Adjunct Faculty Orientation
Your personal tour of Estrella Mountain Community College

Roadmap

Welcome to Estrella Mountain Community College's adjunct faculty orientation. It contains several parts, covering the basic information you need to be a part of our teaching and learning community. You may explore the parts in any order, and may return to them more than once. When you are done viewing a topic, please use your browser's back arrow to return to this Roadmap. Internet Explorer is recommended for the best viewing experience.

If you have been recently hired to teach at Estrella, you must complete the Basic Orientation before you begin teaching. When you are finished with either the basic or complete orientation, you may print out a certificate for your records after taking a short quiz.

• Before Classes Start
• Get your badge and access key
• Get your parking decal
• Locate your course information in the Class Schedule
• Find out where your classroom is
• Understand FERPA
• Complete Certiificate of Understanding and Conditions of Employment.

This should be returned to your Division secretary.

• Login to your email account
• Print your roster from SIS
• Familiarize yourself with campus emergency procedures
• Compose your syllabus
• Email your syllabus to your Division Chair
• Copy your syllabus for your students or post it in Blackboard
• If your are using Blackboard, build your course
• The First Day
• Go over your syllabus with your students
• Acquaint your students with Learning Support on campus
• Collect Disability Services forms from students who have them
• Drop any "no-shows"
• Report enrollment irregularities
• As the Semester Progresses
• Identifying at-risk students through Early Alert
• Cleaning up your 45th Day Rosters
• Dealing with difficult students
• Meeting off campus
• Scheduling make up exams
• Finding a substitute through your Division Chair and secretary
• Reporting final grades
• Obtaining support in the Adjunct Office

College Information

• Message from the President
• Message from the Dean
• Campus Information
• Organization Chart
• College Policies
• Counseling Services
• Disability Services
• Student Services
• Learning Support
• Financial Aid
• College Public Safety
• Maricopa Community College District

Message from the President

Dear Adjunct Faculty Member:

Welcome to Estrella Mountain Community College!

Students come to Estrella Mountain to achieve their dreams and transform their lives. With a wealth of support services available to help students succeed in university transfer, workforce development, and community education programs, Estrella Mountain is a vibrant learning college, alive with growth, opportunity and achievement.

Your service as an adjunct faculty member is key to the success of our students.  Adjunct faculty are responsible for teaching more than 60% of courses offered at Estrella Mountain. As a result, I highly encourage you to learn more about the resources and opportunities available to you as a member of the Estrella Mountain family and the Maricopa Community College District.

Estrella Mountain continues on the journey to remain the West Valley's premier community college for learning-focused instruction and service. Please use this online adjunct orientation tool as a way to become familiar with Estrella Mountain Community College. I encourage you to keep abreast of what is happening at the college by reviewing the e-communiqué Campus Updates that is sent to all employees.  Campus Updates will help keep you informed of major campus initiatives and activities, including All-Employee meetings and my open-door office hours.

Again, welcome to Estrella Mountain Community College and thank you for your continued support of our students!

Regards,
Ernest A. Lara, Ph.D.
President

We provide exceptional and creative learning experiences that prepare all learners to achieve their dreams and transform their lives.

Estrella Mountain is an innovative higher learning organization responding to the diverse needs of West Valley communities. Learners have an opportunity to successfully accomplish their educational and personal goals through the following college purposes: 

• Developmental Education
• General Education
• Transfer Education
• Learner Support Services
• Workforce Development
• Community Education
• Civic Responsibility
• Global Engagement

PURPOSES

Developmental Education
Building the academic foundation and providing learning support to prepare learners for collegiate success.

General Education
Expanding educational experiences for all learners while fostering core academic abilities.

Transfer Education
Offering transfer courses and programs that enable learners to achieve success at their institution of choice.

Learner Support Services
Supporting learners through exceptional educational services, programs and guidance.

Workforce Development
Responding to the community's dynamic workforce needs by establishing partnerships and creating relevant programs of study, training and services.

Community Education
Providing learning experiences that enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities of life-long learners.

Civic Responsibility
Creating opportunities and partnerships that provide a framework for learners to act responsibly in society.

Global Engagement
Engaging learners in the discovery, contribution and creation of local solutions in response to global issues. 

Our Service Strategy reminds us that
Your Success is Our Success

VALUES

We value learning and engagement through:

Integrity

• Being accountable to fulfill goals, objectives and responsibilities.
• Being truthful, respectful, sincere, and responsible in your interactions with others.

Diversity

• Considering the contributions and worldviews of others.
• Promoting an inclusive campus culture that supports social awareness.
• Committing to comprehensive inter-cultural learning and awareness.

Collaboration

• Growing partnerships and building relationships that enhance the learning environment.
• Practicing communication methods that engage all learners.

Innovation

• Committing to the continued exploration and development of successful learning practices.
• Encouraging creativity and professional exploration within our community of learners.

Sustainability

• Understanding how our actions impact the local and global community.
• Reducing negative effects on the environment through proactive and sustainable practices.
• Applying practices that encourage environmental, economic and social responsibility.

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Message from the Dean

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to Estrella Mountain Community College where our motto is "your success is our success".  This applies to students as well as to you as adjunct faculty.  We are dedicated to providing support to help you be successful.  In turn, you can assist our students in being successful as they strive to reach their goals. 

Estrella Mountain has an Adjunct Faculty Suite located on the first floor of Montezuma Hall.  Terri Propes, the Administrative Secretary managing the suite, provides a wealth of information and can help your semester be successful, comfortable, and fun.  She has been instrumental in the suite earning four Best Practices Awards from the Maricopa District Adjunct Faculty Association.

During Fall 2009, EMCC launched this online adjunct orientation and faculty have found it very useful.  The orientation includes messages from Division Chairs and staff who will familiarize you with important information from their areas.  Page 1, New Adjunct Roadmap, outlines what you need to do before the semester starts through how to report final grades.  On Page 6, Resources, you will learn about the many services offered in the Adjunct Suite.  Page 5, Adjunct Faculty Development, includes opportunities available to you as adjunct faculty. On Page 6, Resources, you will learn about the many services offered in the Adjunct Suite. Page 7, SIS, will walk you through the Student Information System, which is the tool you will use to view rosters as well as to grade or withdraw students. After you complete the orientation, please be sure to send us feedback, so we can continue to make improvements.

As adjuncts, it's important for you to have representation at the district and to be kept informed on district adjunct activities.  Mary Burdett is EMCC's new adjunct representative to the Adjunct Faculty Association (AFA) Board and Erik McCollum is the alternate representative.  Three of our adjunct faculty are current or past AFA officers - Michael Powell is Board President, Marianne Smith is Board Secretary, and Jane Leaf-Miller is Past President.  Please introduce yourself to these individuals if you do not already know them.

Again, welcome!  Let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you.  Have a wonderful semester.

Sincerely,
Sylvia M. Orr, Ph.D.
Dean of Academic Affairs

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Campus Information

Current Events

EMCC is a busy place,with special events taking place all the time. To learn about the latest news, you can check the college's home page, or read the latest press releases. There is also an online calendar of campus events.

Finding Your Way Around

If you wish, you can view a short Estrella Mountain campus tour.  To locate specific buildings and rooms within them, please view the College Map. You can see floor plans of each building by clicking on the building name in the list on the left side of the screen.

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Organization Chart

Need to find out who does a particular job? Heard a name and want to know what function that person performs? Look up all that information in EMCC's organization chart. You can also print the organization chart, although you will probably have to enlarge the document to see everything clearly.

Estrella Mountain also has a web-based directory accessible from the Directory tab on the website home page.   One of the new features of the directory is the ability for all employees to create an employee profile. A profile is extra information an employee can choose to include in the directory. This information may include a short biography, personal photo, education, and more.  Profiles are not required, and you can choose which (if any) of the fields you want to use. For instructions on how to login and begin creating your profile, click here.  If you have any question or need help, please contact Estrella Mountain's webmaster.

 Another way to obtain a person's contact information or job title is to use the online address book service. This service gives you access to data for employees District-wide, not just at EMCC.

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College Policies

Want to learn about District policies regarding adjunct faculty? Check out the Adjunct Faculty Policy manual, which is approved by the District Governing Board each year. Here is where you can find answers to your questions about teaching load, employment status, and compensation, just to name a few. The EMCC Faculty Handbook has even more information regarding every aspect of teaching at Estrella, including compliance with the Arizona Revised Statutes.

