Business Communication

and Professional Development 3950 – 020 Syllabus Fall 2023

This class is delivered in person. You are expected to attend every class; participate fully in
class, in discussions, and in teams; and complete the assignments on time. The reading and
many assignments and quizzes are in the McGraw-Hill Connect product we use. Hold Ctrl and
Click here to learn how to get the best price for McGraw-Hill Connect. Note that 10 percent of
the grade is earned by completing Career Advancement Center assignments.
Please note: in a 14-week semester, this course requires 6-8 hours student engagement per
week, including class. Keep a good schedule. Always read the announcements posted in
iCollege.

CRN Section
80507 020

INSTRUCTOR: Ashia Sims

Contact: asims@gsu.edu
Your emails will be answered within 24-48 hours, except on weekends and holidays.
Office hours are held by appointment. Email me to set up an appointment. Your request
should include:
• 2 dates and times that work for you
• Reason for the meeting

Please allow for at least a 72 hour notice for meeting requests.

INTRODUCTION TO COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR

Welcome to BCOM! This lively course focuses on business communication and professional
development. It is a course that will take you on a journey to career success. You will learn
everything from making a good impression on employers and colleagues to communicating well
on the job.
Hi everyone! I’ve spent much of my career working in job roles that required me to be a good
communicator. I worked in various roles in the television/film industry for 10 years before I
transitioned to working as a Social Media Strategist. I’ve had to communicate with everyone
from excited reality show contestants to clients of the social media agency.
I have had to find the most effective way to get my point across to people in different
professional roles with different personalities and priorities on a daily basis. I look forward to
teaching you the tips and tricks that I’ve learned in my professional career.
Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 1
COURSE GOALS
Business Communication and Professional Development, BCOM 3950, equips students with the
communication skills and career advancement strategies needed to enter the professional
workplace as well as graduate or professional school. The course prepares students to advance their
careers and to enhance their professionalism. Specific objectives include:
• Understand and build credibility as a communicator for professional purposes.
• Learn and apply the theory and principles of interpersonal business communication,
including listening, communicating in teams, holding difficult conversations, and working
across cultures.
• Choose appropriate technologies for workplace communication.
• Plan business messages by analyzing audiences, developing strong ideas, and structuring
messages well.
• Compose effective business correspondence, including routine and persuasive messages.
• Develop and deliver compelling presentations with effective visual aids.
• Prepare effective career advancement materials and polish interviewing skills.

SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN

Achieving the course goals will help you gain many skills. These skills will help you:
• Project a professional image, online and in person
• Identify and promote your key attributes as you apply for jobs and network with professionals.
• Conduct effective research.
• Use evidence to support your point of view.
• Analyze an audience and tailor your message to suit the audience’s needs.
• Organize coherent, logical, and meaningful written and oral messages.
• Write in a business professional manner.
• Create visual aids that enhance your message.
• Speak with confidence and credibility.
• Collaborate effectively in small groups.

BASIC COURSE INFORMATION

BCOM 3950 is required to fulfill the Junior Communication course requirement, and students must earn
a minimum grade of C-. To be enrolled, students must meet RCB upper division course requirements
and have completed 45 semester hours.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF STUDENTS

Developing professionalism is one of the goals that the Robinson experience emphasizes. The degree of
professionalism that you develop in all your interactions in the GSU community will impact your ability
to achieve your goals both in Robinson and in your career. This is true whether you are in a for-profit
business, a nonprofit organization, government, or any other context where the organization’s goals are
tied to your goals.
BCOM 3950 requires discipline and commitment. Students must:
• Treat the instructor and other students with respect and courtesy.
• Set your notifications so that you receive immediate notice when there is an iCollege
Announcement. (instructions are on the class site)
• Follow BCOM email protocol.

Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 2

 • Complete assignments and assessments on time. No late work is accepted without instructor
approval.
• Have computer, reliable Internet access, and video/audio recording and editing capabilities.
• Understand the course requires extensive work, in and outside of the classroom. The 14-week
BCOM requires an average of 6 - 8 hours/week.

COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES
iCollege: In order to keep up with this class, access iCollege 4 – 5 times each week. Look at the
announcements from your instructor which will be posted several times a week. You will also go to
the site to access the lectures, videos, activities and assignments. Any changes to the schedule will be
posted on iCollege. It is your responsibility to check the site, and you will be held accountable for any
changes posted. Please set the notifications to alert you to instructor announcements and updates.
Your grades are posted on iCollege, and it is your responsibility to check the records and notify the
instructor of errors. Note: the Career Advancement Center grades are on the iCollege page called
BCOM Career Advancement. If you do not have access, contact the CAC (bcom3950@gsu.edu).
Email: It is the student’s responsibility to check their student email daily for any communication from
their instructor and course mates. In accordance with federal regulations, all email will be sent to the
student’s GSU account.
Assignments: Detailed instructions and tips about each assignment are provided in the Content section
of iCollege.

