Hello,

   Well, it is time to begin!  I want to start by welcoming you all to my online mathematics class, via the Internet.  I am Daphne Rossiter, and I will be your instructor for the semester.  I will try to get you started today but please remember to email me anytime you have questions or need help.  You can email me directly at rossiter@mesacc.edu or you can go to my website and email me from there.  You will be using a product called Course Compass (CC), aka MyMathLab (MML).  Course Compass is developed by the publisher of the textbook you will use.  Course Compass acts as both your classroom and an important source of learning the material.  Do not attempt to register for the class until August 23, as the course will not be ready until then.  The following are some guidelines to get started:

• Please be sure you have a permanent and reliable MCC email account.  Remember to check your email and the Course Compass Website Announcements DAILY as that is how we will be corresponding throughout the semester.  Make sure that your MCC email account does not get "full" as then your emails will not be getting to you.  If you initiate an email from another account, I am fine with that, as I will "reply" back to that particular email.  However, if I initiate an email, I will send it to your MCC email account.  If you email me, and do not hear back from me within 24 hours on a school day, then please email me again.  Our accounts have many firewalls for protection, and it is common for an email to get blocked from my account.  
• Visit my website at http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/~rossiter and go to the area where it gives you information regarding the MCC Math Department Online Courses.  This area will give you a brief overview.  The personal and technical requirements for online classes will be outlined and these requirements must be met if you are going to be successful in this class.  My website has been modified through 8-23-09, so make sure you have looked at a current version of the information.  Please carefully read through ALL the applicable links at this website as you are responsible for the material presented at the website.
• Once you are sure this online class is right for you, and after picking up your text, you should be ready to begin.  Install the course software and browser plug-ins that you will need for the class.
• Now set up your Course Compass account so that you can get started in the class.
• After completing the above, return to my website, and go to the area for our online course and view the various areas.  It is a good idea to download those and print them out for reference so you have a hardcopy for times when you can not access your computer or the website.  Again, make sure you have a current version as of 8-23-09.
• By midnight on August 29, 2009, you must complete the Online Scavenger Hunt.  The link to this is located on my homepage.  If I do not receive the Scavenger Hunt by the above date, you will be withdrawn from the course.  I am not responsible if you do not get a refund.
• Caution:  Students have reported problems using Netscape Navigator, Netscape communicator, and the AOL internet browser (AOL is acceptable as an internet service provider).  You should upgrade your browser to Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher for best performance.  Also, be sure your virus scanning software is up-to-date to help decrease the spread of viruses.  Do not open emails with unknown attachments.
• This course is taught completely online and you should plan on spending 4-6 hours a day on the necessary work for this course.  DO NOT GET BEHIND!
• Helpful Hint:   Read, Read, Read!!!!  Practice, Practice, Practice!!!!

Have a great semester and I look forward to working with each of you!

Daphne Rossiter