Master Syllabus
Clarendon College-Pampa Center
POFT 1313
Professional Development for the Office Personnel
This Master Syllabus is a template that should be used by all full-time and adjunct faculty who teach this course.
Add to the required information your personal information as indicated on the following pages. The appearance (format) of your syllabus may be changed to your preferences as long as the required information remains in the syllabus.
There will be some data you will need to collect for the program assessment for this course. Please ask the program coordinator for this information.
If you have recommendations for changes to the Master Syllabus, discuss them with the program coordinator, Angela DeMine.
You may obtain an electronic copy from the Instructional Programs link at Clarendon College’s website – http://www.clarendoncollege.edu
CLARENDON COLLEGE-Pampa Center Division of Business and Technology-Office Technology Program
Course Name: Professional Development for the Office Personnel-POFT 1313
Credit Hours 3
Semester: Fall only
Classroom Location: Rm 105
Course Description: Designed to provide an overview of skills needed in a receptionist office.
Statement of Purpose: To partially satisfy the requirements for the Office Technology Certificate.
Required Instructional Materials:
Textbook: Bennett, Ethics in Business ISBN 9780538726160; Bennett, Business Etiquette & Protocol ISBN 0538724633; Cooper, & Professional Image ISBN 9780538725910, Cengage Publishing Co.
Student Requirements: Office Technology students are not required to take any pre-entry test. Students are responsible for completing any assigned reading or other activities/homework by the due date given. Students should be in class and ready with materials required for that class. Students should not have more than four (4) absences in the semester. Four tardies count as one (1) absence.
Methods of Instruction: A combination of lectures, PowerPoint presentations, outside readings and discussions may be used in this course.
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
-1. Understand and Apply the Proper Business Dress Code
-1. Understand Proper Manners and Etiquette
-1. Know how to properly introduce a person
-1. Know how to maintain a conversation
-1. Understand and demonstrate dining etiquette
-1. Learn and demonstrate oral and written communications
-1. Understand and demonstrate proper personal behavior in the office
-1. Understand and use proper business ethics in different situations
-1. Lean to maintain a positive professional image
Grading Policies:
Daily/ homework assignmentsand class participation 40%
Unit performance assessments test 30%
Final exam 30%
The final semester grades will be figured as set in the current catalog:
90 to 100 = A 80 to 89 = B 70 to 79 = C 60 to 69 = D Below 59 = F
A student’s final grade will be made available through Campus Connect at Clarendon College’s website.
Comment:
Classroom Policies:
Classroom Conduct: Cell phone use: Students are not to have a cell phone out during class, and the ringer is to be placed on off or vibrate.
Failure to comply with lawful direction of a classroom instructor is a disruption for all students enrolled in the class. Cheating violations include, but are not limited to: (1) obtaining an examination , classroom activity, or laboratory exercise by stealing or collusion; (2) discovering the content of an examination , classroom activity, laboratory exercise, or homework assignment before it is given; (3) using an unauthorized source of information during an examination , classroom activity, laboratory exercise, or homework assignment ; (4) entering an office or building to obtain unfair advantage; (5) taking an examination for another person; (6) completing a classroom activity, laboratory exercise, homework assignment, or research paper for another person; (7) altering grade records; (8) using any unauthorized form of electronic communication device during an examination, classroom activity, or laboratory exercise; (9) Plagiarism. Plagiarism is the using, stating, offering, or reporting as one’s own, an idea, expression, or production of another person without proper credit.
Disciplinary actions for cheating in a course are at the discretion of the individual instructor. The instructor of that course will file a report with the Dean of Students when a student is caught cheating in the course, whether it be a workforce or academic course. The report shall include the course, instructor, student’s name, and the type of cheating involved. Students who are reported as cheating to the Dean of Students more than once shall be disciplined by the Dean. The Dean will notify all involved parties within fourteen days of any action taken.
American with Disabilities Act Statement: Clarendon College provides reasonable accommodations for persons with temporary or permanent disabilities. Should you require special accommodations, notify the Office of Student Services (806-874-3571 or 800-687- 9737). We will work with you to make whatever accommodations we need to make.
Dropping a Course:
A student who is enrolled in a developmental course for TSI purposes may not drop his/her only developmental course unless the student completely withdraws from the college. A student may drop any other course with a grade of “W” any time after the census date for the semester and on or before the end of the 12th week of a long semester, or on or before the last ay to drop a class of a term as designated in the college calendar. The request for permission to drop a course is initiated by the student by procuring a drop form from the Office of Student Services. (Refer to other policies concerning this issue in the current college catalog online.)
According to Texas state law a student is only allowed to drop the same class twice before he/she will be charged triple the tuition amount for taking the class a third time or more. Furthermore, beginning with the Fall 2007 semester, students in Texas may only drop a total of 6 courses throughout their entire undergraduate career. After the 6th dropped class, he/she will no longer be able to withdraw from any classes.
Withdrawal from College:
When a student finds it necessary to withdraw from school before the end of the semester, he or she should obtain a withdrawal form from the Office of Student Services. Students may also withdraw from the college by sending a written request for such action to the Registrar’s Office. The request must include the student’s signature, the student’s current address, social security number and course information details. Students who withdraw after the census date for the semester and on or before the end of the 12th week of a long semester, or on or before the last day to drop a class of a term as designated in the college calendar will be assigned a grade of “W.” If you do not go through the formal withdrawal procedure, you will receive a grade of “F” on your transcript.
