AGH 323 Floriculture

You may make an appointment with me outside of those hours if you cannot meet at those times. I am often in my office at times other than my designated office hours, and you are welcome and encouraged to stop by if my door is open.

Email is probably the best way to get in touch with me. I will respond to your messages as quickly as possible. However, do not expect responses to your email in the middle of the night nor at the last minute before an exam.

Course Hours and Location

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00 - 3:45, Karls 236

Optional Text

Dole, J.M. and H.F. Wilkins. 2004. 2nd ed. Floriculture: Principles and Species. Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, N.J. $104.76 BN; $93.12 AM.

Other Course Materials

Lecture notes, online resources and additional information will be available for download from the course website. I recommend you print off the resources on 8 ½ x 11 paper and organize them in one or more 3-ring binders.

Course Objectives (what you need to do to get a passing grade)

Students will do the following:

attend all class sessions, participate in discussions, and share knowledge of topics under discussion
listen attentively during classtime
exhibit effective teamwork with your fellow classmates while working on group projects
review lecture and lab notes and other materials throughout the week when not in class
score passing [and hopefully awesome] grades on quizzes and exams

Course Goals

Upon completion of this course, the student will have a working knowledge of the production, uses and environmental requirements of major floral crops.

Attendance

You are expected to attend each lecture. You need to attend if you wish to succeed in this course. More importantly, regular attendance is vital for you to learn the plant disease concepts and management skills that will be expected of a professional with a science degree in an agriculture or natural sciences field.

Student Commitment Expected

In addition to regular attendance, you are expected to actively participate in discussions and activities.
You should read the scheduled lecture material before coming to class.
When supplemental reading is assigned, be prepared to discuss the material in class.
You should seek clarification from me on unclear course material.
I will send information and announcements about the course via email on a regular basis, so it is important that you check your email regularly.

Quizzes

We will have a short quiz at the start of most lecture periods. The quizzes could cover any information presented before that date, but will usually cover two areas: 1) information presented in the most recent lectures, and 2) a few questions about the lecture material we are scheduled to cover next—this is an incentive for you to read the materials in advance. The quizzes will be given during the first 5 to 10 minutes of the class period. If you arrive late for class and miss the quiz, you may not take the quiz. In addition, I reserve the right to administer unannounced lecture quizzes that would count toward the final grade.

Exams

Three exams are scheduled. None is comprehensive. Tentative dates for the first two exams are Sept. 28 and Nov. 9. Members of the class will vote to choose the exact date of the first two exams. The third exam is scheduled for 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14.
Exams may consist of a variety of questions, including multiple choice, true/false and essay. I do expect neat handwriting and proper writing mechanics on essays. Points may be deducted for poor writing skills, especially if I cannot read your handwriting.
A valid excuse is required to make up an exam if you are absent on the exam date, and I reserve the right to decide whether the excuse is valid. The makeup exam will be given immediately following our final lecture period on Thursday, Dec. 9.
Each student may only take one make-up exam.

Labs

Labs, which will usually be held on Thursdays in the Karls Hall Greenhouses, will include the production of floriculture crops. Several field trips are also tentatively scheduled for Thursdays during our regular course time.

Grading

Grading will be based on the total points earned from the following requirements:

Points

Weekly Quizzes, 10 points each 100

3 Exams, 50 points each 150

Crop Production 100

Total 350

Grading Scale

A = 90 %

B = 80 %

C = 70 %

D = 60 %

F = < 60 %

Grade Reporting Options

You will choose on the first day of class between two grading options for the course. Descriptions of the options are below.

Plan A—Classic grading system used most often in college courses. Starting with 0 points, and then progressively gaining points to earn a final grade. I have no idea what kind of grade you are going to earn in this course. Answers on each assignment, quiz, exam, etc. are reviewed, and incorrect answers are marked wrong. The score is marked at the top of the first page. The score is typically reported as a percentage of correct answers, or as the number of correct responses. You keep track of your grade points and the grade you are earning based on your performance.

