Materials
o Websites that the student will need throughout the course
o Other materials, not required but optional, that may improve student
success rates
Information About the Course
o Course Description from the Catalog
o Optional: add information detailing how the course fits into
program/department, and the field
o Pre-requisites
o Course Topics
Grading
o List assignments/assessments, value of each toward overall grade, and
learning outcome to which each assignment/assessment is aligned
o Grading Scale
o Grading Policy for course/program
Expectations of the Student
o This section is filled in with standard information provided by Odessa
College
Course Policies
o Much of this section is filled in with standard information provided by
Odessa College; however areas need customization to meet your course
requirements/standards
Course Schedule/Calendar
o This must be updated for every course term -- unlike much of the rest of the
syllabus. This will allow your students to know what to expect. Within the
syllabus, this can be set up by periods of time (not necessarily specific
dates). For example:
Instructional Approach
(* denotes a strategy
adopted by AVID)
Topic
Assignment
Assignment
Submission
Assignment
and
Discussion
posts due by
Sunday,
11:30 PM
Collaborate
Session:
Monday,
8:00 PM 9:30 PM
-- OR
Saturday
10:00 AM 11:30 AM
Week 1
Lecture /
Discussion
Course overview,
review of
syllabus
Course
Scavenger
Hunt
Assignment.
Discussion 1
Week 2
Lecture
(Collaborate) /
Discussion /
Research
Module 1:
Lecture using
Blackboard
Collaborate. Two
sessions will be
available -- be
sure to participate
in at least one.
These are live
sessions, with
opportunity for
synchronous,
Submit
proposed
research
topic for
approval
Discussion 2
(original
post must be
at least 750
words;
respond with
meaningful,
Research
topic
14
real-time
interaction with
your instructor
and classmates.
constructive
comments to
at least two
classmates'
posts, with a
minimum of
250 words
for each
response
post)
proposal due
by Sunday,
11:30 PM
Discussion
posts
Original post
due by
Thursday,
11:30 PM;
Responses to
classmates'
posts due by
Sunday,
11:30 PM
Using week numbers instead of actual dates allows for fewer updates within the syllabus... just
remember that a schedule/calendar outlining actual dates should be provided in conjunction with
the syllabus.
General Education Core Objectives

o Description
o Odessa College's Core Objectives
Discipline Core Statement
o Discuss this with your Department Chair if you are not sure how to address
this section
Student Learning Outcomes
o Listed in the table provided, and aligned with Odessa Colleges Core
Objectives
Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes
o These should be linked to course outcomes, and linked to individual
assignment/assessment
Odessa College Policies
o The verbiage for this section is provided by Odessa College and should not
be altered
Student Support Services and Technical Support
o The verbiage for this section is provided by Odessa College and should not
be altered
Return to Top
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Textbooks
Basic text adoptions are made collectively by the department for the purpose of providing the
best possible instruction to students. Because of many changes and new methods being
developed constantly, textbook changes are not only inevitable, but are also desirable when
thoughtfully considered. Textbook changes are made by recommendation of the department
through the department chair, who forwards the information to the bookstore manager.
Adjunct faculty can request a copy of the course textbook from the Department Chair. If you
want to use copies of articles and other materials in your classroom, contact the library to see if
they are available in the online databases and journals.
Adjunct faculty should check with their department chair for information about the textbook(s)
currently being used for a particular course. Instructors are expected to use all textbooks selected
for the course. Any exceptions to this policy must be cleared through the department chair. The
following is the address and phone number for the campus bookstore:
Odessa College Bookstore
201 West University
Odessa, TX 79764
432-335-6655
Materials and Supplies

Funds have been budgeted for most teaching materials, office supplies, and classroom supplies;
such supplies are purchased and distributed at the discretion of the department chair.
Faculty Attendance
Always arrive on campus at least fifteen minutes before your class starts (or earlier if you decide
to come in to help students with coursework). Instructors are expected to hold classes for the full
scheduled period. In the event it becomes necessary for you to miss class, immediately contact
your department chair so he/she can arrange for a substitute. Substitutes are assigned by the
department chair. DO NOT ARRANGE FOR YOUR OWN SUBSTITUTE. No class shall be
left without an instructor or be dismissed without permission of the department chair and the
division dean. In the absence of the department chair, the division dean should be notified.
Online adjunct faculty members are expected to stay connected with students throughout
each week of the semester. It is expected that faculty will respond to student email within 48
hours of the message sent from the student.
Student Attendance
Studies have shown that students benefit from attending classes by getting better grades.
Accordingly, student attendance at every class is strongly encouraged and when an absence is
unavoidable a student should consult with his or her instructor. Each instructor will provide
specific details of their course policy regarding student attendance and absences in their syllabus.
Studies have also shown that, with rare exceptions, when a student misses 20% or more of
scheduled class time, their grades will decline significantly. Accordingly, a student whose
absences approach or exceed 20% of scheduled class time should immediately review his or her
standing in the class with the instructor and determine whether to continue in the class or
withdraw. If a student decides to withdraw from a class, he or she must comply with the
16
deadlines published in the colleges calendar. You are encouraged to work closely with your
students whose grades are suffering because of excessive absences.
Students enrolled in developmental courses in English, mathematics and reading because of
scores on the TSIA should understand that attendance in those classes is mandatory under state
law. Developmental instructors should see the department chair for the attendance policy.
Online course student attendance is defined as active participation in all online instructional
activities as described in the course syllabus or course information. Thus, online adjunct faculty
members are encouraged to implement some kind of attendance policy in their online classes.
Online courses at Odessa College will, at a minimum, have weekly activities that will require
student participation, which will include any or all of the following: Asynchronous and/or
synchronous communication activities, Submission/completion of assignments, or
Communication with the instructor.
Class Enrollment
ACCURACY IN RECORD-KEEPING is of the utmost importance. It is the duty of every
instructor, full-time or part-time, to ensure that enrollment records are correct.
The class roster is available on the Portal prior to your first class meeting. You should log into
the OC Portal, print the roster, and have it with you when you meet your first class. Any student
not on the roster should have some type of official form to show that he or she is enrolled in your
class. See Appendix C for instructions on checking class rosters in WebAdvisor on the OC
Portal.
DO NOT assume that students belong in your class merely because they happen to be sitting in
the room. The time to correct errors is the first time the class meets, so that the students in error
may be guided to the right class. Students who do not belong in your class should be directed to
Wrangler Express on the first floor of the Saulsbury Campus Center. Faculty must check their
class roster via the OC Portal every day until the last day of registration.
Final Exam
Odessa College policy calls for the use of comprehensive final examinations in all courses. The
final exam should be given in accordance with the Final Exam Schedule. You will need to check
with your department chair regarding the content of the final exam. If you create a paper exam,
check with your department chair regarding printing policies and use of the Print Shop.
Grades
First Week Attendance Grade
To ensure students are set up for success, it is important to verify they are attending class.
Therefore, OC has instituted the 1st Week Attendance grade. All faculty members must
submit the 1st Week Attendance grade. See Appendix A for instructions on submitting the
1st Week Attendance grade.
Grade and Grade Point Averages