HOW YOU RECEIVE INSTRUCTION

A variety of learning methods contribute to the BCOM 3950 experience:
• Robinson Career Advancement Center (CAC) provides career development instruction and
additional resources online.
• Instructor provides instruction and reinforces key concepts.
• Students participate in discussions, peer reviews, and exercises in McGraw-Hill Connect,
iCollege, and online.
• Students learn through iCollege and McGraw-Hill Connect reviews, quizzes, and exercises.
• Students record and upload some of their presentations, which they and their peers critique the
recordings.
• The instructor evaluates and grades written and oral assignments.
• Students review and improve grammar, style, and mechanics through online McGraw-Hill
Connect exercises.

All assignments are due at the time and date posted. The instructor may make an exception if
the student meets two conditions: provides documentation of the emergency that prevented
the student from meeting the deadline AND notifies the instructor in writing of the emergency
or situation as soon as possible. For more information, click here.

HOW YOU EARN POINTS

BCOM instructors have designed a variety of assessments to help you practice your disciplinary
thinking and skills. More detailed instructions for course assessments can be found in the Welcome to
The Course Module in iCollege/Content.

Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 3

Due Dates: All assignments are due at the time and date posted. The instructor may make an
exception if the student meets two conditions: provides documentation of the situation that
prevented the student from meeting the deadline AND notifies the instructor in writing of the
situation in advance or as soon as possible. The instructor will determine if the situation warrants an
extension.

Incompletes: No grades of “Incomplete” will be given in BCOM 3950.

Your BCOM grades are posted on iCollege in the grade book. Your McGraw-Hill Connect and Career
Advancement Center (CAC) grades are added to the grade book near the end of the semester. You
may keep up with your McGraw-Hill Connect grades on McGraw-Hill Connect and with your CAC
grades on iCollege BCOM Career Advancement.

There are 1700 points in the course. These are the categories:
MCGRAW-HILL
CONNECT
The Connect readings and exercises will help you understand 465
business communication and do better on the assignments.
Assigned reading: 12 chapters 1-7, 10, *12, 14, and 15. (*Portions of
chapter).
Online exercises: Exercises on McGraw-Hill Connect. These
assignments reinforce understanding of key concepts
LearnSmart Achieve: McGraw-Hill Connect modules on grammar,
usage, and style
Online assessments, covering various chapters and video
instructions.
WRITTEN AND
ORAL
ASSIGNMENTS
Intro: 60-90-second video intro of self to class (75 points graded in 75
Connect). Provide peer feedback (10 points part of engagement).
Video Pitch: 60-90-second video that sells student to potential 100
employers (100 points graded in Connect). Virtual Q&A (20 points
part of engagement).
Informational Interview: Five Parts 350
You will conduct an informational interview with a manager in your
field. You will ask about the manager’s job, professional experiences,
and career insights. This person may not be a relative, friend, work
colleague, or Georgia State University employee unless you receive
instructor permission.
Part One: 75 points. You will research the company where the
manager works, completing the required form. You will conduct the
interview.
Part Two: 50 points. You will write and send (by U.S. mail or email) a
thank-you note to the interviewee.
Part Three: 100 points. You will outline the 4-minute presentation
appropriately. You will give a live 4-minute presentation to the class
about the interviewee and the interviewee’s career tips. The slides
Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 4
 must include a photo of the interviewee. The presentation will be
recorded.
Part Four: 100 points. You will write a 1.5-page memo to the students
in Business USA 1105 (Introduction to Business). This memo will
encourage the students to do their own informational interviews and
provide tips on how to get it done. The tips will cover the research
process, how to find and contact the potential interviewee, and the
benefits of doing the interview.
The memo will be posted in the iCollege Discussions module. You are
required to read the memos of two teammates and to evaluate them.
following the evaluation requirements. Select teammates who do not
already have two reviews.
Part Five: 25 points. You will review the recording and reflect on your
presentation.
Team Project: You will work effectively in a team to create a dynamic, 235
persuasive, 15-minute presentation. It will provide guidance to your
co-workers on how to work with new co-workers in a different
country. The work includes your chart, the charter, agendas &
minutes, and other required material.
Individual contribution to the team project. 100
Team Project Analysis Report. A 1.5-page summary of the team’s 100
ability to perform well in the virtual environment, with a specific
analysis of the team’s charter, the building of trust, and the handling
of difficult conversations.
CAREER
SERVICES
Robinson Career Advancement Center (CAC) online instruction and 150
assessments, a resume, and virtual career development events. Visit
the Careers link on the iCollege home page navigation bar or
https://robinson.gsu.edu/cac/bcom/
ENGAGEMENT
Points earned by: 125
• Completing the Right Path assignment (5 points) 5
• thoroughly completing the peer review of the student intros 30
(10 points) and the video pitch Q&A (20 points)
• in-class participation/attendance 90

