Madison College Course Catalog #: 10109131 Credits: 3
Course Description: A preventive approach to the laws and liabilities, as well as responsibilities of owners/operators of hotels, restaurants and travel facilities. Reviews precedent-setting court decisions, legal fundamentals, negligence doctrines, civil rights issues and the relationship between providers and the guests/clients.
Instructor: Dr. Lynea LaVoy (she/her)
Please address me as Lynea (Like Renee with an "L", Dr. LaVoy, or Professor LaVoy--whatever you're most comfortable with.
Hospitality Department Chair, Hospitality Management Program Chair and Instructor
Office: D2649 Cube P
Telephone: 608-243-4034
Email: llavoy@madisoncollege.edu
Virtual Support Hours - To book an appointment:
Schedule a meeting with me here Click on the link to the left to find a time to meet that fits your schedule!
If for any reason you need to cancel that meeting, please email me right away.
I am a first-generation college student who cares deeply about you as a student first, always. Your story, health, happiness and safety are incredibly important to me. I want to be your biggest advocate as you go through your journey and beyond. I believe wholeheartedly in what Theodore Roosevelt said: Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care. I do set high academic standards so that you can earn a valuable degree and learn to be successful in your future endeavors. While the rigor is high, I am a very flexible person and if you have barriers to your success, we need to discuss them and come up with a plan for success together. I will nurture you in an environment of learning. My goal is to help you as a student to see your possibilities and opportunities. Madison College values excellence, respect, access for all, and commitment to students and diverse communities; my values align and it's my honor to host classrooms spaces where these are reflected. As your instructor, I will challenge, empower and encourage you on your way to your goal attainment - hopefully leaving you with passion for the coursework, our industry, and the possibilities you have in front of you! I believe in you. You can do this - I'm in it with you!
Student learning is personal and evolving. My curriculum is intended to function both as a window and a mirror; in order to reflect and reveal most accurately both a multicultural world and the student themselves.
I believe you deserve a balanced education that includes knowledge of both self and others AND clarification of the known and illumination of the unknown.
MADISON COLLEGE IS A SAFE SPACE FOR ALL: Madison College is committed to providing a safe space for all students, employees and staff. Negative attitudes and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to discrimination against people and communities. Prejudiced behavior violates our values and our policies and should be reported. If you experience or observe harassment or discrimination, Madison College’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy outlines the procedure for filing a complaint. Madison College does not tolerate discrimination of any type. We strive to provide an educational environment free from harassment. Please make sure you're also aware of your Student Rights and Responsibilities.
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning. These might include strained relationships, anxiety, high levels of stress, alcohol/drug concerns, feeling down, or loss of motivation. Learn about the free, confidential mental health services available on campus by calling 608-246-6076 or visiting Counseling Services. For afterhours mental health emergencies, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK, 911, Madison College Public Safety 608-243-2222, the Center for Suicide Awareness – text the word “Connect” to 741741, and for Dane County residents, Journey Mental Health Crisis Unit 608-280-2600.
My philosophy is in short adapted from Nel Noddings -
“The student is infinitely more important than the subject matter.”
Make sure you read the START HERE in our Blackboard course as many items you may be wondering about--especially as we begin--are covered there.
Check out this Student Technology Hub page for resources for Online/Remote students!
You can borrow laptop computers and wi-fi hot spots for the semester, at no cost. Microsoft and antivirus software will be pre-loaded, and technology training and assistance is available for all currently registered students. Complete your equipment loan request online or call the Help Desk at 608-243-4444. You can also access Free Microsoft office products available for students
Our Textbook is required right away - Hospitality law: managing legal issues in the hospitality industry, 5th edition. Stephen Barth, JD ISBN: 978-1-119-29909-7 so make sure you have a copy! You can now RENT YOUR TEXTBOOKS: https://students.madisoncollege.edu/textbook-rentals
This is a 16-week fully online course.
By Sunday night of Week 1, you will be expected to log-in to our course in Blackboard and complete the assessments laid out in the course (signaling your intent to complete this course.)