Unless a department-wide grading policy applies to a class, the instructor determines course
grades. See your department chair with regards to the grading system that applies to the course
you are assigned to teach. Instructors often weigh course requirements (for example: counting
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the daily grades 30%, tests 50%, and the final examination 20%). The letter grades and grade
points used by Odessa College are as follows:
GRADE
A
B
C
D
F
I
W
INTERPRETATION
Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Failing
Incomplete
Withdrawn
Grade Point
Value
4 points
3 points
2 points
1 points
0 points
0 points
0 points
Students are obligated to know their standing and rating in college classes during the semester
and to secure these ratings before registering for the next semester.
Incomplete Grade Policy

The conditional grade of I indicates that a student has not completed the required work for a
course. This grade may be given only if (1) the student has passed all work completed, and (2)
he/she has completed a minimum of 75% of the required coursework. This grade is given when
circumstances beyond a students control prevent him/her from completing the work for a
course by the end of the scheduled semester.
A grade of I will only be assigned when the conditions for completions have been discussed
and agreed upon by the instructor and the student. This agreement is to be documented by the
instructor, who will provide a copy to the student. The final decision as to the students
eligibility for a grade of I rests with the instructor. If a grade of I is given, the student does
NOT need to register for the course for the next semester. He/she must simply complete the
work and submit it to the instructor for grading no later than the week of final exams in the
subsequent long semester. A student may not withdraw from a course after being given a
grade of I. If the work is not completed and submitted to the instructor by the end of the long
semester following the semester/session in which the grade was given, the grade of I will be
changed to an F. This grade cannot be contested or changed. The instructor must submit to
the Records Office a Request for a Grade Change in order for the grade of I to be updated.
See the End of Semester Procedures section below for instructions.
Withdrawing from a Class

In order for all records to be left in proper order, students who leave OC before the end of a
semester or before the end of a class for which they are registered must follow the official
withdrawal procedure. Students initiate this procedure themselves in the Wrangler Express.
When an individual other than the student initiates a withdrawal, that individual must be
identified and verified for the students protection, and that individual must provide written
authorization from the student. Students who stop attending class without completing the
withdrawal process will receive an F in the class for the semester. The withdrawal process is
complete only after the student has returned the signed withdrawal form to the Wrangler
Express and received a receipt showing the courses dropped.
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Students who drop classes or completely withdraw prior to the official census day for the
semester will not be assigned a grade for the class or classes dropped. No record of the class
will appear on their permanent academic records. The date of the census day, for semester
length courses, is listed on the Academic Calendar on the OC website each semester
(http://www.odessa.edu/College-2014-2015_Academic_Calendar.pdf).
Grades of W will be assigned to all students who withdraw during the official withdrawal
period of any semester or session. The last day to drop or withdraw is posted on the Academic
Calendar on the OC website each semester (http://www.odessa.edu/College-20142015_Academic_Calendar.pdf). Students who are part of Armed Forces Reserves may
withdraw with a full refund if the withdrawal is due to their being ordered into active duty. A
copy of the students orders must be presented to the Wrangler Express at the time of the
withdrawal.
No longer attending class does not automatically constitute withdrawal from that class, nor
does a students notification to an instructor that the student wishes to be dropped. Failure of a
student to complete the drop/withdrawal process will result in a grade of F.
It is the policy of the Record's Office to send students to the instructor or the department chair
for a signature so that a last effort at counseling the student with regard to the withdrawal can
be made. Many instructors believe that they can increase course completion rates if they have a
chance to visit with a student about their reasons for withdrawal and a chance to work with
them in solving the problems that are causing the withdrawal. This withdrawal period is,
however, the period in which the student has the option to withdraw with a grade of "W." See
the End of Semester Procedures section below for instructions.
Grade Changes
All grade changes must be requested and made no later than the end of the long semester
following the one in which the original grade was assigned. Students who wish to contest a
grade from an instructor must address the issue with the instructor, department chair, dean,
then Vice President for Instruction, in that order no later than the end of the long semester
following the one in which the contested grade was assigned. Any change of grade must be
documented and submitted to the Records Office using the Grade Change Request form
available on the OC Portal. See the End of Semester Procedures section below for
instructions and the form.
End of Semester Procedures

The end of the semester brings questions regarding grade submission, Incompletes, Grade
Changes, etc. It is important that you follow policy and procedures provided by the Records
Office. The accuracy of grade submission is critical each semester, including abiding by the
submission deadline for not only state reporting purposes, but also for your students.
All of the guidelines for grade submissions for the semester can be found in Appendix B
in the End of Semester Procedures section.
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19
FERPA
Privacy Restrictions: Posting of Grades/Distribution of Papers (Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974
In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the college may
release information classified only as "directory information" to the general public without the
written consent of the student. Directory information includes: (1) student name, (2) student
address, (3) telephone number, (4) date and place of birth, (5) weight and height of members of
athletic teams, (6) participation in officially recognized activities and sports (7) dates of
attendance, (8) educational institution most recently attended and (9) other similar information,
including major field of study and degrees and awards received. Students may request that all or
any part of the directory information be withheld from the public by giving written notice to the
Registrar's Office during the first 12 class days of a fall or spring semester or the first four class
days of a summer session. If no request is filed, directory information is released upon written
inquiry. No telephone inquiries are acknowledged; all requests must be made in person. No
transcript or academic record is released without written consent from the student, except as
specified by law.
Instructors should not:
Disclose grades of students
Disclose student identification of any student
Post grades other than in summary form
Disclose personal contact information for any student to another student
Religious Observance
A student who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed
to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable
time after the absence if, not later than the 15th day after the first day of the semester, the student
notifies the instructor of each class scheduled on the date that the student would be absent for a
religious holy day. A "religious holy day" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places
of worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, ACAD Tax Code.
The notice shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally by the student to the instructor of
each class, with receipt of the notice acknowledged and dated by the instructor, or by certified
mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the instructor of each class.
A student who is excused under this section may not be penalized for the absence, but the
instructor may appropriately respond if the student fails to satisfactorily complete the assignment
or examination.
Academic Honesty
Odessa College, as part of the academic community, expects students to recognize and uphold
standards of intellectual and academic integrity. A basic and minimum standard of conduct in
academic matters is required of students, which mandates that they be honest and submit for
credit only the products of their own efforts. Both the ideals of scholarship and the need for
practices that are fair require that all dishonest work be rejected as a basis for academic credit.
They also require that students refrain from any and all forms of dishonorable conduct includingplagiarism, cheating, unauthorized collaboration, falsification, multiple submissions - in the
course of their academic work.
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Student Discipline & Disruptive Behavior

