*Required* Online Orientation

Before you complete this orientation, make sure you are registered for the course.

Austin Community College

CRIJ 1301
Introduction to Criminal Justice

Instructor:  Joe Stan

Welcome to the online version of
Introduction to Criminal Justice

We'll study the history and philosophy of criminal justice and ethical considerations; crime defined: its nature and impact; overview of the criminal justice system; law enforcement; court system; prosecution and defense; trial process; corrections.

To complete this orientation:
1. Read the course information below.
2. Complete the student information form in the yellow box at the bottom of this page.
3. Submit the student information form.

§ Your orientation is not complete
until the instructor receives the web form. §

Contacting Instructor:

E-mail:              jstan@austincc.edu

 

Ttelephone: 512-422-8693
                           
Office Location: CYPRESS CREEK CAMPUS(CYP),
                            Criminal Justice Faculty Office, CYP5 2204.5

                            1555 Cypress Creek Rd.,  Cedar Park, Texas  78613

                           

Office hours:     Mondays 5:30p - 6:30p

Class Overview :

  • This is a personal computer/modem (PCM) Open Campus version
    of the standard Criminal justice course listed at the top of the page.

  • The student will be required to do the same amount and quality of work
    as the classroom equivalent of this course. 

  • This course will require self-discipline and knowledge of personal computers
    and the Internet. 

  • Text: Current edition of Introduction to Criminal Justice
               by Robert M. Bohm and Keith N. Haley
    • Teaching methodology
    • Online discussion topics as needed
    • Students goes through course together as a learning community
    • Course Definitions, textbook exercises, and a short topic paper.

  • Exams, papers and assignments
    • Exams must be taken before deadline posted in course calendar.
    • Textbook Exercises must be turned into the Digital Drop Box by the deadline posted in the course calendar.
    • Short topic paper will be posted in the course calendar.

  • Course Documents: 
    • Course documents in Blackboard
    • Course documents include:
      • Course Calendar
      • Syllabus
      • Textbook Exercises
      • Definitions
      • Short topic paper

  • Major Exams
    • Three (3) major exams will be given.
    • Exam format may include, but is not limited to, multiple choice, true/ false, matching, fill in the blanks, short answer, and essay questions.
    • Exams must be taken on dates posted on course calendar


Grading Policy:

Grading Policy

  • Three (3) exams will be given, worth 100 points each.
  • Textbook excercises will be worth five (5) points each.
  • Short topic paper will be worth 30 points.
  • Total points will be divided be four to obtain the final average on a 100 point scale.
  • The maximum possible points during the course is 400.
  • This is a personal computer (PCM) Open Campus version of the standard criminal justice course listed at top of page.
  • The student will be required to do the same amount and quality of work as the classroom equivalent of this course.
  • This course will require self-discipline and knowledge if personal computers and access to the internet.

Numeric to alpha
grade conversions:

90 -100=A
80 - 89=B
70 -79= C
60 - 69=D
Below 60=F

Blackboard

Blackboard (Bb):
Blackboard is an online system that supports communication in this course. Each of you will have a password and access to all of the course materials, i.e. syllabus, calendar, grading system, course requirements /expectations and project guides.  In addition,  the Bb system allows for me to post announcements and discussion questions. As a student you can participate in the discussion forums, check your grades and read my comments, and leave assignments in the digital dropbox for me to “pick up”.  It is expected that you check this site a minimum of once a week.
You are responsible for the details contained in the syllabus and all other information in the blackboard course. You may want to print a copy of the syllabus to keep available for reference.

You may access the ACC resources available to you as a distance learning student at: http://dl.austincc.edu/students/StudentWelcome.html

Accessing Blackboard
With a web browser, open the following URL: http://acconline.austincc.edu/

Students may also access Blackboard by selecting the “Blackboard/Online Courses” link from the student resources menu on the ACC website at http://www.austincc.edu/.

Once your browser has accessed the Blackboard site, click the "Login" button to begin using Blackboard. You will be prompted to enter your ACCeID and Password. If you have not set up your ACCeID please click here and follow the directions carefully.

  1. update your Bb student information, especially your email address,
  2. introduce yourself,
  3. view the course syllabus and calendar,
  4. look at the project information, and
  5. contact me ASAP with any questions so you can begin on the right track.

***If you do not already have an email address you may obtain a free one (ie:
Yahoo, Hotmail ,or Excite )***

You can check the above web-based email messages at any computer....even at ACC campus computer centers or public libraries.

Please note that beginning September 15; ACC will issue students an ACC email account. All students who have a self-reported email addresses will be changed to the new ACCmail account. Once the ACC email is in place administrative staff will no longer communicate with students via any other email address. It is mandatory that you use the email account issued by ACC.