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Counseling Services

Counseling Services focuses on student success and retention by providing personal counseling, career assessment, academic counseling and workshops to your students. Crisis counseling is also available. Please make sure that your students are aware of these opportunities for assistance. Visit the Counseling Services web page, and include a link to it in your syllabus and in your Blackboard course. You may also want to include a list of the current semester's Counseling workshops in your course.

If you wish, you can view a short video about EMCC's counseling services. Please click the button on the player below to start the video.

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Disability Services

EMCC is commited to providing a quality education for all of its students. In order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1974, you must make reasonable accomodations in your classes for students with disabilities. The Disability Resource Center staff is available to assist with questions or concerns.

Please remember:

1. When you receive the Disability Accommodation forms from students with disabilities you must read the forms and implement accommodations immediately in order for you and the college to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. FYI- A student can file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Civil Rights if accommodations are not in place in a timely manner.
2. The blue notetaker form provides you with a script to read to your class on your first class meeting (do not mention the student with disability's name or point out the student in front of class). You should privately introduce the notetaker to the student with disability after class.  Give the blue form to the notetaker so he/she can follow the instructions. If you cannot obtain a volunteer on the first day of class then provide your lecture notes to the student and/or allow the student to record your lecture.
3. The tan accommodated testing form explains how to provide accommodated testing.  The gold exam instruction sheet must be provided with the exam.  If you email exams please provide instructions via email (our new email is drc@estrellamountain.edu ). Do not intercampus exams.  Exams can be dropped off in the DRC faculty drop box next to KOM B-125. When exams are completed, the exam will be placed in your mailbox or delivered to your office. If you have been asked to voice record an exam our office can provide you with a voice recorder. The recorded exam needs to be sent with the written exam. Instruction is provided regarding an alternate electronic recording system on the instruction sheet. All accommodated exams will be administered in the DRC only.  Using other facilities i.e., your office, LEC or NASA Center does not ensure that the student is receiving appropriate accommodation.
4.  Please update your syllabus statement:

Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class must request accommodations from the Disability Resource Center (KOM B-125) at 623.935.8863 or 623.935.8928 VP or drc@estrellamountain.edu When you receive the authorization forms from the DRC, please provide them to the instructor right away.

The Disability Services web page describes a wealth of resources for both differently abled students as well as returning verterans. Please familiarize yourself with these resources, so you can make your students aware of them. You can also watch an excellent overview of the services provided by this office.

If any student appears to be having academic difficulty and has not registered with Disability Services, please raise an Early Alert flag as soon as you notice the problem. The student will receive the full attention of EMCC's support team, increasing the odds for his or her success in your class.

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Student Services

Student services provides academic advising, strategies to address academic and personal challenges, programs offered to encourage student success, veterans' services, placement testing, scholarship information, enrollment services, and financial aid assistance. Most of these services are covered elsewhere in the orientation. This section focuses primarily on enrollment services and advisement.

As a faculty member, it is your responsibility to insure the accuracy of your class roster. You can access your class roster from the Student Information System (SIS). Before classes start, print the roster and have it with you on the first day. Once you take attendance at the first class, you will probably notice that there are students on your roster who have not come to class. These are called "no shows", and should be dropped in SIS as soon as possible. This will allow other students waiting for a seat to register in your class. You may also notice students in your class who are not on your roster. This usually happens because the student has registered for your class that day. These students must show you a paid registration form in order to remain in class. All others should be referred to Enrollment Services in Komatke Hall. At no time should you allow anyone to remain in your class who is not a registered student, as this could create an insurance liability for the college.

There will typically be some students who add and drop your course during the first week of classes. In the Spring and Fall semesters, students may typically drop a class and get a refund only during the first week. After the first week, they have about another 6 weeks to drop the class on their own. After that, they need your signature on a Schedule Change card, which is available in Enrollment Services. Students who wish to join your class after the first week will need your signature as well. If a student is withdrawn from your course during the semester by Enrollment Services with a Drop Code of 87 or 77 (for non-payment) and is expecting to be graded, the student must pay their debt in full before he/she is reinstated to your course.

Academic advising assists students in the formation of educational plans and goals.  This is an ongoing process of clarification, evaluation, re-clarification, and re-evaluation. Among other services, this office provides:

• interpretation of course placement test scores
• assistance to students in selecting classes appropriate to their program of study
• cohort model of advisement connecting advisors to your teaching field
• unnoficial evaluation of college transcripts
• information on college and university transfer process
• verification of graduation eligbility
• Transfer Student Ombudman (TSO)
• Checksheets available on the web page

You can view administrative regulations regarding advisement here. The regulations governing assessment and course placement can be viewed here.

Besides their individual web pages listed above, you can check the Student Services web page for more information about Enrollment Services, Advisement, Placement Testing and other Student Services offerings.

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Learning Support

Estrella Mountain provides a variety of free learning support services to its students. Among these are:

• The NASA Center, where student receive tutoring in math and science, rent graphing calculators, use models and textbooks. Please ensure that you and your students are aware of tutoring session expectations.
• The Learning Enhancement Center, or LEC, where students receive tutoring in English and other subjects. The LEC is also where students go to take make-up exams. You may provide a make-up exam to the LEC either on paper or electronically, using the Make Up Test Request form to identify students who are allowed to take it.
• The Writing Center, where students get support in their writing assignments.
• Information Commons, where students can use computers as well as get help with printing, scanning and other technology issues. Learning Support has prepared a short brochure to help you assist your students with campus technology. These brochures are on the instructor's station in each classroom.
• Math Lab, where students get help with math, especially if they are using My Math Lab in their course.

Please refer to these resources in your syllabus. Also take the time to personally remind students how much these resources can bolster their success. If you wish, you can view a short video that describes EMCC's learning support services in more detail. Please click the button on the player below to start the video.

You can also click here to view a Learning Support Services slide show.

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Financial Aid

The financial aid office handles need based awards, scholarships, and work study programs for Estrella Mountain and SouthWest Skill Center  students. As a faculty member, there are two things in particular of which you should be aware. Many scholarships opportunities are continually listed on the EMCC Financial Aid website and sometimes announced via campus email. Financial Aid and Scholarship events such as College Goal Sunday: Saturday Edition and Scholarship Workshops are also posted on the Financial Aid website. Please make these opportunities known to your students, either by making an announcement in class or by posting the relevant information as an announcement in your Blackboard course. While this information is available on our college website, having an instructor bring it to their attention is truly appreciated by many students. Also, please realize that financial aid payments are not available to students until at least a week after the drop/add period. For processed financial aid eligible students, book vouchers are generally available, however some flexibility on your part may be necessary regarding the timely purchase of textbooks or other course materials. Please refer any of your students who have questions about financial assistance for college to the financial aid web page.

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College Public Safety

General Public Safety

The primary job of this office is assuring public safety. This includes campus security, traffic control, visitor assistance, loss reporting, and employee training. College Public Safety officers have a huge responsibility for keeping everyone safe, but they can't do it alone. Each of us has to do our part as well. Here are several areas in which your effort up front can make the campus more secure for everyone.

As an adjunct faculty member, you must get your EMCC ID card and your room access key from College Public Safety as soon as you are hired. The ID must be worn so that it is visible when you are on campus. In the event of an emergency, this allows security personnel to know at a glance that you belong here. Your ID card also functions as an access key to the Adjunct Office and classrooms, most of which have electronic locks. All faculty using electronically locked classrooms are required to unlock their room at the beginning of class, and re-lock it at the end of class. At no time should you allow students to remain in a locked classroom without faculty present. Here is how you open or lock an electronic lock with your card key:

You will hear a beep, at which point you can open the door. The light on the lock will turn green to indicate that the door is unlocked. It will switch back to red when you swipe your card a second time. Before your first class, fill out a card key request form listing all the classrooms in which you teach, and get your Division Chair to sign it. Then bring it to the College Public Safety office, where they will add the appropriate access to your card key. If you are unable to obtain card key access in time for your first class, you will need to contact College Public Safety at 623-935-8915 to unlock your classroom. More information on card key usage can be found here.

Parking is limited on campus, and is available only to faculty, staff and students. The lots are regularly patrolled, not only to prevent theft and vandalism, but to insure that people are parking where they're supposed to. Most parking lots on campus have spots designated as "Faculty/Staff". You are allowed to park in these spots only if your car has a "Faculty /Staff" windshield sticker. You can get one of these at the College Public Safety office. Failure to abide by college parking regulations will result in a fine, and your vehicle may be towed.