Adjunct faculty members are encouraged to discuss any disciplinary problems with the
department chair. If the disruptive behavior incident is not resolved between the student,
instructor, and department chair, the department chair will meet with the divisional dean to
determine the next steps.
Disruptive behavior is defined as a student behavior in a classroom or learning environment
which interferes or interrupts the learning process for the faculty and the other students. Such
behaviors include but are not limited to verbal or physical threats, repeated obscenities, or other
obstruction of learning verbal, physical, electronic or otherwise. Examples of such behavior
may include repeatedly and/or continuously dominating discussion, conducting personal cell
phone conversations, and leaving and entering class frequently during class.
Copyright and Fair Use

What is Copyright Law?
In the United States, copyright law protects the authors of "original works of authorship,
including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works." This
protection covers both published and unpublished works, regardless of the nationality or
domicile of the author. It is unlawful for anyone to violate any of the rights provided by
copyright law to the owner of a copyright.
Derived from specific language in the Constitution, U.S. copyright law exists to foster
creativity and spur the distribution of new and original works. The law grants copyright
holders, such as publishers, writers and other types of creators, the exclusive right to
reproduce, perform, distribute, translate, and publicly display their original works. Simply
stated, this means that unless your situation meets one of the exceptions outlined in the
Copyright Act, you must get explicitly permission from the copyright holder before you can
lawfully reuse, reproduce or redistribute a copyright-protected work.
What you need to know:
If you reproduce, republish or redistribute something produced by someone else without
the copyright holders permission, theres a good chance that you are violating copyright
law.
Copyright is granted automatically. Registration and notice are recommended but no
longer generally required by U.S. law.
Publicly available information such as material posted on the Internet is not necessarily
free from copyright protection. Registration is required prior to filing suit for
infringement.
Copyright infringement can result in court-ordered damages ranging from $250 to
$150,000, plus attorneys fees, for each act of infringement. If the infringement is
considered "criminal copyright infringement," it can result in fines and jail time.
The Copyright Act includes specific provisions for the use of copyright-protected
materials by academic institutions.
What is Fair Use?
Fair use is a concept embedded in U.S. law that recognizes that certain uses of copyrightprotected works do not require permission from the copyright holder or its agent. These include
instances of minimal use that do not interfere with the copyright holder's exclusive rights to
reproduce and reuse the work.
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Fair use is not an exception to copyright compliance; it is more of a "legal defense." That is, if
you copy and share a copyright-protected work and the copyright holder claims copyright
infringement, you may be able to assert a defense of fair use which you would then have to
prove.
Fair use is primarily intended to allow the use of copyright-protected works for commentary,
parody, news reporting, research and education. However, not all uses in an academic context
are automatically considered fair use.
The Copyright Act does not spell out the specific types of content reproduction that qualify as
fair use. It offers an outline as to how to analyze whether fair use may apply in a particular
situation. As a result, the Copyright Act leaves it up to the individual to determine, based upon
the factors in Section 107 of the Act, whether fair use applies in each particular circumstance.
To avoid a potential legal challenge from the copyright holder, many institutions follow a
policy of "when in doubt, obtain permission."
What you need to know:
Fair use is a defense to a claim of copyright infringement, not an exception.
Not all educational uses of copyright-protected materials are considered fair use.
Copyright law provides specific exceptions for reproductions made by libraries and
archives.
Copyright law provides specific exceptions for performance and display in the classroom.
Academic Responsibility
The academic freedom of faculty members is accompanied by equally compelling obligations
and responsibilities to their profession, their students, their college, and the community. Faculty
members must defend the rights of academic freedom while accepting willingly the
responsibilities enumerated below:
Faculty members will be judicious in the introduction of material in the classroom
without forfeiting the instructional benefits of controversy.
No faculty member will attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint intolerant of
the rights of others to hold or express diverse opinions.
Faculty members must recognize their responsibility to maintain competence and adapt to
change in their disciplines through continued professional development and to
demonstrate their competence through consistently adequate preparation and
performance.
Faculty members must recognize that the public will judge the District and their
profession by their public conduct. Therefore, faculty members will make clear that the
views they express are their own and should avoid creating the impression that they speak
in or act on behalf of the College, District or of the profession.
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22
Quality Instruction
The Four Commitments
As stated in the Campus Initiatives section of this handbook, the four commitments of the
Drop Rate Improvement Program are among the foundations of student success at Odessa
College. It is expected that all faculty adhere to the following four commitments:
1. Interacting with student by name by first class/end of first week
2. Close monitoring of student behavior and progress with immediate intervention
3. One-on-one meetings/frequent communications with students early in semester
4. Masters of Paradox: highly structured courses w/ penalties for missed
exams/assignments, etc, but flexible when appropriate.
The remainder of this section provides essential information on how to address the four
commitments of the Drop Rate Improvement Program.
Connecting with Students

Connecting with students is the foundation of the Drop Rate Improvement Program (DRIP),
which has received state and national attention. It is important that you recognize the
importance of connecting with your students from the beginning of the semester through the
end. There are Professional Development Trainings available to help you in this area in the
Adjunct Corner Blackboard shell. See Appendix C for instructions to log into the Adjunct
Corner Blackboard course.
Adjunct faculty members are encouraged to be available to students on a regular basis to discuss
course content questions. Making yourself available at least 30 minutes before or after class will
give you the opportunity to connect with your students outside of class, which has been shown to
help increase student success.
Online adjunct faculty members are encouraged to connect with students through Blackboard
Collaborate, as it provides a space to connect in real-time. See the Technology and Resources
section for a description of this tool.
If a student begins struggling with the coursework or has missed class, it is important for you to
reach out to them to find out how you can help them get back on track. A quick personalized
email, phone call, or text message can make a big difference in a students decision to drop or
stay and complete the course successfully.
If you have reached out to the student and still believe they need extra help or they have not
responded to your messages, please email the Student Success Coach in your MetaMajor area.
Check with your department chair regarding the contact information of the Student Success
Coach.
First Class/Week Meeting

The first impression given by the instructor is extremely important. Students attitude toward the
class and the institution may well be affected by this first class/week. Here are some tips to
follow as you deliver the first class:
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Class should start on time

