Course Syllabus

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FES3015

Course Syllabus

Course Information

Course: Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Management

Course & Section: FES 3015

Credit Hours: 3

Session: Spring 2025

Online

Course Description

Course Description: Fundamentals of management underlying the solution of problems of organizations and operations of Fire and Emergency Services agencies.

General Education Subject Area: FES 3015 is a General Education Composition and General Education Social and Behavioral Science course.  This class seeks to help the student to fulfill the University of Florida Gordon (Writing) Rule of 6000 words for the course.  For more information regarding the UF General Education Subject Area Objectives, please click on  https://undergrad.aa.ufl.edu/general-education/gen-ed-program/subject-area-objectives/ Links to an external site.  

Purpose of Course: In this course, the student will learn the fundamentals of management, emphasizing the solutions to organizational and operational problems utilizing theory and practical applications for the Fire and Emergency Services agency.

Course Goals and/or Objectives: By the end of this course, students will:

  • Describe the duties that are generally the responsibility of a manager.
  • Explain the specific goals and objectives needed to accomplish these duties.
  • Describe and analyze contemporary research and innovation ideas.
  • Describe the dynamics of the group and/or team process.
  • Describe, analyze, and create new or changed management policies.
  • Discuss the customer’s expectations for the quality and level of services.
  • Present techniques for influencing the self-perspective of the public organization.
  • Examine changing values and attitudes.
  • Discuss ethical issues as related to management.

How This Course Relates to the Student Learning Outcomes in the Fire and Emergency Services program: As the opening course in the FES Bachelor of Science degree program, FES 3015 introduces all six of the SLOs identified for the degree. These are:

  1. Identify and evaluate organizational problems associated with Fire and Emergency Services.
  2. Identify and demonstrate proper knowledge and use of comprehensive emergency management/command and control skills in major catastrophic incidents in fire and emergency services.
  3. Illustrate knowledge and legal application of safety, health, and environmental regulations at state and federal levels.
  4. Demonstrate effective leadership behavior and skills in fire and emergency services.
  5. Properly address issues of management, code regulation,s and the labor market in fire and emergency services.
  6. Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills for leadership in fire and emergency services.

Contact Information

Instructional Assistant Professor

Adam A. Smith

Bio: Adam Smith is a retired Battalion Chief (Acting)/Medic from Lumpkin County Emergency Services, located an hour north of Atlanta in the North Georgia Mountains.  He began his career in emergency services in October of 1986 and retired July of 2020.  Adam has 34 years of experience as a firefighter and paramedic.  He has been a Lecturer at the University of Florida since January 2019. He holds national certifications as a firefighter, paramedic, and fire officer with various rescue designations, public safety diver, hazardous materials technician, and instructor.  Adam has an Associates Degree in Fire Science Technology (Chattahoochee Technical College), a bachelor's Degree in Fire and Emergency Services Management (University of Florida), and a Masters Degree in Fire and Emergency Services Management with a specialization in Disaster Management (University of Florida).  He is currently in the University of Florida College of Design, Construction, and Planning PhD program with a Disaster Management concentration.

Teaching Philosophy: I am looking for students to demonstrate a working knowledge of the subject. You must be creative when completing your assignments but maintain a professional appearance in your work. Your work needs to be completed in such a manner that someone can pick up your document and understand what you are trying to convey. And most of all, your work needs to be supported with research and cited properly in APA format.

Instructional Methods: The course is designed for individual and group interactivity. It is important to post and respond to discussion questions in the course within the time frame allotted. This provides a learning environment by networking with other students in the course. The assignments are individual-based and allow you to do various activities, which, in many cases, are similar to what you will be doing in your role as a leader in the emergency services profession.

Phone Number

Office:  352-273-1149

Personal:  404-933-3676

Email

adam.smith@dcp.ufl.edu

Office Hours

My online office hours are typically from 08:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday -Tuesday, Thursday-Friday.

Teaching Assistant

Content

The best way to communicate with me is via email through Canvas.  I will attempt to answer all emails in 24-48 hours.  If the need is urgent, I can be reached by text or phone call at 404-933-3676 between the hours of 0800 am and 0800 pm. 

