Course Logistics and Student Support Notes

The instructor frames the course as an advocacy effort for students, emphasizing that equity and knowledge are available and accessible to everyone: Everything in the course materials is available to you.
A budget exercise will be conducted in-class next week: a small, straightforward budget project to show what budgets look like, how funds are organized, and how to manage household finances; emphasizes the interconnectedness of budgeting with overall financial literacy and daily life.
The way you engage and connect in this course is said to influence how you engage outside the classroom; learning is framed as foundational for real-world behavior and choices.

Regular attendance and punctuality are emphasized; class runs at 1:00 PM and lasts 55 minutes.
If the instructor speaks too fast or you need to revisit a topic, you can ask to back up or email later to discuss; the instructor encourages questions and follow-up.
The instructor commits to being available and dedicated to students; students are encouraged to attend consistently and participate.
Clear expectation: regular attendance, punctuality, and timely completion of assigned tasks; late submissions are discouraged; a rough note mentions a limit of about 4 late submissions in the semester.

The instructor stresses that students should be present and engaged; respect in the classroom is expected; the space is designed for focus and attentive learning.
If you need to discuss something privately, emailing is encouraged for follow-up. The instructor emphasizes that students can come back to topics later.

On Thursdays, when students enter the lab, they will be logged into Cengage; the CSF five pre- and post-assessments will be reviewed there.
Assessment schedule: there are references to two tests, but there will actually be three tests, one after each set of three chapters: after 3, 6, and 9.
There is no midterm in this course; instead, there is a project component.
Grading and assessment rely on consistent participation, completion of tasks, and the three post-assessments in the CSF sequence.
The course emphasizes attentiveness in class and minimizing distractions (no phones or non-educational activities during class).
If you must take a phone call, you should step out of the classroom; texting, social media, or unrelated videos during class are discouraged to maintain focus.

The course may include a few visitors to the library; the instructor will guide you on how to use the library and online systems.
Library resources available include Essex County libraries, NJIT, Centimeters Hall, and Rutgers libraries, among others; these resources are accessible for various courses beyond just this one.
Although this course may not require a large research paper, students in other courses (e.g., English or research classes) should cite sources properly; emphasis on citing sources and avoiding under-citation.
The instructor notes ongoing discussions about resisting biased AI tools in research; a common bias example is that AI tools (e.g., image generation) may produce biased outputs (e.g., nurse image defaults). They caution that AI can be biased and inaccurate (the chat system may be wrong about a variety of outputs).
Guidance is offered: Purdue University’s resources are recommended for citing sources; the instructor hopes to involve a librarian if possible.

AI tools are acknowledged as biased and fallible: claims that they can be wrong and biased about outputs (e.g., a nurse image may default to a white woman with blonde hair, not representing diversity).
Students are advised to be critical of AI-generated content and to rely on reputable sources; proper citation practices are essential to avoid issues with originality and attribution.

EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund) program details: the EOF department is located in the green area of the campus;EOF provides counseling, tutoring, and financial support (they may offer stipends or funds for taking required courses).
The instructor emphasizes not missing out on available financial support:
- Do not leave money on the table if you are eligible.
- The instructor mentions distributing flyers and directing students to EOF for assistance; there may be opportunities in the spring if not available in the fall.
For space navigation, the campus layout includes colored areas (green area, red area, blue area, yellow area) and floors (Third Floor, Second Floor); the space can be complex but is navigable with guidance.
An intake coordinator is downstairs who can answer questions about admissions or programs; the instructor may have a card with contact information.
The instructor expresses willingness to help students navigate campus spaces and obtain the resources they need to succeed.

EOF provides additional counseling and tutoring resources; they may also help with financial incentives for course enrollment; it’s encouraged to explore these supports.
The instructor offers to share or bring flyers and to help students connect with EOF and librarians; they emphasize proactive engagement with campus resources as part of academic success.

The course includes a budget activity in-class, a lab-based assessment session, and a sequence of pre/post assessments; engagement with the CSF framework is central to the course design.
Journaling and reflective assignments are used to gauge learning:
- Two course reflection essays will be submitted over the semester.
- The first reflection is due on a Thursday (assigned in class); the second reflection is due at the end of the semester.
- Each reflection is expected to be approximately 3-4 paragraphs.
The instructor reaffirms dedication to student success and encourages ongoing dialogue to ensure understanding and progress.

The course emphasizes practical applicability: learning to budget, manage time, use campus resources, and responsibly cite sources has direct relevance to real-world life and future coursework.
Ethical considerations include accurate citation, awareness of AI biases, and respectful classroom conduct to foster a productive learning environment.
The emphasis on accessibility, equity, and advocacy reflects a broader commitment to ensuring students know what resources exist and how to access them.

Class duration: 55 minutes per session.
Class start time: 1:00 PM.
Budget project: next week in-class.
Late submissions: approximately 4 allowed in the semester.
CSF assessments: 5 pre- and post-assessments within the CSF framework.
Tests: three tests after chapters 3, 6, and 9 (despite references to two tests elsewhere).
Reflections: 2 essays total; one due on a Thursday, another at semester end; each 3-4 paragraphs.
Accessibility: library resources include Essex County libraries, NJIT, Rutgers, and Rutgers-related systems; the course uses library and citation skills across contexts.
Important campus supports: EOF program in the green area; intake coordinator downstairs; librarians available for consultation.

The instructor emphasizes presence, respect, and support for students, aiming to create a learning environment where students feel seen, supported, and able to access needed resources. Details may be adjusted as the semester progresses; stay engaged and communicate openly about any needs or questions.