If teaching online, you must log in on the first day of the semester
The latest roster should be checked to make sure that everyone present belongs in the
class
If there is a prerequisite for the course, make sure the students in the class have
completed the required prerequisite(s)
If teaching online, you should post an announcement about the prerequisites for the
course, if any
You should get acquainted with the class by introducing yourself and vice versa
Class management
Instructors are expected to hold class for the full time each class session-including the first class
and the last one. The college expects that you will prepare sufficient material to fill the entire
allotted time for the class.
Evening classes operate under the same procedures as day classes, making allowance for the
unique needs and requests of evening students who are mostly adults regularly employed during
the day. Instructors should recognize and cope with the special circumstances, which confront
adult part-time students who are continuing their education. Academic standards set for day
students should be maintained for evening students, but instructors should expend special effort
to assist the latter to attain these standards. This effort frequently calls for patience, specialized
instructional techniques, individual assistance, and encouragement to develop confidence and
motivation.
Keeping students attention for long periods of time is difficult and can become a challenge for
faculty members. One good method of keeping their attention, however, is to create an active
learning environment in which students are part of the discussion. There are various activities
that can be implemented during a class period. See the section below on AVID strategies.
AVID Strategies
As stated in the Campus Initiatives section of this handbook, AVID is a college-readiness
program designed to accelerate student learning and provide faculty members with effective
instruction methods to increase engagement, thereby increasing student success and retention.
There are over 900 AVID strategies designed to help with student engagement in the classroom,
as well as organization outside of the classroom. You can find more information about AVID on
their website: www.avid.org
All faculty members are encouraged to incorporate AVID strategies in their classroom. If you
would like to attend AVID workshops on campus, contact the Associate Dean for Teaching &
Learning at 432-335-6342. You can also view workshops online in the Adjunct Corner
Blackboard shell. See Appendix C for instructions to log into the Adjunct Corner
Blackboard course.
Feedback to Students
Written tests and other graded assignments are an effective way to provide information to
students on how they are doing in class. Give as many tests or other graded assignments as you
believe are needed to evaluate student progress. Be sure to follow any guidelines given to you
by your department chair regarding assignments, tests, content to be covered, etc.
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You should grade tests and return them as quickly as possible. Try to review tests no later than
the next class period after the students take them. Reviewing tests with students provides another
learning experience for them and also gives them the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to
the test.
In most cases, the department can duplicate tests for you. The college has a print shop located in
the post office. The print shop can reproduce work from almost any kind of original and can print
on both sides of a page, collate, staple, fold, or meet other special printing requirements.
Requests for print shop work should be given to your department chair. Allow at least three
working days for completion of printing requests.
Student Evaluation of Instruction (SEI)

Student Evaluation of Instruction is a tool used to receive feedback from students regarding their
learning experience in your course and all of their courses at Odessa College. It is a valuable
tool that faculty can use to improve their courses the following semester.
Faculty and students will receive an email regarding the availability of the SEI on Blackboard.
Because the SEI is completed on Blackboard, it is important for you to remind students to
log into the course to complete the evaluation.
The SEI is conducted through the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. After the semester ends,
the SEI results are analyzed and disseminated to the Vice President for Instruction, respective
Deans and department chairs. Contact your department chair for the results of your SEI.
Student Support Services

Odessa College administration, faculty and staff are committed to student success, as is evident
from the various initiatives to provide support for students and faculty. Therefore, it is critical
for you to know the support available to students on campus and online.
Student Success Center (SSC)

The purpose of the Odessa College Student Success Center is to provide assistance to students
in meeting their academic and career goals. They strive to continually provide new and updated
resources that will empower all Odessa College students to succeed at OC and beyond.
Friendly, professional staff members are ready to help with questions or any service students
would like to use. The SSC is located on the 1st floor of the LRC, and students can call 432335-6673 to make an appointment. The SSC is equipped with a computer lab, individual study
rooms, and a group study room. For more information, visit their website:
http://www.odessa.edu/dept/ssc/
AVID Tutors
In addition to providing a computer lab and study rooms, the SSC employs College
Reading and Learning (CRLA) tutors and AVID tutors. CRLA tutors have gone through
an international tutor training program that focuses on development education tutoring and
mentoring. AVID tutors are trained in the socratic method of tutoring, which means that
tutors utilize inquiry-based strategies to tutor students.
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Math Lab
Students enrolled in any Math course at OC have the opportunity to receive tutoring in a
computer lab dedicated to Math only. All developmental Math courses include a
requirement of 14 lab hours by the end of the semester which are completed in the Math
Lab. Students can either receive tutoring or work on homework. The lab is located in the
Wood Building of Math & Science, Room 201 (432-335-6537).
UpSwing
Online students who are not able to come to the SSC on campus have the option of utilizing
UpSwing. UpSwing is an online tutoring service that is available 24/7. If you have a student
who is struggling with content and is not able to meet with you, remind them of this convenient
service that is all FREE to them! (http://www.odessa.edu/dept/ssc/tutoring.htm)
D4C/MetaMajor
As mentioned in the Campus Initiatives section, all students are assigned to a D4C MetaMajor
team based on their degree. Recall the team is a wrap-around support for students and is made
up of faculty and staff with the following roles:
Student Success Coach An academic advisor who provides support to students in the
form of academic advising, academic intervention, and guidance with issues or concerns
the student may have during the semester.
Faculty Mentor A mentor is a full-time faculty member who connects with the student
to provide extra support throughout the semester. A mentor may help the student decide on
a degree, career, or provide guidance for being successful in college.
Program Advisor A program advisor is either a department chair/director or full-time
faculty member who advises students on what courses to enroll in each semester to
complete a degree. They also engage in a mentoring relationship with the student to help
them complete their degree.
If you have a student who is struggling or has not responded to your correspondence,
intervene early by emailing the Student Success Coach in your MetaMajor. Check with
your department chair to determine the correct MetaMajor.
Special Needs Services

In keeping with the College's commitment to provide universal access to support services that
accommodate disabilities and as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Odessa College affirms that it
will provide access to programs, services and activities to all individuals who meet the
qualification requirements for special needs services. Such needs may include, but are not
limited to, chronic medical conditions, learning disabilities, emotional disorders as well as
hearing, mobility or visual impairments.
Odessa College uses the Blackboard Learning Management System as the primary means of
presenting course content to online students. It is also used in other modalities, such as hybrid
and web-enhanced courses. The Blackboard interface confirms to Federal Section 508 which
addresses Internet accessibility standards.
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If there is a student in your class that needs special accommodation please direct them to the
Special Needs Office in the Saulsbury Campus Center at 432-335-6861.
Wrangler Express Center

The Wrangler Express Center is a one-stop-shop for students to complete the processes
necessary to enroll in a course. Students can come in to enroll and never have to visit another
office for payment, financial aid, schedule changes, etc. Everything can be taken care of in this
one office. Students can come any time during business hours without an appointment. For
more information, visit http://www.odessa.edu/wrangler_express/.
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27
Technology, Resources, & Professional Development