Course Requirements

Required Textbook

Management in the Fire Service  (Fifth Edition), 2017, Author: Dr. Harry R. Carter and Erwin Rausch, Publisher: Jones and Bartlett (NFPA), ISBN: 9781449690786

 

Recommended Textbook

Additional Optional Materials: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association  (APA), 7th Edition (2020): Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. ISBN 978-1-4338-3217-8

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Class assignments may require a web camera and mic/audio. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint may also be required to submit assignments. Otherwise, discussions and assignments will be web-based, and submissions will occur electronically.

Below are the general technology requirements for taking an online course. If your course has different requirements, please alter the list as needed.

The University of Florida expects students entering an online program to acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to their degree program. Most computers are capable of meeting the following general requirements. A student’s computer configuration should include:

  • Webcam
  • Microphone
  • Broadband connection to the internet and related equipment (cable/DSL modem)
  • Microsoft Office Suite installed (provided by the university)

Individual colleges may have additional requirements or recommendations that students should review before starting their program.

Minimum Technical Skills

To complete your tasks in this course, you will need a basic understanding of operating a computer and using word processing software.

Materials/Supply Fees

There is no supply fee for this course.

Zoom

Zoom is an easy-to-use video conferencing service available to all UF students, faculty, and staff that allows for meetings of up to 100 participants.

You can find resources and help using Zoom at the University of Florida's Zoom website.

Course Policies

Attendance Policy: The course is designed in module format. You should check the site at least once a week. You are required to complete the assignments, including discussion questions, within the time period designated on the module. There will be meetings set up throughout the course. Requirements for class attendance and make-up exams, assignments, and other work in this course are consistent with university policies that can be found in the online catalog at:  https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site.

Quiz/Exam Policy: There is a final presentation for this course. There are no exams.

Assignment Policy: All assignments have a due date.  Please be sure to check the date and time it is due in each module or discussion.

Make-up Policy: Make-up assignments will only be accepted due to technical issues, illness, and other extenuating circumstances. You must contact your instructor before the assignment's due date for special accommodations.

Any requests for make-ups due to technical issues MUST be accompanied by the ticket number received from the UF Computing Help Desk when the problem was reported to them. The ticket number will document the time and date of the problem. You MUST message your instructor within 24 hours of the technical difficulty if you wish to request a make-up.

Late Assignments and Discussions Policy:

  • Assignments up to 48 hours late from the due date will receive a 10% deduction in their grade.
  • Assignments that are more than 48 hours late but less than 30 days late from the due date will receive a 20% deduction in their grade.
  • Assignments that are more than 30 days late from the due date but submitted during the semester will receive a 50% deduction in their grade.
  • All outstanding work must be submitted two weeks prior to the end of the semester.  No outstanding work will be accepted after this time.

Please note that any student who has less than 75% of their work completed for the semester cannot earn an “I” contract. If you complete 75% of the work, you can propose an “I” contract to the instructor.

It is your responsibility to keep your instructor informed at all times. The instructor does have the right under extenuating circumstances with proper notification to assist the student by extending the above time requirements.

Requirements for make-up exams, assignments, and other work in this course are consistent with university policies that can be found on UF's Attendance Policies website.

As this is an online class, you are responsible for observing all posted due dates and are encouraged to be self-directed and take responsibility for your learning.

Student Evaluations:

“Students are expected to provide professional and respectful feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by completing course evaluations online via GatorEvals. Guidance on how to give feedback in a professional and respectful manner is available at  https://gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/students/. Students will be notified when the evaluation period opens, and can complete evaluations through the email they receive from GatorEvals, in their Canvas course menu under GatorEvals, or via  https://ufl.bluera.com/ufl/. Summaries of course evaluation results are available to students at  https://gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/public-results/.”

Grading Policy

I will make every effort to have each assignment graded and posted within one week of the due date.

The grade is based on a point system. Refer to the rubric assigned to each discussion post/assignment/final presentation for complete details on how the discussion post/assignment/final presentation will be graded.  Grading will occur as soon as possible; however, it should be noted that grading may take up to two weeks depending on the course load placed on the instructor as well as other university obligations (IE, Travel, Conferences, Training, etc...) placed on the instructor.  

General Education Credit

This course requires a minimum of a C for General Education Credit.

