Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Math Essentials Combined (Online)

MATH 0970-30I

Course: MATH 0970-30I
Credits: 4
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: MATH
CRN: 31580

Course Description

The course is an individualized, fast-paced, computerized math program utilizing ALEKS (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces), a web-based, AI-driven assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to determine what a student knows and doesn’t know, then instructs on topics the student is most ready to learn. As you work through the course, ALEKS will assess mastery at the end of each objective and revisit non-mastered topics as needed. The course covers material ranging from Pre-Algebra through Intermediate Algebra and allows students the ability to complete two developmental math courses in one semester. Learning combines independent online work with one-on-one professional instruction.

This class prepares students for Intermediate Algebra (Math 1010) as well as Math 1030 and 1040.

Required Texts

  • No textbook required. Each student must create an ALEKS account and register for the course. The cost for this 18-week comprehensive program will be automatically applied to student fees (see SUU Registrar’s Office for pricing). Please see the ALEKS Registration Instructions handout for account setup.
  • Math journal (spiral or composition).
  • Pencils (preferred over pens).
  • No need to purchase a calculator. ALEKS provides an on-screen calculator when appropriate. Beyond this integrated tool, calculators and cell phones are prohibited. Students must be able to work with negative numbers, fractions, and decimals without a calculator.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to review and/or demonstrate proficiency with:

  • Signed numbers
  • Linear equations and inequalities
  • Fractions and decimals
  • Percent problems
  • Geometry fundamentals
  • Graphing
  • Integer exponents
  • Polynomials and factoring
  • Introduction to sequences
  • Sets
  • Radicals
  • Quadratic equations

The course is designed to prepare students for Intermediate Algebra (Math 1010) as well as Math 1030 and 1040.

Course Requirements

Course Credit and Grade Expectation

You will not receive college math credit for this class; however, for financial aid/grants it is counted as a 4-credit class and you will receive a letter grade on your transcript. It is important to earn a B- or higher to move on and be successful in the next math course.

Grading Scale
  • A: 94–100
  • A-: 90–93
  • B+: 87–89
  • B: 84–86
  • B-: 80–83
  • C+: 77–79
  • C: 74–76
  • C-: 70–73
  • D+: 67–69
  • D: 64–66
  • D-: 60–63
  • F: Below 60
Grading Components
  • ALEKS Module Time Goals – 10%
    Requirement: Spend the specified number of active hours each module working on ALEKS pie progress (varies by module; see Due Dates Calendar/Canvas). Time goals reset at midnight on the due date and cannot be made up.
  • Module Written Assignments – 10%
    One paper-and-pencil assignment per module to demonstrate understanding. Show all work; no calculators. Submit via Canvas (legible) or hard copy. Due at the end of the corresponding module as listed on the Due Dates Calendar. Failure to complete at least 80% of written assignments may result in a UW grade.
  • Scheduled ALEKS Knowledge Checks (proctored) – 80%
    Four scheduled knowledge checks (including the final) on dates listed in the Due Dates Calendar/Canvas. Failure to take even one scheduled assessment may result in a UW grade. Knowledge checks are proctored remotely via Honorlock (records screen and webcam) or in person at an approved testing center. Each check assesses 100% of course material; the last scheduled knowledge check taken counts for 80% of the Canvas grade. To pass the course, students must earn at least an 80% overall Canvas grade, which requires at least 80% overall pie progress on a scheduled, proctored knowledge check.
Proctoring and Technology
  • Honorlock (free to SUU students) must be installed on a desktop/laptop with a working webcam for remote proctoring.
  • Alternatively, schedule proctoring at an approved testing center; SUU’s testing center is available during operating hours at no additional cost (covered by student fees).
Additional Assessment Details
  • Initial Knowledge Check: Taken after ALEKS registration to assess baseline knowledge and personalize your learning path. Complete honestly without outside resources.
  • Post-Objective Knowledge Checks: Automated at the end of each module; treated as practice (not graded in Canvas). Missed topics return to the learning path for re-mastery.