OC Portal
The OC Portal is the website used by all OC employees to check email, view employee resources
such as pay advices and position summary, as well as view campus announcements, log into
their Blackboard courses, and submit student grades.
It is important to log into the OC Portal regularly so that you stay connected to the campus,
whether you are local or distant. The list below highlights areas found in the OC Portal. See
Appendix C for instructions on logging into the OC Portal.
Announcements
The first page that opens after logging into the OC Portal includes campus announcements
from different departments. To view details of the announcement, click on the title of each
posting.
Email
Every instructor, full-time or part-time will be given an OC email account, and they must use
that account to communicate with their students and department chair. It is important for
adjunct faculty members to check their OC email account regularly because this is the main
communication line used by all OC employees to deliver important information regarding all
aspects of the College. Plus, your students are used to communicating via an OC email address
with their full-time faculty members.
If you are experiencing problems with your email account, contact your department chair.
WebAdvisor
WebAdvisor is the Colleges main system for record keeping of all faculty, staff, and students.
All final grades are submitted via WebAdvisor. You can get to the WebAdvisor links within
the OC Portal. See Appendix C for instructions on using WebAdvisor on the OC Portal to
check class rosters and submit final grades.
OC Global & Blackboard

OC Global is a department dedicated to creating standardization for all courses built in the
Blackboard Learning Management System, as well as providing support for faculty through
online trainings and one-on-one sessions. Blackboard is a Learning Management System that
allows instructors to create assignments, tests, post grades, send student email, and post other
resources students utilize in a course. All OC courses have a Blackboard shell that can be used
by faculty to organize their course. If you are teaching an online course, you must use
Blackboard to teach the course.
The following section highlights only a few of the features within Blackboard. For a full
description of how to use Blackboard and these tools, please see the section below
regarding Professional Development Trainings available to all faculty members.
TechSmith Relay
TechSmith Relay is a lecture-capture software that gives faculty the ability to record and share
videos, as well as measure the effectiveness of those videos. The software captures what you
28
are doing on the computer, as well as what you are saying. This is an excellent tool to use for
all courses, regardless of modality. Students can view these recordings as they work on
assignments and review for exams. You can even attach quizzes throughout the video to
ensure students are viewing and grasping the material. This is an innovative approach to
deliver content that will give students the interaction they need to grasp information.
Blackboard Collaborate
Blackboard Collaborate is an online collaboration platform providing web conferencing,
mobile collaboration, instant messaging, and voice authoring. Are you teaching an online
course? Blackboard Collaborate is an excellent method of communicating with your students
via the web. You can designate a specific time to meet with your students each week to answer
questions regarding the course. Its a great way to connect with students, which is a great way
to increase retention!
Blackboard Grade Center

The Blackboard Grade Center is an interactive gradebook that is connected to all assignments
and tests that have been created within the course shell. You can grade assignments and tests
directly from the grade center and download a version of it as an Excel spreadsheet to save on
your computer. You can set up the grade center with specific percentages for specific
categories, as well as allow for a current average to be available to students. Posting grades in
the grade center ensures students have access to their course grades throughout the semester.
Blackboard Retention Center

The Blackboard Retention Center is a new feature for OC faculty. It gives faculty members the
ability to view missing assignments/tests for each student without the hassle of scrolling
through grades in the grade center. This is an excellent resource that will help you with
managing student success and retention throughout the semester. You can view students
progress and easily note struggling students who may need intervention from you or the
Student Success Coach.
Professional Development Trainings

Now that you have read about the importance of quality instruction and how Blackboard can
help organize your course, it is time to learn about how to keep students engaged in the
classroom, and how to use Blackboard effectively. All faculty members have access to
Professional Development trainings offered each semester. The following are some training
opportunities available to you via Blackboard.
Blackboard 101
Blackboard 101 is an online course developed by OC Global to introduce faculty members
to the Blackboard environment. You will learn the basics of how to use Blackboard,
including creating assignments, announcements, and other content for your course, as well
as how to use the interactive features available in Blackboard. See Appendix C for
instructions to enroll in the Blackboard 101 course.
Quality Course Components (QC2)

QC2 is an online course designed to teach faculty members how to used Blackboard
effectively to deliver a quality online course. You will learn about the essential elements of
an online course that will help you improve student success and retention in your online
courses. See Appendix C for instructions to enroll in the QC2 course.
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AVID Training
Are you having trouble keeping students engaged in your class? Or maybe you would just like
some new ideas about how to change things up in the classroom. AVID teaching strategies are
an excellent method of engagement, and your students will appreciate the change from the
straight-lecture method. Each semester, OC faculty members have the opportunity to attend
AVID workshops that help them provide an engaging learning environment for their students.
See Appendix C for instructions on logging into the Adjunct Corner Blackboard course.
Classroom Equipment
If you need any kind of equipment in your classroom, contact your department chair to find out
the availability of equipment in the department. Most classrooms are equipped with an instructor
computer connected to a projector. Other classrooms may have a document camera, smart board,
or other technologies purchased within the department. If you need training on your classroom
equipment, contact your department chair.
Learning Resources Center

The primary goal of the Murry H. Fly Learning Resources Center (LRC) is to support and
enhance curricular programs and classroom research.
Adjunct faculty members are allowed to check out materials if they obtain a form from the
Circulation Desk in the Learning Resources Center and have their respective department chair
sign for approval. Check with your department chair regarding this approval form.
If previews or purchase of media/books are necessary during the semester, the respective
department chair should contact the Technical Services Clerk in the LRC at 432-335-6650. LRC
staff members are available to instruct adjunct faculty in the use of all LRC. The LRC also
offers orientations in the use of available resources to an entire class that includes information on
a variety of instructional programs related to research skills, information literacy and the
Internet. Call the LRC at 432-335-6641 to schedule a classroom tour.
Adjunct faculty may place materials on reserve in the LRC to be used by their students. The
materials can be designated "for in building use only" or "for photocopying." Contact the
Circulation Desk or call 432-335-6641 for additional information on placing materials on reserve
in the LRC.
LRC hours of operation are as follows:
Fall/Spring
Monday Thursday
Friday
Sunday
Summer
7:30 am 9:30 pm
7:30 am 1:00 pm
2:00 pm 5:00 pm
Monday Thursday
7:30 am 9:00 pm
Holidays and other exceptions to the regular hours will be announced and posted in advance.
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30
Personnel Information
There are many Odessa College personnel policies and procedures that cover adjunct faculty and
full-time employees. These policies covered under this section include information on
employment practices, personnel records, and others. Most of the policies listed in this handbook
are general. You are encouraged to become familiar with all of the Odessa College policies that
affect you and your employment, which can be found on the HR site on the OC Portal. See
Appendix C for instructions on logging into the OC Portal.
Required Personnel Paperwork

