Olympic College's Commitment to Title IX

Olympic College seeks to maintain a learning and working environment that is safe, welcoming, and respectful of the dignity of all members of the campus community.  Accordingly, the College prohibits discrimination on the bases of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status and all other protected classifications.  If you witness or encounter any such discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other sexual misconduct, you are encouraged to report it to the Title IX Officer, Cheryl Nuñez, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion at cnunez@olympic.edu/360-475-7125 or the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, David Slown, Executive Director for Human Resource Services at dslown@olympic.edu/306-475-7300, who will assist you in connecting with all possible resources.  You may also report it online (and anonymously, if you wish) at Report It, OC! at https://publicdocs.maxient.com/incidentreport.php?OlympicCollege or seek confidential counseling from the Counseling Faculty at 360-475-7530.  For more information about your options go to http://www.olympic.edu/about-olympic-college/nondiscriminationaccessibility.

Get Microsoft Office for FREE through OC

Dear English Students,

   Please check your student email and read about getting Microsoft Office for free through OC. According to our IT Department, you can now get Microsoft Office 365 for your home or personal devices electronically for free using your Olympic College email.  Please read the document attached to the email for the instructions on how to do it.  If you have used the "work at home" program before, you would not need to get the media from IT to get the standard Office products.  Feel free to contact the IT Help Desk if you have any questions or concerns.  

How to get an "A" in this Class -- and Many Others

Pay Attention –  to what the prof says, even if you don’t “think it’ll be on the test.”  Generally, when profs say something, they expect that you will hear it, make a note about it, and remember it later on when they mention it again, or ask you about, or test you on it.  Things said in class alert you to additional (but nonetheless required) specifications about your homework, projects, formal papers or other assignments, so in that way, what’s said in class usually will “be on the test.”  Moreover, assignment directions (paper prompts, homework instructions) are do not include an introductory phrase that indicates, "If you want to do it" or "Unless you want do do something else" or "Due whenever you want to turn it in"--if you don't follow directions, you will probably not get a passing grade on your work.

Read – whatever’s handed out, assigned in class, or posted on the board or other venue.  For example, the syllabus will tell you what you can expect from the class, what materials are required, what’s expected of

you, and what sort of work you’ll need to do.  The class schedule will tell you what will be covered, when it will be covered, and when assignments, readings, etc. are due.  The assignment prompt gives you specifications from which you can construct a rubric by which the paper or project will be graded.  Your profs generally have subject-area or genre-related reasons they want things done one way and not another.  If you’re not clear about how to proceed with something, review the directions, and then ask about the parts you’re not clear on.  Remember, whether you’re in class or not, it’s your responsibility to know of any changes, and adapt to them accordingly.

Respect – yourself, your peers, and the prof.  Present yourself as an “A” student by turning in work that looks good, is complete, and has been done according to directions—on or before the deadline.  Show up on time, with the homework and/or assigned reading done, ready to work.  This will ensure that everyone gets the most out of each class session.  Once you’re here, focus on the task at hand without distracting yourself and others by fiddling with your cell phone, email, Facebook, etc.  Unless everyone is working independently on the computer, leave your earbuds out and headphones off.  Give the person speaking your full attention, whether that person is the prof, the love of your life, or the person you least admire.  

Pretend to be a responsible adult – even if you don’t want to be one.  Those who have been in “the real world” of work, the military, or other position of responsibility know what this means (and don’t need me to tell you), but even if you are in the Running Start program and still technically a minor, college-level work requires you treat your classes as you would your job. Act the way you would if you were in an office setting or similar work environment.  And please remember: pouting or engaging in other childish behavior--even if you get a grade you’re not happy with and didn’t expect--indicates to everyone around you that you are not yet ready for college.  If you're unhappy about something, wait at least 24 hours to think about it, and then come to office hours or make an appointment, and speak to your profs the way you would to employers--with dignity and respect for yourself and for them.

With its emphasis on composition and communication, what we do in this class has a direct bearing on your ability to function well in the world.   Many profs in other disciplines, such as physics, history, and humanities, now require English 101 as a prerequisite--so they can count on your ability to write and practice essential college-level skills, such as critical thinking and time management.  In college classes, unlike in high school, the student is 90% responsible for his or her own learning.  Use this as an opportunity to learn to be a better reader, writer, and critical thinker.  The skills you practice here will serve you well in other college classes, in your work, and in any other part of your life in which cogent thinking and clear communication play a factor.  