Note, not doing academic work by the end of week 2 of this and any course in Madison College will result in the instructor following policy and issuing you a NO SHOW which removes you from the class and can impact financial aid.
This class does not meet regularly in WebEx. Your learning will be conducted asynchronously (which means "not live") in Blackboard. That said, you may be asked to meet with your instructor using a Virtual Tool for your Student-to-Teacher check-ins or other assignments. Please note our class is called "Online" which the college defines as: Maximum flexibility! These classes don't meet in person or have scheduled meetings. Complete assignments and readings by the due date.
You will learn in a community with your peers. This is not a self-paced course. We work week by week and weeks will not be opened early.
I offer different kinds of assessments that provide students with a variety of ways to demonstrate learning. These assessments will likely build upon each other and will absolutely help you to meet our course outcomes. I am willing to accommodate diverse learning preferences and language proficiencies; please reach out if you need support so we can work together to reach your goals. An inclusive learning environment is at the forefront of this class and our college.
Upon completing this course you should be able to:
Explain basic principles of law and differentiate their applicability in a hospitality context.
Develop hospitality contracts and essential clauses and evaluate their application in a hospitality business.
Analyze a situation according to legal theory and develop, implement and evaluate prevention techniques.
Assess the safety and security aspects of a hospitality business and design measures to improve these processes in lodging facilities and restaurants.
Summarize and justify responsibilities of a manager/owner with regard to employment matters, harassment in the workplace and employment discrimination.
Evaluate industry periodicals as management resources for supporting the practical impact of current events on hospitality businesses.
I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner. I am passionate about you achieving your goals.
I will provide a variety of assignments to ensure your learning needs are met.
I will be actively present in your learning.
I will provide a supportive and safe environment for you to share and discuss ideas with your peers.
I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.
I will treat you with dignity and respect and be flexible to support your individual needs.
I won't be perfect. I am human and will make mistakes at times. I will view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.
You strive to be an active participant in this course and strive to meet due dates.
You will maintain and open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.
You will contact me if you have a concern with meeting a due date.
You strive to regularly contribute to collaborative activities to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.
You will treat your peers with dignity and respect.
You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups, expect them. We will get through them together.
You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes. You are human and you are stressed.
Online courses move quickly and getting off to a good start is the best way to prepare yourself for success. Read this page carefully and you'll have all you need to start this course on the right foot.
You will use Blackboard to log into our course and access all of the course content and your earned grades. This 16-week course is organized into 16 one-week modules. Each module will open on Sunday morning at 6 am. The modules will have similarities, but they each are unique and have assignments with assignments due on Sunday nights at midnight (unless otherwise noted) so you have 7 full days to complete assignments.
I design my class to ensure that all students can succeed. You've got this!
You'll have more opportunities to be successful if you follow these tips:
Be proactive. Log into our course early every week to preview the new module. Carefully read through each week and watch the Course Video - both detail the week's learning objectives and a list of assignments. Assess the workload and put the due dates on your calendar. Having a mental picture of what's ahead is the best thing you can do to prepare each week.
Plan for the unexpected. Aim to have all of your assignments done by 24 hours before they are due. Why? Because life happens and when you wait until the last minute, you're more likely to have problems meeting a due date.
Communicate with me. If you identify a challenge meeting a due date, contact me right away. I am willing to be flexible. Contacting me in advance of a due date will keep you and I in sync and ensure you don't get overwhelmed by unfinished work. Refer to the "I need an extension" form request in our course.
Use the To-Do List and Calendar. Use the Blackboard Board TO DO list and Calendar Tool to track and stay current on your assignments. They are so helpful!
Reading this? Awesome. Send me an email of 3 things you learned in the syllabus as well as a picture of a sloth and I will give you 5 extra credit points for this class (be sure you reference the class) and no, you can't double and triple dip...if you have more than one class with me you'll need to tell me 3 different things each time, as well as a new pic because every class animal is different. (Sorry not sorry!) llavoy@madisoncollege.edu (please note, this is not valid after week 1 of our course - this must be done in week 1)
Check your college email. For your protection, it is college policy that we do not communicate with you using personal emails rather you MUST USE YOUR college issued email. Additionally, I will communicate with you regularly via email. It's important that you check regularly. If you have questions on the assignments, please message me at least a day before the assignments are due.