Dress Code:
By the third week of school, students will be required to adhere to the Business Dress Code. Dress codes will be discussed further in class. The third week of class, students will be expected to adhere to a dress code, no points will be deducted, this third week to allow students to learn what is and is not acceptable. Beginning the fourth week of class, students will be required to adhere to the casual business dress code and all presentations must use the formal dress code. (Failure to comply with the Business Dress Code by the fourth full week of school will result in deduction of points: 10 points will be deducted from each daily grade and 25 points will be deducted from each presentation)
-1. Casual Dress Code: Clothing that reveals too much cleavage, your back, your chest, your feet, your stomach or your underwear is not appropriate for a place of business. In our work environment, clothing should be pressed and never wrinkled. Torn, dirty, or frayed clothing is unacceptable. All seams must be finished. Any clothing that has words, terms, or pictures that may be offensive to other employees is unacceptable.
Slacks, Pants, and Suit Pants Slacks that are similar to Dockers and other makers of cotton or synthetic material pants, wool pants, flannel pants,dressy capris, and nice looking dress synthetic pants are acceptable. Inappropriate slacks or pants include jeans, sweatpants, exercise pants, Bermuda shorts, short shorts, shorts, bib overalls, leggings, and any spandex or other form-fitting pants such as people wear for biking.
Skirts, Dresses, and Skirted Suits Casual dresses and skirts, and skirts that are split at or below the knee are acceptable. Dress and skirt length should be at a length at which you can sit comfortably in public. Short, tight skirts that ride halfway up the thigh are inappropriate for work. Mini-skirts, skorts, sun dresses, beach dresses, and spaghetti-strap dresses are inappropriate for the office.
Shirts, Tops, Blouses, and Jackets Casual shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, tops, golf-type shirts, and turtlenecks are acceptable attire for work. Most suit jackets or sport jackets are also acceptable attire for the office, if they violate none of the listed guidelines. Inappropriate attire for work includes tank tops; midriff tops; shirts with potentially offensive words, terms, logos, pictures, cartoons, or slogans; halter-tops; tops with bare shoulders; sweatshirts, and t-shirts unless worn under another blouse, shirt, jacket, or dress.
Shoes and Footwear Conservative walking shoes, loafers, clogs, boots, flats, dress heels, sandals and leather deck-type shoes are acceptable for work. Wearing no stockings is acceptable in warm weather. Athletic shoes, sneakers, thongs, flip-flops, and slippers are not acceptable in the office.
Jewelry, Makeup, Perfume, and Cologne Should be in good taste, with limited visible body piercing (earrings only). Remember, that some employees are allergic to the chemicals in perfumes and make-up, so wear these substances with restraint.
Hats and Head Covering Hats are not appropriate in the office. Head Covers that are required for religious purposes or to honor cultural tradition are allowed.
B. Formal Dress Code: In a formal business environment, the standard of dressing for men and women is a suit, a jacket and pants or a skirt, or a dress paired with appropriate accessories. (Dark, neutral colors are best; no prints)
Tentative Course Schedule/Outline
Week 1-3: Professional Appearance
Week 4-5: Manners & Business Etiquette
Week 6-7: Personal Behavior
Week 8: Midterm Exam
Week 9-10: Communication Skills
Week 11-12: Basics
Week 13: Holiday
Week 14-15: Office Etiquette
Week 16: Review
Week 17: Final Exam
Assignments for every week:
-Bring all 3 books to class each week
-Read Each Assigned Chapter
-Type 10 notes from each chapter (must be turned in)
-You will be assigned various case studies that are at the end of the chapters of each book (follow the instructions and turn in the day that the new section begins (ex. turn in the case studies and typed notes for Professional Appearance on week 4, etc.) Typed.
Professional Appearance: Week 1-3
In Professional Image: Read chapters 1-4 & Complete Case Studies 2 & 4
In Business Etiquette: Read the chapter – Corporate Dress
In Class: we will make a Do’s & Don’ts collage & a wardrobe budget
Week 2: We will have a guest who will demonstrate “Portraying a Professional Image” (emphasis on makeup application) Bring your makeup and mirror.
Manners & Etiquette: Week 4-5
In Professional Image: Read chapter 5
In Business Etiquette: Read P.4, 15-24, 35, 41-63 & 65 & Case Studies 2 & 3
In Ethics in Business: Read p. 26 & 72
In class we will schedule and hold a business luncheon & demonstrate making introductions
Personal Behavior: Week 6-7
In Professional Image: Read chapter 6 & case study 3
In Business Etiquette: Read pg. 26
In Ethics in Business: Read Chapter 7 & case study 7
Mid-Term Exam: Week 8
Review all previous material
Review sheet will be available by week 6
Communication: Week 9-10
In Professional Image: Read chapter 7
In Business Etiquette: Case Studies 1 (verbal communication) & 4 (written communication)
In Ethics in Business: Read chapter 5 & Case Studies 5 & 6
Basics: Week 11-12
In Business Etiquette: Read Chapter 1 & Case Studies 2 & 3
In Ethics in Business: Read Chapter 8 & Case Study 8
Holiday: Week 13
Office Etiquette: Week 14-15
In Professional Image: Case Study 1
In Business Etiquette: Read P. 25-31, 33-39
In Ethics in Business: Read Chapter 1-4 &6, Case Studies 1,2,3 & 4
Review: Week 16
Final Exam: Week 17
Final will be comprehensive
Review will be given by week 14
*there will be class activities during the semester
**this syllabus is subject to change at any time