Trouble logging in?
ACC Help Line is 512-223-8026 or 1-888-223-8026 or you can email dl@austincc.edu

Testing Procedures:

Inside ACC service area

  • Exams will be administered at the ACC campus testing centers.

  • You must check for the times and days that your center will be open.
    You must take exams during the week/day(s) it is available.
    Failure to take the exam during the prescribed period may reduce
    your exam score or result in a zero for the exam.

  • A permission slip is not required for testing.

  • You will need your ACC ID.

Outside ACC service area

For students residing outside the ACC service area, the student must get approval from
the instructor to test at a location other than specified ACC testing centers. 

The student outside the ACC service area must locate a testing facility at a nearby college or university during the first two weeks of the semester and advise the instructor of the matter. The Open Campus/Distance Learning staff will assist the student in this task. Once faculty approval is given, a receiving institution has agreed to provide the distance testing service, and the faculty member has provided Open Campus (OPC) with all necessary tests and Distance Testing Transmittal forms, OPC staff will forward all testing materials to the college or university.  The web for Distance Learning at Austin Community College is http://dl.austincc.edu 
The ACC Help Line is 512/223-8026 or 1-888-223-8026 or you can email dl@austincc.edu

The student is responsible for paying any testing/proctoring fees to the proctoring institution and the costs for returning the completed exams to the instructor or OPC.

Testing Center Rules: It is the student’s responsibility to obtain, read and be thoroughly familiar with ACC Testing Center Rules prior to taking exams at the center. Violation of these rules is very serious and may result in disciplinary action being taken against the student. For more information refer to www.austincc.edu/testctr

*Scholastic Dishonesty:
ANY form of scholastic dishonesty by the student
will automatically earn a grade of “F” for this course.

Helpful Web Pages and Telephone Numbers:

  • Criminal Justice Department WebPage: Students are encouraged to review the department’s web page at http://www.austincc.edu/crij/ where valuable information concerning the criminal justice program may be found. Several URL sites are also listed giving a number of important CRJ informational resources.

  • Textbooks for Open Campus students can be ordered online at http://www.mbsdirect.net
    or by phone 1-800-325-3252.

  • Bookstores
    • Cypress- 335-8363
    • Eastview- 927-1619

  • Distance Learning helpline can be contacted online @ http://dl.austincc.edu
    or by phone 512-223-8026 Toll free 1-888-223-8026

  • Blackboard Student Manual



  • Supplemental Material

    Course Structure: This course is structured so that the entire class goes through the course together as a learning community. It is not a traditional work-at-your-own-pace course. Class discussions, exam dates and other assignment due dates will be followed by the entire class.

    Online Orientation: If you do not complete this online orientation, you must contact this instructor within One Week of Late Registration or you may be dropped from the course.

    Student Email Address: It is imperative that the student maintain a current email address used for this course. Look under Tools-Personal Information and make sure that the email address shown is current and correct. The student is responsible for knowing the contents of all emails sent by the instructor.

    Please note that beginning September 15; ACC will issue students an ACC email account. All students who have a self-reported email addresses will be changed to the new ACCmail account. Once the ACC email is in place administrative staff will no longer communicate with students via any other email address. It is mandatory that you use the email account issued by ACC.

    Course Requirements:
    MicroSoft Word: The student will need the word processing program MicroSoft Word to complete online assignments for this course.

    Withdrawal Policy:

  • If a student decides to drop the course, it is the responsibility of the student to drop the course. A student that fails to drop the course may receive a final grade of F.

  • Students are responsible for understanding the impact withdrawing from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, international student status, and academic standing. Students are urged to consult with their instructor or an advisor before making schedule changes.

  • Per state law, students enrolling for the first time inFall 2007 or later at any Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college career. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are encouraged to carefully select courses; contact an advisor or counselor for assistance.

    Incompletes: The grade of “I” (Incomplete) will only be awarded for medical reasons verified by a satisfactory letter from a physician. All “Incompletes” must be completed within the first four weeks of the following semester. There are no exceptions to this policy.

    Students With Special Needs: Special adaptations and arrangements will be made for students with documented learning difference (i.e. disabilities) or temporary disabilities. Should you have learning, sensory, or a psychiatric disability, please let your instructor know early in the semester so that your learning needs can be appropriately met. Students with special needs who require special arrangements, exemptions, or deadline extensions must present documentation concerning the disability to the Office for Students with Disabilities at 512/223-8300 or (TTY) 512/223-8067 at the Pinnacle Campus (PIN). PIN is located at 7748 Hwy 290 West, Austin, TX 78736.

Please complete the STUDENT INFORMATION FORM so I can reach you and keep in touch with you.

Your orientation is not complete until I receive the student information web form.

Now log into your class in Blackboard and print out the syllabus and READ all information provided under each tab.