The College Public Safety office also maintains a lost and found facility. If any of your students leaves a cell phone, calculator, wallet, etc. in your classroom, please drop it off at this office.

College Emergency Preparedness

Awareness of your surroundings is always a good idea. Report any criminal or suspicious activity to security personnel. They will dispatch an officer to investigate the situation. College Public Safety personnel are either uniformed officers or are wearing red shirts with "Public Safety" on the back. If you are reporting an emergency on your cell phone, call 623-935-8911. You can also reach the College Public Safety office from the emergency call boxes, identified with a blue light, that are located around campus. In each classroom there is an intercom system, which you can use to contact security in the event of an emergency. Instructions for use are posted nearby. In the event of an emergency, the most up to date information will be found on the Maricopa Emergency Management System website. Estrella Mountain also has a Campus Alert system. Since you will be automatically enrolled in this system when you are hired, it is important to keep your contact information updated in My Maricopa. You'll want to make sure to include the numbers of any mobile devices you carry. This will allow you to receive priority email or text alerts on them in the event of a campus emergency. This is helpful if you are on your way to teach, and for some reason the campus has been closed. In the event of an evacuation, College Public Safety can contact you with directions. A card listing designated safe assembly points on campus is available in the College Public Safety office.

In addition, there is an informational video on Estrella Mountain's Emergency Preparedness web page. You are required to view this video once a year as it may be ipdated from time to time. Once you have completed viewing the video, please send an email to your Division Chair with the Subject "Emergency Preparedness Video" and the message "I have watched EMCC's Emergency Preparedness video".

Fire Alarms

When a fire alarm sounds:

1. Do not wait for instructions via the intercom system. Due to the decibel level of the campus alarm system, the intercom system will not be used during a traditional fire alarm.
2. Remain calm, and leave the building and/or area in a safe and orderly manner. Based on conditions, proceed to the closest evacuation zone.
3. As you are leaving the building: assist persons requiring assistance, hold on to handrails while on the stairway, and do not use elevators, matches or lighters.
4. Wait until all-clear is given before proceeding back into building.

Remember that emergency preparedness depends on the cooperation of the entire campus community, so please take a moment to review your campus Emergencies Quick Reference Guide and evacuation zones. If you are in need of an emergency evacuation card, you can get one from the Office of Public Safety. Campus evacuation drills will be conducted from time to time. Regarding training on how to use the evacuation chairs located at the top of each stairwell, there is a short video for your review below.  This video will be posted to our Emergency Preparedness website and will be included in future emergency preparedness training sessions.  Please click the button on the player below to start the video.

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Maricopa Community Colleges District

Estrella Mountain Community College is one of ten colleges that comprise the Maricopa Community Colleges District. At one time or another, you may need to know about another college, you may want to check the District news or event calendar, or you may be interested in job postings. The District is also the source for information about curriculum, programs, degrees, and articulation. You can find the answers to all your questions about these subjects on the MCC District web site.

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Classroom Information

• Faculty Conduct
• Syllabus Information
• Curriculum Office
• FERPA
• Grades and Rosters
• Enrollment Irregularities
• Blackboard
• Card Key Access
• College Emergency Procedures
• Dealing with Difficult Students
• Conflict Resolution Process
• Guest Speakers
• Final Exam Schedule
• Changing Your Class Time or Location
• Incompletes
• Technology Support
• Student Academic Assessment Process
• Division Information

Faculty Conduct

Want to learn about District policies regarding adjunct faculty? Check out the Adjunct Faculty Policy manual, which is approved by the District Governing Board each year. Here is where you can find answers to your questions about teaching load, employment status, and compensation, just to name a few. The EMCC Faculty Handbook has even more information regarding every aspect of teaching at Estrella, including compliance with the Arizona Revised Statutes.

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Syllabus Information

Besides describing what students can expect to learn in your course, your syllabus should reflect EMCC's abilities along with any rubrics you use in your course. Maricopa Community College District policy regarding syllabi is summarized as follows:

MCCCD strives to create a productive learning environment for all students. Students will be notified of course content and instructor expectations through a course syllabus. The course syllabus serves as an implicit agreement between the instructor and students.

Students have a responsibility to read the entire syllabus carefully. A course syllabus will be made available to students during the first meeting of a class. A paper copy of the course syllabus must be submitted to the division/department office at the college no later than the end of the first week of class.

The following minimum information must be included in your course syllabus:

• College name
• Instructor's name, office/room number, telephone number, and e-mail address
• Office hours or academic support hours. While you are not obligated to have office hours, it is recommended that you are available before and after class to help your students be more successful. Another option is to tell students you check your email frequently, or even to be available at certain times via email. One last option is to have a discussion on Blackboard using the discussion board feature.
• Course information:  name, prefix and number, section number, semester and year, course description, and course objectives
• Grading standards and practices. You need to make sure your grading scale and policies are clearly stated, and then be sure to follow them. If you change them during the semester you may run into trouble. Remember, the syllabus is a contract between you and the student. Once you have given it out you need to use caution if you are altering anything, especially anything to do with grades.
• Attendance requirements
• List of required and recommended texts and materials
• Information about exams, papers, and other assignments. If you are teaching a science class, please include a tentative lab schedule. You may want to consult the MCCD academic calendar to plan for holidays and breaks.
• Statement to students with disabilities asking them to register with the appropriate office at the college if they require special accommodations. For example: If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations, you need to contact Disability Resources and Services (KOMB-119) at 623.935.8935 or 623.935.8928 TTY or ramona.santiesteban@emcmail.maricopa.edu. Also discuss your situation with your instructor"
• Statement indicating information included in the syllabus may be subject to change with reasonable advance notice as deemed appropriate by the instructor. This is called a Disclaimer, this can help at times if you need to do something different than what is stated in your syllabus.
• Abilities from the General Abilities Matrix that has been adopted by EMCC. The matrix can be found here. Provide a link to the matrix in your syllabus or in your Blackboard course. Tell students this matrix shows them what EMCC students should be able to do with a general education degree.
• If you are teaching an online or hybrid class, please include a section on e-learner responsibiliities.

An instructor may also consider including the following optional information:

• Expectations for student behavior.
• Expectations for academic conduct (See "academic misconduct" in the catalog common pages)
• Statement of instructional methods to be used; e.g., cooperative or group learning, projects, service learning, etc.
• Information about student learning support services
• District competencies for that course. The easiest way to do this is to bring up EMCC's class schedule and then click on your class.
• Other policies that the instructor deems necessary. 

Please be aware that different courses may have different items to insert into the syllabus. Please contact the residential faculty in your division if you have further questions.

For a syllabus template that you can save and edit in Microsoft Word, click here.

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Curriculum Office

The District's Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation provides coordination of curriculum across all the community colleges, and also handles transfer and articulation of courses and programs with other institutions. This site is where you can look up any course offered within the District to find its description, outline, prerequisites and compentencies. This information is especially important to have when creating your syllabus, as you should include the description and competencies. When searching for a particular class, you will notice that multiple entries appear with different terms. Usually the most up to date listing is first, and will usually have an ending term of "9999".

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FERPA

Estrella Mountain Community College has a commitment to protecting the privacy rights of its students. In making this commitment, the College wants to ensure that all faculty and staff are familiar with state and federal laws pertaining to student privacy, as well as College policies and procedures that have been implemented to help guarantee student privacy.

Before using the new Student Information System, employees must complete the online FERPA tutorial on Maricopa's Blackboard. This tutorial is a learning tool designed to provide students, faculty, and staff a better understanding of the confidentiality protections that federal law affords the records that colleges and universities maintain about their students. Once you have finished the tutorial, you will fill out the Completion Form. This will create a record that you have indeed completed the tutorial.

To view directions for completing the FERPA tutorial, please click here.

