PrintWelcome to EMSC 302: Orientation to Energy and Sustainability Policy
Thank you for choosing Penn State and ESP to follow your dreams!
This syllabus is divided into several sections. It is essential that you read the entire document. It serves as the course "contract".
Instructor
Haley Sankey, Lecturer, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
- Office: 415 Earth Engineering Sciences Building
- E-mail: Please contact me using Canvas email for questions related to the course.
- Office Hours: By appointment. Evenings and weekend times are available if necessary.
NOTE: I will read and respond to e-mail at least once per day during the work week (Monday through Friday). I may work on the weekends; however, unless we have specifically scheduled a meeting, please do not plan for me to respond on Saturdays and Sundays.
Welcome to EMSC 302!
About me
My name is Haley Sankey, and I am the primary instructor for EMSC 302 this semester. I also serve as the faculty/coordinator for EGEE 299 Foreign Studies, and 495 Internship Experience courses. I am excited to work with you in this introductory course! Many of you are here to change the world! I aim to give you the tools and resources needed to be successful in the program and then go out and accomplish your goals!
Although I have lived elsewhere, I have always called central Pennsylvania home. I earned a degree in Environmental Practice and Policy from Juniata College, in Huntingdon, PA. My first job out of college was as a Licensing Coordinator, where I assisted utilities in filing cooperative licensing agreements with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. I worked on several hydroelectric projects in the mid-Atlantic region: gathering data, presenting it to stakeholders, and assisting with the licensing agreement creation. After that, I worked as a Watershed Circuit Rider for a non-profit organization that served as a resource to stakeholders throughout Appalachia. As a Circuit Rider, I helped grass-roots environmental groups build capacity and become self-sustainable. Before joining Penn State, I worked for a regional planning organization as the Energy Coordinator. In that position, I helped municipalities reduce their energy consumption and, as a result, lower their annual energy costs. My education and variety of professional experience have provided me with a broad overview of how policy decisions made at the top level affect those on the ground.
In my free time, I like to travel. My love for experiencing other cultures is the result of a semester spent in Kerala, India during my undergraduate days. In addition to my general education courses, while there, I studied Indian environmental law and Bharatanatyam dance. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to visit many places, but I still have a lot of destinations on my bucket list! In the meantime, I have been backpacking as much as possible in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and California. I also hunt, fish, kayak, and cross country ski, and love to cook whenever I can find the time.
I am looking forward to getting to know all of you and the life experiences you will bring to the program!
Feel free to e-mail me (using Canvas) if you have any questions about the course content and activities. Please do not wait until the weekend or the day the assignment is due to do so. Response time is typically 24 hours.
My Teaching Philosophy
My goal as an instructor is to prepare you to graduate with the confidence and ability to accomplish your goals, whatever they may be! In my classes, I will always work hard to challenge you to develop your communication skills, analytical skills, and a global perspective - all which are highly valuable in ANY field.
About you
Many of you are adult learners who haven't been involved in an academic setting in many years, if ever. If this is true, please do not be intimidated, but instead, be proud of what you bring to the table! Work and life experiences may not carry credits, but they do carry knowledge. Sharing your personal story and work/life related-experiences with your fellow students can really add to everyone's overall experience and understanding. You have the opportunity to contribute to course content by bringing your own unique story to the table. Please don't be afraid to share and to reach out to others in class. Just because you're separated by geography doesn't mean that you can't build relationships and be a part of the Penn State community!
Course Overview
EMSC 302 provides an orientation to the Energy and Sustainability Policy (ESP) degree program and to Penn State's resources. The course includes topics that are designed to provide an initial understanding of the ESP program competencies: energy industry knowledge, global perspective, analytical skills, communication skills, and sustainability ethics. Additionally, this course is designed to provide you with a level of familiarity with Penn State services and resources such as Student Services, the Libraries, Advising, and Global Programs offices. Students will have the opportunity to actively participate in discussions and work hands-on with online tools in activities that will allow them to gain an understanding of what it means to successfully participate as an ESP student in different educational and course contexts. Students are evaluated based on active class participation, written assignments, and quizzes. This course is intended to be taken during the first semester after being admitted to the ESP program.
Please Note:
This course may require you to maintain a web presence. You may be required to participate in online activities that are widely accessible to everyone, including others outside of Penn State. If this is an issue, please reach out to me directly and we can discuss potential alternatives to meet the course learning objectives.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of EMSC 302, you should be able to:
- access people and use resources available to Penn State students in the ESP program;
- exhibit proficiency with tools that support online learning;
- describe the five program learning outcomes.