Plan AE—Alsup-Egbers grading system. Starting with a 100% grade, and then maintaining the superior grade status that you have at the onset of this course. I assume you are going to excel in this course. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, when you walked into this classroom today you will earn a 100% in this course. You are starting out with a 100 in my gradebook. Providing the correct answers on each assignment, quiz, exam, etc. protects that 100% grade. Incorrect answers (or coursework not submitted) lowers your perfect score. Answers on each assignment, quiz, exam, etc. are reviewed, and incorrect answers are marked wrong. Your final grade—as of that point in time—is marked at the top of the first page.

At the conclusion of the course, you receive with the grade you earned, regardless of the grade reporting option you choose.

Inclement Weather

In general, the University does not cancel class for bad weather. However, in the case of any unexpected circumstances that may impact our class meeting, I will inform you by email, if possible. If time does not permit this, an announcement will be posted at the classroom door (barring any unforeseen circumstances).

Emergency Response Statement

Students who require assistance during an emergency evacuation must discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Services. If you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.
For additional information, students should contact the Office of Disability Services, 836-4192 (PSU 405), or Larry Combs, Interim Assistant Director of Public Safety and Transportation, at 836-6576.
For further information on Missouri State University’s Emergency Response Plan, please refer to the following web site: http://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/erp.htm.

Cell Phone Policy

As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to other students who are members of the community. When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class. Therefore, the Office of the Provost prohibits the use by students of cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes. All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent (vibrate) mode and ordinarily should not be taken out during class. Given the fact that these same communication devices are an integral part of the University’s emergency notification system, an exception to this policy would occur when numerous devices activate simultaneously. When this occurs, students may consult their devices to determine if a university emergency exists. If that is not the case, the devices should be immediately returned to silent mode and put away. Other exceptions to this policy may be granted at the discretion of the instructor.

Prolonged Absence from Class

It is very important that you contact your instructors and the Dean of Students’ office if illness or other life circumstances make it difficult for you to attend class for a prolonged period. Sometimes, there are things that can be done to allow you to catch up and complete the course work, or take an incomplete grade to finish the course after the end of the semester (only if your absence occurs at the end of the course). Other times, it may be very difficult to receive a passing grade due to prolonged absence, so it may be in your best interest to drop the course to avoid receiving an F.

Dropping the Class

It is your responsibility to understand the university’s procedure for dropping a class. If you stop attending this class, but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will be financially obligated to pay for the class. To drop a class any time after the first week of classes, you must complete and turn in a drop slip at an authorized registration center. You do not need to obtain any signatures on the drop slip. It does not need to be signed by your instructor, your advisor or department head. If you wish to withdraw from the university (drop all your classes), contact the Registration Center in Carrington 320. It is important to note that dropping a course or courses may affect your financial aid eligibility, so you should contact Student Financial Services for information on financial aid status.

Academic Integrity

You are encouraged to study and interact with fellow classmates; however, all quizzes, exams and disease specimen collection must be your own, independent work. Taking and giving assistance both constitute academic dishonesty and will result in a zero for the assignment, quiz or exam and notification of university authorities as required by university policy. A second offense will result in a failing grade for the course.

In addition, in accordance with university policy, any student detected participating in any form of academic dishonesty in this course will be subject to sanctions as described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library, in abbreviated form in the MSU Undergraduate Catalog, and at the following website: www.missouristate.edu/acadaff/AcademicIntegrity.html. It is your responsibility to read and fully understand MSU’s Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures.

University Policy—Students with Disabilities

To request academic accommodations for a disability, contact Katheryne Staeger-Wilson, Disability Services, Plaster Student Union, Suite 405, (417) 836-4192 (voice); (417) 836-6792 (TTY) http://www.missouristate.edu/disability. Students are required to provide documentation of disability to Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations. Disability Services refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic (LDC). The LDC also provides diagnostic testing for learning and psychological disabilities. A fee is charged for testing. For information, contact the LDC (417) 836-4787, http://www.missouristate.edu/contrib/ldc/.