ATTENDANCE
Unexcused absences and tardies cost points. In twice-a-week
classes, 5 points are deducted for each unexcused absence. A tardy
leads to a 2-point deduction per tardy. Leaving class early will count
as an absence. The deduction will show up as negative points in the
grade book in the attendance column.
TOTAL 1700
points

Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 5

GRADE BREAKDOWN (based on a 1700-point scale)

Letter Grade Points

Grade Percentage
A+ >97% 1649 – 1700
A 93 – 96.9% 1581 – 1648
A- 90 – 92.9% 1530 – 1580
B+ 87 – 89.9% 1479 – 1529
B 83 – 86.9% 1411 – 1478
B- 80 – 82.9% 1360 – 1410
C+ 77 – 79.9% 1309 – 1359
C 73 – 76.9% 1241 – 1308
C- 70 – 72.9% 1190 –1240
D 60 – 69.9% 1020 – 1189
F Below 60% Below 1020

IMPORTANT DATES
The key deadlines for the course are in the iCollege/Content/Syllabus-Key Dates Module.

Aug. 21 Classes begin

Aug 28 Students will be added to the CAC-PDE iCollege labeled as (BCOM Career
Advancement)
Sept. 4 Labor Day
Oct. 10 Full semester midpoint/Last day to withdraw with a possible “W.” Click here for
more information: http://enrollment.gsu.edu/
Nov. 3 All CAC assignments are due in the iCollege BCOM Career Advancement site
Nov. 17 CAC updates grades in the iCollege BCOM Career Advancement site
Dec. 1 Last day to address concerns about CAC grades
Dec. 4 Classes End
Dec. 14 Grades must be submitted by 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 15 Grades available to students after 5:00 p.m.

The complete Fall 2023 calendar is available at:

https://registrar.gsu.edu/registration/semester-calendars-exam-schedules/#fall-2023

Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 6

BCOM 3950 Fall 2022 SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS

In business, meeting deadlines is critical. BCOM students have deadlines, and they must be met in
order to receive a good grade. LOOK FOR THE KEY DATES FILE IN iCOLLEGE THAT LISTS KEY DEADLINES.
THE iCOLLEGE CALENDAR ALSO LISTS IMPORTANT CONNECT DEADLINES AND SHOWS YOU WHEN
THINGS ARE DUE. We will adhere to this schedule as closely as possible. If changes are necessary, they
will be announced on iCollege. Carefully follow the instructions on where to post assignments: BCOM
students submit assignments in iCollege, Mc-Graw-Hill Connect, and the CAC Handshake site.
The course is divided into weekly modules, as noted below. Many assignments, discussions, and quizzes
are in iCollege. To get started, go to iCollege/Content. Book content, exercises and quizzes are in
Connect.
How much time do you need to spend working on this course? You will spend 2.5 hours in class each
week; the readings, exercises, discussions, activities, and oral and written assignments will take about 4
– 6 hours per week.
I intend to grade the written and video assignments within one week of the deadline. Sometimes, it is
not possible, but if that happens, I will let you know in the iCollege Announcements when you can
expect the grade.

Fall 2023 Topic/Objectives/Benefits to Students

LOOK FOR THE KEY DATES FILE THAT LISTS MAJOR DEADLINES.
(Check iCollege/Content)
Week 1
Welcome Module & Building Your Personal Brand and Business Network
Aug. 21 - 27
Welcome Module
Introduction to the class, syllabus, iCollege and McGraw-Hill Connect

Building Your Personal Brand and Business Network

You are always projecting your personal brand. To be an effective communicator – in
business, school, and life – you need to project credibility. People judge what you say,
write and do based on your credibility. Credibility is your reputation for being
trustworthy. Can we count on you to perform your work with excellence? To care about
those you work with? To live by high ethical values? Can we count on you to deliver on
your promises?

We begin this BCOM course with an introduction to building your personal brand and
networking.

Objectives:
---To help students project credibility and professionalism to a potential employer.
---To help students strengthen and extend their professional network.
---To help students understand the value of emotional intelligence.