What We Expect of You
Proactive communication with the instructor is critical when extenuating circumstances impact your ability to complete your coursework. Email me using the Canvas Inbox function as soon as possible if you suspect you're going to miss a scheduled deadline. Being proactive and asking for an extension BEFORE the deadline is always preferable to requesting one after the deadline has passed. "Extenuating circumstances" include things such as illness, natural disasters, and emergencies. It does not include failure to plan ahead.
On average, most students spend 9-12 hours per week working on course assignments for a 3 credit course. This course is only 1 credit, so you can plan to spend 1-3 hours per week. Your workload may be more or less depending on your prior experience with computing and the Web in general, but will also vary because of the topics that we will be covering in a given week.
We have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. The Internet may still be a novel learning environment for you, but, in one sense, it is no different from a traditional college class: how much and how well you learn is ultimately up to you. You will succeed if you are diligent about keeping up with the class schedule and if you take advantage of opportunities to communicate with me, as well as with your fellow classmates. You will have ample opportunities to use this class as a way to network with your fellow classmates and really deep dive into the subjects we discuss. Take advantage of the opportunity to build your network of fellow energy focused and/or sustainability minded folks!
Specific learning objectives for each lesson and project are detailed within each lesson. The class schedule is published in Canvas.
If at any time during the semester you find a broken link, or information that you feel is incorrect or a lesson that could be improved in some way, please feel free to email me or the learning designer for the course. Additionally, near the end of every semester you will be encouraged to participate in the University's Student Educational Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ) process and provide feedback on the course itself and my performance. Your opinion matters, so please complete the SEEQ, I will not see the results of your anonymous submissions until the grades for the course have been submitted.
Required Course Materials
All materials needed for this course are presented online through our Course website here and in Canvas. In order to access all materials, you need to have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password (used to access the online course resources). If you have any questions about obtaining or activating your Penn State Access Account, please contact the World Campus.
Students who register for this Penn State course gain access to assignments and instructor feedback, and earn academic credit. Information about Penn State's Energy and Sustainability Policy Bachelor's program is available at the ESP Overview Page.
Assignments and Grading
EMSC 302 will rely upon several methods to assess and evaluate your learning, including essays, discussion forum posts, quizzes, and comments.
Review the links provided on the Grading page for word count minimums and more detailed information regarding assignment expectations.
Grading Rubrics are provided for assignments. You can find the Grading Rubric in Canvas for each assignment.
Please Note:
Submissions may be revised and re-submitted after you receive feedback if the instructor has indicated that as an option. Grade changes will be considered only if the changes are completed within the timeline designated by the instructor. If you revise your submission, you must e-mail the revision to the instructor so that it can be re-evaluated.
Discussions within Canvas are viewable only by your classmates.
Final overall grades will be determined based on the grades of these assignments. So that you know where you stand, all grades will be posted in Canvas after each assignment. You should be able to track your progress and calculate your approximate average as the course goes along.
Letter grades will be based on the following percentages:
| Letter Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 93–100% |
| A- | 90 - 92.9% |
| B+ | 87 - 89.9% |
| B | 83 – 86.9% |
| B- | 80 - 82.9% |
| C+ | 77 - 79.9% |
| C | 70 – 76.9% |
| D | 60 – 69.9% |
| F | < 60% |
| X | Unsatisfactory (student did not participate) |
Percentages refer to the proportion of all possible points earned by the student.
Make-up Exam Policy
There are no exams in this course.
Please Note:
Grades will not be rounded up or curved. Put your best effort into all of the assignments as you complete them.
EMSC 302 Course Schedule
Printable Schedule
Below you will find a basic outline of the semester for this course. Consult the Canvas course for assigned readings, assignment directions, and exact due dates.
