COURSE DESCRIPTION/OBJECTIVES

EDA 391F is a capstone doctoral seminar for students nearing the end of the coursework phase of their program. Following instructor guidance, students registered for the seminar share responsibility for class preparation, presentation and discussion of issue topics. Seminar issue topics are to include subjects not covered in depth in Higher Education Administration courses already taken or subjects students wish to explore in greater depth than provided in the collective curricular or internship experiences of students enrolled for the course. The issue topic product is also intended to measure a student's breadth of understanding about higher education administration, thereby meeting the Higher Education Specialization Qualifying Exam (SQE) requirement.

Additional anticipated outcomes include:

COURSE ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATION

In a seminar setting and utilizing the knowledge and experience of class members and the instructor(s), the focus of the course will be on shared and self-learning both in the classroom and through electronic media. The class will utilize TeachNet, a Web-based system for sharing information used by the faculty, staff and students of the University of Texas at Austin College of Education. Training will be given during the first class on how to use this technology.

Active participation in class meetings and via electronic communication through TeachNet is essential to successful completion of the course. The preparation for such participation and the quality of participation each week will constitute a major portion of the final grade assessment for each enrolled class member.

A student is expected to have an issue topic approved by the Seminar Instructor prior to the start of the semester. The issue topic is to be current and sufficient to permit the student to demonstrate breadth of understanding of Higher Education Administration in accordance with SQE guidelines (See Specialization Qualification Examination policy statement, Revised October 2000 <edadmin.edb.utexas.edu/hed/sqeOct2000.htm>). The instructor may make final adjustments to issue topics after topic selection by all students in order to ensure the maximum shared learning from the seminar experience and minimal duplication of topic(s) by seminar participants.

REQUIREMENTS

STUDENT ASSESSMENT (GRADING)

* Instructor evaluation regarding preparation/participation is obviously somewhat subjective and will be based on observations/judgments made during general class discussion, review of interactive exercises and written or TeachNet assignments. These include each student's input to and critique offered to peer postings at all stages starting with development and refinement of the issue topic. Thus, it is incumbent on all class members to post issue components on schedule and read/review and provide timely constructive critique to peer postings.

COURSE EVALUATION

At the conclusion of the course students will be expected to evaluate the course and the instructor using the University's Course Instructor Survey and to provide additional commentary to guide future course enhancements. The use of technology as a tool for teaching will also be evaluated.

 

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS

The University of Texas provides, upon request, appropriate academic accommodations from qualified students with disabilities. For information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259 or 471-4641.

SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY

Students are expected to be above reproach in scholastic activities. Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and dismissal from the University. "Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an exam for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." (Regent's Rules and Regulations, Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2, Subdivision 3.22.) Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students, and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced. 

INCOMPLETE GRADE

Students are strongly encouraged to avoid Incompletes. However, the Instructor will work with students who for a specific and valid reason find they cannot finish an assignment on time. However, out of respect for students who do complete their assignments on time, a student should expect that, under normal circumstances, the grade for work submitted late will be less than for the same work submitted on time. All work is to be completed by the end of the semester (i.e. an incomplete will be acceptable only under unusual circumstances).

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT/OFFICE HOURS