Main assignment: Intro: 60-second video intro of self to class, with focus on:
*Why you chose GSU, major, expected graduation date
*Desired job within one year of graduation, current work experience
*Information on where you are from and the community where you live in now
*2 or 3 of the following: unique experiences, hobbies, language skills, family life

The skills students develop will help them:

• Package oneself in a professional way online
• Write effective emails

Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 7

 • Enhance their own credibility
• Improve interpersonal skills
• Articulate one’s selling points
• Project a professional image
• Identify strengths and weaknesses in a personal pitch
• Give constructive feedback on credibility and production skills

Week 2
Build Your Personal Brand and Business Network, cont.
Aug. 28 – Sep. 3

Week 3
Informing with Clarity and Intent
Sep. 4 - 10
Employers are looking for people with strong communication skills – both written and
oral. In this module, we’ll learn about the process for creating effective business
messages. You will discover that a method that makes you a more effective
communicator. It’s three steps: Plan, Write, Review.

Objective: To give students practice informing others about a topic in an organized and
articulate manner, in writing and out loud.

Main assignments:
• Informational Interview - an excellent way to strengthen and extend your
professional network. Interview a professional in your field about their job,
company, and professional experience. This person must have at least 5 years’
experience in the field, and ideally, they would have management experience.
The person may not be a relative, friend, work colleague, or Georgia State
University employee unless you receive instructor permission. Go out and meet
somebody new! The interview may be conducted in person or via videoconference.
• 4 Minute Presentation, recorded by the student – a description of the student’s
experience conducting the Informational Interview including lessons learned,
career tips shared and any additional educational information needed.

The skills students develop will help them:

• Conduct effective research
• Analyze audiences effectively
• Tailor content to an audience
• Ask questions to elicit useful answers
• Write a professional business message
• Organize a coherent, meaningful presentation and memo
• Create effective slides
• Speak with confidence and credibility
• Evaluate the effectiveness of content, organization, readability, and visual aids

Week 4 Grammar and Writing Skills Build Your Brand and Credibility and continuation of
Sep. 11 - 17 Informing with Clarity and Intent
The work on the informational interview continues. In addition, students refresh their
grammar and writing skills.

Students will gain credibility and make a more positive impression by demonstrating
concise, grammatically correct writing skills. This section provides a review and skill-building
exercises.
This week includes a grammar and style review and a quiz.

Objectives:
To help students project credibility and professionalism through their writing
To write messages that are concise, clear, and easy to read
To refresh knowledge of grammar rules
Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 8
 To sharpen proofreading skills

The skills students develop will help them:

Communicate in writing with future employers, colleagues, customers, and others
Demonstrate concise, grammatically correct writing skills
Practice the format and writing style used in business
Write professional business messages

Week 5
Informing with Clarity and Intent, cont.
Sep. 18 - 24

Week 6
Informing with Clarity and Intent, cont.
Sep. 25 – Oct. 1

Week 7
Informing with Clarity and Intent, cont.
Oct. 2 - 8

Week 8
Building Cultural Intelligence & Teams
Oct. 9 – 15
Businesses value Cultural Intelligence or CQ. It’s a measure of your ability to work with
and adapt to members of other cultures. Companies depend on business professionals
who can communicate across cultures.

Objectives:
• Understand the diverse cultural business practices in the world
• Understand the eight major cultural dimensions
• Learn about key aspects of business etiquette related to intercultural
communication
• Learn about generational, gender, and other types of diversity that affect
workplace communication

Teams are an essential and indispensable part of business. This section focuses on
teaching students the best practices in virtual team interaction and management, and it
gives students an opportunity to practice the skills in a team project.

This week leads into the team project with a dive into intercultural diversity.

Main Assignment: Team project - A 15-minute presentation to their fellow co-workers. The
goal is to educate their co-workers about the culture of a new branch/office of their
company. The new branch/office will be largely staffed by people that are native to that
country, and the US team could benefit from tips on how to best work with their new co-
workers.

The skills students develop will help them to:

• Organize, find, and analyze information necessary for topic research
• Understand the diverse cultural business practices in the world
• Apply that understanding to a particular business experience abroad.
• Apply best practices for managing a virtual team project, handling conflict, and
stimulating collaboration.
• Synthesize information for an effective web conference call
• Seek out, analyze, critique, and synthesize information regarding a group
experience.
• Project a professional presence individually and through team dynamics.
• Create effective visual aids.

Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 9

Week 9
Building Cultural Intelligence & Teams, cont.
Oct. 16 – 22

Week 10
Building Cultural Intelligence & Teams, cont.
Oct. 23 – 29

Week 11
Building Cultural Intelligence & Teams, cont.
Oct. 30 – Nov. 5

Week 12
Building Cultural Intelligence & Teams
Nov. 6 - 12

Week 13 Deeper Dive on Building Your Personal Brand and Business Network
Nov. 13 – 19
Objectives:
---To help students project credibility and professionalism to a potential employer.
---To help students strengthen and extend their professional network.
-- To help students get an internship or job.