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Lesson 1: An Introduction Complete Quiz 1 Quiz 1 will test your knowledge of the information presented in the Syllabus and Lesson 1 Online Course Material. You will need to complete the quiz and earn >90% in order to access the rest of the Lessons for the course. Complete Quiz 2 Quiz 2 will test your knowledge of the ESP program faculty and staff. This is a fun two truths and a lie activity where you will be asked to identify the lie in each person's intro video. |
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Lesson 2: Canvas Post a personal introduction video addressing the assignment prompts provided. Review the Notifications tutorial provided by Canvas to learn how to set your notification preferences. Review the "How do I subscribe to a Discussion as a Student?" tutorial to learn how to subscribe to the discussion forums. Post a comment on another student's introduction video |
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Lesson 3: Get involved! Using the examples provided in the lesson, create a list of the EMSAGE applicable achievements for each area: Scholarship, Experiential Learning and Global Literacy, and Service. Creating the list now will enable you to identify which areas you may need to concentrate on as you move through the ESP Program. Create a LinkedIn profile. EMSAGE assignment. |
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Lesson 4: Success as a World Campus Student Complete the ALEKS math placement exam. |
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Lesson 5: Student Services Subscribe to the World Campus Events Calendar |
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Lesson 6: Study Abroad or Internship? Complete the Study Abroad/Internship Prior Learning Experience Questionnaire; be specific and provide details. |
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Lesson 7: How Advising Can Help You Use the tools outlined in the lesson to submit a long-term academic plan to your ESP adviser. Email the plan to your adviser using your PSU email address and submit a PDF copy via Canvas |
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Lesson 8: Library and Research Resources Log on to the Library badging system website using your Penn State credentials. Work through the five modules to earn badges! |
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Lesson 9: Writing Resources Assigned reading. Research an instance of greenwashing, using credible sources to learn about the situation and the type(s) of greenwashing used. Submit a summary of the example and the ways in which Greenwashing were utilized. |
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Lesson 10: Program Competencies Review ideas related to the communication of climate change. Submit a paper discussing the assigned reading. |
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Lesson 11: Communication Record a conversation between you and a classmate(s) on one of the topics provided. Submit a summary and the recording. |
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Lesson 12: Global Citizenship Complete a quiz. |
Course Policies
Citation Style Requirement
Please visit our Academic Integrity page for information on the College's academic integrity policy.
This course requires you to use APA style, which you can learn more about by visiting APA Style.
Expectations:
- Whenever you include text, a graphic, or an idea that is not your own, acknowledge the contribution in-text (known as an in-text citation) and in your reference list in such a way that readers are able to locate the original source.
- Consistently apply APA style to all of your submissions.
Contact the course librarian or the instructor if you have difficulties meeting the expectations outlined above.
Late Policy
No late work will be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made.
Technical Requirements
For this course, we recommend the minimum technical requirements outlined on the World Campus Technical Requirements page, including the requirements listed for same-time, synchronous communications. If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the IT Service Desk (for World Campus students) or Penn State's IT Help Portal (for students at all other campus locations).
Internet Connection
Access to a reliable Internet connection is required for this course. A problem with your Internet access may not be used as an excuse for late, missing, or incomplete coursework. If you experience problems with your Internet connection while working on this course, it is your responsibility to find an alternative Internet access point, such as a public library or Wi-Fi ® hotspot.
Mixed Content
This site is considered a secure web site, which means that your connection is encrypted. We do, however, link to content that isn't necessarily encrypted. This is called mixed content. By default, mixed content is blocked in Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome. This may result in a blank page or a message saying that only secure content is displayed. Follow the directions on our Technical Requirements page to view the mixed content.
Penn State E-mail Accounts
All official communications from Penn State are sent to students' Penn State e-mail accounts. Be sure to check your Penn State account regularly, or forward your Penn State e-mail to your preferred e-mail account, so you don't miss any important information.
Academic Integrity
This course follows the procedures for academic integrity of Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Penn State defines academic integrity as "the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner." Academic integrity includes "a commitment not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation, or deception." In particular, the University defines plagiarism as "the fabrication of information and citations; submitting others' work from professional journals, books, articles, and papers; submission of other students' papers, lab results or project reports and representing the work as one's own." Penalties for violations of academic integrity may include course failure. To learn more, see Penn State's Academic Integrity Training for Students.
Course Copyright
All course materials students receive or to which students have online access are protected by copyright laws. Students may use course materials and make copies for their own use as needed, but unauthorized distribution and/or uploading of materials without the instructor’s express permission is strictly prohibited. University Policy AD 40, the University Policy Recording of Classroom Activities and Note Taking Services addresses this issue. Students who engage in the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials may be held in violation of the University’s Code of Conduct, and/or liable under Federal and State laws.
For example, uploading completed labs, homework, or other assignments to any study site constitutes a violation of this policy.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities. The Office for Student Disability Resources website provides contact information for Campus Disability Coordinators at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the Office for Student Disability Resources website.