Adjunct faculty must meet the same requirements and qualifications as required of regular fulltime instructors. All part-time instructors shall be listed as valid members of the faculty and
shall be subject to the same policies and regulations of the institution as regular full-time
instructors or to such special policies and regulations as may be adopted by the Board and
administration. District personnel designated as part-time shall be ineligible to participate in the
Texas State College and University Employees Uniform Insurance Benefits Act. (DNB-LEGAL:
http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/420)
Prior to starting your instructional responsibilities, you will need to complete various forms. You
will also need to have official transcripts of all college work sent to Odessa College. You will
need to go by the Human Resources office on the first floor of the Administration Building with
documents that establish identity and employment eligibility namely your social security card
and driver's license. Metal copies of social security cards are not acceptable. Completed forms
should be returned to the Human Resources Office, Room 102, in the Administration Building.
A delay in returning these forms could result in your paycheck being delayed.
If you are a distant adjunct faculty, you can make arrangements with the Human Resources
Department and the Department Chair on the process and method of submitting all the above
documentations.
Salary and Pay

Odessa College instructors are paid once each month on the 25th day of the month. All
instructors are paid according to a "pay scale" and part-time instructor's pay is based on the Parttime Salary Schedule. The Human Resources office has this schedule, and you are welcome to
call if you have questions regarding your salary: 432-335-6835. See your department chair for
salary schedule and pay breakdown for summer courses.
You will need to contact the HR office to make arrangements for your paycheck and direct
deposit. When you fill out your paperwork, be sure to inquire about the pay period schedule and
direct deposit.
Faculty Evaluations
In order to ensure quality instruction, department chairs and the Associate Dean for Teaching &
Learning conduct class observations throughout the semester and academic year to observe the
classroom techniques utilized by instructors. After the observation, they will schedule an
appointment to meet with the instructor to provide them with a written evaluation reflecting
different aspects of that instructor's professional performance.
31
The department chair and/or Associate Dean of Teaching & Learning may log into the
Blackboard course and observe your teaching techniques. Additionally, grade distribution
reports are analyzed to detect potential instructional problems or deficiencies.
Campus Mail
The administration will communicate with you through the campus mail or email. Some
departments assign mailboxes for all departmental faculty. This is a location that is often used for
departmental mail, messages, or a place for students to place assignments or other
correspondence.
If you are a local adjunct instructor and can come to campus, your mail will be placed in your
department chair's mailbox and distributed to you using a system devised by the department
chair. In many cases this is important material, which needs immediate attention. If you need to
use the internal campus mail, obtain a campus envelope and use the main post office located in
the Spur building.
If you are an online adjunct faculty, important documents will be sent to you through US postal
services, and other information will be sent to you through email. This is another reason why
it is important to check your OC email regularly.
Office Space
Provisions for the office space depend upon overall space availability in the department. In many
instances it is necessary for adjunct faculty to have common office space. Adjunct faculty must
discuss with their department chair in order to receive the best accommodation possible to suit
their needs. Adjunct faculty may use a phone that is shared by several adjunct faculty. Check
with the department chair regarding the appropriate phone number to use on the syllabus for
student contacts.
Online adjuncts must provide a working phone number on their syllabus for the students to be
able to reach you when they have questions or doubts. Specific times can be mentioned during
which period the students can call you.
Parking
Parking permits are available in the OC Police Department in the Spur Building, which is located
east of the Wood Building of Math & Science. A permit will allow you to park in spaces marked
with BLUE lines unless they are marked for handicapped persons. WHITE lined areas are for
visitors, YELLOW for students and RED means no parking. A parking violation will result in a
parking citation, so please observe the proper areas for parking.
College Keys
You may request a key to your classroom from your department chair who must fill out a Key
Request Form. This key should be returned to your department chair at the end of each semester.
Standard of Conduct
The following standards of conduct shall apply to all employees of the District:
No employee shall accept or solicit any gift, favor, or service that might reasonably tend
to influence the employee in the discharge of official duties or that the employee knows
32
or should know is being offered with the intent to influence official conduct.
No employee shall accept employment or engage in any business or professional activity
that the employee might reasonably expect would require or induce the disclosure of
confidential information acquired by reason of the official position.
No employee shall accept other employment or compensation that could reasonably be
expected to impair the employee's independence of judgment in the performance of
official duties.
No employee shall make personal investments that could reasonably be expected to
create a substantial conflict between the employee's private interest and the public
interest.
No employee shall intentionally or knowingly solicit, accept, or agree to accept any
benefit for having exercised the employee's official powers or performed official duties in
favor of another.
Employees of the College are reminded that, as a tax-supported institution, Odessa College must
maintain a neutral position with respect to political and religious activities. Therefore, no
employee shall act or speak on behalf of the College regarding political or religious matters. This
in no way abridges your rights as an individual to participate in political and/or religious matters
of your choice.
See DH (Local), DH (Legal) and DH (Exhibit) in the Odessa College Board Policy Manual for
additional information: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/420.
Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco Use

Odessa College employees shall not unlawfully manufacture , distribute , dispense, possess, use
or be under the influence of any of the following substances during working hours while at the
college or at college-related activities during or outside of usual working hours:
Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by law, including but not limited
to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or
barbiturate.
Alcohol or any alcoholic beverage.
Any abusable glue, aerosol paint, or any other chemical substance for inhalation. Any
other intoxicant, or mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-altering drugs.
An employee need not be legally intoxicated to be considered "under the influence" of a
controlled substance.
Smoking Policy
Smoking and all forms of tobacco use are banned from all College buildings as well as all
College vehicles. Employees and students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary
action.
Violations
Employees shall comply with the standards of conduct set out in this policy and with any other
policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards attendant to
their status as District employees. Violation of any policies, regulations, and guidelines may
result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.
The comprehensive Drug Policy may be found at DH (Local) in the Odessa College Board
33
Policy Manual: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/420.

All forms of tobacco use are banned from all College buildings.
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34
Emergency Procedures
Odessa College is aware of its responsibility to provide a safe environment for its students,
employees and guests on campus. The following information is designed to provide OC
employees with guidelines to be followed in the event of campus emergencies. Please see the
Safety Procedures poster located in your building, as well as on the Human Resources Portal
Page for detailed information regarding emergency procedures:
http://www.odessa.edu/dept/ss/PDF/EMERGENCY%20OPERATIONS%20PLAN.pdf
Emergencies are unexpected, unpredictable and take many forms. No one can be fully prepared
for everything that may happen, but some simple measures are helpful in any emergency.
Always think and practice accident prevention
Think of everyone's safety first
Use common sense
Act quickly and calmly
Be factual and unemotional in your speech and actions
Be accurate and precise in your information and records
Do not take unnecessary risks
Do not attempt to provide aid for which you are not trained
Phone Numbers
ODESSA COLLEGE POLICE DEPARTMENT (OCPD)
Office:
432-335-6666
Cell Phone:
432-238-6334
CITY OF ODESSA EMERGENCY NUMBER: 911
Other Important Campus Telephone Numbers:

President's Office
432-335-6410
Vice President for Instruction
432-335-6413
Vice President for Student Services
432-335-6683
Vice President for Institutional
432-335-6340
Effectiveness
Vice President for Advancement
432-335-6815
Vice President for Technology
432-335-6876
Vice President for Business Affairs
432-335-6415
OC Transportation
432-335-6511
Physical Plant Director
432-335-6512
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35
Personnel Injuries
In the event of personnel injuries, it is often very difficult to know when to call 911 for
assistance. Personal judgment must be relied upon since most of us do not have training to make
medical judgments. The general rule is this: If you believe someone needs emergency services,
they probably do. It is better to err on the side of caution.
These procedures are intended to be a practical outline of what to do in a variety of emergencies,
but it cannot fully cover every possible situation. If you have specific questions regarding any
situation after having read the information in this handbook, please call the Human Resources
department at 432-335-6421.
Injury or Illness in a Classroom or Laboratory:

If a student is injured or becomes ill, a College employee who is present should make a
determination as to whether the student is in a condition to take care of his or her immediate
medical needs. If the student is so able, the College employee should encourage the student to
immediately take himself or herself to the medical facility of the student's choosing or call for an
external party to transport the student. If the injury or illness is such that the student is
incapacitated, the college employee should call 911 for assistance and then notify the campus
police at 432-335-6666 or 432-238-6334.
Assault- Physical
Call Odessa College Police Department (OCPD) at 432-335-6666 (office) or 432-238-6334 (cell
phone).
If significant injuries are involved and you are unable to reach OCPD, call 911. Notify OCPD
and your department chair.
Take steps to minimize danger to personnel and property and alert others if appropriate
Do not place yourself or others in a position of unnecessary risk by attempting to take
action for which you are not qualified
Take prudent action to remove endangered personnel from the area acting calmly with
authority
Document events in chronological sequence in writing at the time of the event if at all
possible, and try to be accurate with respect to names and times
Chemical Spills
In the event of a chemical spill, contact OCPD at 432-335-6666 (office), 432-238-6334 (cell
phone), Director of Physical Plant at 432-335-6512, and your department chair.
Lead or assist in moving people and material to areas of safety as quickly and orderly as
possible
Have alternate routes of exit in mind for different types of emergency situations
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36
Fire
Call 911 immediately. Notify OCPD at 432-335-6666 (office), 432-238-6334 (cell phone) and
your department chair immediately after calling 911.
Use fire extinguisher(s) only on types of fire(s) for which they were intended
Do not attempt to contain a large fire with inadequate or unsuitable equipment
possible
Close doors after everyone has exited
Follow instructions of authorities on site to maximize personnel and materials safety
Turn off power to prevent electrical shock where appropriate
Do not attempt to rescue a person who is experiencing electrical shock without first
turning off the power. Never touch live wires.
Have alternate routes of egress in mind for different types of emergency situations
Do not use elevators
Tornado/Natural Disaster
Call Odessa College Police Department (OCPD) at 432-335-6666 (office), 432-238-6334 (cell
phone).
If significant injuries are involved and you are unable to reach OCPD, call 911. Notify OCPD
and your department chair after calling 911.
possible
Close doors after everyone has exited
Move to shelter areas as designated on building maps if time allows. Interior rooms or
closets are usually safer than exterior walls
Turn off power to prevent electrical shock where appropriate. Do not attempt to rescue a
person who is experiencing electrical shock without first turning off the power. Never
touch live wires
Beware of potential "missile hazards" that might become very dangerous in high winds,
explosions, etc.
Have alternate routes of exit in mind for different types of emergency situations
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37
Medical Emergencies, First Aid and Medical Treatment

If significant injuries are involved and you are unable to reach OCPD, call 911.
Students who receive medical treatment as a result of an accident or a health problem may be
insured under the student's medical expense plan that is made available by the College to any
student wishing to purchase the plan. Any College employee who accompanies students to health
providers must not indicate that the charges for the student's treatment will be paid by the
College.
The information for student insurance can be obtained in the Office of the Vice President for
Student Services. Students bear the responsibility for the completion of the form and filing the
form with the agent.
The College is required to maintain a listing of all workplace illnesses and injuries and to
complete a summary report of the findings to the state. A serious injury must be immediately
reported to the Benefits Coordinator in the Human Resources Office. A Return to Work
Authorization from the attending physician is required before an employee may return to work.
This form must be presented to the Benefits Coordinator in the Human Resources Office.
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38
Conclusion
The community college has traditionally had an "open door" policy: that is, it admits everyone,
regardless of academic background or preparation for academic success. Today, changing
community and society needs are the driving force for increased enrollment in community
colleges. As an adjunct faculty member of a community college, it is important that you strive to
improve student success and retention each semester to help students reach their educational
goals. Your efforts in working with your students and using a variety of effective instructional
methods to help them learn are critical to that success and retention effort. At Odessa College,
we all work together in all departments to help increase student success and retention.
Effective instructors must effectively use: (a) sound adult learning theory, (b) overall course
objectives, (c) instructional objectives for each class, (d) a variety of instructional and
assessment techniques, and (e) feedback to improve instruction. There are many effective
instructors whose retention rate runs around the 80% range, and whose students are able to
demonstrate that they have learned course objectives.
Being an adjunct faculty member can be a rewarding experience for both you and the student
because both bring something different to the classroom. The challenge for you is to motivate
and captivate, allow for different learning styles and be supportive to each and every student.
There are various ways to keep students engaged in your courses. One suggestion is to seek out
the help of other faculty members, your department chair, and the Associate Dean for Teaching
& Learning. Working with your colleagues to improve instruction can help you find new and
exciting methods of teaching, and the result will be increased student retention coming from
increased student success. Seek to cultivate professional, supportive relationships.
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39
Appendix A
First Week Attendance Grade
Go to OCs homepage: http://www.odessa.edu
Click the Faculty & Staff link at the top
Click the Wrangler Portal link on the right-hand side of page
Click the Login link at the top right of the page
Type your User ID and Password
a. User ID is the first part of your OC email address
b. Password is the same as the one for your OC email account
6. Click Log On
7. Scroll down, and click Employees/Faculty/Staff link on the bottom right-hand side of the
screen
8. Click the Faculty Information link
9. Click the Grading/1st Week Attendance link
10. From the Term drop-down list, select the appropriate term and click Submit
11. From the Final Grading or 1st Week Attendance drop-down list, select 1st Week
Attendance
12. From the list below, select the appropriate course you are teaching and click Submit
13. Check the box next to each student that DID submit their 1st Week Assignment
14. Click Submit at the bottom. Click the Odessa College Portal link at the top left to return
to the OC Portal home page
15. When complete, click the link with your name at the top and select Log Out
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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40
Appendix B
Faculty End-of-Semester Procedures
Grade Submission
Deadline midnight on the Monday following the end of the course
Where Web Advisor (see Entering Grades on OC Portal below for detailed process)
What Final grade is entered. If student earned an F, the last date attended must be entered, as well.
Problems Contact your department chair or associate dean first, then registrar
Error Complete a Grade Change Form (see link below) and route accordingly
Entering Grades in WebAdvisor on OC Portal