Main assignment: Video Pitch: 60-90 second recorded video in which you sell yourself to
potential employers, uploaded to Connect.
Objectives:
---To help students project credibility and professionalism to a potential employer.

---To help students strengthen and extend their professional network.

---To help students understand the value of emotional intelligence.

The skills students develop will help them:

• Package oneself in a professional way online
• Enhance their own credibility
• Improve interpersonal skills
• Articulate one’s selling points
• Project a professional image
• Identify strengths and weaknesses in a personal pitch
• Give constructive feedback on credibility and production skills
• Anticipate and prepare for questions that a hiring manager would ask
• Deliver thoughtful answers

Nov. 20-26 Thanksgiving Break

Week 14
Deeper Dive on Building Your Personal Brand and Business Network
Nov. 27 – Dec. 3

No final exam

Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 10

CAC Professional Development Experience

The CAC Professional Development Experience is designed to help you develop the skills and
personal career management strategies required to transition from college to the professional
workplace confidently. After the class, you will develop the materials necessary to successfully
market yourself in a self-directed internship/job search and more effectively manage your
career.

Instructor/CAC Career Counselor

• La'Kesha Hughes (Majors: Act. Sciences, Hospitality, Management, Marketing, RMI, Acct,
Bus Econ, CIS, Finance, RE, and Entrepreneurship)
• Christopher Anderson (Majors: Acct, Bus Econ, CIS, Finance, RE, and Entrepreneurship)

Contact Information

• BCOM3950@gsu.edu (contact for questions regarding grades earned in the CAC

Professional Development Experience)
• RobinsonCAC@gsu.edu (contact for questions and issues with Handshake)

Robinson Career Advancement Center (CAC)

55 Park Place NE, 12th Floor, Suite 1251 Atlanta, GA 30303

Content: The following topics will be discussed during the CAC Professional Development
Experience:

• Resume Writing
• Career Planning/Job Search Strategies
• Effective Interview Techniques
• Professional Behavior

Grading: The CAC Professional Development Experience counts for ten percent (10%) of your
final BCOM Course grade. Your grade will be comprised of the points you earn based on the
following scale.

Assignments Points
Watch Virtual CAC Professional Development Experience Videos and Quiz 25
Complete the Aspire-LinkedIn Assignment 25
Complete the Professional Video Pitch Practice Assignment 25
Attend (1) In person or Virtual Event 25
Attend (1) In person or Virtual Career Fair 50
Total 150
Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 11
Assignments/Deadlines: If you cannot complete any assignments, please email La'Kesha
Hughes ASAP at BCOM3950@gsu.edu.

COURSE HELP AND RESOURCES

ESSENTIAL SUPPORT RESOURCES

Be Well Panthers https://bewell.gsu.edu/
(Support of all kinds!)

GSU Technology Help: https://gsutech.service-now.com/sp

Academic Support: https://success.students.gsu.edu/

Counseling & Emotional Support: https://counselingcenter.gsu.edu/pc/counseling-services/

GSU Keep Learning: https://cetl.gsu.edu/resources/resources-for-learning-remotely/

How do I contact you?

Please email me at asims@gsu.edu and address me as Miss Sims or Professor Sims.
Let me know which BCOM section you are in (It is the number following BCOM 3950-XXX.) Your emails
are answered within 24-48 hours, except on weekends and holidays.

How do I access my course?

You can login to your course via iCollege. If you need more help, you can review the Welcome to iCollege
Help Guide https://icollege.gsu.edu/. If you have problems accessing your course, please contact
help@gsu.edu.

What are the required materials?

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
This course uses Business Communication – Developing Leaders for a Networked World, 4th ed., by
Peter W. Cardon. The online resource “McGraw-Hill Connect” is part of the instruction and includes
assignments that represent a large part of your grade. GSU negotiated a three-year access to the
textbook with McGraw-Hill Connect so that you can continue to review and to practice grammar and
mechanics as needed.

You may start a free trial of McGraw-Hill Connect while you decide whether to stay in the course or
while you wait for funds. The trial lasts two weeks. Any work you do will be saved and become part of
your account once you pay for the access.

Get the lowest cost for Connect by going through the class iCollege page. Please note that both
options include the electronic book and all of the Connect assignments.
McGraw-Hill Connect 3-year access AND loose-leaf book: .. ISBN 9781266388576 $105
Access card for McGraw-Hill Connect 3-year access: ........... ISBN 9781266372841 $ 80

1. Online Purchase
Go to the ICollege page and click on the McGraw-Hill Connect link.
Click the “Register Now” Button.
Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 12
Enter your email address.
Enter your access code, select “Buy Online,” or you can “Start Free Trial” if you don’t have an access
code.
Complete the registration form, click “Submit”

McGraw-Hill Technical Support:

If you need any Technical Support (such as a forgotten password, wrong code, or access problems),
please contact McGraw-Hill Education Customer Experience Group at (800) 331-5094.
(Please be sure to get your case number for future reference.)

