Requirement
as approved by Faculty June 10, 2004
Faculty Committee on Computer
Competency
University of the Sciences in
Since not every student will be able to
take the test simultaneously, students will be scheduled to take this exam by
math sections. Students not taking a math course during this time will be
notified via e-mail as to when they are scheduled to take the exam. Students
who do not show up for their scheduled competency examination will be charged
the $25 make-up fee per the fee schedule in the university catalog. These
students will be assigned a scheduled make up date via e-mail.
This two-hour competency examination will
be given in a proctored computer lab using BlackboardTM
software and its component e-mail, thus testing the students Internet
readiness. Students must bring a valid photo I.D. BlackboardTM is widely utilized for many courses
taught at USP. Workshops on the use of BlackboardTM
will be offered and scheduled on the website.
Topics for Word Processing Software are:
Topics for Excel Spreadsheets are:
Students will be notified via e-mail of
their results of the computer competency examination. The results will
also be available in BlackboardTM.
Criteria:
It is the student’s responsibility to
complete any required workshops or coursework. All undergraduate students
at University of the Sciences in
Please NOTE:
ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO THE PROCEDURE:
1.)
Students
are scheduled alphabetically. BlackboardTM is used to maintain the groupings
for the scheduled placement exams.
2.)
Students
are notified via e-mail as to the date and room for their exam.
3.)
Students
who request a date change (no reason required), before the scheduled date of
their test will have the date changed.
4.)
Students
are notified via e-mail as to the grade on the placement exam.
5.)
All
matriculated undergraduate students must either take the placement exam or take
the CS110 and CS111 courses.
6.)
Exams
are scheduled during the Fall semester and are scheduled during the Spring
semester during the first week of classes as make-up exams.
Students
who are eligible for a make-up exam will be notified via e-mail.`
1.) sign-up in the Math Dept Office with Judeth
Kuchinsky for either the Tuesday or Thursday test.
Each test is limited to no more than 28 students. The Math Dept.
Office is located in Whitecar 210.
2.) pay the $25 make-up test fee at the cashiers office.
3.) bring your ID and the receipt to the test.
If you have already paid the fee, go to the Math Dept Office and
reserve a seat.
There will be no refunds, if you pay and do not show up for the test period.
There are 4 different
workshops. Each workshop will be ONE two
hour session meeting on either a Tuesday or Thursday at 1:00 PM
#1 – Spreadsheets
Test Questions
16 Relative/Absolute Addressing
17 Intermediate Functions
18 Basic Functions
#2 – Spreadsheets
Test Questions
19 Graphing
20 Trendlines
21 Trendlines
22 Error-Bars
23 Chart Titles
#3 – Word processing
Test Questions
15 copy&paste
between applications
5 Footnotes & Endnotes
8 Search&Replace
9 Page Margins
10 Indents
11 Bullet Lists
12 Alignments
13 Outlining
#4 – Word Processing
Test Questions
1 cut & paste
2 subscript & superscript
3 Header & Footer
4 Page Numbers
6 Font Styles
7 Spell Check
14 Special Characters
The workshops
have been redesigned. Students are
grouped together based on the questions that they answered correctly and
incorrectly. This minimizes the number
of questions that must be covered in any one workshop and reduces the number of
workshops a student must attend to only one.
Students will be notified of the date for their workshop via their
student e-mail account.
Faculty Committee on Computer Competency
There will be a permanent standing
committee on Computer Competency composed of at least two members each from
Health Science, Pharmacy, and Arts and Science, and one member who is the
administrator of the Examinations and Workshops. The last member shall
also be the committee secretary. One of these members will also serve as
the liaison between Faculty Council Curriculum committee and the committee on
Computer Competency.
The responsibility of this committee will
be:
Q. How are the credits for CS 110 and CS 111
counted.
A. These credits do NOT count towards the credits
required for Graduation.
These
credits do NOT satisfy any of the Core Elective Requirements.
Passing
these course will NOT have any effect on your GPA
Failing
either course will reduce your GPA
Q. I have transfer credit for CS110 and CS111 from
another institution, why do I have to take the test?
A. The policy is that “all incoming first year and transfer
students to take the USP computer competency examination”. Transfer credits have no effect on this
requirement. In addition, since the
CS110 and CS111 courses do not count towards graduation requirements. Transfer
credits for these two courses should not be granted, since the transfer credits
will not count towards graduation either.
Q. I received two emails stating that I needed to
take two different workshops, do I need to take both or can I take a different
one?
A. You need
to either take both workshops or the course covering the topics you need.
Q. When and where is the workshop held, and what is
the difference between that and the computer class itself?