BONUS and you'll need this in your instructor introduction so don't skip this part - past students have left you successful hints, tips & tricks for this class and you can read them by clicking on this link here.
I recognize that this is a very stressful time for you. COVID-19 has added significant stress and trauma to our lives. That stress affects your ability to learn. Give yourself grace as you try your best. I will be flexible throughout this course to support you towards your academic success. I believe in you!
I welcome your questions any time and I'm happy to help you think through your ideas so you can successfully complete an assignment. Sometimes just a five minute conversation in my Virtual Office or on the phone is all you need. Struggle is a natural part of learning, but if you're feeling frustrated that means it is time to reach out for some assistance. You know how to reach me, right?
Grades are a reflection of your learning progress. Each week, you should click on the Grades button in our course navigation and review your scores and my feedback. There are no hidden points in this class. You do the work, show that you've learned by meeting the rubric criteria, and you get points. It's that simple. If something seems not right, reach out and let me know. That said: Grades are earned, not awarded. They are a means to an end, not an end unto themselves. Hence, you should focus on learning and not on grades. To earn an A is not difficult, but it requires that you consistently perform at peak levels. An A means more than just a grade or a test result. It symbolizes your endurance, consistency and focus on learning. In the end, you are in complete control of your grades.
At the end of the term, the following scale will be used to assign your final grade. Please refer to the College grading policy for details.
Grading Scale: This course is to earn a grade. Any missing assignments are graded as a zero, not an F. You must complete all major assignments to earn credit for the class.
93% to 100% earns an A
88% to 92.9% earns an AB
83% to 87.9% earns a B
78% to 82.9% earns a BC
65% to 69.9% earns a C
64.9% and lower earns an F
Accessing Your Grades/Credit: I use the Blackboard Grade book to record your completed work and credit earned; this grade book is updated weekly. To view your grades and progress in the class:
1. Select the main menu link “Grades & Feedback”
2. Locate the “Running Total” column in the course to see your grade status. That column is the cumulative total of all graded assignments; it will indicate the grade you earned.
If you see a hyphen (-) or a ! mark in any column, it indicates I have not yet graded your work.
Grading Disputes: If you feel a grade you received on an assignment is unjustified or you wish to dispute a grade, you will need to talk to me over the phone or in person. I am very happy to discuss your grade verbally with you, but I think it’s best to be able to ask questions and respond in real time through a meeting in my Virtual Office or in person.
Grading Errors: I am human; I may make an error in grading your work, particularly in this format. If you see a zero and you did turn in the work within a week of the deadline, simply contact me for an inquiry into the problem. Please contact me if I made an error.
Incompletes: Because of a changing schedule from semester to semester, I cannot grant incompletes in this class unless circumstances beyond your control arise after you have completed at least 75% of the course. You are ineligible for an incomplete if you have not been participating in the class or are failing.
Late Work: Late work is generally not accepted as you need to be responsible for timelines, time management, and course outcomes. However, because unexpected things can come up in life, I have provided an "I need an extension" request that you can fill out and we can agree upon. You will find that form in our course on the left-hand navigation bar. Note: This may NOT be requested and will not be accepted for any final capstone or other projects in the final weeks of our class as I'm held to tight deadlines for final grades.
Other Notes on Grading Submissions and your own time management:
Online courses require a great degree of self-motivation and planning. Be sure you set aside plenty of time to complete the course. Students taking this course as a face-to-face course would spend 2.25 hours in class plus between 2-4 hours outside of class each week completing their assignments. It is to your advantage to ask questions early.
Blackboard date stamps your assignments so we will be able to see when it was submitted. Be sure to plan ahead for technology or personal issues. Submission links may be made inactive after deadlines have passed.
