CIT 114 - IT Essentials
North Las Vegas Hybrid
CIT 114 - 2201

Course Information
Course teaches knowledge and skills required to assemble and maintain personal computers and peripheral devices. Major topics include assembling components, installing software, connecting to networks, troubleshooting and repair, customer support, imaging and virtualization. Assists student preparation for CompTIA A+ certification. Course content is a combination of content from former CIT 110 A+ Hardware and CIT 111 A+ Software courses.

Learning Outcomes

1. Install and configure computer applications, operating systems, hardware, and mobile devices for end users.
2. Differentiate network types and connections including TCP/IP, WIFI and SOHO.
3. Describe the basics of scripting, cloud technologies, virtualization, and multi-Operating System deployments in business environments.
4. Diagnose, resolve, and document basic hardware and software issues.
5. Apply customer service and communication skills.
6. Implement basic cybersecurity methods to mitigate threats.

Instructor Information

Dr. Scott Beckstrand	Phone: 651-4464	Office: 2730	Email: scott.beckstrand@csn.edu
Office Hours: 24/7 email or Thursdays* 3:00 to 5:00pm	Mail Sort Code: T2E	Course Type: Hybrid	Exam Objectives 220-1201 & 220-1202

Textbooks

Required: Ascend Training Series A+. 978-1-7363588, Ascend Ordering Information

This course will prepare you to take and pass the current CompTIA A+ tests. The course consists of videos, lessons, labs,  short exams, midterms and a final. All materials are in Ascend. The Final test will become available on December 8th and must be taken no later than 11:59pm on December 12th. The midterms and finals can only be taken once. The PC Build must be done at the last in-person meeting during the semester. Please contact me if you have any questions.

The course objectives are the CompTIA objectives for the A+ certification exams. While one outcome for the class is to be able to meet the objectives provided by CompTIA, certification is the main goal. It is expected that students passing the class will be able to take and pass the certification tests, the probability being related to the final grade received. CompTIA objectives can be found using the links above and discount vouchers for the CompTIA test can be found at itcert.csn.edu.

This syllabus is subject to change as deemed appropriate by the instructor with notification.
No exceptions can or will be made to the deadlines.

Weekly Schedule

The Final must be completed by end of day on May 15. All work in LabSim (except the Final) must be completed and submitted by May 15th as well.

 Late Work Policy
5% per day late penalty for the first 5 days. After 5 days late assignments can earn 75% of full credit.

Use of outside Resources or using material not covered at the time of the assignment – Cheating in any form via use of AI tools, copying work from another source (close collaboration with another student), and using material not yet covered at the time of the assignment is prohibited. On the first offense, the point deduction is the maximum score for the assignment until the student contacts me and we can discuss the concern. On the second offense, a student is reported to the academic integrity violation committee. Note that the same policy applies to any lab assignments. For the lab assignments, the point deduction will be the maximum score for the lab assignment points.

Grade determination

Quiz	*3
Labs	43%
Quizzes	15%
In-person labs	8%
Midterms	10%
Finals	14%
PC Build	10%

* 3 bonus points
**All students are required to complete the PC Build

Percentage Range	Grade	Percentage Range	Grade	Percentage Range	Grade
94-100	A	90-93	A-	87-89	B+
84-86	B	80-83	B-	77-79	C+
74-76	C	70-73	C-	67-69	D+
64-66	D	60-63	D-	<60	F

Important Note - If you have any concerns about this course and/or me, please contact me first. If I cannot resolve your
issue, please contact CIT Department Office at 702-651-5976. You will be directed to the appropriate Program Director or
the Department Chair. You will remain anonymous, if possible, and all communications will be strictly confidential.
Please DO NOT wait until the last minute to make your concerns known to me and/or to the CIT Department.

