Ecology

BE 208 Block 8 Spring 2024

Click on the drop-down menu headings below to learn more about course basics.

For more details and a tentative course schedule, check out the syllabus in the course modules

Land Acknowledgement and Inclusion of Diverse Perspectives

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I recognize that CC is located on land stewarded by the Ute Peoples and descendant nations. Historically, this land has been home to the Apache, Arapaho, Comanche, Cheyenne, and other tribal nations. I honor and express my gratitude towards the many individuals that were forced to surrender their land, because without their sacrifice, we would not have these natural spaces to explore and learning institutions to pursue knowledge.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

I believe that fostering antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in higher education is necessary for student engagement and learning. My experience as a gay, first-generation Mexican immigrant raised by working class parents, helps me understand that inequity and privilege disparity affect students' educational experiences, sense of belonging, and retention. I am committed to co-creating a learning environment that supports students of all abilities, ethnicities, creeds, genders, orientations, and identities. Throughout the course, I will work to amplify the diverse voices and perspectives that exist in the field.

Who and Where

Jesús F. Peña, PhD (he/him/él) Professor

Contact: jpena2023@coloradocollege.edu (weekdays 8:00am-6:00pm; weekends may vary)
Office/Phone: Olin 454 / (719) 389-6209
Office Hours: By appointment

Luke Stanley Tutor and Learning Assistant

Pike Li (he/him) Paraprofessional

Contact: pli2023@coloradocollege.edu
Office/Phone: Olin 472 / (719) 389-6843
Office Hours by appointment only. Please be respectful of Pike's time, and contact him directly for scheduling.

Meeting Times and Locations

In-class lectures, discussions, and activities

Meet in Olin 482 (unless otherwise noted)
Morning in-class sessions begin at 9:30a, unless otherwise specified
Afternoon in-class sessions begin at 1:15p, unless otherwise specified
On field trip days, we will meet at 9:15a, at the loading dock behind Barnes Science Center (blue dot on the map below, click on map for interactive Google map)

Getting Started with the Course

1. Remember to check Announcements regularly.
2. the Syllabus and the course schedule can be found in the Course Resources module located at the top of the modules page.
3. The materials for the course are divided into weekly modules. Each module will have the following subsections:
  - Lecture slides
    - Slides will be posted the day of the lecture
  - Reading Assignments
    - A link to the article being read (pdf)
  - Additional Required Readings (pdf)
  - Assignments
4. Explore the course layout by reviewing the different modules.
5. Follow along in the required textbook using the readings in the Course Schedule. Verify that you have access to the textbook before the start of block.

Canvas Overview and Canvas Notification Preferences

Review the Canvas Overview (Students).
Read How do I set my Canvas notification preferences as a student?
If you don't set notification preferences, you may miss email or other important messages from your instructor or others in your courses.

Sending and Receiving E-mails

The Canvas e-mail tool (Inbox) is located on the far left navigation pane. Read What is the Inbox? for directions on how and why to use this system.

If you use regular e-mail, instead of Canvas email:

- - Please include “BE208” as part of the subject line in all e-mails (e.g. “BE208: Content Question")
  - Send all e-mails to me at jpena2023@coloradocollege.edu

Academic and Technical Support

For additional assistance, you may attend office hours (see above or on Syllabus). You may also seek help from our tutors or the QRC, located in Tutt Library.
Academic integrity is expected of all students. Review the CC Honor Council website and the CC Honor Code for more information.
Canvas Technical Support is available 24/7 via phone (1-855-740-0505). You may also contact ITS at (719) 389-6449 or at its@coloradocollege.edu. The primary Canvas support contact for CC is Jennifer Golightly (Jennifer.Golightly@ColoradoCollege.edu) or (719) 389-6671.
If you have other technical issues, then please consult with the Office of Information Technology (ITS) at (719) 389-6449 or at its@coloradocollege.edu.
Accessibility Resources: If you have a disability that requires special accommodation in this class, then you may be eligible for accommodations/auxiliary aids under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. To determine eligibility for accommodations or auxiliary aids during this class, please contact Accessibility Resources in Room 219 in Armstrong Hall. You may also contact them via phone (719-227-8285) or e-mail (accessibilityresources@coloradocollege.edu).
NEED HELP? CC is a community that cares for you.
- If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol and/or experiencing mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, overwhelming stress, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others, etc.,), then please know there is help available. The Counseling Center associated with the Wellness Resource Center has trained professionals who can help. Contact the Counseling Center via e-mail (counselingcenter@coloradocollege.edu) or by phone (719-389-6093), or go to their website.
  - - Substance Abuse: Information & Resources
    - Mental Health: Information & Resources
    - Sexual Assault Response & Prevention: Information & Resources
- If you are concerned about a friend or peer and wish to remain anonymous, then please tell someone by using the Safe2Tell Colorado mobile app or by making an online reportLinks to an external site.. Reach out and ask for help if you or someone you know is having a difficult time.

Feeling Unwell

If you are feeling sick, do not come to class. Contact me ASAP.

If you are feeling ill or unwell in any capacity, please contact me prior to our class/field trip. If you are feeling physically ill (COVID, cold, flue etc.), please prioritize recovery and do not come to class – contact me ASAP and we will work on a way forward.

Each of you is entitled by the College to take one day off from class per block to take care of your wellbeing. We all face challenges at different times, so I want to give you freedom to choose when you need a day off. You need only send me an email saying that you are taking your wellbeing day, no explanation or documentation required. If you are taking your wellbeing day or are otherwise unwell and should miss class, you should email me by 8:30 am day-of.

In general, I will not be able to recreate class, lectures, and specific instruction when you miss, so it will be up to you to access resources to get caught up (classmates notes, our TA, online lectures etc.). Additional absences require timely external documentation. Unexcused absences will result in 1% penalty from the final grade.

In order to ensure the health and safety of all students, staff, and faculty, CC has established COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines. Please refer to CC Coronavirus Updates & Resources for news and information related to COVID.

Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID at CC, I kindly request that you practice patience and flexibility in the event of scheduling and course changes.

“Because microbes are usually invisible, their existence in an area may be unsuspected.

Yet without them, higher organisms would quickly disappear from the Earth”

— Thomas D. Brock