BUS 100 HYBRID - Introduction to Business - Professor Diane Sionko

Course:	Introduction to Business
Professor:	Professor Diane Sionko
Email:	diane.sionko@canyons.edu
Format:	Hybrid
Course Length:	8 Week

Introduction

Greetings! Happy New Semester!

I hope that you are doing well, and that you are ready to embrace learning about the fundamentals of business this semester.

My name is Professor Diane Sionko, and I would like to welcome you to this hybrid version of the “Introduction to Business” course (BUS 100). I am very excited to work with you this semester, and hope that you will enjoy our course.

I attained my M.B.A. (Masters in Business Administration) from the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Business. Go Bruins! Over the years, I have had the honor and pleasure of teaching wonderful students as a full-time professor in the Business Department at the College of the Canyons.

During this semester, I look forward to helping you to learn about the basics of business. Our course will also introduce you to such areas of business as marketing, accounting, human resources, finance, and management, in order to help you make your career choices. There will be many opportunities for you to learn and grow.

This HYBRID course is taught in BOTH the "online" and "in person" formats. That means that we will be learning not only online but also in the physical classroom on the COC Campus, as specified in your course schedule.

Also, this Hybrid BUS 100 course is considered a late start short term class because we will cover all the material of BUS 100 in just eight weeks. So please get ready for a fun whirlwind of learning. Let's roll!

Our class is scheduled to start Online on Monday, April 8, 2024. You will need to log in to our Canvas BUS 100 class anytime on Monday, April 8, and view your online Canvas course.

Then on Tuesday, April 9, at 12 noon PST I will hold a special Zoom "Welcome" session to help you get started in our course and to answer any questions. This "Welcome Zoom" is NOT required. It is to help students who may have questions. Please come to the Welcome Zoom if you are interested and available.

On the weekend on the day specified in the course schedule, we will have our first "in person" class meeting in a physical classroom. You will need to come to the physical COC Campus specified in your course schedule. Our physical classroom building name and room number is specified in the course schedule. Also, our physical class start time and end time is specified in the course schedule.

Since this is a Hybrid class, you will be required to come to the specified physical class every weekend on the day and time specified in the course schedule for approximately eight weeks from the course start date to the course end date. In addition, you will be required to do work online during the weekdays with online class discussions, quizzes, assignments, etc.

As specified in the course schedule, the course start date is April 8, 2024 and the course end date is May 30, 2024.

My hope is to get to know each of you well and to help you to succeed. We will be interacting both face-to-face in the physical classroom and online for eight weeks. I look forward to meeting you.

Please feel free to contact me whenever you have questions or ideas.

Course Description

What will you learn in this Introduction to Business Course?

This course is designed as a beginning college course in business administration. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to differentiate and analyze basic business concepts in such areas as: economic systems, leadership, management, entrepreneurship, marketing, human resources, accounting, finance, business ethics and law, sustainability, and globalization. Students should also be able to analyze a business case.

What if you are more experienced in business and would like to learn how to write a business plan or develop a marketing plan?

Please note that if you are an experienced business professional or advanced business student, this is probably not the course for you. There are other business department course offerings that can probably meet your specific needs, whether you would like to learn how to write a business plan or develop a marketing plan. Please see the COC College Catalog for a description of other great COC business courses that you might like to take.

What to Expect in this Course

How do you get started with this online business course?

This course will be available on COC’s Canvas course management system on the course's start date.

Do you have to login by a certain deadline?

You must log in by the course's start date (Monday, April 8, 2024) or you will be dropped from this course.

Will there be a Welcome Zoom Online Session to help students get started?

Yes, there will be an optional Welcome Zoom Session on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 12 Noon PST. This Welcome Zoom session is NOT required. There will be a link for you to join the Zoom. You will be able to find the Zoom link right inside your Canvas BUS 100 course. Please come if you are interested and available.

When is the first day that students need to come to the physical classroom?

Please Note: I am teaching two different late start BUS 100 classes during the Spring 2024 Semester. Please check to see the BUS 100 Section Number in which you are enrolled.

If you enroll in BUS 100 Sec. 74642, then it is REQUIRED that you come to the physical classroom (Room 301 on the Canyon Country campus) every Friday morning from 9 am to 10:30 am PST -- starting on Friday, April 12, 2024 until the course end date.

If you enroll in BUS 100 Sec. 74654, then it is REQUIRED that you come to the physical classroom (Hasley Hall Room 234 on the Valencia campus) every Friday afternoon from 1 pm to 2:30 pm PST -- starting on Friday, April 12, 2024 until the course end date.

Our physical classroom building name and room number is specified in the course schedule. Also, our physical class start time and end time is specified in the course schedule. See the course schedule for any updates.

Is it OK if a student comes to the weekly physical classes but does NOT do any online work?

No. This Hybrid course requires students to come to the weekly physical classes AND also complete online assigned work, such as online discussions, quizzes, My Biz Lab assignments, and other assignments. If a student does NOT come to the weekly physical classes and/or complete online assigned work, then the student will probably be dropped for lack of participation.

Is it OK if a student completes all the online work but does NOT come to the weekly physical classes?

What are the technology requirements for this online class?