My Non-Discrimination Statement

I do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.

MSU Non-Discrimination Statement

Missouri State is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. At all times, it is your right to address inquiries or concerns about possible discrimination to Jana Long, Equal Opportunity Officer, Office of Human Resources, Carrington 128, (417) 836-4252. Concerns about discrimination can also be brought directly to your instructor’s attention or to the attention of your instructor’s department head.

MSU Academic Calendar

http://calendar.missouristate.edu/academic.asp

Syllabus Subject to Change Statement

The syllabus is subject to change as deemed necessary by me. You are responsible for keeping track of any changes announced in class or otherwise.

Sources of Help on Campus

Meyer Library

850 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy

Resources and telephone

http://library.missouristate.edu/services/ids/services.pdf

Writing Center

The Bear Claw: Meyer Library Learning Commons - 1st Floor behind the circulation desk.

Writing Center Director's Office is in Meyer 112

Telephones (Main) 417-836-6398 or (Director) 417-836-5006

michaelfrizell@missouristate.edu

Computer Labs

Karls Hall 231

Cheek Hall room 150

Glass Hall on 2^nd floor

Strong Hall room 107

Counseling and Testing Center

Carrington 311
417-836-5116

Consultation/referrals

Emergency services

Individual counseling

Group counseling

Tutoring

Student Retention Services

Carrington Hall Room 302

417-836-7642

bobkincaid@missouristate.edu

www.missouristate.edu/retention/

Disability Services

Plaster Student Union room 405
417-836-4192
417-836-6792 tty
www.missouristate.edu/disability
DisabilityServices@missouristate.edu

Learning Diagnostic Clinic

Meyer Alumni Center room 502

300 South Jefferson
417-836-4787

learningdiagnosticdlinic@missouristate.edu

Office of Student Conduct (formerly Office of Judicial Programs)

Plaster Student Union Room 405

417-836-6937

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Printing Facilities

Plaster Student Union room 210

417-836-5808

Post Office

Plaster Student Union room 210

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Taylor Health and Wellness Center, near Bookstore on Campus, 417-836-4000

Emergency Services on Campus

Police Substation, 636 E. Elm, 417-836-5327

Safety and Transportation 636 E. Elm

University Response 417-836-5911
Safety 417-836-5509
Transportation 417-836-5509

Campus security policies

Emergency response plan

Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention

Campus security patrol

Escort service

Emergency Services off Campus

Fire, Police, Ambulance 911

Springfield Police Department 417-864-1810

Poison Control 800-366-8888

St. John’s Hospital (closest hospital to campus), National and Sunshine

Emergency 417-885-2115

Cox North Hospital, Jefferson and Division

Emergency 417-269-3193

Cox South Hospital, National and James River

Emergency 417-269-4083

Ambulance Dispatch 417-269-3773

Recreation on Campus

http://www.missouristate.edu/campusservices/recreation.htm

Career Center

Carrington Hall 309
Glass Hall 103

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

417-836-5636
877-836-JOBS(5627)

CareerCenter@MissouriState.edu

Campus Volunteer Center

Blair-Shannon 113 (Inside the Office of Student Employment)
417-836-5627
campusvolunteercenter@missouristate.edu

Lost & Found

The Plaster Student Union Information Desk is the center for lost and found on campus. Once a month, the information desk staff collects the lost items from the other campus buildings and brings those items to the Student Union. All lost and found items are kept for 90 days. After this time period, the items are purged and handed over to Property Control.
To turn in a found item, simply stop by the desk

Mon - Fri 8 am - 11 pm
Sat - Sun 11 am - 11 pm
(Seasonal hours may vary)

To report a lost item, call the desk at 836-5885

Student Government Association

Plaster Student Union 123

417-836-5500

SGA@MissouriState.edu