2. Bookstore Purchase: Your bookstore has this package which includes the print book and the
McGraw-Hill Connect Code. (McGraw-Hill Connect contains many online study modules and assignments
that are required for this course.) To register you follow the same steps as listed above but you enter
your code. This option is more expensive.

FAQs:
http://www.McGraw-Hill Connectstudentsuccess.com/

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
1. Students must have the capability to video-record their presentations, with acceptable video and
audio quality.

2. Students must access McGraw-Hill Connect and iCollege using a reliable computer or laptop and
Internet McGraw-Hill Connection. Please note: Chromebooks will not work for this course.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Career Advancement portion of the course?
This essential content counts for 10% of your BCOM grade. The Robinson Career Advancement Center
(CAC) partners with the BCOM 3950 Instructors to provide the following Professional Development
Experience (PDE) to help students develop skills and personal career management strategies required to
transition from college to the professional workplace confidently. The PDE assignments are designed to
help students develop the materials necessary to successfully market themselves in a self-directed
internship/job search and more effectively manage their careers. The assignments and more
information are found at this link and on the Careers link on the home page navigation bar.

The CAC will post your career grades on the iCollege site called BCOM Career Advancement. If you do
not see the site, contact the CAC at bcom3950@gsu.edu.

How can I get a professional headshot?

The CAC has installed a Professional Headshot Booth to help you build your personal brand and support
your transition from college to career.
The Robinson Professional Headshot Station is powered by Iris Booth, the first professional photo booth.
Using the same quality equipment as the professionals, its interface will walk you through getting a
great headshot for your LinkedIn, Handshake, and iCollege profile pictures.
• Location: The Iris Booth is located at 55 Park Place (corner of Auburn Avenue and Park Place) on
the 12th floor in the Career Advancement Center. Confirm with the security guard where the Iris
Booth is located.
• Appointments: No appointments are necessary. Students/alumni will have access to the booth
whenever the doors are open, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:15 pm with no appointment needed.
• Dress: We encourage you to dress professionally for your headshot.
• Questions: Please contact bcom3950@gsu.edu.
Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 13
Are there any required meetings?
Outside of your weekly class meeting, your instructor may set up meetings with you for individual
conferencing. Your groups will have meetings on a schedule agreed to by the group. You are expected
to keep scheduled appointments and meetings or communicate when there’s a change of plans in a
timely manner.

Where do I go for help with the McGraw-Hill Connect component?

Registration Questions: The best place to start is to click on the Connect Success Academy.
LearnSmart Questions: The best place to start is to click on LearnSmart Tips.
We also have video tutorials on using Connect in Week One module.
For McGraw-Hill Connect, call (800) 331-5094 or use the chat function within Connect (click Menu and
then Help).
For general information on setting up, recording, and uploading the video presentations, refer to the
Getting Help with Technology folder in iCollege Content/ Welcome module.

Do I have to buy GoReact?

No, it comes with the McGraw-Hill Connect program that is part of our course.

Where do I go for help with the GSU technology?

GSU Technology Help: https://gsutech.service-now.com/sp
You may also contact help@gsu.edu or 404 413-HELP.

Where do I go to research topics for this course?

The best place to start is the BCOM Library Research Guide, https://research.library.gsu.edu/bcom3950
Also check the iCollege module for information on using LinkedIn to research professions and
professionals.

What if some library databases are blocked? If you are not using the campus internet, you will likely
need to download the VPN to get access to Mergent and some other databases. Go to this link for
instructions:
https://technology.gsu.edu/technology-services/it-services/security/virtual-private-network/

How do I succeed in this course?

BCOM requires discipline and commitment. To succeed, students must:
• Treat the instructor and other students with respect and courtesy
• Check iCollege Announcements several times per week
• Read the syllabus and assignment packet carefully and refer to them regularly
• Ask questions for clarification before due dates
• Follow BCOM email rules
• Complete assignments and assessments on time. No late work accepted without instructor
approval.
• Have computer, Internet access, video/audio recording and editing capabilities
• Understand the course requires extensive work outside of the online instruction. The BCOM 3-
hour class requires an average of 6 - 8 hours/week, including class.
• Carefully follow the instructions on where to post assignments: BCOM students post
assignments in iCollege, Mc-Graw-Hill Connect, and the CAC Handshake site.

COURSE POLICIES
Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 14
BCOM instructors have developed several policies that work well in this course. Please review these very
closely. You will have an opportunity to voice your opinion on these policies and other aspects of the
course when we reach evaluation points during the semester.

COVID-19
You are encouraged to wear a face covering in all class meetings. I know that face masks may make
some aspects of class more difficult. It will be harder for us all to project our voices and read each
other’s facial expressions. However, I am willing to sacrifice these elements since wearing a mask is one
thing I can control to support the health and safety of our community. Be aware that wearing a face
mask is not required by GSU, so there is no penalty if you choose to not wear a mask. Our university
community has a strong tradition of upholding the value of mutual respect. We, therefore, ask students
to not engage in behavior that would be disruptive if your fellow students make a different choice about
wearing masks. If you have concerns, please discuss them with me, and I will work to the best of my
ability to provide a comfortable environment conducive to student learning.
Should a student test COVID positive, any accommodations to the class attendance policy will be
informed by evolving guidance from the CDC on quarantine. In most cases there will be no major change
to mode of course delivery, so students will be responsible for collecting notes for missed in-person
classes and making up any work they miss during quarantine. Anyone who has a positive COVID test is
encouraged to alert the university so that appropriate contact tracing can be conducted. Here is the
link:
https://covidinfo.gsu.edu/covid-19-resources/report-a-case/

ATTENDANCE
Attendance is taken every class. Please sit in your assigned seats. You can check your attendance record
by clicking Course Tools/Attendance in iCollege.
Absences and tardies will cost points. In once-a-week classes, 10 points are deducted for each
UNEXCUSED absence. In twice-a-week classes, 5 points are deducted. A tardy in any class leads to a 2-
point deduction per tardy. Leaving class early will count as an absence.
If you have a documented reason for missing class and wish to have an excused absence, you must fill
out a form that the Dean of Students provides:
https://deanofstudents.gsu.edu/student-assistance/professor-absence-notification/
That office will verify your information and contact the instructors you want to be notified.

DUE DATES
In business, work is due when it is due. In BCOM, all of the due dates are set before you even begin
class. Your job is to plan ahead so that you can meet the deadline. You will not receive an extension on
any assignment, assessment, or other work UNLESS you meet the following conditions:
If you miss the deadline due to sudden illness, a family emergency, or an unavoidable crisis, send an
email to the instructor asking for an extension. Provide a valid reason and document the reason with
visual proof of the reason.
If you missed the deadline due to technical problems, send an email to the instructor within minutes of
the technical mishap and ask for an extension. Provide visual proof that the mishap occurred, and it was
due to technical factors beyond your control.

ASSIGNMENTS

Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 15

To post assignments in the iCollege Dropbox, go to the iCollege BCOM class site, click on the
Assessments tab, click Assignments. Pay careful attention to the name of the Dropbox so that you put
your files in the right place.

• PRESENTATION ASSIGNMENTS - REQUIREMENTS

o Post recording of oral presentations and required materials on time. Carefully follow the
instructions for turning in the assignment: the video is uploaded to a clearly labeled
McGraw-Hill Connect Dropbox; the required materials are uploaded to a designated
iCollege Dropbox.
o Dress for your oral presentations as if you were presenting to a professional business
audience. Professional attire consists of a suit; skirt or slacks with a coordinating
professional jacket and dress shirt; professional dress with a jacket. When necessary,
include a tie or bowtie. All students should wear business-appropriate shoes.
o For videos, make sure you set up the shot in a well-lit environment that looks
professional. The background should not be cluttered, and the shot should not include
personal artifacts or furnishings that distract from the professional look. There should
be no distracting noises.
o Frame the shot in a professional manner. The camera lens must be at eye level. The shot
should show you from your sternum to just above your head.

• WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS - REQUIREMENTS

All written assignments should have the appearance of professional business documents. They
should be neatly typed on an 8½" x 11" Word document, using black font and white background.
Documents should be well designed with adequate margins (3/4” to 1”) and left-justified text.
Save copies of all written assignments. Carefully follow the instructions for turning in the
assignment to the designated iCollege Dropbox.

Other Oral and Written Assignment Requirements:

• BCOM 3950 is not a grammar class, but you are given the opportunity to review grammar and
mechanics rules. For both spoken and written communication, BCOM requires a command of
the English language and word usage. If you have problems in any of these areas, you need to
address them before entering the class. You should use a grammar book, dictionary, and
online resources to edit and proof your own work.
• You will not be given extra credit assignments under any circumstances.

AI and Other Generative Tools:

• Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are designed to assist in creating and analyzing text, code,
video, audio, and other multimedia. Use of these resources in your coursework comes with
benefits and risks.
• In this course, the rules for AI usage are as follows: You are allowed to use generative AI tools to
help with assignments for this course but only with attribution. All use of AI tools (such as
ChatGPT and others) must be explicitly cited using MLA style footnotes with an explanation of
how the AI tool was used and which prompts were given.
• Any unapproved use within the course might be considered a breach of academic honesty.
While exercising responsible and ethical engagement with AI is a skill you may hone over time,
your unique human insights, critical thinking, and creative contributions remain pivotal to your
learning experiences and success.

Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 16

UNIVERSITY POLICIES

VETERANS
The Department of Veterans Affairs requires that institutions of higher learning immediately report to
them when a student discontinues attendance for any reason. Instructors must report to the Registrar´s
Office the absence of a veteran student as soon as it is known that the veteran student will not be
returning to class. Generally, the report is made after one week of absences and no later than two
weeks of nonattendance by a veteran student.

DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS

Students who wish to request accommodation for a disability may do so by registering with the Office of
Disability Services. Students are responsible for providing a copy of the signed Office of Disability
Services Accommodation Plan to instructors of all classes in which accommodations are sought. Please
let your instructor know if you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation. Students
who wish to request accommodation for a disability may do so via the Access and Accommodations
Center (AACE) at https://access.gsu.edu/.

PLAGIARISM
Any evidence of plagiarism (including partial sentences or slightly reworked sentences without
quotation marks and a citation) will result in a grade of F (0 to 59) on the plagiarized assignment. A
second offense will result in an F in the course. It is expected that all students will be fully informed
about the rules of ethical writing and the definition of plagiarism. Assignments that include information
that clearly should have been cited and was not and/or sources that cannot be found using citations will
earn an automatic “F.” PowerPoint presentations should also include sources for information. Plagiarism
is presenting another person’s work as one's own. Plagiarism includes any paraphrasing or summarizing
or tweaking of the words of another person without acknowledgment in the text, as well as in the
Works Cited or References section. Plagiarism frequently involves a failure to use quotation marks
around paragraphs, sentences, or even a few words written or spoken by someone else.
For a review of what constitutes plagiarism, visit:
(from the GSU Library) http://research.library.gsu.edu/c.php?g=666018&p=4683714
(from Indiana University Bloomington) https://www.indiana.edu/~istd/
The student is responsible for understanding the legitimate use of sources, the appropriate ways of
acknowledging academic, scholarly or creative indebtedness, and the consequences of violating this
responsibility. For the entire university position on academic honesty, visit
https://deanofstudents.gsu.edu/faculty-staff-resources/academic-honesty/

PRIVACY
This course website will make every effort to maintain the privacy and accuracy of your personal
information. Specifically, unless otherwise noted, it will not actively share personal information gathered
from the site with anyone except university employees whose responsibilities require access to said
records. However, some information collected from the site may be subject to the Georgia Open
Records Act. This means that while we do not actively share information, in some cases we may be
compelled by law to release information gathered from the site. Also, the site will be managed in
compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which prohibits the release of
education records without student permission. For more details on FERPA, go here.

Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 17

DISRUPTIVE STUDENT CONDUCT
Disruptive student conduct will not be tolerated. For online classes, disruptive behavior includes
offensive language, disrespectful actions, and any threatening, intimidating, or other inappropriate
behavior toward the course instructor or course-mates. For a full statement, see
https://deanofstudents.gsu.edu/faculty-staff-resources/disruptive-student-conduct/

BASIC STUDENT NEEDS

Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their
performance in the course should contact the Dean of Students for support. Furthermore, please notify
the professor if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable us to provide resources that we may
possess. The Embark program at GSU provides resources for students facing homelessness.

YOUR END-OF-SEMESTER REVIEW

Your constructive assessment of this course plays an indispensable role in shaping education at Georgia
State. Upon completing the course, please take some time to fill out the online course evaluation.

STUDENT VOICES – you are welcome to use stories from students in your previous BCOM classes.
Advice and stories from former students.
This semester I was accepted to be a student leader for the Digital Learners to Leaders cohort here at
GSU. I required my team to sign a team charter, and we are also using a minutes sheet to keep track of
our meetings. For the interview process, I had 5 minutes to present and pitch an idea to the program
directors.

The whole time I was preparing my PowerPoint presentation, I could not stop thinking of how valuable
your class truly is. Words are powerless when it comes to how much gratitude I have for having you as
my professor for BCOM3950.

I also had the chance to attend a workshop where I was able to practice my elevator pitch with top
executives with over 20 years of experience. I felt so much confidence when speaking to them— I
attribute that to your class.

My advice is to take all of the reviews seriously because my classmates/teachers gave great guidance
on my videos and helped me become a better speaker.
I had gotten out of the practice of doing in-person presentations. After I did a couple of the in-class
presentations, I felt much more comfortable speaking to a group outside of class. I appreciated the
practice and feedback.

Fall 2023, BCOM 3950 In-person Class Syllabus, p. 18