Be sure you turn in your best work to me. Carefully review the instructions and check your assignments against the rubrics in Blackboard. This class is an investment in yourself and it is worth it to work hard at it!
All assignments should be submitted through Blackboard and not to my email addresses as an attachment.
Be sure to double check what you have submitted for grading. If you have submitted an incorrect file, please contact me prior to the due date so I can clear the attempt for you to resubmit the correct assignment. If it is close to the due date, email me to clear the attempt for you, but also attach the correct file to the email. You can eliminate this potential error by being cautious as you hit submit.
Syllabus Changes: As your instructor, I retain the right to make changes based on the timeline of the class, feedback from learners and/or logistical issues.
COURSE CALENDAR: Our intended calendar can be found in the Blackboard course in the left hand navigation bar. Each week I also give you a "To Do" this week to help set you up for success (I always record a video walking you through each week as well).
Class participation: This course is designed to provide a forum in which you, as a practicing student, can work together with others to gain the competencies listed above. Participation is important for each participant’s educational growth and to the learning of the other participants. Participation is this online class is defined as:
Sharing your ideas and examples in online discussion feed feeds. This includes thoughtfully posting with your classmates on their contributions.
Asking and responding to questions within the course in a professional, respectful manner.
Posting meaningful responses to other classmates while respecting other opinions and perspectives
Completing all activities, as assigned.
Class participation: This course is designed to provide a forum in which you, as a practicing student, can work together with others to gain the competencies listed above. Participation is important for each participant’s educational growth and to the learning of the other participants. Participation is this online class is defined as:
Sharing your ideas and examples in online discussion feed feeds. This includes thoughtfully posting with your classmates on their contributions.
Asking and responding to questions within the course in a professional, respectful manner.
Posting meaningful responses to other classmates while respecting other opinions and perspectives
Completing all activities, as assigned.
Closed Captioning This videos used in this course have Closed Captioning capabilities in YouTube. This video called "How to Turn on Closed Captions on YouTube" shows you how to turn that on if you need that functionality.
Core Workforce Skill (CWS) Digital Badges: In this class you can earn CWS digital badges by successfully passing the course with an A. Digital Badges will help you:
Build your personal brand
Grow your professional network
Showcase your achievements
Impress employers
Search for job opportunities
Discussion feeds In place of classroom discussion feed, this class will rely on the discussion feed board feeds. These weeks, your instructor will start a discussion feed related to the topics covered in that week’s chapter in the text book. Each student is required to contribute to the discussion feed each posted week in order to achieve the participation points for that week. Please keep in mind the following:
Our classroom culture is intended to be a learning environment that is inclusive of all.
Your first post in each discussion board is due no later than 11:59 PM by Wednesday of the week in question (worth 5 points). You must post meaningfully to at least two other students for full credit (worth an additional 5 points), and those must be done no later than 11:59 PM on Sunday of the week in question.
This class uses Power-Ups as a discussion board tool. This will be introduced to you in our first discussion board and your instructor will be very engaged in the discussion and will coach as you learn this style. Click this link to watch the video for more information on what this means for you in our discussion boards!
Hospitality Leader Virtual Meetings There may be opportunities for you to network (virtually) with some of the greatest Hospitalitarian leaders in our communities. Stay tuned for those!
They will be worth extra credit AND
will give you potential ideas on who to connect with for course assignments, future internships or employment, and so much more.
Make sure you're checking your college email frequently so you can get that exclusive invitation!
Instructor Feedback/Response Timeline: I make every effort to grade any work you have submitted within one week of the date you submitted it. If I am running late, I will do my best to let you know when you can expect feedback from me. You will receive personal feedback from me on all assignments that you submit on time. I do not provide feedback for tardy work.
Student to Teacher Check-Ins: Every four weeks, you will be required to answer questions in an ongoing assignment titled “Student to Teacher Check-Ins”. The purpose of this assignment is to connect with your instructor, discuss your class success, uncover any barriers to learning, and connect with the instructor for various reasons as determined. You may also be asked to participate in Virtual Calls to connect with your instructor. That information is located in Blackboard.