Reliable computer with reliable, consistent Internet access
Working web cam and good audio on reliable computer
Pearson My Biz Lab web access code for 13th ed. textbook
Up-to-date Google Chrome Internet browser
Word document software (Microsoft Word)
PowerPoint presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint)
Excel chart and graph software (Microsoft Excel)
Valid COC My Canyons and Canvas e-mail address that you check daily
Use of Canvas and possibly Harmonize or another proctoring system available at our college (COC)
Computer skills, such as basic document creation and handling (how to cut/copy/paste from one document to another, how to create and save documents in Microsoft Word and as a pdf file), how to attach documents and media (photos, videos, etc.) to e-mail messages and discussion posts, how to create and save a graph/chart/diagram, etc. in Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word or Microsoft PowerPoint.

Types of Assessments

There will be online quizzes, discussion boards, essays, My Biz Lab assignments, and business case analysis papers.

There may be required papers and/or presentations during the physical classes as well. There may be a team project that includes team presentations and team papers during the physical class.

There may be either two or three proctored closed book examinations.

Your syllabus will include more details.

Textbook Information

"Business Essentials" by Ronald J. Ebert and Ricky W. Griffin (13th Edition, 2022), Pearson Publisher, AND Pearson My Biz Lab Web Access Code for the 13th edition (REQUIRED).

NOTE: When you purchase the 13th edition for My Biz Lab Web Access Code at the COC Bookstore, the code will give you access to the required e-textbook AND the required My Biz Lab exercises. Thus, you only need to purchase the correct Pearson My Biz Lab Web Access Code for our BUS 100 course.

IMPORTANT: Please scroll down and read "Additional Textbook Information" section about textbook purchase options.

Additional Textbook Information:

"Business Essentials" by Ronald J. Ebert and Ricky W. Griffin (13th Edition, 2022), Pearson Publisher, AND Pearson My Biz Lab Web Access Code (REQUIRED)

NOTE: When you purchase the 13th edition for My Biz Lab Web Access Code, the code will give you access to the e-textbook AND the My Biz Lab exercises.

PLEASE NOTE: If you purchase the textbook bundle from the COC Bookstore, there are different types of Access Code bundles.

Since this class is a short-term class, it is recommended that you purchase the Option that e-mails to you directly the Biz Lab Web Access Code Bundle as follows. Note that this option does NOT include a physical textbook. BUT since this class is short term, it may take too long for the publisher to send you the physical textbook, based on the experiences of former students. The decision is up to you.

Access Bundle includes: (1) My Biz Lab class exercises, AND (2) e-textbook.

The Pearson My Biz Lab Web Access Code is REQUIRED because it not only provides access to the e-textbook but also to the required class videos, simulations, quizzes, and other class exercises that count toward your overall course grade.

If you choose to purchase the textbook elsewhere, please make sure it comes with the Pearson My Biz Lab Web Access Code that is tied to the 13th edition of the "Business Essentials" textbook.

NOTE also that you can purchase the My Biz Lab access code when you access it through our Canvas course when our class begins.

As a temporary courtesy, the Pearson publisher allows students FREE access to My Biz Lab for ONLY about 14 days.

Other Relevant Course Information

This class meets in a physical classroom each weekend. But there is a great deal of required online work as well. Should you take this hybrid business course that includes a substantial amount of online work?

Only you can make that decision. But here is some information that may help you in making your decision. Students who do well in college courses that have a substantial amount of online work tend to share the following qualities:

They are good at motivating themselves to complete work by deadlines.
They are strong readers and communicate well in writing.
They have effective time management skills.
They enjoy active, cooperative learning experiences.
They have reliable access to the high speed Internet.
They have basic computer skills, including the ability to do basic document creation and handling (how to cut/copy/paste from one document to another, how to create and save documents in Microsoft Word and as a pdf file), how to attach documents and media such as photos, videos, etc. to e-mail messages and discussion posts, how to create and save a graph/chart/diagram, etc. in Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Work or Microsoft PowerPoint.

Do you have the motivation and time to commit to this Hybrid Course that includes weekly physical class meetings and substantial online course work for eight weeks?

If you are already familiar with taking HYBRID college courses, this class will likely feel comfortable. If this is the first time that you that you will take a hybrid course, then it is important to realize that you will need to make a commitment to participate in your physical classes, as well as to do substantial work online during the rest of the week. That means that learning in a hybrid format requires good time management skills and motivation.

There is a substantial amount of effort required for this course, which may include discussion boards, business case analysis, research, readings, writing essays, quizzes, proctored exams, teamwork, presentations, and other assignments. You may expect to spend MANY HOURS per week completing the reading and other work assignments for this course. You may also expect to log in to this class every day for the duration of the course, in addition to coming to the physical class each weekend.

But if you are highly motivated to learn and analyze the fundamentals of business, then this is the course for you. In our BUS 100 course, motivated students learn to carefully assess business issues and develop critical thinking skills needed in the working environment. In addition, students have the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of students of diverse backgrounds and experiences. This hybrid class format includes the best opportunities of a face-to-face interaction with your fellow students in the physical classroom and additional learning opportunities online.

Once again, I would like to welcome you to our BUS 100 Hybrid course. I look forward to meeting you online in our Canvas class on Monday, April 8th, 2024, and then in person in our physical classroom.

See you soon. Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Diane Sionko

Professor of Business

College of the Canyons

diane.sionko@canyons.edu

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 01/15/2024 Sub#: 1497