Any user who has access to the Maricopa Community Colleges Student Information System must agree to do the following:

• Maintain the user's personal SIS User ID and password in confidence and not disclose to or authorize use by any other individual.
• Not release student information, in any form, to anyone other than the student, except in accordance with FERPA.
• Ensure that any discussion of confidential student information with others be for educational purposes, and exercise care to keep conversations private.
• Not leave reports and other confidential information lying about where unauthorized persons can gain access.
• Not knowingly include or cause to be included in any record or report a false, inaccurate, or misleading entry.
• Require proper identification before discussing information pertinent to a student's records.
• Not seek personal benefit or permit others to benefit personally by the user's access to SIS or by information that has come to the user by virtue of the user's work.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Highlights

• FERPA protects a student's educational record, regardless of how the record is maintained and who maintains it. An educational record consists of paper as well as electronic data. Besides grades, it typically includes test scores, comments, evaluations and similar assessments about a student, maintained by an instructor, counselor or any other school official.
• FERPA prohibits any person connected with the institution--including administrators and faculty--from improperly disclosing student information.
• At institutions of higher education, students may authorize the release of their educational records--but only the student has the exclusive right to decide whether or not to authorize the release.
• This means that, in most cases, even a student's parent may not demand the release of the student's educational record.
• Moreover, students' access to their own educational records--as well as the right to limit disclosure of those records--continues even after they graduate or otherwise leave the institution.

Definitions Related to Student Records

The Maricopa Community Colleges have defined the terms below in the Student Policy Manual under Student Rights and Responsibilities Section 2.5.3:

• College: Includes all colleges, educational centers, skill centers, and District office.

• Educational Records: Any record (in handwriting, print, tapes, film, or other media) maintained by the college or an agent of the college which is directly related to a student, except:

1. A personal record kept by a staff member, if it is kept in the personal possession of the individual who made the record, and information contained in the record has never been revealed or made available to any other person except the maker's temporary substitute
2. An employment record of an individual whose employment is not contingent on the fact that he or she is a student, provided the record is used only in relation to the individual's employment
3. Records maintained by the colleges security unit, if the record is maintained solely for law enforcement purposes, is revealed only to law enforcement agencies of the same jurisdiction and the security unit does not have access to education records maintained by the community college.
4. Alumni records which contain information about a student after he or she is no longer an attendant of the community college and the records do not relate to the person as a student

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Grades and Rosters

All class rosters and all grading is handled by faculty online in the Student Information System. The only paper roster you will see is a 45th Day roster that is kept as an official record of enrollment for the state. You will also use SIS to drop students from your classes. If  a student has been dropped/withdrawn from your course by Enrollment Services with a Drop Code of 87 or 77 (for non-payment) and is expecting to be graded, the student must pay their debt in full before he/she is reinstated to your course.

For more information on Attendance and Grading Requirements, click here.

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Enrollment Irregularities

The Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board Policies provide a framework for all District employee duties. These rules provide transparency in our actions, and to show that we take public stewardhip seriously. In keeping with these goals , faculty members are required to complete an online disclosure regarding enrollment irregularities in their classes. An example of an enrollment irregularity is registering yourself or famility members in your class for the express purpose of having it "make" enrollment minimums. The online disclosure asks several questions and asks you to certify the answers. When you click on the link above, you will see the following page:

Click on the designated button to begin the disclosure process. You will need your MEID and password to log in.This only needs to be completed once a semester for all of your classes.

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Blackboard

Blackboard is the course management system used at Estrella Mountain Community College. It gives you an easy way to upload course content and communicate with your students outside the classroom. If you are teaching an online or hybrid class, Blackboard will function as a virtual classroom for you. To view training modules and tutorials on Blackboard use, click here. Click on the Blackboard link on the top navigation bar to see the training options. The page will look like this:

There is a link on this menu that takes you to the Blackboard login page, which is also accessible from the top navigation bar on the EMCC home page.

Once you log into Blackboard, you can also select the Self-Training button in the Blackboard Instructors course. If you need technical assistance in Blackboard, please contact Dee Long in the Center for Teaching and Learning.

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Card Key Access

As an adjunct faculty member, you must get your EMCC ID card and your room access key from College Public Safety as soon as you are hired. The ID must be worn so that it is visible when you are on campus. In the event of an emergency, this allows security personnel to know at a glance that you belong here. Your ID card also functions as an access key to the Adjunct Office and classrooms, most of which have electronic locks. All faculty using electronically locked classrooms are required to unlock their room at the beginning of class, and re-lock it at the end of class. At no time should you allow students to remain in a locked classroom without faculty present. Here is how you open or lock an electronic lock with your card key:

You will hear a beep, at which point you can open the door. The light on the lock will turn green to indicate that the door is unlocked. It will switch back to red when you swipe your card a second time. Before your first class, fill out a card key request form listing all the classrooms in which you teach, and get your Division Chair to sign it. Then bring it to the College Public Safety office, where they will add the appropriate access to your card key. If you are unable to obtain card key access in time for your first class, you will need to contact College Public Safety at 623-935-8915 to unlock your classroom. More information on card key usage can be found here.

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Campus Emergencies

Awareness of your surroundings is always a good idea. Report any criminal or suspicious activity to security personnel. They will dispatch an officer to investigate the situation. College Public Safety personnel are either uniformed officers or are wearing red shirts with "Public Safety" on the back. If you are reporting an emergency on your cell phone, call 623-935-8911. You can also reach the College Public Safety office from the emergency call boxes, identified with a blue light, that are located around campus. In each classroom there is an intercom system, which you can use to contact security in the event of an emergency. Instructions for use are posted nearby. The Maricopa Community Colleges also have a Campus Alert system. Since you will be automatically enrolled in this system when you are hired, it is important to keep your contact information updated in My Maricopa. You'll want to make sure to include the numbers of any mobile devices you carry. This will allow you to receive priority email or text alerts on them in the event of a campus emergency. This is helpful if you are on your way to teach, and for some reason the campus has been closed. In the event of an evacuation, College Public Safety can contact you with directions. A card listing designated safe assembly points on campus is available in the College Public Safety office.

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Dealing with Difficult Students

Estrella Mountain Community College adheres to a code of conduct that is printed in the Policies section of the college catalog as well as in the Student Handbook. The code establishes behavior standards for the entire campus community. These standards are necessary to facilitate uninterrupted teaching and learning for our students.

Unfortunately, classroom disruptions do occur. The underlying reason for a disruption can usually be dealt with after the incident. What matters most during the incident are the real victims of the disruption, the other students. Therefore, it is important to deal with the disrupter's actions in a formal manner by first addressing the problem through verbal direction, then documenting the incident on a Student Conduct/Discipline Report. This form should be forwarded to the Dean of Student Services through your Division Chair. Whenever disruptive individuals fail to comply with your requests, you should immediately notify College Public Safety. It is important that you address unruly or verbally abusive behavior in your classroom. Prompt action on your part will usually dissuade similar actions in the future.

Please view this slide show on student behavior issues.

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Conflict Resolution Process

There are times when you may have a disagreement with a student in regards to an academic process.  You should follow the student grievance process as outlined by the Student Handbook.  Please refer to the handbook for the entire policy.  Here is a summary from the student's point of view, which should also appear in your syllabus:

• If you have an issue, please let the instructor know what it is about.
• If the issue is not resolved, then you should provide the department chair with a written complaint.  This must be in writing!
• If the issue is still not resolved, forward a copy of the original written complaint to the Dean of Instruction.  This is the final level for issues involving grades.
• If the issue (other than grades) is still not resolved, you may forward a copy original written complaint to the President of the college.

If you as an adjunct faculty member have a conflict with other college personnel that you are unable to resolve on your own, please speak to your Division Chair.

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Guest Speakers

Instructors may invite guest speakers to classes, but discretion should be used. Guest speakers are not considered substitutes and cannot be paid. Instructors must be present while the guest speaker addresses the class.

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Final Exam Schedule

Final exams are scheduled for the week following the last week of classes. You can view this semester's final exam schedule here. You are expected to perform some type of final assessment of your students at the completion of your class. Such an assessment must be arranged so as not to conflict with other classes or final examinations. You are expected to use only the designated final examination period to perform the final assessment. If your final assessment is not an examination, but a portfolio or term paper, you must hold a class meeting during the designated final exam period for your class.

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Changing Your Class Time or Location

Any change from the regular location or meeting time of a class must be approved by your Division Chair. This includes changing the location of your class meeting on campus, or scheduling a field trip. Your Chair will request the change be officially made.

A request for the change must be submitted well in advance of the date of the proposed change. Students must also be advised of changes well in advance.

Please consult the Faculty Handbook for more information regarding meeting off campus. To submit a request for a field trip, you must file one of two forms with your Division Chair. If the field trip will take place in Maricopa County, use the Class Location Change or Field Trip Authorization Form. If the field trip will take place outside of Maricopa County, use the Extended Field Trip Request Form instead. Additionally, there is an attachment to the Extended Field Trip Request Form as out-of-county field trips require a roster.

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Incompletes

Occasionally you will have students who, due to conditions outside their control, cannot complete your course requirements within the given semester. Medical issues are the most common reason for this. You have the option of giving these students an Incomplete on your final grade roster in SIS. At that time, an Incomplete Contract form must be completed by you and the student and submitted to Enrollment Services. This form, available in the Adjunct Office, states what the student's responsibilities are in order to complete the course. It also specifies the date by which the sudent must complete the course requirements. This date must be within seven (7) months of the end of the term in which the incomplete is incurred. You will also have to specify a lapse grade, which is the grade the student gets if he or she does not complete the course requirements within the agreed-upon timeframe. If the student does successfully complete the course requirements, you must submit a Change of Grade form to Enrollmment Services, indicating the student's final grade in the course. The Change of Grade form is available from Enrollment Services, and must be signed by your Division Chair.

Please inform students that they should not re-register for the course in order to complete the contract.

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Technology Support

The learning environment at Estrella Mountain is enriched by many different types of technology. There are computers in the Adjunct Office for your use, as well as in the Computer Commons in Estrella Hall. Many classrooms contain wireless laptops and audio visual systems, and several have been reconfigured as learning spaces. Other classrooms require that you obtain a laptop cart to provide computer access for your students. All adjuncts are expected to be proficient in computer use, for several reasons. First of all, you have access to specialized software that you can use to enhance your students' success, such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite 4, Geometer's Sketchpad, Math Type, and Vernier. Secondly, most campus news is communicated through email. Please log on to and check your Estrella email at least once a week, so that you stay in the loop. Lastly, all grading is done online through SIS. You must be able to log in to SIS and manage your class rosters.

When you first arrive at Estrella, you will need an meid (Maricopa Enterprise ID) to log on to any of the computers on campus or to access the system frrom home. Please consult the Learning Support Brochure for directions on obtaining your meid and logging on. If you have problems logging on, you can contact the support staff in the Information Commons at 623-935-8150 for assistance. Other services provided by the Information Technology department are listed on their web page.

If you have difficulty with any of the computers in your classroom, please use the Help Desk to submit a request for service. Choose "Estrella Mountain Community College" from the list of colleges. Any request that deals with computers, printers, audio visual equipment, or wireless access is an "Information Technology Request". If the request relates to the physical classroom itself (heating, air conditioning, clocks, doors, etc.) it is an "EMCC Facilities Maintenance Request". Once you select a request type, a form will open. Here is the form for Information Technology requests:

You will be notified via email when your request status changes. Most requests are handled within the same day they are submitted.

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Student Academic Assessment Process

 Ongoing assessment is the way we determine whether students are learning what they need to know, as well as what changes have to be made to instruction to foster that learning. Estrella has a committee to address the goals of the Student Academic Assessment Process. Chairs of this committee change every two years, but the mission stays the same, and invloves all divisions in the college.

One way you may become involved with the SAAC is through classroom testing. Every spring, EMCC holds an Assessment Week, usually at the end of March. If your class is selected for participation by the SAAC, you will be notified via email. You will be required to set aside one classroom period for administering either the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE), or College Basic Academic Subjects Examination ( College BASE).

You may also get involved with the assessment process through SAAC-EZ. SAAC-EZ is a web-based program designed to document assessment efforts of faculty and staff at EMCC. Ideas to improve teaching and learning are organized to promote course- and program- level assessment of the abilities that we feel a successful student should have when leaving EMCC. You can create a SAAC-EZ account online, and work with the SAAC to develop your own form to assess students' learning in your class. Every instructor is encouraged to participate in this activity.

The following graphics were recently developed by the SAAC committee and are available for use in your courses. The Cone of Experience illustrates why it is important to be an active participant in class. The Iceberg of Learning and Effort shows why students should expect to do most of their coursework outside of class.

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Division Information

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Conditions of Employment and Payroll

One of the first contacts you will likely have with the Human Resources office at Estrella is when you are first hired as an adjunct. Besides making sure that all the required paperwork is in order, you will have to complete and return a Certificate of Understanding and Conditions of Employment to them. This is also the office to contact if you have any payroll questions, or if you are working under a special assignment contract. Many questions can be answered by checking the EMCC Human Resources web page, or the District Human Resources web page.

If you would like to update your personal information, your W4, direct deposit information, see your paycheck, or register for training, you need to log in to the District Human Resources Management System (HRMS). There is information and support for HRMS online, however, here is a short tutorial. First, click on the HRMS button from the EMCC Employees page:

Here is the HRMS login screen. Enter your meid and password in the indicated fields, then press "Sign In":

Here is the main HRMS screen. Click on the "Self Service" link to see options:

Here is the screen showing all the options:

Click on any of the active links to see your information or to make changes. Remember to sign out when you're done. If you are being paid under a special assignment contract, you will need to approve it in HRMS. This requires you to access the Worklist function, which is available only from campus computers. Here is what the HRMS main screen looks like from a campus computer. Notice the additional Worklist function:

Click on Worklist to open your worklist:

Select an item in your worklist by clikcing on its link:

Adjunct Faculty Development

• Professional Growth
• Tuition Waivers
• Center for Teaching and Learning
• Employee and Organizational Learning Team
• Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction
• Full-time Teaching Opportunities
• Learning Grant Programs

Professional Growth 

As adjunct faculty, you are eligible for professional growth funds of up to $750 per approval, which can be used to attend seminars, workshops, or meetings directly related to your teaching discipline. These funds may not be used to pay professional membership dues or tuition. Please visit the Adjunct Faculty Professional Growth website for details on eligibility requirements and how to apply. Applications are handled by the EMCC Adjunct Professional Growth representative, who can also answer any additional questions you may have on the process.

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Tuition waivers

Adjunct faculty are allowed to take tuition waivers of up to six credit hours per semester. These can be used to take courses offered by any of the Maricopa Community Colleges. Courses can be taken during semesters during which you have a teaching contract with MCCD, or they can be deferred, as long as you take the course during the same fiscal year in which you were employed. Here are some additional criteria for using tuition waivers:

• Like students, employees are also required to submit appropriate citizenship documentation to the Admissions and Registration Office at the college in which they are enrolling.  Please click here for examples of acceptable documentation.
• You must complete a separate form for EACH college that you attend.
• Waiver requests will only be honored through the semester in which the class ends.

In addition, all adjunct faculty must complete EDU250 within the first two years of their hire date. This course is paid for by a tuition waiver, which must be signed by your Division Chair. The tuition waiver forms and directions are on the Business Services webpage. Please submit any questions related to tuition waivers directly to Teresa Toney at the District Office.

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Center for Teaching and Learning

Ever wonder where teachers go to learn? One of the first places to consider is the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) right on the Estrella Mountain campus. The CTL provides training and support in the areas of pedagogy and technology, just to name a few. Their friendly staff will even help you with particular learning issues you may have in your own classes. The CTL provides state of the art audio visual services for use in your classroom or on Blackboard. Visit the Center for Teaching and Learning web page for more information. Don't forget to check out the list of workshops currently available.

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Employee and Organizational Learning Team

The Employee and Organizational Learning Team (EOLT) is a District organization providing learning opportunities for all Maricopa employees. Check out the training available on the EOLT web page. You can see the currently scheduled classes by selecting the "Training and Learning" link. You can register for these classes through HRMS, and directions for doing so are provided on the EOLT page.

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Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction

The Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction (MCLI) is a District-level resource for adjunct faculty. Throughout the year, they provide learnshops, dialogue days, learning technology, professional growth, learning grants, and many other resources. Periodically, MCLI emails a list of upcoming learrnshops to all instructors. You can also see a calendar of events on the MCLI webpage.

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Full-time Teaching Opportunities

Adjunct faculty are welcome to apply for permanent teaching positions anywhere in the District as they become available. Please note that adjuncts are considered external candidates for these positions. District Human Resources updates a list of full-time teaching opportunities weekly.

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Learning Grant Programs

Estrella Mountain welcomes your efforts to advance student learning through special projects. These projects may include ideas still in their early stages, or programs that are ready to launch. Please see the learning grant programs webpage for more information on how to apply.