Course Outline

     | Aleks Assignments and Due Dates Calendar Fall 2025 (Full)

 | The Schedule  |   |   | Math 0970   | 
 | ALEKS Objective Completion:  | Due:  |   | Suggested Pie Progress Goals:  | 
 | Objective 1:  Whole Numbers and Integers  | 3-Sep-25  |   | PP Obj 1 - 20% (100 topics)  | 3-Sep-25
 | Objective 2:  Fractions  | 12-Sep-25  |   | PP Obj 2 - 30% (150 topics)  | 12-Sep-25
 | Objective 3:  Solving Equations  | 19-Sep-25  |   | PP Obj 3 - 40% (200 topics)  | 19-Sep-25
 | Objective 4: Decimals  | 26-Sep-25  |   | PP Obj 4 - 50% (250 topics)  | 26-Sep-25
 | Objective 5:  Percents and Geometry  | 3-Oct-25  |   | PP Obj 5 - 60% (300 topics)  | 3-Oct-25
 | Objective 6:  Advanced Equations  | 17-Oct-25  |   | PP Obj 6 - 70% (350 topics)  | 17-Oct-25
 | Objective 7:  Sets and Inequalities  | 24-Oct-25  |   | PP Obj 7 - 75% (375 topics)  | 24-Oct-25
 | Objective 8:  Graphing  | 7-Nov-25  |   | PP Obj 8 - 85% (425 topics)  | 7-Nov-25
 | Objective 9:  Exponents and Polynomials  | 21-Nov-25  |   | PP Obj 9 - 95% (475 topics)  | 21-Nov-25
 | Objective 10:  Factoring  | 5-Dec-25  |   | PP Obj 10 - 100% (500 topics)  | 5-Dec-25

 | Written Assignments:  |   |   | Time Goals: (100 Total Hours)  | 
 | Module 1 Written Assignment  | 3-Sep-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 1 (8 hours)  | 3-Sep-25
 | Module 2 Written Assignment  | 12-Sep-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 2 (12 hours)  | 12-Sep-25
 | Module 3 Written Assignment  | 19-Sep-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 3 (8 hours)  | 19-Sep-25
 | Module 4 Written Assignment  | 26-Sep-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 4 (8 hours)  | 26-Sep-25
 | Module 5 Written Assignment  | 3-Oct-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 5 (8 hours)  | 3-Oct-25
 | Module 6 Written Assignment  | 17-Oct-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 6 (12 hours)  | 17-Oct-25
 | Module 7 Written Assignment  | 24-Oct-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 7 (8 hours)  | 24-Oct-25
 | Module 8 Written Assignment  | 7-Nov-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 8 (14 hours)  | 7-Nov-25
 | Module 9 Written Assignment  | 21-Nov-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 9 (14 hours)  | 21-Nov-25
 | Module 10 Written Assignment  | 5-Dec-25  |   | Module Time Goal - 10 (8 hours)  | 5-Dec-25

 | Proctored Assessments:  |   |   |   | 
 | Scheduled Assessment 1 (40%)  | 19-Sep-25  |   | Knowledge Check Pre-Test (25%)  | 5-Sep-25
 | Scheduled Assessment 2 (65%)  | 10-Oct-25  |   | Optional Early Final (95%)  | 21-Nov-25
 | Scheduled Assessment 3 (80%)  | 31-Oct-25  |   | Scheduled Assessment 4 (100%)  | 8-Dec-25

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

  • Deadlines and Make-up: Module time goals reset at midnight on the due date and cannot be made up. Written assignments are due at the end of each corresponding module as listed on the Due Dates Calendar.
  • Assessment Requirements: Scheduled knowledge checks must be proctored (Honorlock or approved testing center). Failure to take even one scheduled assessment may result in a UW grade.
  • Calculator and Device Policy: No calculators or cell phones are allowed on written assignments; ALEKS provides an on-screen calculator only when permitted. Minimize distractions while working (put away cell phones, headphones, and other devices).
  • Participation Expectations: Work in ALEKS daily (about 2–3 hours per class day) to meet time and progress goals; manage your time to stay on track with module due dates.
  • Communication: Monitor course announcements for updates. If you decide to drop the course, please notify the instructor and share your reason.

Attendance Policy

This is a strictly online, asynchronous course. You are expected to navigate the course remotely and complete all assignments and exams within the bounds of the due dates listed on the course calendar.

Monitor course announcements throughout the semester for important details and updates. Keep a dedicated math journal for taking notes, studying, and reviewing material while working in ALEKS and preparing for assessments.

Course Fees

  • ALEKS Access: The 18-week ALEKS program cost is automatically applied to student fees (see SUU Registrar’s Office for pricing details).
  • Proctoring: Honorlock is free to SUU students. SUU’s on-campus testing center is available at no additional cost (covered by student fees).

Student Support and Resources

  • Instructor Support: Reach out whenever you have difficulties. The instructor is available throughout the course for questions and help.
  • Online Resources: ALEKS and the integrated eBook provide examples, explanations, videos, and other lesson-aligned resources—use them regularly.
  • Tutoring Center: SUU offers free tutoring (limited summer hours) on the 2nd floor of the ELC. Math tutors and computers are available—take advantage of this resource.
  • ALEKS Customer Support: For technical issues (not math questions), contact ALEKS Support at 1-800-258-2374.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.