A. The workshops will be a ONE 2 hour session held
in one of the computer labs. The Course
is 3 hours a week for 6 weeks and requires a textbook, projects and a test.
Q. I have received three similar e-mails except
for the fact that each of the three has a different type of workshop in it for
option number one. How do I know which
workshop I am required to go to or if I must go to multiple workshops?
A. you must go to all three workshops.
Q. Could you please give me more information about
the workshops? For instance, will there
be multiple times and days offered of each topic? What if the student has classes during the
workshops? And, will students have to
RSVP for the workshops?
A. Each student will be assigned to take one, two,
three or even all four workshops. The
workshops will be held only on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 PM in both
GRI208N and Wilson217. The students will
be scheduled as to which date to attend to minimize confusion and to level the
attendance. Students who have a conflict
with an assigned date can ask to have the date changed to another one.
Q. hi, i was wondering if i sign up for classes, do i have
to take cs111 and cs119? Because they're two different courses? I was confused
and I was wondering if u could clarify the information for me. Thank you
A. CS 110 covers Word Processing and CS 111 covers
Spreadsheets. Students who scored less
than 55% are required to take CS 110 and
CS 111. However, the answers to the
first 14 questions were evaluated and those students who did well one these
questions were exempted from taking CS 110.
These students were notified via email during the first two weeks of January.
Q. i was wondering what workshop i would have to take... i got a
70% on the computer test.
A. The answer to this question is in the emails sent to your on Jan, 5
and 6, 2005.
Q. I got an e-mail saying that I had to take two
afternoon workshops. I just wanted to
make sure that the workshops were different from these 6 week courses. I think I got either a 72 or 73 percent on
the computer exam, so I was wondering if you knew when the workshops for the
excel program would be.
A. The workshops are not the same as the course. The schedule for the workshops will be
announced via email.
Q. When are the workshops #1 #4?
A. The workshops will be scheduled soon and you will be notified via
email as to when you are scheduled to attend.
Q. Last semester I took the computer exam.
Unfortunetely, I didn't pass it. My grade was 62.
I received an e-mail that in order to get a credit I have to attend some
workshops. I have no idea how to register for those. Therefore, I ask you for a
favor. Can you please clarify what should I do. Where can I find the schedule
of the workshops and where can I register?
A. The email never stated that you would receive any “credit(s)” for
attending a workshop. You do not need to
register for anything the date for the workshop(s) to which you are required to
attend will be sent to you shortly.
Q. I was hoping to take the
computer test if there are any available seats.
A. Seats are available on a first
come basis, bring a photo ID and the receipt for the $25 fee. There will only be 4 tests, all starting at
1:00 PM on Jan 18, 20, 25 and last on 27.
Q. I have a question about retaking
the computer test.
Do I still have to take the
computer class this semester although I get over 75% on the retaking computer
test on next tuesday? (I plan to take it on next tuesday) Today, I tried to reschedule my schedule, and I
was ended up with having a conflict with the computer class. I went to your
office today to talk to you about this matter, but I couldn't see you. I added
CS 110 04 and CS 111 04 just in case, but still it doens't
fit to my schedule. I guarantee that I
would get at least over 55% on the retaking computer test, please can you
please help me to drop those classes?
I believe that it will be a great
opportunity to learn about computer if I could take the computer classes this
semester. However, since my schedule doens't fit to any of the computer classes, I believe i should be tested out of the computer test on next tuesday. I wish you would understand my situation and,
Thank you for reading this email and answering my questions.
A. Wow, a really long
question. If you earn over a 75% on the
re-test, then you have satisfied the requirement. If you score over a 55% you will then be
asked to take one or more workshops. In
order to Add or Drop a course you need to see your Advisor and the
Registrar. If you register for a section
you must attend it as no course conflict forms will be signed. Seats for the re-test are very limited and
are available on a first-come basis, therefore you should come early to be able
to obtain a seat. There are only 4 tests
all beginning at 1:00 PM in GRI 208N on Tu/Th Jan 18,
20, 25 and 27.
Q. I have talked with my advisor
and he has informed me that I will be attending workshop #2 in Graphing and
workshop #3 in Word. When and where are
these going to be held. Please write back.
A. The schedule will be announced
soon.
Q. 1) What are all the possible
courses these students might require to fulfill the different areas of
proficiency?
2) Are they full semester or half
semester courses?
3) What about these workshops? Why
wouldn't all students sign up for a two hour workshop to make up for failing a
section of the proficiency exam, rather than taking a multi-week course? It
seems to be cheaper than retaking the exam AND shouldn't take that much longer
to perform... I feel
I must be missing some critical
facet to these workshops.