Trendspotting is a buzzword across all industries. Quite simply, it means keeping up to date on recent developments and identifying new trends as they emerge. The hospitality industry is full of new trends that are impacting the way hotels and restaurants do business. Each student is required to post twice during the semester on a trend impacting law in the hospitality industry. Trendspotting assignments do not have any specific due dates HOWEVER one must be posted within weeks 1- 7 and the second within weeks 8-15 for credit. Each is worth up to 25 points. For full credit, you must post at least one development/trend and respond to at least 2 other students’ development/trend with your insights/thoughts. You are strongly encouraged not to wait until the last minute. Posts should be approximately 500 words. Please provide links to the article(s) you read to identify the trends. Several potential sources are included below. Potential sources to use:
Skift (this is my personal favorite. I subscribe to it so I get weekly updates. It’s restaurants, hotels, tourism – all of it!)
Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Knowledge Center
other leadership/hospitality related magazines, newspaper articles, online assignments, etc.
Academic Integrity: Plagiarism, cheating and collusion are prohibited at Madison College. Plagiarism is defined as passing of another person’s work as your own. Students who fail to observe these standards are subject to disciplinary action. Madison College has a strong published policy on Academic Misconduct. Your assignments will also be checked for plagiarism as they are submitted.
ADA Statement: Madison College complies with all provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and makes reasonable accommodations upon request. Please contact Disability Resources Services at (608) 246-6716, room D1618 at Truax, or email drs@madisoncollege.edu.
If you have an accommodation card from their office indicating that you have a disability which requires academic accommodations, please present it to me so we can discuss the accommodations. It is best to request accommodations at the beginning or before class so there is ample time to make the accommodations. I have every intention of meeting specific learning needs and accommodations requested in this course. Please communicate with me if additional resources, adjustments, modifications, or accommodations are needed to meet the outcomes of the course.
Basic Needs Services: Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact Counseling Services for support. Furthermore, please notify me if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable me to provide any resources that I may possess. Services are also available at regional campus locations.
College's Land Acknowledgement: It is with great respect that Madison College acknowledges and celebrates the inherent sovereignty of Ho-Chunk Nation and the 11 indigenous First Nations within what is now referred to as the State of Wisconsin. The sacred ancestral land you are standing on in Madison and at our regional campuses is that of the Ho-Chunk People. Madison College will continue to grow and build upon our partnerships with the Ho-Chunk Nation and all First Nations. Long version and more Land Acknowledgement information found here
Computer or Hot Spot needed? You can borrow laptop computers and wi-fi hot spots for the semester, at no cost. Microsoft and antivirus software will be pre-loaded, and technology training and assistance is available for all currently registered students. Complete your equipment loan request online or call the Help Desk at 608-243-4444
Equity and Inclusion: This class will be a safe and affirming learning space for all students, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, citizenship status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, parental status, religion, ability, or socioconomic status. As an instructor, I pledge to respect all students based upon these factors, including the use of preferred names and pronouns, and encourage open communication. Students are welcome and encouraged to share any/all viewpoints relevant to course material, and respectful, relevant debate is encouraged, provided all materials for the day can still be covered.
Hardware and Connection Requirements:
In order to complete this course, your computer must meet Madison College’s basic computer recommendations and have access to the Internet. Since the course work for this class requires viewing audio and movie files, it is recommended that you work on a computer with a fast internet connection. Your computer must have a sound card and speakers to listen to the audio and video files created for this course.
You also need to have access to Microsoft Word, Open Office or Google Docs. Without this software, you will not be able to view some of my comments on your work. All text documents must be submitted as directed in Microsoft Word, or pdf format. Please watch the guidelines for each assignment.
Netiquette: Please do not forward any emails or documents from your colleagues in this course without their knowledge and/or permission. You may forward my emails or documents to anyone you think might find them helpful; however, please do not forward anything that violates your own or others’ FERPA rights.
Other Resources:
Technical Assistance: Technology resources are available for students. See the college website on Technology Services/HelpDesk for details.
Click on the links to connect to our:
