Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Math Essentials Combined (Online)

MATH 0970-31I

Course: MATH 0970-31I
Credits: 4
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Mathematics
CRN: 32456

Course Description

An accelerated course combining the content of MATH 0950 and MATH 0990. Using computers, students will work on individualized content to specifically target and overcome weaknesses in their mathematical background. Class will be held in a computer lab with a teacher and tutor available for instruction. Individual students may have the opportunity to develop proficiency in additional intermediate algebra topics. Credit is not counted toward graduation; this course will prepare students to be successful in college-level mathematics courses. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Remedial Graded] Registration Restriction(s): None Note: This course carries no credit applicable to a postsecondary certificate or degree.

Required Texts

Although there will be no physical textbook required for this course, each student will have access to an e-text through ALEKS, which has already been paid for by you through your student fees IF you do NOT opt out. ALEKS access is required. Please be sure to check out the e-textbook and videos on ALEKS. Each student will need to create an account and register with Aleks (through Canvas) for the course. The cost for this 18-week comprehensive program will be automatically applied to student fees (See SUU Registrar’s office for additional pricing).

Students are also required to purchase the packet of Check Your Understandings at the SUU Bookstore, or print their own from Canvas, or use a tablet to complete the assignments.

Students may want to consider purchasing a notebook to organize their work and notes in.

NO NEED TO PURCHASE A CALCULATOR. ALEKS will determine when a calculator may be needed and will provide one onscreen. Beyond this integrated program tool, calculators and cell phones will be prohibited. Each student will be tested on and needs to understand how to use negative numbers, fractions, and decimals without a calculator.

Since this is an online course, students will also be required to have a working computer, internet access, and a side-angle camera with sound for proctoring.

Learning Outcomes

In this class you will review, or learn, to become proficient with signed numbers, linear equations and inequalities, fractions, decimals, percent problems, geometry, graphing, integer exponents, polynomials, and factoring.  Also, an introduction to the concepts of sets, radicals, and factoring quadratic equations is included. This class prepares students and is a prerequisite for Math 1010, as well as Math 1030 and 1031. But, it can also prepare you for Math 0990, Math 0930, or Math 0931.

You will have the chance to learn and improve your thinking skills, as well as review the math you need.  Please don't cheat yourself of this valuable experience by using generative AI, other Apps, or even tutors, to do your thinking for you.  

Course Requirements

GRADING POLICY:

**It is required that you receive a grade of B- or higher to move on to the next math course: Math 1010, 1030, or 1031. 
Your letter grade will be based on the following percentages:
A:  93-100  A-:  90-92   B+:  87-89  B:  83-86     B-:  80-82   C+:  77-79  C:  73-76     
C-:  70-72   D+:  67-69  D:  63-66    D-:  60-62   F:  Below 60
The grade is determined by two requirements, and both must be met.
1.     80% or higher on Canvas
2.     80% or higher on your Final Proctored Knowledge Check on ALEKS
Your course grade is weighted on Canvas as follows:

Effort put in to learning – 20% of your grade

·         8 Hours per week learning on ALEKS
·         Check Your Understanding assignments for each module
·         Progress Evaluation Quizzes on Canvas
Please see and print the Schedule and Due Dates Document on Canvas to know what is expected and when.

Proctored Knowledge Checks (PKCs)– 80% of your grade
ALEKS Proctored Knowledge Checks are used to determine your Pie Progress.  They demonstrate your comprehensive knowledge of the 0970 material throughout the semester.  Failure to take even one of these assessments may result in a UW course grade.  Contact me BEFORE the Exam if you need to take it on a different day, or immediately after, if there was an emergency or other situation. These will be proctored through the SUU Testing Center if you are on campus, or using our online proctoring software, Honorlock, if you need to be proctored remotely.  You are not allowed to use notes, calculators, other people, other websites, AI, etc. on a PKC. There will be 4 PKCs a Final PKC administered on the dates given in the Schedule and Due Dates document.  

All PKCs (including the Initial Knowledge Check) test your knowledge and capability to correctly complete 100% of the material outlined in the course. It is like taking the final exam 5 times, though the questions should be different each time as you learn and show mastery. Because Math 0970 is a progress-based class, each time you take a knowledge check, your new overall score will replace your previous Pie Progress Score.  You must receive at least 80% overall pie progress on a PKC to pass the class, and usually that is the Final one.