CSN Student email - All students enrolled at CSN have a CSN Student Email account. All information from the
college will be sent to your CSN-issued student email address (enrollment information, financial aid information, cashier
information, college events, etc.). It is extremely important that you check your student email daily. You can access
your student email through GoCSN (go.csn.edu). Once you validate your student email address you will have access to
Microsoft Office 365 for up to five devices and 1TB of OneDrive storage. Visit the CSN Information web site for
additional information.

Attendance Policy - College assumes maturity, seriousness of purpose, and self-discipline for meeting the
responsibilities associated with each course. If you need the instructor to sign documents testifying about your
attendance, YOU must email the instructor after each class you attend to let them know you were there.

Academic Integrity - Taking the words of others or presenting the ideas of others as your own not only limits your
academic research skills, it also violates the CSN’s Student Academic Integrity Policy. Cheating on exams or other course
work also violates the CSN Student Academic Integrity Policy. You can find more information about CSN’s Academic
Integrity Policy at the Academic Integrity Web Site. The minimum penalty for such offenses in this course is to fail the
assignment. Failing the course will also be considered as an option. Infractions of the CSN Student Academic Integrity
Policy may lead to suspensions, expulsion, transcript notations or other sanctions. A couple of DO NOTs:

• DO NOT post the text of this assignment on any web sites.
• DO NOT share your answers with anyone.
• DO NOT collaborate on completing work with anyone.
• DO NOT use the Internet to search for solution to assignments.
• DO NOT pay anyone to write your code.
• Avoid web sites that offer solutions to assignments. These include AI tools such as ChatGPT, chegg.com, CourseHero, etc. If you copy work from such web sites, keep in mind that other students are also looking at the same information and will therefore submit duplicated work. Failure to meet these requirements leads to the violation of the academic integrity principles as stated in your syllabus.

CSN Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement and current Disability Resource Center (DRC)
Contact Information - The College of Southern Nevada is committed to making physical facilities and instructional
programs accessible to students with disabilities. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this
class and for which you may require accommodations, please visit the Disability Resource Center (DRC) so that such
accommodations can be considered. All discussions will remain confidential. The DRC has offices on all three campuses.
These serve as the focal point for coordination of services for students with disabilities. If you have a physical, emotional,
or mental disability that “substantially limits one or more major life activities (including walking, seeing, hearing,
speaking, breathing, learning and working),” and will require accommodation in this class, please contact the DRC at
West Charleston 702 – 651 – 5644, or email at WCDRCStaff@csn.edu or at North Las Vegas 702–651–4045, or email at
CYDRCStaff@csn.edu or at Henderson 702–651–3795 , or email at HCDRCStaff@csn.edu. For Deaf and Hard of
Hearing Services contact the DRC using 70 –651–4448, or email at Deaf.HH.Services@csn.edu. Any student who
receives an accommodation letter from the DRC, please meet with me to discuss the provisions of those accommodations
as soon as possible.

Student Rights & Responsibilities - When you choose to become a student at CSN, you accept the rights and
responsibilities of membership in CSN’s academic and social community. You can find policies covering students such
as the Student Conduct, Students’ Right to Know, Students’ Academic Integrity, and Disruptive and Abusive Student in
the following locations:
    Catalog and Student Handbook (Catalog Web Page) in the Policies and Procedures section.
    CSN Website (Student Policies) under the heading “Student Policies.”

College Library Services - CSN Libraries provides support for students completing assignments that require research
and the use of information. Librarians are available to students for one-on-one assistance locating and citing quality
information either online at the Library information or at one of our campus libraries. Find more information on our main
website at the Library main page.

Safety For On-campus classes – This class does not have an experiment lab and therefore we will not be concerned
about following specific safety strategies. However, approved classroom safety procedures are posted in each classroom
and are to be followed. Students are to familiarize themselves with the nearest exit to use during a fire alarm. Do
NOT use the elevators. Students must take ALL personal belongings with them when exiting the
building. No student will be allowed back into the facility until the all clear is given.