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled. You will participate in an intake interview and provide documentation. See documentation guidelines at Applying for Services from Student Disability Resources. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus’s disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Change in Normal Campus Operations
In case of weather-related delays or other emergency campus disruptions or closures at the University, this online course will proceed as planned. Your instructor will inform you if there are any extenuating circumstances regarding content or activity due dates in the course due to these delays or closures. If you are affected by a weather-related emergency, please contact your instructor at the earliest possible time to make special arrangements.
Reporting Educational Equity Concerns
Penn State takes great pride in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated (Policy AD29 Statement on Intolerance) and can be reported through Educational Equity via Report Bias.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Many students at Penn State face personal challenges or have psychological needs that may interfere with their academic progress, social development, or emotional well-being. The university offers a variety of confidential services to help you through difficult times, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, consultations, online chats, and mental health screenings. These services are provided by staff who welcome all students and embrace a philosophy respectful of clients’ cultural and religious backgrounds, and sensitive to differences in race, ability, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Services include the following:
Counseling and Psychological Services at University Park (CAPS): 814-863-0395
Counseling Services at Commonwealth Campuses
Penn State Crisis Line (24 hours/7 days/week): 877-229-6400
Crisis Text Line (24 hours/7 days/week): Text LIONS to 741741
Military Personnel
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or spouses with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, disabilities, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
Connect Online with Caution
Penn State is committed to educational access for all. Our students come from all walks of life and have diverse life experiences. As with any other online community, the lack of physical interaction in an online classroom can create a false sense of anonymity and security. While one can make new friends online, digital relationships can also be misleading. Good judgment and decision-making are critical when choosing to disclose personal information to others whom you do not know.
Deferred Grades
If you are prevented from completing this course within the prescribed amount of time for reasons that are beyond your control, it is possible to have the grade deferred with the concurrence of the instructor, following Penn State Deferred Grade Policy 48-40. To seek a deferred grade, you must submit a written request (by e-mail or U.S. post) to the instructor describing the reason(s) for the request. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested before the beginning of the final examination period. It is up to the instructor to determine whether or not you will be permitted to receive a deferred grade. If permission is granted, you will work with the instructor to establish a communication plan and a clear schedule for completion within policy. If, for any reason, the coursework for the deferred grade is not complete by the assigned time, a grade of "F" will be automatically entered on your transcript.
Participation in Peer-to-Peer Activities
This course follows the Energy and Sustainability Policy programs' Constructive Participation in ESP Peer-Peer Activities policy for student participation in peer-to-peer activities in ESP courses, such as group discussions, team projects and peer reviews of another’s work. In all peer-to-peer learning activities, students are expected to participate constructively with others in the practice and development of effective communication skills. This means NO personal attacks, NO name-calling, and NO threatening language of any kind. Consequences may include losing the opportunity to participate in (and earn credit for) all remaining peer-to-peer assignments for the duration of the course. Any instance of threatening language will be reported to the Penn State Office of Student Conduct.
Attendance
This course will be conducted entirely online. There will be no set class meeting times, but you will be required to complete weekly assignments with specific due dates. Many of the assignments are open for multiple days, so it is your responsibility to complete the work early if you plan to travel or participate in national holidays, religious observances or University approved activities.
If you need to request an exception due to a personal or medical emergency, contact the instructor directly as soon as you are able. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Respect
Penn State is “committed to creating an educational environment which is free from intolerance directed toward individuals or groups and strives to create and maintain an environment that fosters respect for others” as stated in Policy AD29 Statement on Intolerance. All members of this class are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment and to interact with civility.
For additional information, see:
- Penn State Affirmative Action Nondiscrimination Statement
- Policy AD 85 Sexual and/or Gender-Based Harassment and Misconduct, Title IX
- Penn State Values
- Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Penn State
- Assessment of the Living, Learning, and Working Environment (ALLWE) in EMS| Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
Mandated Reporting Statement
Penn State’s policies require me, as a faculty member, to share information about incidents of sex-based discrimination and harassment (discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation) with Penn State’s Title IX coordinator or deputy coordinators, regardless of whether the incidents are stated to me in person or shared by students as part of their coursework. For more information regarding the University's policies and procedures for responding to reports of sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct, please visit Penn State's Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response website.
Additionally, I am required to make a report on any reasonable suspicion of child abuse in accordance with the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law.
Disclaimer
Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus can be changed at any time, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. All changes will be communicated to you via e-mail, course announcement and/or course discussion forum.