What Students are Saying about 101 & 102

 Michelle J said...

I just want to personally thank you for your teaching English 99. I took so much in from this class to better my writing skills. I hope English Comp 101 is just as fun. You can really tell that you love your job and that--as we have read and watched in class, means a lot to the students.

Vickie B said...

WOW I can't believe its already over, where has the time gone! I've really enjoyed your class, It has definitely been a learning experience for me, and I think for all of us!

Taylor Z Said...

I took your English 102 class in the spring and wrote my research paper on public relations code of ethics. During the research process I found the assignments to be helpful, but I had no idea the impact your class would have on the rest of my college career. If I had any idea how useful the information would be for my future I would have spent countless hours on my project. I have recently begun my journey towards a bachelors in business marketing at UW Tacoma and quickly found that your class has been the most useful class I have taken in my educational career. I am writing 10-15 page papers in every class and I am one of the only students in my groups that knows exactly how to properly brainstorm, format a paper, write an annotated bibliography, include in text citations etc. I have never followed up with a professor after I finished a class, but the impact you have made on me is worth accrediting. I am sure you are confident in the material you are teaching, but I would like to recognize your teaching and thank you deeply. Please stress the importance of your class to your students. I am eternally grateful! 

Pay Attention –  to what the prof says, even if you don’t “think it’ll be on the test.”  Generally, when profs say something, they expect that you will hear it, make a note about it, and remember it later on when they mention it again, or ask you about, or test you on it.  Things said in class alert you to additional (but nonetheless required) specifications about your homework, projects, formal papers or other assignments, so in that way, what’s said in class usually will “be on the test.” 

Read – whatever’s handed out, assigned in class, or posted on the board or other venue.  For example, the syllabus will tell you what you can expect from the class, what materials are

required, what’s expected of you, and what sort of work you’ll need to do.  The class schedule will tell you what will be covered, when it will be covered, and when assignments, readings, etc. are due.  The assignment prompt gives you specifications from which you can construct a rubric by which the paper or project will be graded.  Your profs generally have subject-area or genre-related reasons they want things done one way and not another.  If you’re not clear about how to proceed with something, review the directions, and then ask about the parts you’re not clear on.  Remember, whether you’re in class or not, it’s your responsibility to know of any changes, and adapt to them accordingly.

Respect – yourself, your peers, and the prof.  Present yourself as an “A” student by turning in work that looks good, is complete, and has been done according to directions—on or before the deadline.  Show up on time, with the homework and/or assigned reading done, ready to work.  This will ensure that everyone gets the most out of each class session.  Once you’re here, focus on the task at hand without distracting yourself and others by fiddling with your cell phone, email, Facebook, etc.  Unless everyone is working independently on the computer, leave your earbuds out and headphones off.  Give the person speaking your full attention, whether that person is the prof, the love of your life, or the person you least admire.  

Pretend to be a responsible adult – even if you don’t want to be one.  Those who have been in “the real world” of work, the military, or other position of responsibility know what this means (and don’t need me to tell you), but even if you are in the Running Start program and still technically a minor, college-level work requires you treat your classes as you would your job. Act the way you would if you were in an office setting or similar work environment.  And please remember: pouting or engaging in other childish behavior--even if you get a grade you’re not happy with and didn’t expect--indicates to everyone around you that you are not yet ready for college.  If you're unhappy about something, wait at least 24 hours to think about it, and then come to office hours or make an appointment, and speak to your profs the way you would to employers--with dignity and respect for yourself and for them.

With its emphasis on composition and communication, what we do in this class has a direct bearing on your ability to function well in the world.   Many profs in other disciplines, such as physics, history, and humanities, now require English 101 as a prerequisite--so they can count on your ability to write and practice essential college-level skills, such as critical thinking and time management.  In college classes, unlike in high school, the student is 90% responsible for his or her own learning.  Use this as an opportunity to learn to be a better reader, writer, and critical thinker.  The skills you practice here will serve you well in other college classes, in your work, and in any other part of your life in which cogent thinking and clear communication play a factor.