Animal Behavior PSYC 3383 Fall 2024 PDF

COURSE SYLLABUS PSYC 3383 Animal Behavior Fall 2024 Subject to any new Texas legislative mandate changes. COURSE INFORMATION _______________...

COURSE SYLLABUS PSYC 3383 Animal Behavior Fall 2024 Subject to any new Texas legislative mandate changes. COURSE INFORMATION _____________________________________________________________________________ Meeting times: TR 12:30 – 1:45 PM Meeting location: EHABE 1.114 Course Modality: Hybrid/Reduced Seating Courses (REDUC) Campus Maps INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION _____________________________________________________________________________ Instructor: Claudia Martinez, M.A. E-mail: [email protected] Office Location: ELABN 313 Office Hours: M 2:05 – 3:00 PM (in person) & R 2:05 – 2:30 PM (virtual) or by appointment* *Feel free to send me an email if we need to talk so we can agree on a convenient time for a meeting. Please do not allow your embarrassment or fear to keep you from contacting me. I am here to help! We can also set up virtual meetings via Zoom. J EMAILS _____________________________________________________________________________ Please include the course and section number in the subject of the email so that I may respond to it more efficiently. Generally, I will respond to emails within 36 hours of receiving them. If I plan to be away from my computer for more than a couple of days, I will let you know in advance. Any technical questions can be referred to Blackboard Support. University policy requires all email communication between the University and students to be conducted through the student’s official University supplied email account. For that reason, please be sure to use your UTRGV assigned email account for any correspondence with me. WELCOME STATEMENT _____________________________________________________________________________ Hello and welcome to Animal Behavior! My name is Mrs. Martinez, and I will be your instructor for this course. This is one of my favorite courses to teach, as many interesting topics and skills will be learned throughout the semester. I hope that you will enjoy learning more about Animal Behavior and are able to apply much of what you learn throughout this course to your own lives. Because when we understand animal behavior, we can have a greater understanding of human behavior. After all, we are all animals! Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus COURSE DESCRIPTION _____________________________________________________________________________ The main goal of this course is to provide an overview of animal behavior, with an emphasis on evolutionary and mechanistic approaches to studying animal behavior. The learner will also be introduced to comparative and integrative perspectives that influence animal behavior research. A knowledge of biology is helpful but not necessary. Prerequisite: PSYC 2301 REQUIRED READINGS, TECHNOLOGY NEEDS, AND RESOURCE MATERIALS _____________________________________________________________________________ Required Textbook Title: Exploring Animal Behavior (Cost to Buy from Bookstore: Buy Digital: $69; Cost to Buy from Publisher: Buy Digital: $55) Author(s): Claudia Martinez Edition: 1st Edition Copyright Year: 2024 Publisher: Great River Learning International Standard Book Number (ISBN): 9781684783502 Computer Hardware To participate in this course, you should have easy access to a computer less than 5-years old with high-speed internet connection via cable modem, LAN or DSL. To ensure you are using a supported browser and have required plug-ins please refer to Supported Browsers, Plugins & Operating Systems for Blackboard Learn from Blackboard’s resource page. Student Technical Skills You are expected to be proficient with installing and using basic computer applications and have the ability to send and receive email attachments. Software Mozilla’s Firefox or Google Chrome (latest version; Macintosh or Windows) Adobe’s Flash Player & Reader plug-in (latest version) Apple’s QuickTime plug-in (latest version) Virus protection Software Microsoft Office (or other text editing software) Assessment Guidelines It is highly recommended that you use a hard-wired Ethernet connection when taking online quizzes. Wi-fi connections can fluctuate no matter how “good” a connection is initially made, and this will get you kicked out of an exam due to a wi-fi connection. It is also mandatory to familiarize yourself with the assessment guidelines outlined below! 2 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus 🌟 Assessment Guidelines: 🌟 1. No Photographs: Do not take photographs/record any quiz. 2. Phone Usage: Do not use your phone during the quiz. 3. Other Screen: Do not look at other screens during the quiz. 4. No Communication: Do not talk to anyone while taking the quiz. 5. No Notes Usage: Do not use notes/books/internet to assist you during quizzes. 