4)Are lots of workshops going to be
scheduled for all of the kids who don't want to take the courses and don't want
to risk failing the makeup during drop/add?
A. 1) That depends upon the score
the student achieved on the Placement Exam.
Students who scored below a 55% MUST take the courses. Students who scored 75% and above have completed
the requirement. Students who scored 55%
thru 74% will be taking workshops. A
student who is asked to take a workshop may elect to take the course(s)
instead.
2.) The courses are half-semester.
3.) Some students are prohibited by
the policy from taking the workshops.
Those students scoring below 55% have demonstrated that they will need
more help with the software than a 2 hour workshop can provide. The committee wanted to give the students
options. If a student wishes to pay a
$25 fee and re-take a 2 hour test to avoid taking a 2 hour free workshop, I
agree it would be silly for them to do so, However, if a student is required to
take both course(s) then retaking the test would be to their advantage.
4.) Each specific student will be
given a specific date for the workshop(s) that they are required to take. Students required to take the course(s) will
not be allowed to take the workshop(s) to satisfy the requirement. There are an insufficient number of seats
available to have all of the students retake the Placement Exam. Those who were required to take the courses
should register for them and if they score higher or the retest then they can
Drop the course.
Q.
I am required to take a computer workshop this semester, and was wondering how
to go about signing up for one. Please contact me with more information because
I do not want to miss the opportunity to sign up for this required workshop.
A.
Wait for the email with the schedule for your specific workshop(s).
Q.
To whom it may concern...
My name is ... and I scored a 71.7% on the computer exam. I received 2 emails
indicating that I must take 2 workshops. I was wondering when these workshops
were and where I sign up for them. If you have any information please let me
know.
Thank You,
A.
The specific workshop schedule is not yet made up. Date(s) will be
emailed to you when ready.
Q.
i don't know which part i
failed it only says that i got 70 percent
A.
Which workshop are you scheduled to take? You have two or more incorrect
answers to be in that workshop.
Q.
I would like to know when I can take the two hour class to clear myself of the
computer requirement.
A.
After the instructors have held a meeting to go over the topics for the
workshops and a schedule is prepared you will be notified when and where your
specific workshop(s) will be held.
Q.
I've scored 55% on the test I understand the make-up procedures but I'm
wondering when the "workshops" are offered. If you have any free time
and are able to help me understand this better, i
would greatly appreciate it. Thank you
A. See the previous questions.
Q.
hi, i have one more question. If i
get lower than a 75 but higher than a 55, would i
only have to take workshops?
A.
The grading standards are listed above under Criteria.
Q.
I already paid the make up fee, but still have to reserve a seat. I was
wondering where the math department office is.
A.
Whitecar 210.
Q.
I would like to sign up for both the word processing and excel workshops.
A.
You do not sign-up for workshop(s). You will be told when to take them.
Q.
When will I recieve an email regarding when I am
scheduled for my workshops.
A.
The schedule was emailed to the students on Feb, 2 and Feb 3.
Q.
My name is ... and I found one of your e-mails somewhat unclear. Is my
understanding correct that I may take the 2 hour workshop for spreadsheets to
fulfill my computer competency requirement?
A.
Without your sending me a copy of the original email, I do not know which email
you are referring to. Students who scored less than 55% are required to
take the CS110 and CS111 courses. Students who scored 55% or more, but
74% or less are required to take one or more workshops, BUT can optionally take
the course(s) instead.
Q.
I checked the website and it did say Tuesdays and Thursdays at one o'clock for
two hours but I was wondering on what dates. There are no dates posted.
A.
The dates are individual and it would violate confidentiality of student
information to post the list.
Q.
I'm scheduled to take both courses, but I am wondering if I can drop the
courses and take the exams next year (FALL 2006) to possibly get out of taking
the courses. I understand that there are makeup exams this week but I've missed
them all. I also understand that if I failed next year I'd still have to take
the courses. I'm willing to pay a fee if that is necessary. I would simply
rather try again next year and need to know if thats
a possibility.
A.
There will be no exams next year for this year's students. Next year we
will be giving exams to next year's students. If you did not take the
test or if you scored less than 55% then you must take the CS110 and CS111
courses.
Q.
I was wondering what i have to do, can i take only 2 sessions for the computer course and ill be
fine, i dont have to take the
course right? and will we be told of the times for the sessions?
A. Students whose score is 55%-74% must take one or more workshops.
Students whose score is 0-54% must take the courses. The dates for the
workshops were emailed on Feb 2 & 3.
Q.
When is the work shop for the computer? What are the procedures that I need to
take to sign up for the work shop? Also, do I just need to take the work shop
for excel??
