Kickboxing for Fitness – Welcome Letter

Instructor: Michelle Zulim-Clark
Email: michelle_zulimclark@cuesta.edu

Welcome!

Hi everyone! I'm Michelle Zulim-Clark, your instructor for Kickboxing for Fitness. I teach a variety of health education and kinesiology classes here at Cuesta College’s San Luis Obispo campus, and I’m thrilled to have you in this class!

This semester, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to learn about kickboxing as a fun, high-intensity workout while improving your overall fitness. We’ll build muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness—all while learning practical kickboxing techniques.

Course Format

This is a hybrid course with two in-person sessions per week and a supplemental online component.
Although this class is activity-based, it is not self-paced. Each week, you'll complete readings and assignments that complement what we do in class.

Course Description

This course focuses on improving overall fitness through high-intensity kickboxing techniques. You'll develop muscular strength, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility by combining kickboxing movements with strength training exercises.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Analyze how the course has impacted your overall well-being

• Develop and assess personal fitness goals (pre/post)

• Demonstrate proper kickboxing stance, form, and technique

• Define fundamental cardiorespiratory and fitness principles

Textbook

No textbook required!

Time Commitment

• In-person sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays (3 hours/week total)

• Online work: Plan for about 3 additional hours per week

Online activities may include:

• Completing virtual fitness classes

• Attending and reflecting on a fitness class

• Researching and reporting on aspects of kickboxing

Is Hybrid Learning Right for You?

Hybrid courses require self-motivation, time management, and comfort with online tools. Before enrolling, take time to honestly assess your ability to work independently and stay organized.

Technology Requirements

You’ll need:

• A computer (PC or Mac) with internet access

• A Cuesta email and Canvas account

• The ability to watch videos, upload assignments, and participate in discussions

Required computer skills include:

• Accessing Canvas and email

• Downloading/uploading documents

• Scanning documents (a smartphone app works great!)

Note: Assistance with basic computer skills is not provided.

Accessing the Course

The course will open on Canvas on the first day of the semester.
Students must attend in-person sessions, activate their Canvas accounts, and complete all first-week assignments to remain enrolled. Non-participation may result in being dropped.

Class Participation & Late Work

Active participation is crucial. Stay on pace, complete assignments on time, and contribute to discussions.

• Late assignments may be penalized or not accepted.

• If something serious comes up (illness, emergency), contact me early so we can discuss possible accommodations.

Communication

• Email: Best way to reach me! I typically reply within 8 hours.

• Canvas forums: For general class-related questions

• Virtual office hours: Held via Zoom (schedule and link posted in Canvas)

Course Modules

All course content is organized into weekly Modules in Canvas.
Modules contain:

• Class materials

• Assignments

• Discussion boards

• Videos

• Weekly goals and expectations

You’ll complete each module in order and on schedule.

Evaluation & Grading

Grading Scale

• A = 90–100%

• B = 79.5–89.9%

• C = 69.5–79.4%

• D = 59.5–69.4%

• F = Below 59.4%

Grades are based on total percentage; +/- grades are given at my discretion.

Major Assignments

Written Assignments
You’ll complete 2–3 short papers related to fitness topics, out-of-class experiences, or personal health goals. These require thoughtful reflection and will be graded with a clear rubric.

Behavior Change Project
This semester-long project involves setting and tracking a personal health or fitness goal. You’ll post progress updates throughout the course.

Final Exam
Details to be announced (TBD). The format will assess your understanding of key course concepts.

Participation & Discussion Boards

Participation includes in-person attendance and online engagement.
Each module includes a Discussion Question, which you'll answer thoughtfully and thoroughly.
All posts should demonstrate college-level writing and critical thinking.

Academic Honesty

All work must be your own.
Cheating, plagiarism, or using AI/internet content inappropriately may result in:

• A “0” on the assignment

• An “F” in the course

• Further disciplinary action

Study groups are encouraged, but submitted work must be original and in your own words. See the Cuesta College Catalog for full details.

Drop/Withdrawal Policy

Ongoing participation is required. Students who miss multiple assignments or regularly turn in late work may be dropped before the “W” deadline.
If you choose to withdraw, please follow Cuesta’s drop policy.

Regular & Effective Contact

I’ll stay in touch via:

• Canvas announcements

• Discussion forums

• Email

• Zoom office hours

You should log into Canvas at least once per week and check your Cuesta email regularly.

Student Authentication

This course is conducted through Canvas, Cuesta’s secure Learning Management System.
Students log in using their Cuesta email (e.g., albert_einstein@my.cuesta.edu).

Netiquette & Online Etiquette

• Use respectful, professional language

• No slang or abbreviations (e.g., “lol”)

• Avoid ALL CAPS (which reads as yelling)

• Use full sentences and thoughtful responses

• Read peer posts before replying and stay on topic

• Keep your tone kind and constructive

Tech Issues?

If you run into technical problems, contact:
📧 support@my.cuesta.edu

Accommodations

If you have a disability that may affect your learning, contact DSPS at (805) 546–3148.
They’ll coordinate with me to ensure appropriate accommodations.
This course is designed with ADA accessibility in mind.

Thank you for taking the time to read this welcome letter!
I look forward to a high-energy, fun, and rewarding semester together.

See you soon!
Michelle Zulim-Clark