6. No Sharing: Do not share what was on quizzes with anyone. LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR THE COURSE _____________________________________________________________________________ Student Learning Program Standards Major Course Outcomes Student Learning Outcomes Requirement/Major Assignment/Exam 1 - Explain and understand Knowledge of major Approved Quizzes, Literature major concepts in the concepts: passing Review: Mini scientific study of animal Students will demonstrate standard on Presentation & behavior, including familiarity with the major Institutional Research Proposal Oral general theories that concepts, theoretical Rubric Presentation guide and inform the perspectives, and historical fields of biology, trends in psychology. comparative psychology, and ethology. 2 - Apply the general Research Methods: Approved Naturalistic sequence of planning, Students will understand passing Observation, designing & conducting an and apply basic research standard on Systematic animal behavior research methods in psychology, Institutional Observation, investigation. including research design, Rubric Brainstorming data analysis, and Worksheet, Research interpretation. Proposal Outline, & Research Proposal Oral presentation 3 - Develop skills to draw Critical thinking: Approved Ethogram, Literature theoretical conclusion Students will respect and passing Review: Mini from empirical data. use critical and creative standard on Presentation, Research thinking, skeptical inquiry Institutional Proposal, & Quizzes and when possible, use the Rubric scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes. 4 - Participate in creative Critical thinking: Approved Naturalistic activities that involve Students will respect and passing Observation, synthesizing new concepts use critical and creative standard on Ethogram, Systematic or ideas that are relevant thinking, skeptical inquiry Observation & 3 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus Student Learning Program Standards Major Course Outcomes Student Learning Outcomes Requirement/Major Assignment/Exam to the field of animal and when possible, use the Institutional Brainstorming behavior research and scientific approach to solve Rubric Worksheet meaningful for the problems related to learner. behavior and mental processes. ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING _____________________________________________________________________________ Graded Course Activities Assessment Type Points Quizzes (9) 130 Assignments (7) 240 Participation 105 Total 475 Letter grades will be assigned as follows: Total Points Percentage Scores Letter Grade ≥ 428 90-100% A 380 - 427 80-89% B 333 - 379 70-79% C 285 - 332 60-69% D ≤ 284 59% or less F Quizzes Each chapter quiz consists of two parts. The first part occurs in the first 10 minutes of class at the beginning of each week when we cover a new chapter. The second part is completed online using the textbook. In-person quizzes consist of 10 questions worth 10 points. Online quizzes contain 5 questions worth 5 points. The scores from both parts are combined to determine your total chapter quiz score. It is essential to read the chapter before each class. Quiz due dates are outlined in the syllabus. There will be a total of 9 quizzes (including the syllabus quiz) throughout the course. Each combined chapter quiz (in-class and online) is worth 15 points and may include true/false, multiple-choice, or short-answer questions. Students have 10 minutes to complete each quiz. If you use a Life Happens pass for any in-class quiz, you must retake the quiz at the Department of Psychological Science during their office hours (8:00 AM - 11:30 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM). You will need your Student ID to take the make-up quiz, and the same rules apply (e.g., 10 minutes to complete it without using notes). 4 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus Assignments 1. Naturalistic Observation (30 pts) For this assignment, you will observe the behavior of your assigned animal via Webcam and take detailed field notes. You do not have to focus on one animal at a time. You can tell me what the whole group is doing. You are required to observe your animals on two different days, with a minimum observation time of 30 minutes per session. Thus, you will complete two data sheets, each worth 15 points. In your notes, please provide descriptions of your assigned animals' behaviors, such as their eating habits or their destinations while walking. For example, if they are eating, include specifics about what they are eating. It is important to timestamp when a new behavior occurs. You have the option to either handwrite your notes or type them out in a Word document. An example will be provided on BlackBoard for reference. 2. Ethogram (20 pts) *Group Assignment* For this assignment, you will work with your group to create an ethogram, which is a list of species-typical behaviors of your assigned animal. Each behavior should be described in detail so that the reader can picture the behavior in his/her mind. To create your ethogram, you may need to find and read articles, refer to your field notes from naturalistic or systematic observations, and utilize online resources. Each group member must add a minimum of 4 behaviors to the ethogram, ensuring that every member has different behaviors. Please make sure that every group member COLOR CODES what section they worked on. To enhance organization, categorize your behaviors into functional categories. This means grouping behaviors that serve a common function. For example, behaviors related to holding food, biting, chewing, and looking for food can be grouped under the category of foraging. Other functional categories could include resting behaviors, play behaviors, predator avoidance, aggressive, reproductive behaviors, and social behaviors. Keep in mind that each of these categories encompasses a wide range of behaviors. You may refer to resources such as the domestic dog ethogram on BlackBoard if needed. 3. Systematic Observation (40 points) This assignment involves collecting data on your assigned animal using the provided data sheets. You will complete two data sheets, each worth 15 points. One data sheet will use scan sampling, while the other will utilize behavior sampling. After collecting the data, you will use your results to complete a written assignment reflecting on your assigned animal, which is worth 10 points. An example will be provided on BlackBoard for reference. 5 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus 4. Brainstorming Worksheet (25 points) *Group Assignment* This assignment is designed to facilitate the process of developing a research proposal within your assigned groups. This assignment involves answering a series of questions to guide and stimulate your thinking about your research topic. Working collaboratively, you will engage in group discussions and share ideas to design a comprehensive research proposal. The questions provided in the worksheet are specifically crafted to help you explore various aspects of your research, such as the research question, hypothesis, methodology, data collection, and potential limitations. By completing this worksheet, you will lay the foundation for your research proposal, ensuring that you have a clear direction and well- defined objectives for your study. 5. Literature Review: Mini Presentation (40 points) As soon as your group has been assigned a topic, each group member will begin a literature review on that topic. Each group member needs to locate two, peer-reviewed journal articles relevant to your group’s topic. Keep in mind that “relevant” need not mean that the articles are about the precise topic that you have chosen or are specifically about your assigned animal. If you can tie it back to your topic then you can use it. Each group member will do the following: Create a single PowerPoint slide describing how both of your articles contribute to your research proposal topic, i.e., do not simply rewrite the abstract. Make sure to tie the literature to your group’s research question. Use only professional-level journals for your project. It's important to note that each group member must select different articles. Duplicate selections among group members are not allowed. Each group member will then briefly present their slides during class. Your presentation should be concise, lasting no more than 2-3 minutes. Make sure to rehearse to ensure seamless and thorough coverage of essential points within the given timeframe. This assignment aims to improve your communication skills and provide a deeper insight into how specific literature relates to your group's research question. 6. Research Proposal Outline (25 pts) *Group Assignment* This assignment is designed to assist you in structuring and organizing your group’s research proposal presentation. You will be provided with an outline template that serves as a framework for your proposal. Your task is to fill out this template, ensuring that you include the key components of a research proposal, such as the introduction, research questions or hypotheses, methodology, expected outcomes, and references. 6 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus When completing the assignment, please type your answers in bullet points, ensuring that they are concise and not overly wordy. The outline template will help you outline your ideas, clarify your research objectives, and ensure logical flow within your proposal. By completing this assignment, you will have a solid foundation to guide you in writing your final research proposal paper, ensuring that your ideas are well-structured and effectively communicated. Make sure to color-code who did what on the assignment. 7. Research Proposal PowerPoint/Presentation (60 pts) *Group Assignment* For your research proposal presentation, you and your group members will deliver a brief, 8 to 10-minute presentation to your peers. Here's the recommended flow for your PowerPoint presentation: start with an introduction, addressing the research question and describing the study's purpose. Present relevant background literature, with each group member showcasing a peer-reviewed journal from their literature review assignment. Summarize existing literature and make your case for the research, whether it involves answering a new question, obtaining a new answer to an old question, or studying a new population. In the methods section, cover the field site, subjects, materials, procedure, and data analysis. Provide a summary, restating the importance of the research question and describing the uniqueness of the proposed methods. Address potential limitations and defend their use, followed by a discussion of the implications of the findings. Include a final slide with references, properly citing sources. Be creative by incorporating visuals such as photos, audio, and short clips. Maintain a professional tone throughout and follow APA guidelines. Remember, one individual from the group should submit the assignment. Participation Class participation points are earned by attending sessions and completing activities, whether in person or via Zoom. Additionally, points are awarded for engaging with each chapter of the online book through Polls, Thought Generation questions, and Knowledge Checks. There are NO MAKE-UP opportunities for these points, so please attend class responsibly and engage with the book. However, I do allow students to miss up to four class days without any negative impact on their participation points. However, for each additional day missed beyond the four-day limit, points will be deducted. 7 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus LATE WORK POLICY _____________________________________________________________________________ Be sure to pay close attention to deadlines. However, I definitely recognize that sometimes life happens; therefore, I have built some flexibility into the course to allow for illness, other obligations, and terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days, no questions asked and no documentation necessary. I will provide four 'Life Happens' passes that can be used for Chapter Quizzes and Assignments 1-4 & 6. If you need an extension, you have one day after the assignment or quiz is due to email me and I will grant you a two-day extension. Please note that if you miss this timeline, the pass cannot be used for that missed assignment or quiz. Each pass is valid for one assignment or quiz only. It's crucial to understand that the literature review: mini-presentation and the final oral presentation assignment DO NOT offer a makeup option; therefore, the passes cannot be applied to these assignments. Once you have utilized all passes, I will not accept late work from you. So, please use these passes responsibly. When requesting a pass, please specify the assignment/quiz you need it for in the email. EXTRA CREDIT _____________________________________________________________________________ Extra credit opportunities may be offered in the course. Further details will be provided throughout the course as these opportunities become available. A maximum of 15 points can be earned regardless of the number of opportunities pursued. Any extra credit received will be added to your final total points for the course. Lastly, kindly refrain from requesting additional extra credit once the last opportunity has been provided. TENTATIVE CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES* _____________________________________________________________________________ *Important Note: The instructor reserves the right to create, enforce, or alter rules, change test dates, test formats, and any course outline material should the need present itself. Any necessary changes to the schedule of activities will be announced in Blackboard. Week Dates Lecture/Topic Assignments/Quizzes 1 08/26-09/01 Syllabus Review/Introduction Syllabus Quiz Due (08/27) *Meet in Person (08/27)* *Meet via Zoom (08/29)* 09/02 Labor Day (No Class) 2 09/03-09/08 Chapter 1: An Overview of Chapter 1 Quiz Animal Behavior Science - In-class part Due (09/03) *Meet in Person (09/03)* - Online part Due (09/08) *Meet via Zoom (09/05)* 8 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus 3 09/09-09/15 In-Class Workshop Week: Naturalistic Observation What is Behavior? Due *Meet in Person (09/10)* *Meet via Zoom (09/12)* 4 09/16-09/22 Chapter 2: Investigating Chapter 2 Quiz Animal Behavior: Techniques - In-class part Due (09/17) and Approaches - Online part Due (09/22) *Meet in Person (09/17)* *Meet via Zoom (09/19)* Ethogram Due 5 09/23-09/29 In-Class Workshop Week: Systematic Observation Due Behavior Observations Techniques *Meet in Person (09/24)* *Meet via Zoom (09/26)* 6 09/30-10/06 Chapter 3: The Evolutionary Chapter 3 Quiz Basis of Animal Behavior and - In-class part Due (10/01) Genes - Online part Due (10/06) *Meet in Person (10/01)* *Meet via Zoom (10/03)* 7 10/07-10/13 In-Class Workshop Week: Brainstorming Worksheet Due Animal Behavior Research *Meet in Person (10/08)* *Meet via Zoom (10/10)* 8 10/14-10/20 Chapter 4: Sensory Chapter 4 Quiz Perception and Behavior - In-class part Due (10/15) *Meet in Person (10/15)* - Online part Due (10/20) *Meet via Zoom (10/17)* 9 10/21-10/27 In-Class Workshop Week: How to use Library Databases/Creating Mini PPT *Meet in Person (10/22)* *Meet via Zoom (10/24)* 10 10/28-11/03 Chapter 5: Communication Chapter 5 Quiz *Meet in Person (10/29)* - In-class part Due (10/29) *Meet via Zoom (10/31)* - Online part