A.
You do not sign-up for a workshop, you are scheduled for a workshop. The
reason for this is with 5 different instructions, 4 different workshops, 2
different rooms, and 200+- students, it would be chaos to have students attempt
to pick and choose. The schedule was emailed to each student individually
on Feb 1, 2 or 3.
Q.
My name is ... and I was inquiring on when workshops #1 and #2 will be held.
Thanks for your time.
A.
The schedule was emailed to each student on Feb 1, 2 or 3.
Q.I
was wondering if the computer workshops have been sceduled
yet. I recieved an email saying i
have to attend #1 and #3, and that they would be sceduled
later that week. I haven't heard anything since.
A.
The schedule was emailed to each student on Feb 1, 2 or 3.
Q.
I re-took the computer exam and passed with an 80%, do I have to withdraw from
both CS 110 and CS 111 or do I have to do something to make sure these are out
of my schedule? Thank you.
A.
You may DROP the courses during the 2 week ADD/DROP period. You may
Withdraw from the courses after that. There may be other choices. I
would suggest that you ask either your Advisor or Program Director or the
Dean's Office for your Program or the Registrar, what process you can follow at
this point. If you do not DROP or Withdraw from the Courses, you will
earn a grade of F which will have a negative effect on your G.P.A.
Q.
I recieved an email saying that I am now scheduled
for a workshop after taking the exam a second time. I am assuming that I do not
have to attend this class anymore because of the workshop. Please let me know
if there are any problems with my assumption.
A.
If you do not Drop or Withdraw from the course(s) you will receive a grade of
"F" which will reduce your GPA. Please see your Advisor or
Program Director or the Dean's Office for your Program or the Registrar, what
process you can follow at this point.
Q.
I tried calling you office today but I couldn't get in touch with you. I just
found out that I have the option of attending a workshop instead of taking
these classes. I was wonder if it is too late for that, especially for the fact
that this course will not help my GPA. When I was registering for classes my
advisor told me that I must register for these
computer classes, but I had no idea I could have just attended the workshop.
Also I am short on cash and it will be difficult for me to but a seventy dollar
book. I know that drop and add was over on Friday but I still want to ask to
see if there is any way that I do not have to take a course I do not need, I
could use the 150 minutes per week to study for Bio or Chem. Please respond
soon or call me at ...., or I will try calling your office again.
A.
Same as the two answers above.
Q.
When is the start date for the Workshops? Will it be posted on the usip website. Currently it only says Tuesdays and Thursdays
at 1 PM. Also, will the location be posted as well.
A.
It is not possible to publish the exact dates of the Workshops on the website,
since they are individually scheduled and would violate student
confidentiality, If we did so. The students have received email notification
of their workshop schedule on Feb 1, 2 and 3, 2005 and a complete list was sent
to the Advising Office.
Any course at any other
Institution must be PRE-APPROVED by the committee before the student takes the
course.
Courses that come from Adult Ed,
award certificates or CEU's are unacceptable.
Courses
that cover the application topics required would be acceptable but we would
need an Institution Name and a Credit Course Number to be able to evaluate the
courses.
APPROVED
COURSE LIST:
CIS
102 Microsoft Excel
Equivalent
to CS 111 - Covers many of the same topics does not cover some, but covers
others.
CIS 103 PC Applications
Equivalent to CS 110 - Covers many of the same topics does not
cover some, but covers others.
Pennsylvania
Institute of Technology
OMT
127 – Introduction to MS-Word
Equivalent
to CS 110 – Good Fit.
CIS 101 – Introduction to Spreadsheets
Equivalent
to CS 111 – Covers all of the same topics except trend-lines and error-bars
CIS
103 - Word Processing
Equivalent
to CS 110
Courses
NOT approved:
CIS110
- Computer Info. Systems
Not
Equivalent - Covers too many topics and does not cover several topics of
importance at all, no depth.
The
CIS
411 Intro to Computer Applications
Not
Equivalent - Covers too many topics (History of the Abacus?) - Does not cover
graphing with spreadsheets.
CIS 101 Computer Literacy
CIS 103 PC Applications
CIS 104 PC Operating Systems: Windows
Not Equivalent to CS110 or CS111 (CIS 103 is
approved for CS110)
CSC101 - Computer Literacy
Not Equivalent - Covers too many topics unrelated to
CS110 or CS111, The topics it does cover
it does not cover in any depth or detail.
CIS
110 - Computer Applications
Not
Equivalent - Covers too many topics
unrelated to CS110 or CS111, The topics
it does cover it does not cover in any depth or detail.