Welcome to Cuesta College and Introduction to Business. My name is Amy Stapp and I will be your instructor for this course. I teach this class entirely online. This letter is to inform you of some of the important details prior to the start of these Spring 2025 classes.

***********************************IMPORTANT NOTE***********************************

CRN 33009 is a 16 week online course (1/21 - 5/9). 

CRN 33908 is a 16 week online course (1/21 - 5/9).

Instructor:           Amy Stapp
Phone:                 805.704.4728 (cell)
Email:                    amy_stapp@cuesta.edu 

Welcome to BUS 245 Introduction to Business.  In this course you will be exposed to key business disciplines including Economics, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Human Resources, International Business and Ethics.  You will become familiar with concepts and current thinking in each area, and will have the opportunity to analyze and apply these ideas to the business world. This is a course where you will bring your own work experience to our virtual classroom to create a robust learning environment.  Expect your business acumen to grow through group discussions, and thought-provoking case study analysis.

Please be prepared to spend 6-9 hours per week on coursework for this class.

Are you wondering how successful you may be at a distance education course? Take the Self-Assessment Survey at http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/survey.htmlLinks to an external site..

This course is taught using Canvas and Connect.  These are Web-based tools used to facilitate teaching an online class. These platforms provides the framework for the BUS 245 class including PowerPoint presentations, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using Canvas you can communicate with other students, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forum.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Understand and apply the various styles of leadership
• Identify the major components of an Income Statement and Balance Sheet for the purpose of evaluating the financial performance of a business
• Describe and analyze the elements of the marketing mix
• Recognize, evaluate, and propose solutions to problems in personnel, ethics, and communication

Computer Requirements:

The browser requirements and minimum qualifications required for this class are detailed in the following link: https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/faqs_technical.html Links to an external site.

First Assignment and Accessing Canvas:

Your first assignment is to log into the class through Canvas (cuesta.instructure.com)

• Your login ID is the same as your my.Cuesta login. It is: firstname_lastname.
• Your password is the same as your Cuesta password.

You will NOT be able to access Canvas until 1/21. Once you locate the site, please bookmark it or add it to your favorites for future reference.

Canvas Quick Reference: http://www.cuesta.edu/student/documents/distance_ed_students/Canvas_Quick_Reference_Students.pdfLinks to an external site.

Technical Support: http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/technical_support.htmlLinks to an external site.

College Policies and Assistance:

Each student is required to follow all school guidelines and comply with all school deadlines including personal responsibility for adding and/or dropping this class. Drop dates are available on the academic calendar http://academic.cuesta.edu/admrreg/infodate.htmLinks to an external site.. Each student is responsible for obtaining updates or changes to the syllabus and/or assignments for the course.

Academic Honesty:
Students are responsible for being aware of and complying with the Academic Honesty Policy (refer to Cuesta College Schedule or Cuesta College Catalog). At the discretion of the instructor, students being academically dishonest (submitting another student’s work as your own, e.g. copying a computer file that contains another student’s work) will be dropped from the course. If the drop deadline has passed, students will receive a failing grade in the course. In addition, a “Student Incident Report” will be filed with the Vice President of Academic Affairs office.

Student Resources:

• Please feel free to use the student help hours for additional instruction (or just to introduce yourself.) I’m here to help!
• Student Academic Services provides tutoring at no charge to students. Check that out here:

https://www.cuesta.edu/student/resources/ssc/index.htmlLinks to an external site.

• Library services are available here:

https://www.cuesta.edu/library/index.htmlLinks to an external site.

• Some students may experience learning disabilities or challenges that affect their academic performance. If you have any special concerns or disabilities that could affect your learning, please see me or contact DSPS at 546–3148 as soon as possible. DSPS requests that testing forms be submitted at least 7 days prior to the test. Exams and quizzes taken with accommodations must be taken with DSPS and must start or end during a regular class period. Please schedule your classes and other obligations such that accommodated exams and quizzes can occur concurrently with the class.

https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/dsps/index.htmlLinks to an external site.

• If you are a veteran, please contact Karen Andrews, Cuesta College's VA Certifying Official at 546-3142.

https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/veterans/index.htmlLinks to an external site.

• The college experience can compound other issues in one's life. If you feel you need to talk to someone or need help to maintain balance in your personal life, please contact the Counseling Center at (805) 546-3171.

I look forward to getting to know you!

Amy Stapp