Due (11/03) 11 11/04-11/10 Chapter 6: Learning and Chapter 6 Quiz Cognition - In-class part Due (11/05) *Meet in Person (11/05)* - Online part Due (11/10) *Meet in Person (11/07)* Literature Review: Mini Presentations PPT (11/7) 9 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus 12 11/11-11/17 In-Class Workshop Week: Research Proposal Outline Due Research Proposal *Meet in Person (11/12)* *Meet via Zoom (11/14)* 13 11/18-11/24 Chapter 7: Antipredator Chapter 7 Quiz Behavior - In-class part Due (11/19) *Meet in Person (11/19)* - Online part Due (11/24) *Meet via Zoom (11/21)* 14 11/25-12/01 Chapter 8: Habitat Selection, Chapter 8 Quiz Territoriality, and Movement - In-class part Due (11/26) *Meet in Person (11/26)* - Online part Due (12/01) Oral Presentation PPT Due 11/28-11/30 Thanksgiving (No Class) 15 12/02-12/08 Oral Presentations Begin *Meet in Person (12/3)* 12/05 Study Day (No Class) 16 12/09-12/12 Oral Presentations cont. *Meet in person (12/12)* 10:15 PM-12:00 PM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS _____________________________________________________________________________ 1. Question: If I find my grade very low at the end of the semester when all the quizzes are over, is there still any possibility of doing something to increase my grade? o Answer: No. Everyone is treated the same. All the work you can do is listed on the syllabus. So, please do not ask the question “Is there anything else I can do to make it up?” Because it is not fair to let an individual do some after-the-final extra work to increase his or her grades without letting everyone else do the same. 2. Question: What if my computer freezes in the middle of a quiz and causes my quiz to be interrupted, what can I do? o Answer: Just log back into the quiz as quickly as possible to continue from where you are cut off from. If you cannot solve computer technical problems, call the COLTT office at 665-5327. 10 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus ADDITIONAL EMAIL REMINDER _____________________________________________________________________________ No response will be provided to the following requests: 1. seek a way to bring up one’s grades by doing extra work (aside from the already provided extra credit). 2. attempt to upgrade one’s grade because of various reasons such as for financial aid purposes or being about to walk in the graduation ceremony. 3. Open past assignments/quizzes/extra credit once turned in and/or graded. All the information for making better grades will be provided in the course syllabus and the ongoing course announcements on Blackboard. COURSE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES _____________________________________________________________________________ We value a positive and supportive learning environment, and for us to thrive together, we must recognize that our responsibilities, actions, and contributions can impact and transform our learning. The course policies listed below are created to ensure your success by fulfilling course expectations while remaining flexible to account for unexpected events. Learning and Teaching Environment Your role starts by preparing for the lecture. As part of this course will include evaluating videos and applying concepts from the lectures and readings, prior preparation is essential. Please be respectful of everyone’s time by being punctual and prepared for class. It is also the student’s responsibility to log in to the course daily and check the announcements. This will inform you of any course updates, progress in discussions, assignment information, and messages requiring immediate attention. Be aware of and keep up with the Course Schedule in the Syllabus. Communication Skills All students must have adequate writing skills to communicate content in a professional and concise manner. Students must be proficient in their written presentations including strategies for developing ideas, citing scholarly references, writing style, wording, phrasing, and using language conventions. Students must follow APA guidelines, use non-racist and non-sexist language, and include sufficient references to support their thesis and ideas in the paper. Lecture Recordings The use of classroom recordings is governed by the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), UTRGV’s acceptable-use policy, and UTRGV HOP Policy STU 02-100 Student Conduct and Discipline. A recording of class sessions will be kept and stored by UTRGV, in accordance with FERPA and UTRGV policies. Your instructor will not share the recordings of your class activities outside of course participants, which include your 11 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus fellow students, teaching assistants, or graduate assistants, and any guest faculty or community-based learning partners with whom we may engage during a class session. You may not share recordings outside of this course. As referenced in UTRGV HOP Policy STU 02-100 Student Conduct and Discipline, doing so may result in disciplinary action. Attendance: Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. UTRGV’s attendance policy excuses