Public Health Directives (COVID-19) for On-campus classes – CSN public health directives are found at CSN Covid-19 Information.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) - The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS offers shortterm,
problem-focused counseling to CSN students who may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of college, work,
family, and relationships. Clinicians are available to help students cope with stresses and personal issues that may
interfere with their ability to perform in school. The service is provided confidentially and free to currently enrolled
students. To schedule an appointment, please call CAPS at WC (702) 651-5518, at NLV (702) 651-4099, and at HN
(702) 651-3099.

Food and Housing Insecurity Support - Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient
food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live and believes this may affect their performance in the
course, is urged to contact Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), for a list of resources and support.

References - Safari Tech Books available through the library offer an excellent source of supplemental resources that
you may use for this course. To find Safari Books Online, go to the Safari Books. To access the resources, always use
your Canvas credentials and always use your CSN student email address.

Required extra- or co-curricular activities - All activities are based on projects and exams assigned throughout the
course. Any required extra activities will be clearly explained in class.

Additional fees - There are no additional fees for this course.

Advising & Coaching Services - Advisor/Success Coaches help students assess academic strengths and limitations,
learn academic success strategies, explore careers, declare a major, navigate the educational system, access campus and
community resources, and connect to campus life. The department also manages the CSN Faculty E-Alert System assisting
instructional staff by working with students on strategies and interventions that lead to successful course completion.
Contact Information: Charleston Campus: Building D – Student Services Area : 702–651–5670, North Las Vegas Campus:
Student Services Area : 702–651–4049, Henderson Campus: Building B – Room 120 : 702 – 651–3165. Visit the Advising
web site for more information.

My responsibilities:
1. I will reply to your e-mail messages in a timely manner. Replying to phone calls may take more time.
2. I will try my best to resolve any course-related issues.

Your responsibilities:
1. You will stay active in the course. Let me know if you find any discrepancies in the syllabus, course material, or
activity due dates, as soon as possible.
2. You will monitor the deadlines for all assignments and ask questions if needed.
3. You will do your best in class and will not hesitate to ask for help.

Withdrawal Policy - Instructors do not have the option of withdrawing students. For official withdrawal dates and
other IMPORTANT college dates, look at the online schedule at the CSN Calendar and locate the calendar for the current
semester.

You are strongly encouraged to discuss your decisions with an academic counselor, academic adviser or success coach
AND Student Financial Services, because these decisions may affect your financial aid and Satisfactory Academic
Progress. Students receiving financial aid may find their awards reduced.

If you wish to receive a W in lieu of a grade, you MUST withdraw yourself officially from the class. Once you have
withdrawn (dropped), you must discontinue attending class. Alternatively, you may wish to change from Credit to Audit
and continue to attend the class.

Change to Audit – Forms are available on the CSN website. Print the form and fill it out, check the boxes, sign and
date. Submit the completed form in person at the Registrar’s Office. To avoid visiting the registrar’s office in person, you
may scan or photograph the signed form and send it, using your CSN student email, along with a clear color copy of your
state ID to MyCSN.Updates@csn.edu

Withdrawal Policy - Instructors do not have the option of withdrawing students. For official withdrawal dates and other IMPORTANT college dates, look at the online schedule at the CSN Calendar and locate the calendar for the current semester.

Change to Audit – I will provide the form in our Canvas course shell. Print the form and fill it out, check the boxes, sign and date. Submit the completed form in person at the Registrar’s Office. To avoid visiting the registrar’s office in person, you may scan or photograph the signed form and send it, using your CSN student email, along with a clear color copy of your state ID to MyCSN.Updates@csn.edu

CLASS POLICIES - See Orientation Document and Syllabus

All course material is available online in Canvas. While the design of this course allows flexibility in your scheduling, please realize that the deadlines are just as strict as any other course. You should check the calendar and discussion postings daily and allocate your time accordingly to complete the readings and to be prepared for the exams. Due dates will be strictly adhered to. You will use the mail and discussion features of Canvas to contact me or ask questions.

