Attendance
Attendance in live class time is mandatory and students will not be successful if they do not attend. Many classes offer a small number of points for attendance. Every effort should be made to attend class; however, the program recognizes that emergencies do come up.
Engagement
Our program is successful with online classes when student come prepared to share, interact, and learn with their peers. Many courses use a flipped classroom model to provide a higher level of learning. Lectures are pre-recorded so students to watch ahead of class. Live class time focused on team-based learning, group projects, discussions, case studies and other engaging activities.
Communication
The official means of communication for the program is your UAMS email. Students are expected to check this email on a regular basis as communication regarding courses, advising, financial aid, and professional opportunities typically uses email. Additionally, students are expected to respond to emails from faculty on a timely basis.
The program also maintains an MHA Organization profile in Blackboard to communicate regularly with students. The calendar contains information about important upcoming activities, and useful and pertinent information is regularly posted in the Blackboard Organization.
Online Etiquette (Netiquette)
Netiquette is a set of rules, expectations and practices for all students on how to conduct themselves in an online academic environment. Students are expected use these in all areas of communication in classes, including, but not limited to, email, discussion forums, chatting, blogging and messages.
- RESPECT: Show respect for the instructor and other students in class. Always remember you are communicating with actual people. Be courteous and respect other opinions even if they differ from yours. Be sensitive to the fact that there will be differences in culture, linguistics, religious and political beliefs. Live by the golden rule: treat others like you would want to be treated.
- LANGUAGE: Use appropriate language. Profanity is not allowed in online discussions or email correspondence. Avoid using ALL CAPS – this is the equivalent of shouting. Write clearly and use proper sentence structure, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Even though an online environment may seem more informal than a face-to-face class, this is still an academic environment.
- THINK BEFORE YOU POST: Use humor and sarcasm carefully. Avoid “flaming” (a critical verbal attack), which can hinder open discussion. Don’t be confrontational and read your response for tone and clarity before sending. Your words and content represent you.
- BE AWARE: The Internet in general is not a secure form of communication. Don’t overshare and respect other people’s privacy. Be careful not to disclose confidential or sensitive information that you do not want to share with the outside world. Emails can be forwarded without your permission, and everything you post is recorded in the course archive.
General rules for live class:
- Camera must be on.
- Ensure your name is visible and appropriate.
- Dress as if you were coming to class.
- Mute when not speaking.
- Avoid multi-tasking/Be present.
- Familiarize yourself with the functions in Zoom.
- Remember you are on camera – keep distracting behaviors off screen.
Pro tips for Professionalism:
- Use a neutral background
- Get proper lighting
- Watch your non-verbal communication/body language
- Don’t eat food while on camera
Special events and guest speakers:
Business casual should be worn for live virtual classes, and faculty will inform you in advance if professional attire is needed for a guest speaker.