Go to OCs homepage: http://www.odessa.edu
Click the Faculty & Staff link at the top
Click the Wrangler Portal link on the right-hand side of page
Click the Login link at the top right of the page
Type your User ID and Password
6. Click Log On
7. Scroll down, and click Employees/Faculty/Staff link on the bottom right-hand side of the
screen
8. Click the Faculty Information link
9. Click the Grading/1st Week Attendance link
10. From the Term drop-down list, select the appropriate term and click Submit
11. From the Final Grading or 1st Week Attendance drop-down list, select Final
12. From the list below, select the appropriate course you are teaching and click Submit
13. Only enter the LETTER GRADE (A, B, C, D, F, or I) in the Grade column for each
student.
a. When assigning a grade of F, please enter the Last Date of Attendance in the
appropriate box.
b. When assigning a grade of I, please submit the appropriate form to your
department chair (see Incomplete Grade section below for detailed process).
c. If you have an Administrative Withdrawal, DO NOT enter it here. Leave that
students grade blank and submit the appropriate form to your department chair
(see Administrative Withdrawal section below for detailed process).
14. Once all grades are entered, click Submit at the bottom. If you make a mistake after
clicking Submit, you will need to fill out a Grade Change form in order to change a
students grade (see Grade Changes section below for detailed process).
15. The next screen will be a snapshot of the entered grades. Please print this out and keep
for your own records.
16. Click Ok at the bottom and you will return to the previous screen. Click the Odessa
College Portal link at the top left to return to the OC Portal home page
17. When complete, click the link with your name at the top and select Log Out
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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41
Incomplete Grade
Deadline As soon as applicable, and not later than grade deadline (midnight on the Monday
following the end of the course)
Where Form is online (see link below) and grade of I inserted by instructor
What Student must have completed at least 75% of the course work & have extraordinary
circumstances, unable to complete course. One long term allowed for completion. Form must
include justification and specific work student must complete. Student and instructor sign,
student is given a copy, faculty gets copy and original is sent to Records Office.
Problems Contact your department chair or associate dean first, then registrar
Administrative Withdrawal
Deadline As soon as student experiences extenuating circumstances that does not allow
student to drop him-/herself from course and not later than grade deadline (midnight on the
Monday following the end of the course)
Where Form is online (see link below) #12
What Student must have communicated extenuating circumstances to the instructor and
provided justifiable reason for being unable to complete course. Documentation must
accompany the form. Instructor completes the form on behalf of the student and routes it
through the department chair and Dean. The final, signed document goes to the registrar for
processing.
Grade Changes
Deadline As soon as the need to change a grade is identified
Where Form is online (see link below) #15
What Changing a grade from an I to any grade or to correct an erroneous grade uses this
form. Complete the document to include the reason for the change then route it through the
department chair and Dean. The final, signed document goes to the registrar for processing.
LINK to Forms: https://intranet.odessa.edu/departments/records/default.aspx

Scroll to page bottom & open Forms folder.
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42
Appendix C
Logging into OC Portal & Blackboard
Logging into the OC Portal
1. Go to OCs homepage: http://www.odessa.edu
2. Click the Faculty & Staff link at the top
3. Click the Wrangler Portal link on the right-hand side of page
4. Type your User ID and Password
c. Check with your department chair if you have not received your login
information
5. Click Log On
a. If you are not able to log in, please contact your department chair
6. Hover over the links at the top of the page, and menus for various departments will
appear
7. To the left of the screen is your Office Outlook calendar
8. Email
a. Above the Announcements is a link to your OC email account. When logging
into the Portal the first time, the link may ask you to Enter Credentials. After this
first time, you will automatically be linked to your email
9. Blackboard 101 & QC2 Enrollment Instructions
a. Hover over Departments link at top
b. Hover over OC Global from the menu
c. Click Online Course Updates link
d. Click BB101_QC2_Enroll link
10. WebAdvisor Checking Class Roster
a. Scroll down to the WebAdvisor section on the right side
b. Click the Employees/Faculty/Staff link
c. Click the Faculty Information link
i. Note there is an Employee Information link this will take you to your
position information, pay advices, etc.
d. Click the Class Roster link
e. Click on your current semester course name (the term is listed to the right)
11. To get back to the Portal Home Page, click the Odessa College Portal link in the upper
left-hand corner
12. Blackboard & Adjunct Corner
a. To the right of the page is the Blackboard link. When you click this link, you will
automatically be logged into your Blackboard courses.
b. To the right of the page is My Courses. Please note that there is a section that
shows courses you are teaching, and another section at the bottom that shows
courses where you are a student. The Adjunct Corner shell will appear in this
area.
13. To Log Out, click your name at the top right side of the page and click Sign Out from the
menu
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43
Logging into Blackboard Outside of OC Portal

You can also log into Blackboard directly from the OC Blackboard web address:
1. Go to http://blackboard.odessa.edu
2. Click the Login button.
3. Enter your first initial and full last name.
a. Example: If your name is John Doe, then your username is "jdoe"
4. Your password is the lower case characters "oc" plus the last 4 digits of your Social
Security Number.
a. Example: oc0510
5. Click the Login button.
6. Once you have completed the login process, your course(s) will be listed in the box on
the right, labeled My Courses
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44

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Wrangler Express Center .............................................................................................................. 27

Welcome to Odessa College

Odessa College Purpose & Role

Drop Rate Improvement Program (DRIP)

Design For Completion (D4C)

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

Achieving The Dream (ATD) Leader College

The Community College Philosophy

Organization of the College

Last Revised 8/5/2015

General Education Core Objectives

Materials and Supplies

Grade and Grade Point Averages

Incomplete Grade Policy

Withdrawing from a Class

End of Semester Procedures

Student Discipline & Disruptive Behavior

Copyright and Fair Use

Connecting with Students

First Class/Week Meeting

Class should start on time

Student Evaluation of Instruction (SEI)

Student Support Services

Student Success Center (SSC)

Special Needs Services

Wrangler Express Center

Technology, Resources, & Professional Development

OC Global & Blackboard

Blackboard Grade Center

Blackboard Retention Center

Professional Development Trainings

Quality Course Components (QC2)

Learning Resources Center

Required Personnel Paperwork

Salary and Pay

Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco Use

Policy Manual: http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/420.

CITY OF ODESSA EMERGENCY NUMBER: 911

Other Important Campus Telephone Numbers:

Injury or Illness in a Classroom or Laboratory:

Medical Emergencies, First Aid and Medical Treatment

Entering Grades in WebAdvisor on OC Portal

LINK to Forms: https://intranet.odessa.edu/departments/records/default.aspx

Logging into Blackboard Outside of OC Portal

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