A note on the assignment release schedule - To stay on task, all chapter material and assignments are released at the start of the class. Exams can only be taken during the scheduled period. The links to assignments and exams will disappear after their respective due dates. Some students have complained that some links disappear from time to time. This is most likely due to system issues or incommutability with your web browser. Please send an e-mail message informing me about any links that have disappeared from your view.

Online section offer flexibility where you need to manage your time to achieve success. I will assign programming projects that will be graded, and you will have to take exams by specified due dates. It is extremely simple to ignore due dates and fall behind which I hope you can seriously avoid!

A rule of thumb for a 3-credit class is that you attend class about 3 hours a week and study a minimum of 6 hours a week outside of the classroom.

This is a single person class; meaning that you must turn in your own work. You are not allowed to collaborate or consult with anyone else while working on an exam. You are not allowed to collaborate on completing assignments. You should not be looking at each other’s code for assignments. You can freely discuss items in the general sense. Cheating in any form will not be tolerated.

Internet Access - Internet access is your responsibility. This class can be accessed from any computer with Internet access anywhere in the world. Therefore, excuses such as “My computer is not working” or “My provider was down” are not acceptable. If you find yourself in a real jam, you may drive to any CSN site and use one of the computers in the CSN open computer labs. Of course, if there is a computer problem originating from CSN, then I will take corrective action. But in all other instances, it is your responsibility to ensure your own Internet access.

Computer Labs – CSN provides access to computers at many physical locations. For Computer labs hours and locations, visit the Computer Lab

Software Lab - The Software lab will be virtual and be conducted via Canvas and Discord. It will be available starting on August 25, 2025. Many CIT department courses have embedded tutors. For these courses, your instructor will let you know about the tutoring services. The Centers for Academic Success (CAS) may also provide one-to-one tutoring. For more information, contact CAS by visiting CAS web site.

Networking Lab - The networking lab will be available on August 25, 2025. For location/date/time information, please visit the CIT Information Web site. Click on Networking and Software Lab Hours.

All course due dates are indicated above and are in the Canvas course shell under the Canvas Syllabus Course Summary Section. Additionally, Canvas will also remind you of approaching due dates.

Course Contract -
This syllabus is a course contract for the duration of the semester. By continuing with this course students agree to the terms set forth in this syllabus and will adhere to all rules and policies outlined.

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work and attendance policies, may be subject to change without advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Disclaimer - This syllabus is subject to change with advance notice. Notices will be posted in the online forum. It is your responsibility to stay informed.

Academic Integrity - Taking the words of others or presenting the ideas of others as your own not only limits your academic research skills, it also violates the CSN’s Student Academic Integrity Policy. Cheating on exams or other course work also violates the CSN Student Academic Integrity Policy. You can find more information about CSN’s Academic Integrity Policy at the Academic Integrity Web Site. The minimum penalty for such offenses in this course is to fail the assignment. Failing the course will also be considered as an option. Infractions of the CSN Student Academic Integrity Policy may lead to suspensions, expulsion, transcript notations or other sanctions.
You SHOULD NOT attempt to pay anyone to complete your work. You SHOULD NOT consult any web sites that provide answers to assignments.

CSN Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement and current Disability Resource Center (DRC) Contact Information - CSN is committed to equal opportunity and access in education for all students, including those with disabilities. The CSN Disability Resource Center provides support to students with documented medical, mental health, or learning disabilities and students who need support due to pregnancy. To register with the DRC, students should complete the new student application in the AIM DRC tile in GoCSN. Students are encouraged to register with the DRC as early as possible in or prior to the start of the academic term. The granting of any accommodation will not be retroactive and cannot jeopardize the academic standards or integrity of the course. Please Note - Instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from the DRC has been provided. If you have questions, please contact the DRC directly (702-6515644) or visit https://www.csn.edu/disability-resource-center for additional information.

Student Rights & Responsibilities - When you choose to become a student at CSN, you accept the rights and responsibilities of membership in CSN’s academic and social community. You can find policies covering students such as the Student Conduct, Students’ Right to Know, Students’ Academic Integrity, and Disruptive and Abusive Student in the following locations:
• Catalog and Student Handbook (Catalog Web Page) in the Policies and Procedures section.
• CSN Website (Student Policies) under the heading “Student Policies.”

College Library Services - CSN Libraries provides support for students completing assignments that require research and the use of information. Librarians are available to students for one-on-one assistance locating and citing quality information either online at the Library information or at one of our campus libraries. Find more information on our main website at the Library main page.

Safety - This class does not have an experiment lab and therefore we will not be concerned about following specific safety strategies. However, Approved classroom safety procedures are posted in each classroom and are to be followed. Students are to familiarize themselves with the nearest exit to use during fire alarm exercises. Do NOT use the elevators during these drills. Students will take ALL personal belongings with them when exiting the building. No student will be allowed back into the facility until the all clear is given.

Public Health Directives (COVID-19) - Students must follow all active CSN public health directives while enrolled in this class, such as properly worn face coverings when required in classrooms as well as inside campus buildings. CSN public health directives are found at https://www.csn.edu/wellness . Students who do not comply with these directives will be asked to leave the classroom. Refusal to follow the guidelines may result in further disciplinary action according to the CSN Student Conduct Code https://www.csn.edu/sites/default/files/documents/student_conduct_code_policy_1.pdf , including being dropped from the course.

Objectionable materials - Instructors have the responsibility to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior appropriate to the discipline and method of instruction. No objectionable materials or language will be used during this class. This includes all possible modes of the class: online and in person. The instructor will make the final determination regarding any objectionable materials or language. Students may not engage in activity the instructor deems disruptive or counterproductive to the goals of the class. Instructors have the right to remove offending students from class.

Pregnant Students - CSN prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities. This prohibition on discrimination extends to pregnancy and related conditions—including childbirth, lactation, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and recovery therefrom—as well as to parental and family status. If you are pregnant or have a pregnancy-related condition, and you are in need of accommodation because of your pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, you must contact Dr. Armen Asherian, Title IX Coordinator, at titleixcoordinator@csn.edu or 702-651-7481, or the Disability Resource Center at 702-651-5644 for West Charleston, 702-651-3795 for Henderson, and 702-651-4045 for North Las Vegas to explore reasonable accommodation.

Sex-Based Harassment and Discrimination - CSN is committed to creating a safe and open learning environment for all students. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, CSN prohibits unlawful sex-based harassment against any participant in its education programs or activities. Sexual-based harassment includes quid pro quo (this for that) harassment, a hostile environment, and criminal sexual violence (including sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking.) This prohibition applies to CSN students, employees, and visitors. Incidents of sex-based harassment or discrimination should be reported to CSN’s Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Armen Asherian, at titleixcoordinator@csn.edu, or 702-651-7481 or University Police Department at 702-895-3669 to report a crime.

Academic Advising - Academic Advisors help students assess academic strengths and limitations, learn academic success strategies, explore careers, declare a major, navigate the educational system, access campus and community resources, and connect to campus life. Contact Information: Charleston Campus: Building D – Student Services Area : 702–651–5670, North Las Vegas Campus: Student Services Area : 702–651–4049, Henderson Campus: Building B – Room 120 : 702–651–3165. For more information visit Academic Advising