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Resources

• Adjunct Office
• Adjunct Faculty Association
• Personal Administration Tool
• Email Systems
• Online Employee Directory
• Bookstore
• Library
• Center for Teaching and Learning
• Counseling Services
• Disability Services
• Early Alert
• Student Services
• Learning Support
• Fitness and Wellness
• IKON Copying Services
• College Public Safety

Adjunct Office

The Adjunct Office is located in the southeast corner on the ground floor of Montezuma Hall, in MON119. It is where adjunct faculty can use computers, submit copying requests, pick up and drop off mail, obtain classroom supplies, meet with students and confer with colleagues. The first friendly face you will see upon entering is Terri Propes, the administrative secretary for the adjunct faculty office. Terri can direct you to the resources or the people you need to do your job efficiently. Visit the Adjunct Office webpage for more items of interest to adjunct faculty. You may also want to use the Adjunct Resource Sheet as a quick reference.

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Adjunct Faculty Association

The Adjunct Faculty Association (AFA) represents the interests of all adjunct faculty in common policy negotiations at the District level. Each of the ten Maricopa community colleges has a representative who attends monthly meetings. These representatives bring issues and concerns to the AFA board, and convey information back to their constituency. Currently, our college's representative is Mary Burdett, and our alternate representative is Erik McCollum. Michael Powell, the AFA board President, Jane Leaf-Miller, the board Past President, and Marianne Smith, the board Secretary, are also adjunct faculty members here at Estrella. Please click on the button on the player below to view a short video presentation on the AFA.

For more on how the AFA benefits you, visit the Adjunct Faculty Association webpage. You can also find information there about upcoming events, and you can download a membership application.

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Personal Administration Tool

The Personal Administration Tool (PAT) is how you update your contact information. You can log in to PAT by clicking the PAT button on the Employee page of the EMCC website,

or by clicking here. The login screen to PAT looks like this:

You must first choose the college where you teach from the drop down list in the Location field. Next, enter your first name and last name in the Directory Name field. Enter your password and click he Login button. If you have difficulty logging in, follow the directions on the page to log in with your MEMO id. If all else fails, contact the EMCC Help Desk for support. Once you successfully log in, your screen will look like this:

Click on the My Profile link to access your information. You will see a screen similar to the one below. You can change personal information on this screen, such as your room number, telephone number or login password. It is also recommended that you Set Challenge Questions on this page. These are used to identify you in the event that you forget your password. Click the Submit button near the center bottom when you are done. You can log out of PAT by clicking the blue Logout button at the top right.

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 Email Systems

Email is the lifeblood of communication at Estrella Mountain, so it is important to be familiar with the systems available. When you are hired, two email accounts are created for you. One is your Memo email account, with which you can stay up to date with District-wide communications. Your login name has the format first-name.last-name@emcmail.maricopa.edu. The password on the account can be changed by using the Personal Administration Tool. To log into your Memo email account, go to the EMCC home page and click on Employees. When that page comes up, click on PAT under Employee Resources:

On the following screen, click Estrella Mountain on the WebMail drop down menu:

You will get the following login screen for Memo email:

Please be aware that Memo deletes any messages in your Inbox, Trash or Sent folder that are 120 days old or older. It is a good idea to move any messages you want to keep to other permanent folders. Additional Memo training is available online.

Estrella Mountain also has a Microsoft Outlook based email system for intra-campus mail. You can get to it from the same Employee page; just click the Web Email icon:

You will get the following login screen for Outlook email. Usually your login name will be the same as your Windows login name:

Please note that these two email systems are different, and are not interconnected unless you request IT services to do so. Please log on to your Outlook email at least once a week, to avoid missing any important campus news. If you have further questions, please check the Information Technology webpage, or call the Help Desk at 623-935-8999.

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Online Employee Directory

You can find out any District employee's email, phone number or job title using the Online Employee Directory. This is available from the Employee resources page:

A Directory Search screen will open. Enter the person for whom you wish to search:

Your search results will be presented. There may be more than one entry that matches your search criteria. Select the entry you want by clicking on it:

The selected entry's information will open in a new window:

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Bookstore

Follet Bookstore has been an operating partner with Estrella Mountain College since 1994. Follett provides several services for the students attending Estrella Mountain College such as course materials, general supplies, stamps and Estrella Mountain College merchandise. As an adjunct faculty member, you are entitled to a 10% discount on merchandise you purchase at the bookstore. You must show your EMCC ID in order to get the discount. Book orders can also be placed online.

Your students will arrive on the first day of class eager to get started. Few things frustrate them as much as being unable to get the materials they need to begin learning. Please be sure to inform the bookstore of any additional materials you require for you classes well in advance of the start of the semester. If you are using a program such as My Math Lab in lieu of a textbook, please make sure the bookstore knows this, so they can have enough stock on hand and list the correct requirements for your section. Some division secretaries collect this information from all that division's adjuncts, and forward it to the bookstore. You can move the process along by asking your secretary how your division handles this.

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Library

Estrella Mountain Library is in Estrella Hall, but it is also accessible from the Internet. You can search for books, CDs, videos and journal articles using their online search tools. There are also many resources available to faculty, such as reserving material or placing special orders for your classes. You can also request a librarian to visit your class and provide your students with an overview of library services.

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Center for Teaching and Learning

Ever wonder where teachers go to learn? One of the first places to consider is the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) right on the Estrella Mountain campus. The CTL provides training and support in the areas of pedagogy and technology, just to name a few. Their friendly staff will even help you with particular learning issues you may have in your own classes. The CTL provides state of the art audio visual services, if you would like to use these media in your classroom or on Blackboard. Visit the Center for Teaching and Learning web page for more information. Don't forget to check out the list of workshops currently available.

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 Counseling Services

Counseling Services focuses on student success and retention by providing personal counseling, career assessment, academic counseling and workshops to your students. Crisis counseling is also available. Please make sure that your students are aware of these opportunities for assistance. Visit the Counseling Services web page, and include a link to it in your syllabus and in your Blackboard course. You may also want to include a list of the current semester's Counseling workshops in your course.

If you wish, you can view a short video about EMCC's counseling services. Please click the button on the player below to start the video.

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 Disability Services

EMCC is commited to providing a quality education for all of its students. In order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1974, you must make reasonable accomodations in your classes for students with disabilities. The Disability Resource Center staff is available to assist with questions or concerns.

Please remember:

1. When you receive the Disability Accommodation forms from students with disabilities you must read the forms and implement accommodations immediately in order for you and the college to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. FYI- A student can file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Civil Rights if accommodations are not in place in a timely manner.
2. The blue notetaker form provides you with a script to read to your class on your first class meeting (do not mention the student with disability's name or point out the student in front of class). You should privately introduce the notetaker to the student with disability after class.  Give the blue form to the notetaker so he/she can follow the instructions. If you cannot obtain a volunteer on the first day of class then provide your lecture notes to the student and/or allow the student to record your lecture.
3. The tan accommodated testing form explains how to provide accommodated testing.  The gold exam instruction sheet must be provided with the exam.  If you email exams please provide instructions via email (our new email is drc@estrellamountain.edu ). Do not intercampus exams.  Exams can be dropped off in the DRC faculty drop box next to KOM B-125. When exams are completed, the exam will be placed in your mailbox or delivered to your office. If you have been asked to voice record an exam our office can provide you with a voice recorder. The recorded exam needs to be sent with the written exam. Instruction is provided regarding an alternate electronic recording system on the instruction sheet. All accommodated exams will be administered in the DRC only.  Using other facilities i.e., your office, LEC or NASA Center does not ensure that the student is receiving appropriate accommodation.
4.  Please update your syllabus statement:

Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class must request accommodations from the Disability Resource Center (KOM B-125) at 623.935.8863 or 623.935.8928 VP or drc@estrellamountain.edu When you receive the authorization forms from the DRC, please provide them to the instructor right away.

The Disability Services web page describes a wealth of resources for both differently abled students as well as returning verterans. Please familiarize yourself with these resources, so you can make your students aware of them. You can also watch an excellent overview of the services provided by this office.

If any student appears to be having academic difficulty and has not registered with Disability Services, please raise an Early Alert flag as soon as you notice the problem. The student will receive the full attention of EMCC's support team, increasing the odds for his or her success in your class.

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Early Alert

The Starfish Retention Solutions provides a quick and easy way to refer your students for help early enough in the semester to make a difference. While nothing substitutes for your direct discussions with your students concerning their academic performance (e. g. after class or during office hours), you may decide that additional help in tutoring and/or counseling is also needed.  That's when you use the Starfish tool to alert other campus experts who will provide their support.