Early Finish Option: You may finish the course before the end of the semester by completing ALL your ALEKS Pie, getting over 95% on one of the PKCs, and completing all CYUs. If you finish early you will be exempt from all following PKCs, Time Goals, and Canvas Progress Evaluations. 

Course Outline

The course is designed to be an individualized fast-paced, computerized math program. It will utilize an online learning program called ALEKS. Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces is a Web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics she is most ready to learn. As you work through this course, ALEKS will assess you as you complete each Objective (or weekly) to see what your level of mastery is. Topics that are not mastered will be covered again as needed for future learning. The concepts covered are as follows:
Module 1: Whole Numbers & Integers
Module 2: Fractions
Module 3: Solving Equations
Module 4: Decimals
Module 5: Percentages & Geometry
Module 6: Advanced Equations
Module 7: Sets & Inequalities
Module 8: Graphing linear equations
Module 9: Exponents & Polynomials
Module 10: Factoring Polynomials

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

  • Time Goals cannot be completed late or "made-up".
  • CYUs (written assignments) that are turned in after a 1-2 day grace period to get questions answered, will be docked points. 
  • Proctored Knowledge Checks need to be completed on time unless the student makes other arrangements with the professor and at the professor's discretion.

Attendance Policy

This is an online class, thus there is not an attendance piece.  
However, students that are successful plan at least two-three hours, 4-5 times per week, to work on the class. That is similar to attendance and homework if you were to attend the class on campus.  
Not putting in this time will most likely affect your grade negatively as assignments and goals may not be met on time.

Course Fees

The cost for this 18-week comprehensive program (ALEKS) will be automatically applied to student fees (See SUU Registrar’s office for additional pricing).

Honorlock is free to SUU students. As an SUU student, you are allowed to use the testing center on campus during operating hours at no additional cost; paid for as part of your student fees.

Support and Resources

Support - If you are having difficulties at any time, please talk to me! I will be available to you to answer questions and provide help throughout the course. You are my priority so don’t hesitate to contact me. I would also recommend that you find someone that can help you grasp the material (ie tutor, friend, family member) with whom you could meet with often throughout the semester to ensure your success during this online math course. ALEKS also provides helpful online videos and resources (including ebook) corresponding to each lesson to help you understand the material. I would strongly encourage you to utilize them throughout the course. There are many resources available, but it is ultimately your responsibility to get the help you need when you need it. Above all do not let yourself get behind! Ask questions immediately when you have them. 

Use all of the provided resources!
Online Resources -- To help you understand the material ALEKS & your online ebook provide you with helpful examples, explanations, videos and other resources corresponding to each lesson. I would strongly encourage you to utilize them daily throughout the course.
Tutoring Center – SUU offers free tutoring, both in person and online, to help you succeed. The center is located on the 2nd floor of the ELC and is open to students Monday through Friday. The tutors truly are better than AI!!
ALEKS Customer Support – For technical questions (not mathy ones), contact Aleks support: 1-800-258-2374 or for the fastest and most effective assistance.
Canvas Support at SUU - These people are amazing at helping you figure out what is going wrong or how to do something.  They are available Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm at this number: 1-435-865-8555
24/7 Canvas Support - 1-877-214-8854

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.

Religious / Conscience Belief Accommodation

RELIGIOUS / CONSCIENCE BELIEF ACCOMMODATION: In accordance with SUU Policy 6.7 Student Belief Accommodation, students may request, in writing, that their faculty accommodate their sincerely held religious or conscience beliefs. Students should provide their faculty with sufficient advanced notice, if possible within the first five (5) business days of the semester or session, or thereafter with good cause for requesting an accommodation after the first five (5) business days.

Faculty must provide a schedule accommodation or excuse an absence, in any course, for students to observe or participate in religious holidays or an organized activity conducted under the auspices of the student’s religious tradition or religious organization.

In courses that are required for graduation or for an academic major, a faculty member may accommodate a religious or conscience belief by modifying an assignment or examination if its content conflicts with the student’s belief. Faculty may decline the accommodation if it would fundamentally alter the course requirements. If declined, the student may request review by a neutral arbiter using the Belief Accommodation Request Form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv&layout_id=5

Questions go to Assistant Provost Jake Johnson at johnsonj@suu.edu.

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.