Canvas Computer Instructions & Technology Help Desk - The Canvas Student Quick Start Guide be found at Canvas web site. The entire Student Guide may be found on web site. Telephone Support for Distance Education students having problems logging into a course, using course web site tools, or other technical problems can be found by contacting the CSN Technology Help Desk locally at 702–651–4357, or via 1-800–630–7563 toll-free, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Centers for Academic Success (CAS) - Centers for Academic Success (CAS) provides quality DROP-IN academic assistance to all students enrolled in for-credit courses at CSN. Tutors are available for most general education courses and many other historically challenging courses. Academic learning support includes drop-in assistance with learning strategies, Canvas, online tutoring, Microsoft Office, writing, oral presentations, math, and science. CAS tutors also facilitate study groups for courses (e.g., biology, math, and chemistry). CAS is open Monday through Sunday. Hours for all locations are Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Friday – Sunday,11:00 am to 4:00 pm. You may visit www.csn.edu/centers-academic-success for more details about CAS services. You may also contact us at one of our offices: Charleston Centers 702-651-5732, North Las Vegas Learning Commons 702-651-4232, Henderson Learning Commons 702-651-3125.

TutorChat - TutorChat is a free, live, online chat service accessible by CSN students at https://csncentersacademicsuccess.libanswers.com/ or in the navigation menu of your Canvas courses. TutorChat is designed to answer your quick questions, help you form successful study habits, and show you how to use Canvas and other resources for student success, such as online tutoring and MyCoyoteSuccess workshops, accessed in GoCSN. Quick questions are defined as assistance with topic formulation, proper MLA or APA citation formatting, and development of outlines including thesis statement, introduction clarity, and appropriate conclusion. TutorChat staff can start audio video sessions and give you information on how to connect with a Centers for Academic Success tutor, which is an in-person service FREE to you. For more information, you can chat with us or submit a question. TutorChat is open to all enrolled CSN students.

*If you need assistance outside their normal business hours (11-4, Monday thorough Sunday), please submit a question at TutorChat. They usually respond within 24 hours.

Brainfuse – Offers free online tutoring, writing services and homework assistance 24/7. Certified Brainfuse tutors provide live, on-demand tutoring and assignment help in a variety of subjects. Brainfuse tutors meet students where they are at in order to effectively help students of all skill levels. To access services, students can log into their GoCSN account and then into Canvas. Students can choose a listed course on the left and then click on Brainfuse Online Tutoring. Call 702-651-5619 for additional information.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) - The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers short-term, problem-focused counseling to CSN students who may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of college, work, family, and relationships. Clinicians are available to help students cope with stresses and personal issues that may interfere with their ability to perform in school. The service is provided confidentially and free to currently enrolled students. To schedule an appointment, please call CAPS at West Charleston 702–651–5518, or at North Las Vegas 702–651–4099, or at Henderson 702–651–3099.

Feeling anxious, stressed, or burned out? Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has free, confidential therapy. Get support at csn.edu/mentalhealth360

Recording Class - Recordings of the class is not allowed without the explicit permission of the instructor.

TRIO Student Support Services - One stop shop for first-generation college, financial aid-eligible and disabled students offering tutoring, academic advising, career exploration, college-transfer assistance, and development of college success strategies. Contact information: North Las Vegas Campus: Building E Room 109 : 702–651–4441 or visit the TRIO’s web site.

Immigrant/UndocuAlly Support - CSN is committed to the inclusion and representation of a diverse campus population. As such, CSN acknowledges that our campus population consists of individuals whose status is undocumented, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, as well as immigrant students. If your immigration status presents obstacles to engaging in specific activities or fulfilling specific course criteria, please reach out to the Immigrant and UndocuAlly Committee at https://www.csn.edu/all- access

Printing @ CSN - Printing in CSN classrooms, computer labs and libraries falls under Print Wise. Print Wise provides each CSN student with a $10 credit toward printing at the start of each semester, which will provide for up to 200 black and white copies at 5¢ a page, or 40 color copies at 25¢ a page. After that, you may put money into your account online or at the CSN Cashier’s Office to purchase additional prints at the same rate. It is your responsibility to maintain your printing accounts to cover printing expenses during each semester. More information about the Print Wise system may be found at the Printwise Information.