Your referrals are key to student success

 If you observe a pattern of student behavior, in the first 2-weeks of class, that you feel will endanger a student's success in your course; it is time for you to raise a flag through Starfish. Once you raise a flag it is automatically forwarded to the appropriate campus professional who will help your student in a timely manner.

How do I raise flags through flag surveys?

An email reminder is sent to you alerting you that it is time to raise flags through Starfish (3^rd week and 6^th week into the semester).  The email comes from starfishsolutions.com.   A link in the email will directly access the Blackboard login and take you to the surveys.

Click on Students navigation item and then choose the Flag Surveys tab.

1. Check the boxes to raise concerns about any student.
2. Click Submit when you are finished to raise the selected flags and complete any yellow notes

You do not need to be using Blackboard for your course in order to utilize it for Starfish referrals. All courses at EMCC have a Blackboard ID.  Starfish should be available to you in any course under Course Tools in the Control Panel. If you do not see it, in the Course Control Panel, click "Customization", next click "Tool Availability", in the right panel, scroll down to find Starfish and click "Available" check box. At the bottom of the page click "Submit".

When making counseling referrals

If you are referring students to Counseling (Excessive absences, Consistent tardiness, etc.), you will need to add your observations on the yellow note that pops up automatically when you choose those flags. 

Adding these notes (e.g. spoke to the student twice regarding absences or met with student but he remains unresponsive in class) helps counseling professionals approach students more effectively.

Is early alert really making a difference?

To learn more about how EMCC faculty are helping students through using early alert in Starfish,click here.

Specific Expectations

All EMCC faculty can submit early alert referrals through Starfish via Blackboard. Faculty can access the Starfish Early Alert process for any/all of their students from any BB course.   What happens?

• Instructors who raise flags though "flag survey" or manually; will receive notifications when flags are cleared
• Tutors/Counselors/Advisors will receive email notifications from Starfish; and all follow-up actions will be recorded in Starfish including: added notes, schedule of appointments and clearing of flags
• Students will receive automatic email notifications when "flagged" and shall be instructed to contact appropriate support service

How do I get started to raise manual flags throughout the semester?

Set up your Starfish Profile

Some contact and personal profile information is imported from Blackboard, while other parts, (i.e., biography, office hours) can be entered by the individual. A Starfish default feature provides weekly updates sent directly by email to the user concerning any Flags raised or cleared.

Setting a Starfish Profile – Step-by-Step

To set up a profile in Starfish please log in Blackboard now, click on one of your current courses, click on Course Tools and click on Starfish.

1. Click the Profile link in the Starfish
2. Enter a phone number and/or cell phone number, if you wish to share them.
3. If you wish, upload your photo to help the student put a face to your name.
4. Complete the General Overview and My Biography sections.
5. Click the Save button.

How to set up Email Notifications:

1. Go to Profile arrow and then choose Email Notifications
2. Under Appointments Notifications and Flag Notifications, set your preferences for if/when you want to be notified of appointments and flags. Please watch this one minute video if you want additional instructions setting up Your Starfish Profile

How to raise manual flags throughout the semester:

A flag can be raised anytime during the semester to communicate your observations and concern with a particular student.

1. Click on the Students navigation item to view all of your students for the current semester.
2. Locate the student you wish to raise a flag by searching for their name or paging through the student roster list.  Click on the student's name to bring up the student's folder.  Note: Anywhere you see a student's name as a link it will take you to his or her folder.
3. Clicking the Raise Flag button will produce a list of flags that can be viewed and/or raised.
4. Select the benefitting flag, enter comments, and click the Save button.
5. The appropriate individuals will be automatically notified.

Please watch this video if you want additional instructions on how to browse for students or to raise a flag: 3 min Starfish Video

Contact Rodica Heinz at 623-935-8187.

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Student Services

Student services provides academic advising, strategies to address academic and personal challenges, programs offered to encourage student success, veterans' services, placement testing, scholarship information, enrollment services, and financial aid assistance. Most of these services are covered elsewhere in the orientation. This section focuses primarily on enrollment services and advisement.

As a faculty member, it is your responsibility to insure the accuracy of your class roster. You can access your class roster from the Student Information System (SIS). Before classes start, print the roster and have it with you on the first day. Once you take attendance at the first class, you will probably notice that there are students on your roster who have not come to class. These are called "no shows", and should be dropped in SIS as soon as possible. This will allow other students waiting for a seat to register in your class. You may also notice students in your class who are not on your roster. This usually happens because the student has registered for your class that day. These students must show you a paid registration form in order to remain in class. All others should be referred to Enrollment Services in Komatke Hall. At no time should you allow anyone to remain in your class who is not a registered student, as this could create an insurance liability for the college.

There will typically be some students who add and drop your course during the first week of classes. In the Spring and Fall semesters, students may typically drop a class and get a refund only during the first week. After the first week, they have about another 6 weeks to drop the class on their own. After that, they need your signature on a Schedule Change card, which is available in Enrollment Services. Students who wish to join your class after the first week will need your signature as well. If a student is withdrawn from your course during the semester by Enrollment Services with a Drop Code of 87 or 77 (for non-payment) and is expecting to be graded, the student must pay their debt in full before he/she is reinstated to your course.

Academic advising assists students in the formation of educational plans and goals.  This is an ongoing process of clarification, evaluation, re-clarification, and re-evaluation. Among other services, this office provides:

• interpretation of course placement test scores
• assistance to students in selecting classes appropriate to their program of study
• cohort model of advisement connecting advisors to your teaching field
• unnoficial evaluation of college transcripts
• information on college and university transfer process
• verification of graduation eligbility
• Transfer Student Ombudman (TSO)
• Checksheets available on the web page

You can view administrative regulations regarding advisement here. The regulations governing assessment and course placement can be viewed here.

Besides their individual web pages listed above, you can check the Student Services web page for more information about Enrollment Services, Advisement, Placement Testing and other Student Services offerings.

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Learning Support

Estrella Mountain provides a variety of free learning support services to its students. Among these are:

• The NASA Center, where student receive tutoring in math and science, rent graphing calculators, use models and textbooks. Please ensure that you and your students are aware of tutoring session expectations.
• The Learning Enhancement Center, or LEC, where students receive tutoring in English and other subjects. The LEC is also where students go to take make-up exams.
• The Writing Center, where students get support in their writing assignments.
• Information Commons, where students can use computers as well as get help with printing, scanning and other technology issues. Learning Support has prepared a short brochure to help you assist students with campus tehnology. This brochure is on the instructor's station in each classroom.
• Math Lab, where students get help with math, especially if they are using My Math Lab in their course.

Please refer to these resources in your syllabus. Also take the time to personally remind students how much these resources can bolster their success. If you wish, you can view a short video that describes EMCC's learning support services in more detail. Please click the button on the player below to start the video.

You can also click here to view a Learning Support Services slide show.

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Fitness and Wellness

At Estrella Mountain Community College we support the health and well being of our students, faculty, and staff as well as the community we serve, by offering resources in health and wellness. The video below will introduce you and your students to the options in Fitness and Wellness Classes at EMCC. You can share this information with your students in class, or by posting it in Blackboard. More options for enhanced wellbeing can be found on the Fitness Center web page.

Please click on the button on the player below to start the Fitness Center video presentation.

The link below is to a PowerPoint about Fitness & Wellness classes for both Summer and Fall. As we continue to create a complete environment that supports learning at EMCC, please consider encouraging any students you work with to engage in fitness on campus. Regular exercise not only supports the biochemistry within the brain that enhances learning, it also makes possible the social connections that are important for the culture of learning. This slideshow describes the resources the Fitness Center offers your students. You can include a link to it in your Blackboard course to increase awareness without taking up any other valuable class time.

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IKON Copying Services

Need 100 copies for your next class? Let the IKON copying services on campus help you out. Just fill out a request form, which you can get in the Adjunct Office, and leave it with the material to be copied in the IKON basket in MON119 by 10AM. As long as you give them 24 hours notice, they will be happy to assist you. You can even submit the copy request form and material to them electronically. Please be aware that the self-service copiers on campus are for emergency use only, and for a maximum of 25 copies. You will need to key in an access code to use any of them.

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College Public Safety

General Public Safety

The primary job of this office is assuring public safety. This includes campus security, traffic control, visitor assistance, loss reporting, and employee training. College Public Safety officers have a huge responsibility for keeping everyone safe, but they can't do it alone. Each of us has to do our part as well. Here are several areas in which your effort up front can make the campus more secure for everyone.

As an adjunct faculty member, you must get your EMCC ID card and your room access key from College Public Safety as soon as you are hired. The ID must be worn so that it is visible when you are on campus. In the event of an emergency, this allows security personnel to know at a glance that you belong here. Your ID card also functions as an access key to the Adjunct Office and classrooms, most of which have electronic locks. All faculty using electronically locked classrooms are required to unlock their room at the beginning of class, and re-lock it at the end of class. At no time should you allow students to remain in a locked classroom without faculty present. Here is how you open or lock an electronic lock with your card key:

You will hear a beep, at which point you can open the door. The light on the lock will turn green to indicate that the door is unlocked. It will switch back to red when you swipe your card a second time. Before your first class, fill out a card key request form listing all the classrooms in which you teach, and get your Division Chair to sign it. Then bring it to the College Public Safety office, where they will add the appropriate access to your card key. If you are unable to obtain card key access in time for your first class, you will need to contact College Public Safety at 623-935-8915 to unlock your classroom. More information on card key usage can be found here.

Parking is limited on campus, and is available only to faculty, staff and students. The lots are regularly patrolled, not only to prevent theft and vandalism, but to insure that people are parking where they're supposed to. Most parking lots on campus have spots designated as "Faculty/Staff". You are allowed to park in these spots only if your car has a "Faculty /Staff" windshield sticker. You can get one of these at the College Public Safety office. Failure to abide by college parking regulations will result in a fine, and your vehicle may be towed.

The College Public Safety office also maintains a lost and found facility. If any of your students leaves a cell phone, calculator, wallet, etc. in your classroom, please drop it off at the this office.

College Emergency Preparedness

Awareness of your surroundings is always a good idea. Report any criminal or suspicious activity to security personnel. They will dispatch an officer to investigate the situation. College Public Safety personnel are either uniformed officers or are wearing red shirts with "Public Safety" on the back. If you are reporting an emergency on your cell phone, call 623-935-8911. You can also reach the College Public Safety office from the emergency call boxes, identified with a blue light, that are located around campus. In each classroom there is an intercom system, which you can use to contact security in the event of an emergency. Instructions for use are posted nearby. In the event of an emergency, the most up to date information will be found on the Maricopa Emergency Management System website. Estrella Mountain also has a Campus Alert system. Since you will be automatically enrolled in this system when you are hired, it is important to keep your contact information updated in My Maricopa. You'll want to make sure to include the numbers of any mobile devices you carry. This will allow you to receive priority email or text alerts on them in the event of a campus emergency. This is helpful if you are on your way to teach, and for some reason the campus has been closed. In the event of an evacuation, College Public Safety can contact you with directions. A card listing designated safe assembly points on campus is available in the College Public Safety office.

In addition, there is an informational video on Estrella Mountain's Emergency Preparedness web page. You are required to view this video once a year as it may be updated from time to time. Once you have completed viewing the video, please send an email to your Division Chair with the Subject "Emergency Preparedness Video" and the message "I have watched EMCC's Emergency Preparedness video".

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SIS

The Student Information System (SIS) is how all faculty access their class rosters, withdraw students, and post final grades. The only paper rosters you will receive are those for official 45th day enrollment reporting. You must use SIS for all other roster-related activities. Prior to logging into SIS, you must complete the FERPA tutorial.

Once you have your SIS login, here are step-by step instructions for logging into SIS:

1. Click on the SIS button on the Estrella Mountain Employees page
2. Enter your MEID;  then enter the password you use for blackboard, email, the HRMS (if you can not remember these, you can click on the "forgot my MEID, forgot my password)
3. Click on the yellow bar:    [Sign In]
4. Set up User Defaults (You are not required to do this, but you may want to go in each term and change the term to the current term)
• Go to Set up SACR -> User Defaults
• Once you are in User Defaults, identify the Academic Institution---EMC10. (see example)
• Hit the Tab-key and the following two fields will auto-populate.
• You don't have to fill in the Academic Career or Term, but it is an option.
• Save your defaults and return to the Faculty Center in Employee Self Service.
• Your options for grading should appear in the drop down menu.
5. Click on the folder on the left EMPLOYEE SELF-SERVE
6. Click on FACULTY CENTER :     You should then see your classes listed
7. Click on the icon that looks like a person writing on a blackboard. This is your final grade roster.

   

8. Go to the student you want to grade/withdraw, click the arrow under Roster Grade to pull down the menu and select the grade.

   

   If you issue a "W" or "Y" – then two boxes will pop to the left asking for the last date of attendance (a little calendar is provided) and the drop code (again a pull down menu to help with the drop code).  If you issue an "F", one drop-down box will appear asking for last date of attendance. You can also see a list of Student, Faculty and Administrative drop codes here.

   

9. If you are giving a student an incomplete, please follow the paper process and provide the incomplete contract information to the Enrollment Services Office. We will notate it on the system.
10. Click SAVE at the bottom and you are all set.
11. Remember to sign out when you're done. The "Sign Out" link is at the top right of the screen.

You can also watch an SIS tutorial or refer to an SIS quick reference guide on the My Maricopa webpage.

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Learning College

In January 2000, the League for Innovation received a major grant to fund the Learning College Project, a project designed to provide opportunities for intercollege collaboration to help community colleges fulfill their commitment to learning-centered education. The League received 94 applications in response to its invitation to all community colleges in the U.S. and Canada to apply. An international team of community college scholars and practitioners well-versed in Learning College concepts evaluated the applications, and 12 colleges were selected as Vanguard Learning Colleges. Ultimately, the 12 colleges will become incubators and catalysts for the Learning College concept for other educational institutions around the world. The project is funded for the first three years, and the League is committed to working with the 12 colleges over a five-year period to achieve the purpose of the project.

Purpose of the Project

The purpose of the Learning College Project is to assist community colleges in the United States and Canada to become more learning centered by creating a network of 12 Vanguard Colleges strongly committed to the Learning College concept, whose efforts can serve as a basis for model programs and best practices.

Project Objectives

• Organizational Culture. Each of the 12 colleges will cultivate an organizational culture where policies, programs, practices, and personnel support learning as the major priority.
• Staff Recruitment & Development. Each of the 12 colleges will create or expand (a) recruitment and hiring programs to ensure that new staff and faculty are learning centered and (b) professional development programs that prepare all staff and faculty to become more effective facilitators of learning.
• Technology. Each of the 12 colleges will use information technology primarily to improve and expand student learning.
• Learning Outcomes. Each of the 12 colleges will agree on competencies for a core program of the college's choice, on strategies to improve learning outcomes, on assessment processes to measure the acquisition of the learning outcomes, and on means for documenting achievement of outcomes.
• Underprepared Students. Each of the 12 colleges will create or expand learning=centered programs and strategies to ensure the success of underprepared students

Please click here to view Estrella Mountain's one-page strategic plan, with emphasis on Learning College objectives. All Learning College documentation to date is on the EMCC sharepoint. You can access the sharepoint directly from any campus computer. If you are off campus, you will need to use your Exchange login to see the sharepoint information. Please contact the Help Desk if you have any difficulty.

In 2008, Estrella Moutain Community College was awarded a $2.8 million Title V grant by the United States Department of Education to allow the college to continue to provide educational opportunities for all students, as well as to become a Learning College. You can access the working documents for this grant from within Blackboard, by clicking on the Title V course link. If you are interested, further reading on the League of Innovation and the Learning College project is available online. You may also apply for a Learning College grant, to fund projects that enhance student learning.

Forms

Here is a electronic library of the most commonly used forms. If you don't see the form you need, please request it in the Adjunct Office.

Adjunct Conditions of Employment

Adjunct Resource Sheet

Class Location Change or Field Trip Authorization

Copy Request

Disruption - Discipline Form

Drop Codes

Extended Field Trip Request

Grading Information

Hours of Operation

Key Card Usage

Key Request Forms

Learning Support Brochure

Learning Support Information Commons Brochure

Learning Support Tutoring Session Expectations

LEC/IT Tips for Staff

Make Up Test Request

SIS Training

Starfish Early Alert Summary

Student Services Directory

Syllabus Template

Web Directory Login Directions

Comments and Suggestions

Please take a few minutes to tell us what you think of this orientation. Responses are anonymous, unless you want to leave your name and email address. Click here for the survey.

Evaluation

You've gone through the orientation and now it's time to check your knowledge. Take the short quiz below and see how you do.

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