Course Grading Scale

Assignment Points
Discussion Participation 35%
Homework Assignments 35%
Final Presentation 30%
Total Grade 100%

Grading Scale

Grade Grade Range
A 94.0% to 100%
A- 90.0% to <94.0%
B+ 87.0% to <90.0%
B 84.0% to <87.0%
B- 80.0% to <84.0%
C+ 77.0% to <80.0
C 74.0% to <77.0%
C- 70.0% to <74.0%
D+ 67.0% to <70.0%
D 64.0% to <67.0%
D- 60.0% to <64.0%
E <60.0%

See the current UF grading policies for more information.

Netiquette and Communication Courtesy

It is important to recognize that the online classroom is, in fact, a classroom, and certain behaviors are expected when you communicate with both your peers and your instructors. These guidelines for online behavior and interaction are known as netiquette.

Security

Remember that your password is the only thing protecting you from pranks or more serious harm.

  • Don't share your password with anyone.
  • Change your password if you think someone else might know it.
  • Always log out when you are finished using the system.

General Guidelines

When communicating online:

  • Treat the instructor respectfully, even via email or other online communication.
  • Always use your professors’ proper title: Dr. or Prof., or if you are unsure, use Mr. or Ms.
  • Don’t refer to a professor by their first name unless specifically invited.
  • Use clear and concise language.
  • Remember that all college-level communication should have correct spelling and grammar.
  • Avoid slang terms such as “wassup?” and texting abbreviations such as “u” instead of “you.”
  • Use standard fonts such as Times New Roman and use a size 12 or 14-point font.
  • Avoid using the caps lock feature, AS IT CAN BE INTERPRETED AS YELLING.
  • Limit and possibly avoid the use of emoticons like :) .
  • Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm, as tone is sometimes lost in an email or discussion post, and your message might be taken seriously or be construed as being offensive.
  • Be careful with personal information (both yours and others).
  • Do not send confidential information via email.

Email

When you send an email to your instructor, teaching assistant, or classmates:

  • Use a descriptive subject line.
  • Be brief.
  • Avoid attachments unless you are sure your recipients can open them.
  • Avoid HTML in favor of plain text.
  • Sign your message with your name and return email address.
  • Think before you send the email to more than one person. Does everyone really need to see your message?
  • Be sure you REALLY want everyone to receive your response when you click “Reply All.”
  • Be sure that the message author intended for the information to be passed along before you click the “Forward” button.

Discussion Boards

When posting on the discussion board in your online class:

  • Check to see if anyone already asked your question and received a reply before posting to the discussion board.
  • Remember your manners and say please and thank you when asking for something from your classmates or instructor.
  • Be open-minded.
  • If you ask a question and many people respond, summarize all posts for the benefit of the class.
  • When posting:
    • Make posts that are on-topic and within the scope of the course material.
    • Be sure to read all messages in a thread before replying.
    • Be as brief as possible while still making a thorough comment.
    • Don’t repeat someone else’s post without adding something of your own to it.
    • Take your posts seriously. Review and edit your posts before sending them.
    • Avoid short, generic replies such as, “I agree.” You should include why you agree or add to the previous point.
    • If you refer to something that was said in an earlier post, quote a few key lines so readers do not have to go back and figure out which post you are referring to.
    • Always give proper credit when referencing or quoting another source.
    • If you reply to a classmate’s question, ensure your answer is correct; don’t guess.
    • Always be respectful of others’ opinions, even when they differ from your own.
    • When you disagree with someone, you should express your differing opinion in a respectful, non-critical way.
    • Do not make personal or insulting remarks.
    • Do not write anything sarcastic or angry; it always backfires.
    • Do not type in ALL CAPS; if you do, IT WILL LOOK LIKE YOU ARE YELLING.

Zoom

When attending a Zoom class or meeting:

  • Do not share your Zoom classroom link or password with others.
  • Even though you may be alone at home, your professor and classmates can see you! While attending class in your pajamas is tempting, remember that wearing clothing is not optional. Dress appropriately.
  • Your professor and classmates can also see what is behind you, so be aware of your surroundings.
  • Ensure the background is not distracting or something you would not want your classmates to see.
    • When in doubt, use a virtual background. If you choose to use one, you should test the background out first to make sure your device can support it.
    • Your background can express your personality, but be sure to avoid using backgrounds that may contain offensive images and language.
  • Mute is your friend, especially when you are in a location that can be noisy. Don’t leave your microphone open if you don’t have to.
  • If you want to speak, you can raise your hand (click the “raise hand” button at the center bottom of your screen) and wait to be called upon.

UF Policies

University Policy on Accommodating Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities requesting accommodations should first register with the Disability Resource Center (352-392-8565) by providing appropriate documentation. Once registered, students will receive an accommodation letter that must be presented to the instructor when requesting accommodation. Students with disabilities should follow this procedure as early as possible in the semester.

University Policy on Academic Conduct

UF students are bound by The Honor Pledge, which states, “We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity by abiding by the Honor Code." On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied: "On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment." The Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code specifies a number of behaviors that are in violation of this code and the possible sanctions. Furthermore, you are obligated to report any condition that facilitates academic misconduct to appropriate personnel. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with the instructor or TAs in this class.

Plagiarism

The Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code states that:

"A Student must not represent as the Student’s own work all or any portion of the work of another. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to:

  • Stealing, misquoting, insufficiently paraphrasing, or patch-writing.
  • Self-plagiarism, which is the reuse of the Student’s own submitted work or the simultaneous submission of the Student’s own work without the full and clear acknowledgment and permission of the Faculty to whom it is submitted.
  • Submitting materials from any source without proper attribution.
  • Submitting a document, assignment, or material that, in whole or in part, is identical or substantially identical to a document or assignment the Student did not author."

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Any and all use of machines that emulate human capabilities (ChatGPT, Stable Diffusion, DALLE, etc.) to perform assignments or other works in the course should be disclosed as it can border on plagiarism. AI-generated information, as long as this use is properly documented in the references and will need to include the prompt and the significant parts of the response.  The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities: 

  1. Completing group work that your group has assigned to you. 
  2. Writing a draft of a writing assignment. 
  3. Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete class assignments. 

Getting Help

Technical Difficulties

For help with technical issues or difficulties with Canvas, please contact the UF Computing Help Desk at:

Any requests for make-ups (assignments, exams, etc.) due to technical issues should be accompanied by the ticket number received from the UF Computing Help Desk when the problem was reported to them. The ticket number will document the time and date of the problem. You should email your instructor within 24 hours of the technical difficulty if you wish to request a make-up.

Health and Wellness

  • U Matter, We Care: If you or someone you know is in distress, please email umatter@ufl.edu, call 352-392-1575, or visit U Matter We Care to refer or report a concern, and a team member will reach out to the student in distress.
  • Counseling and Wellness Center: Visit the UF Counseling & Wellness Center website or call 352-392-1575 for information on crisis services and non-crisis services.
  • Student Health Care Center: Call 352-392-1161 for 24/7 information to help you find the care you need, or visit the UF Student Health Care Center website.
  • University Police Department: Visit the UF Police Department website or call 352-392-1111 (or 9-1-1 for emergencies).
  • UF Health Shands Emergency Room/Trauma Center: For immediate medical care in Gainesville, call 352-733-0111 or go to the emergency room at 1515 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608. Visit the UF Health Shands Emergency Room/Trauma Center website.

Privacy and Accessibility Policies

For information about the privacy policies of the tools used in this course, see the links below:

Tips for Success

Taking a course online can be a lot of fun! Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of this course while taking full advantage of the online format:

  • Schedule "class times" for yourself. It is important to do the coursework on time each week. You will receive a reduction in points for work that is turned in late!
  • Read ALL of the material contained on this site. There is a lot of helpful information that can save you time and help you meet the course's objectives.
  • Print out the Course Summary located in the Course Syllabus and check things off as you go.
  • Take full advantage of the online discussion boards. Ask for help or clarification of the material if you need it.
  • Do not wait to ask questions! Waiting to ask a question might cause you to miss a due date.
  • Do your work well before the due dates. Sometimes things happen. If your computer goes down when you are trying to submit an assignment, you'll need time to troubleshoot the problem.
  • To be extra safe, back up your work to an external hard drive, thumb drive, or through a cloud service.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due