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Cleveland Community College
OST 181-201: Introduction to Office Systems
Fall 2013 Course Syllabus
M/W 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Instructor: M. Renee Dyer
E-Mail Address: dyerm@clevelandcc.edu
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces the skills and abilities needed in today’s office. Topics include effectively
interacting with co-workers and the public, processing simple financial and informational
documents, and performing functions typical of today’s offices. Upon completion, students should
be able to display skills and decision-making abilities essential for functioning in the total office
context. Prerequisite: OST 130 or OST 131
II. REQUIRMENTS: USB Storage Media (2G)
III. COURSE GOALS
A. To develop an understanding of today's and tomorrow's workplace.
B. To improve communication skills.
C. To understand workplace technology.
D. To understand and demonstrate proper record-keeping and financial management in the
workplace.
E. To learn how to plan, schedule, and conduct workplace meetings.
F. To learn about career advancement and how to successfully obtain it.
IV. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
A. Lectures
B. Guest Speakers
C. Internet
D. Student Presentations
E. Simulated Activities
V. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:
A. Function proficiently in a changing office environment.
B. Identify the role and responsibilities of the office professional.
C. Demonstrate knowledge of certain office duties involving the handling of mail, telephone
techniques, computer systems and software programs relating directly with offices of
today.

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D. Identify and use effective communication techniques.
E. Use computers, copiers, and fax machines.
F. Respond ethically in the work environment.
G. Demonstrate personal qualities essential to success on the job.
H. Identify communication barriers.
I. Describe the characteristics of effective leaders.
J. Define essential management responsibilities.
VI. CRITICAL/ANALYTICAL THINKING
Activities will allow students to learn and demonstrate the following:
A. How to deal with change, anger, stress, and time management in the workplace.
B. How to develop team work and use ethical behavior.
C. How to use effective communication.
D. How to effectively use technology.
E. How to create effective meetings and schedule appropriate travel arrangements.
F. How to conduct an effective job search and succeed at career advancement.
G. How to learn leadership styles and adapt appropriate aspects to oneself.
VII. EVALUATION
Exams
The Mid-Term and Final Exam grades will be averaged together for your Exam grade.
Homework Assignment
Students must complete all assignments by the due date. No late work will be accepted without
prior approval.
Written Report and Presentation
Each student will research and write a report in Step Three of their course project. The student
will submit to the instructor a typed copy of the report via Blackboard. A group presentation on a
relevant topic will also be assigned and will be graded on depth of research, content, length, and
delivery. Any student who fails to complete these assignments will receive a test grade of 0.
VIII. ATTENDANCE
Attendance is very importance. You may miss two classes without having points deducted from
your attendance grade. Each additional absence will result in five points being subtracted from
your attendance grade. If there is a death in your family, please note that students are allowed
to miss two classes without penalty and one test grade will be dropped. A student who
consistently comes to class tardy and/or leaves class early will not receive the full attendance
points. The actual time spent in class will determine the number of points added for attendance.
Make-up Work
If a student is absent from class, that student is responsible for completing missed assignments.
Please note that all exams dates are posted in the syllabus. No make-up exams will be allowed.
All assignments are posted on Blackboard. Each student has the responsibility of completing

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missed assignments by the due date. No late homework will be accepted.
IX. GRADING SCALE
A. 93-100
B. 85-92
C. 77-84
D. 70-76
F. Below 70
Final grades will be determined as follows:
Attendance and Class Participation (10%)
Class Assignments (30%)
Report/Presentation (20%)
Tests (40%)
XI. IMPORTANT DATES
New Semester Begins .......................................................................................August 15
Labor Day –No class.....................................................................................September 2
Fall Break- No c1asses................................................................................. October 1-5
Withdrawal Date ..........................................................................................November 14
Veteran’s Day ................................................................................................ November 11
Thanksgiving –No classes.................................................................... November 28-30
End of semester ...........................................................................................December 16
PLEASE NOTE
Important: If you stop attending class, it is your, the student’s, responsibility to officially
withdraw from a course through Student Services. Incompletes will not be given.
NO FOOD OR DRINK WILL BE ALLOWED IN CLASSROOMS!!!! Students who fail to
follow this policy will be asked to leave the classroom!
All beepers and cellular telephones are to be turned off or set on vibration during class time.
Notify family members that the proper procedure is to contact you through Student Services
during class time. A student whose cellular telephone or beeper ‘sounds off’ during class will
be asked to leave the classroom and not return until the next class meeting.
School policy states that children are not allowed in classrooms except for approved events;
therefore, students should note that children will not be allowed to attend class with them.

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Students with minor children should note CCC’s important dates and make any necessary
arrangements for childcare.
Any agreement made between the instructor and student that would allow the student to
deviate from the normal class routine should be obtained by the student in writing.
Cheating will result in an “F” being entered on the student’s transcript for the course. NOTE:
Each student has the responsibility of reading the Academic Honesty section found in the
Academic Bulletin & Student Handbook.
* The Instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus and schedule. *