Communication Studies Department Policies

Online Speaking Policy

Students enrolled in Online Oral Communication courses are required to deliver all major presentations live via Zoom with both the instructor and audience present. The following guidelines must be adhered to in order to meet the course requirements.

Audio

Ensure you are clearly audible, with a strong internet connection to avoid interruptions or poor sound quality.
Visual: You must be visible, properly illuminated, and positioned so that you are seen from at least the waist up.

Camera Placement

The camera should be at eye level, with you standing (unless otherwise approved by the instructor), and positioned approximately 5 feet away from your computer.

Delivery Requirements

No Reading: Presentations should be delivered extemporaneously. Reading your speech from another screen or document during the presentation will result in a non-passing grade for that speech.

Engagement

Maintain eye contact with the camera and speak directly to your audience. 

Grade Requirements

In order to pass the course, students must successfully complete and pass both major presentations.

Accommodations

If you have a documented physical condition that prevents you from standing during your presentation, you may present while seated, provided all other guidelines are met. Please consult with the instructor in advance for accommodations.

By following these guidelines, students will demonstrate both their preparedness and technical proficiency for online presentations. For any questions or concerns, please reach out to the instructor before your scheduled presentation.

Late speeches are not permitted, as they disrupt both the student's progress and the class schedule. However, if an extreme emergency occurs, you must notify the instructor as soon as possible and provide explicit supporting documentation upon your return.

Additionally, you are required to submit evidence of timely preparation (e.g., outlines, notes, or drafts) to the instructor by your assigned presentation day.
 
If you miss a speech due to a legitimate, documented emergency, you may be eligible for a makeup opportunity within one week of the original presentation date, provided that:
You submit the required written work (demonstrating preparedness) on time, either by email or via Canvas.
You provide the necessary documentation to support the emergency.
 
Failure to submit both the supporting documentation and evidence of timely preparation will limit your options for rescheduling the missed speech. Please contact the instructor promptly if you are unable to meet your presentation deadline due to an emergency.

At Mission College, we uphold a strict policy against academic dishonesty. Cheating and plagiarism, including the use of AI tools for unauthorized purposes, will result in a failing grade for the assignment and a report of the incident in your college record. This includes:
 
Cheating on quizzes or exams:

Using AI to generate quiz responses, collaborating with others during quizzes, or sharing questions and answers.
Plagiarism: Presenting AI-generated content (e.g., ChatGPT) as your own work, failing to properly credit sources, or submitting work previously created for another course.
 
While AI tools can be helpful in your learning process, they should never replace your own voice or original work. Using AI-generated content as your submission and trying to pass it off as your own will be treated as plagiarism and consequences will follow.
 
If you're uncertain whether you need to cite something or how to use AI tools properly in your work, please reach out to your instructor. It's always better to clarify than risk an academic integrity violation.