students from attending class if they are participating in officially sponsored university activities, such as athletics, accommodation by Student Accessibility Services (SAS), observance of religious holy days, or military service. Students should contact the instructor in advance of the excused absence and arrange to make up missed work. Course Drops: According to UTRGV policy, students may drop any class without penalty earning a grade of DR (drop) until the official drop date. Following that date, students must be assigned a letter grade and can no longer drop the class. Students considering dropping the class should be aware of the “3-peat rule” and the “6-drop” rule so they can recognize how dropped classes may affect their academic success. The 6-drop rule refers to Texas law that dictates undergraduate students may not drop more than six courses during their undergraduate career. Courses dropped at other Texas public higher education institutions will count toward the six-course drop limit. The 3-peat rule refers to additional fees charged to students who take the same class for the third time. Academic Integrity: Members of the UTRGV community uphold the Vaquero Honor Code’s shared values of honesty, integrity and mutual respect in our interactions and relationships. In this regard, academic integrity is fundamental in our actions, as any act of dishonesty conflicts as much with academic achievement as with the values of honesty and integrity. The Writing Center is an excellent resource to assist in learning about and avoiding plagiarism in writing. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to: cheating, plagiarism (including self- plagiarism), and collusion; submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person; taking an examination for another person; any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student; or the attempt to commit such acts (Board of Regents Rules and Regulations, STU 02-100, and UTRGV Academic Integrity Guidelines). All violations of Academic Integrity will be reported to Student Rights and Responsibilities through Vaqueros Report It. STUDENT SUPPORT RESOURCES _____________________________________________________________________________ We are committed to your personal, academic, and professional success; please know you can reach out to me for questions and/or I can help you identify the resources you need. UTRGV offers student support resources designed to contribute to your well-being and academic excellence. 12 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus Students seeking academic help in their studies can use university resources in addition to an instructor’s office hours. University Resources include the Advising Center, Career Center, Counseling Center, Learning Center, and Writing Center. These centers provide services such as tutoring, writing help, counseling services, critical thinking, study skills, degree planning, and connections student employment (through Handshake and HR Student Employment). In addition, services, such as the Food Pantry are also provided. Locations are listed below. Center Name E-mail Brownsville Edinburg Campus Campus Advising Center [email protected] BMAIN 1.400 EITTB 1.000 (956) 665-7120 (956) 665-7120 Career Center [email protected] BINAB 1.105 ESTAC 2.101 (956) 882-5627 (956) 665-2243 Counseling Center [email protected] BSTUN 2.10 EUCTR 109 Mental Health Counseling (956) 882-3897 (956) 665-2574 and Related Services List Food Pantry [email protected] BCAVL 101 & 102 EUCTR 114 (956) 882-7126 (956) 665-3663 Learning Center [email protected] BMSLC 2.118 ELCTR 100 (956) 882-8208 (956) 665-2585 University Library [email protected] BLIBR ELIBR www.utrgv.edu/library (956) 882-8221 (956) 665-2005 Writing Center [email protected] BLIBR 3.206 ESTAC 3.119 (956) 882-7065 (956) 665-2538 Financial Need: Students who demonstrate financial need have a variety of options when it comes to paying for college costs, such as scholarships, grants, loans and work-study. Students should visit the Student Services Center (U Central) for additional information. U Central is located in BMAIN 1.100 (Brownsville) or ESSBL 1.145 (Edinburg) or can be reached by email ([email protected]) or telephone: (956) 882-4026. In addition to financial aid, U Central can assist students with registration and admissions. BlackBoard Support: If you need assistance with course technology at any time, please contact the Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology (COLTT). 13 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus Campus: Brownsville Edinburg Location Casa Bella (BCASA) 613 Marialice Shary Shivers (EMASS) 3.142 Phone (956)-882-6792 (956)-665-5327 Toll Free 1-(866)-654-4555 Support Submit a Support Case via our Ask COLTT Portal Tickets Online Chat with a Support Specialist online. Support Need Blackboard assistance after hours? You can call our main office 24/7 numbers, (956)-882-6792 or (956)-665-5327, to speak with a support Support representative. UNIVERSITY POLICY STATEMENTS _____________________________________________________________________________ We care about creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. The University policy statements below are intended to create transparency for your rights and responsibilities as students. We each contribute to ensuring a safe and positive environment through our actions and conduct, and students are encouraged to advocate for their needs. Student Accessibility Services: Student Accessibility Services staff can be contacted at either campus to learn about and explore accessibility services. Campus: Brownsville Edinburg Music and Learning Center (BMSLC, University Center (EUCTR, Location: 1.107) 108) Phone: phone (956) 882-7374 phone (956) 665-7005 e-mail [email protected] Students with Disabilities: Students with a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability which affects academic performance) who would like to receive reasonable academic 14 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus accommodations should contact Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for additional information. In order for accommodation requests to be considered for approval, the student must apply using the mySAS portal and is responsible for providing sufficient documentation of the disability to SAS. Students are required to participate in an interactive discussion, or an intake appointment, with SAS staff. Accommodations may be requested at any time but are not retroactive, meaning they are valid once approved by SAS. Please contact SAS early in the semester/module for guidance. Students who experience a broken bone, severe injury, or undergo surgery may also be eligible for temporary accommodations. Pregnancy-Related, and Parenting Accommodations: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination, which includes discrimination based on pregnancy, marital status, or parental status. Students seeking accommodations related to pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, or parenting should submit the request using the form found at Pregnancy and Parenting | UTRGV. Sexual Misconduct and Mandatory Reporting: In accordance with UT System regulations, your instructor is a “Responsible Employee” for reporting purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report to the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity ([email protected]) any instance, occurring during a student’s time in college, of sexual misconduct, which includes sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual harassment, about which she/he becomes aware during this course through writing, discussion, or personal disclosure. More information can be found through the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, including confidential resources available on campus. The faculty and staff of UTRGV actively strive to provide a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect that is free from sexual misconduct, discrimination, and all forms of violence. If students, faculty, or staff would like confidential assistance, or have questions, they can contact OVAVP (Office for Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention) at (956) 665-8287, (956) 882-8282, or [email protected]. Dean of Students: The Dean of Students office assists students when they experience a challenge with an administrative process, unexpected situation, such as an illness, accident, or family situation, and aids in resolving complaints. Additionally, the office facilitates student academic related requests for religious accommodations, support students formerly in foster care, helps to advocate on behalf of students and inform them about their rights and responsibilities, and serves as a resource and support for faculty and campus departments. Vaqueros Report It allows students, staff, and faculty a way to report concern about the well- being of a student, seek assistance in resolving a complaint, or report allegations of behaviors contrary to community standards or campus policies. The Dean of Students can be reached by 15 Animal Behavior (PSYC 3383) Fall 2024 Semester Syllabus email ([email protected]), phone (956-665-2260), or by visiting one of the following office locations: Cavalry (BCAVL) 204 or University Center (EUCTR 323). Mandatory Course Evaluation Period: Students have the opportunity to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course, accessed through your UTRGV account (http://my.utrgv.edu). Course evaluations are used by the instructor to better understand the student experience in the course, which can inform revisions of the course to ensure student success. Additionally, course evaluations are also used by the instructor for annual performance review and promotion applications, and teaching award applications, among others. For these reasons, your feedback, reflections, and insights on your experience in the course are invaluable to ensure student success and a quality education for all. You will be contacted through email with further instructions. Students who complete their evaluations will have priority access to their grades. Online evaluations will be available on or about: Fall Term 2024: November 13 – December 4, 2024 16