About

Course Information

Business Statistics, BUSI-2305-009, CRN 15680
LEC · Spring 2026 · March 23 – May 17

Instructor Information

Professor Russell Holloway

Tel: (512) 223-1790, Ext. 22477
Email: russell.holloway@austincc.edu

Office Hours: Online or in person by appointment. Please email to schedule a time.

The best way to reach me is by email. Please begin the subject line with the section number (15680) of our class, so I can know what messages to respond to first. I'll do my best to reply within 24 hours, so if you haven't heard back in that window, please try me again so we don't miss each other.

Course Description and Objective

• Lecture Format
• Credit Hours: 3
• Contact Hours per week: 3

Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques for business and economic decision making. Topics include collection, description, analysis, and summarization of data; probability; discrete continuous random variables; the binomial and normal distributions; sampling distributions; test of hypotheses; estimation and confidence intervals; linear regression; and correlation analysis. Statistical software is used to analyze data throughout the course. (BUSI 2305 is included in the Business Field of Study). Formerly BUSG 2371.

The objective of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of statistical procedures, techniques, and applications as used in business.

Course Rationale

This statistics course is designed for business majors. Topics include:

• Organization of measurements
• Measures of central tendency
• Discrete & continuous distributions
• Confidence intervals
• Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
• Correlation calculations
• Counting
• Probability
• Hypothesis testing
• Simple & multiple regression

The objective of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of statistical procedures, techniques and applications as used in business.

Prerequisites

• MATH 1324, MATH 1314, or Departmental approval
• Working knowledge of computers, the Internet, and email

Textbook (Optional)

Statistical Techniques in Business and Economics; Douglas Lind, William Marchal, and Samuel Wathen; 17th, 18th, or 19th edition; Irwin McGraw-Hill (ISBN 9781260833881).

Note: Other editions of this textbook will work as well (13th, 14th, and 15th). On-line modules are not required.

Student Technology Support

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at Student Technology Access.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit Student Technology Access.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit Student Technology Access.

Grading

There are four (4) required exams for this course. The exams will include true/false and multiple-choice questions, as well as open-ended calculations. You will have approximately 40–45 of these types of questions.

All exams will be open-note and completed in Blackboard or as a take home case study. Each exam will account for 20% of your grade.

The remaining 20% of your grade in the class will come from a combination of class participation and homework.

Grade scale

Be warned that the exams are more difficult as the semester progresses. You need to know the material well at the start of the course to do well at the end. It is advisable that you score as high as possible on the early exams. Please refer to the schedule for dates.

Homework

Homework will be assigned as part of the "Other coursework" component of your grade. Refer to Blackboard for the homework assignments and the dates for the exams.

Attendance

This class meets online, and lecture videos will be available weekly. Make sure to pay attention because a lot of exam material comes from the discussion components in the lecture (beyond just the PowerPoints) as well as demonstrations for calculations in Excel.

Microsoft Excel

Spreadsheet applications (like Excel) are becoming a more integral part of statistical analysis. There will be periodic assignments that will require you to use this software, so please make sure you have access to Excel or an equivalent application to be able to complete the coursework.

Other Requirements

• Use the material on the Blackboard web site including the readings, videos, and PowerPoint.
• Students are highly encouraged to keep up and on schedule.
• Students are encouraged to get the help they need in a timely fashion. If you need help please ask. Help outside office hours is available if you need it. However, not keeping up is not a good excuse. If for some reason, your messages are not returned it is up to you to follow up and get help. Make sure you include your name, section number and the name of the class in all communications. Keep trying if you do not hear from me.
• Collaboration with your fellow students is highly encouraged to understand concepts from a different voice. Your instructor may facilitate that if requested.

Comments for Success

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with the instructor for assistance whenever needed. Refer to my office hours listed above. If these are not convenient for you, I will be happy to schedule appointments at other times. Many resources are available to help you succeed in this course — you need only ask for help.

The material starts at a very easy level but quickly gets harder. Make sure you go over the easy stuff thoroughly as you will need to know it later in the course. When you get to the hypothesis testing it is advisable that you seek help if you have trouble with it.

This is a demanding course, and everyone must work hard to succeed. Students can significantly improve their chances of success by using the following tips:

• Take advantage of the free help available at ACC. Free tutoring is available at all the major campuses. The website for all our campus tutoring is: austincc.edu/tutor/HELP
• Use the Blackboard web site that comes with the course. The PowerPoints (especially the sections in bold) should help you focus on the most important concepts.
• After you read the material, take a breath and think how the material might apply to your world. If something does not make sense make a note and ask a fellow student or your instructor to help you understand the concept.
• You do not have to be a math whiz to succeed in this class. Knowledge of algebra is adequate. It is easy for some who are not fond of math to get bogged down with the formulas. If you are more verbal, talk yourself through what the formula is doing. You do not have to memorize the formulas. The formula sheet can be brought to all exams, quizzes, and is available to complete the exercises.
• Stay on schedule and don't get behind.

Withdrawals

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date. The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is Monday, May 11, 2026. The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans' benefits, and international student status. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a "W") from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Incompletes

An incomplete (grade of 'I') will only be given for extenuating circumstances. What constitutes "extenuating circumstances" is left to the instructor's discretion, while following any rules or guidelines set by the department. If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor and given on the "Report of Incomplete" form. This date is often about three weeks prior to the end of the following semester. A grade of 'I' also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant. The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not. The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an 'I' grade.

1. Prior to the end of the semester in which the 'I' is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date. This meeting can occur virtually or in person. The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.
2. The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student. The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement. A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.
3. The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above. This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.
4. Students will retain access to the course's Blackboard page through the subsequent semester to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.
5. When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student's performance grade from an 'I' to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F.

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an 'F'. Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Introduction: The use of generative AI (GAI) is permitted in this course under certain conditions to enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity.

Rationale: GAI is permitted to foster technological fluency and to leverage advanced tools for research, as long as it does not substitute for critical thinking and learning.

Definition of GAI: Generative AI encompasses technologies that create content through learned patterns and data without direct human input.

Usage Permissions: Permitted: GAI can be used for initial research, idea generation, and learning certain iterative statistical techniques (as defined by instructor). It is not to be used for help with exams unless explicitly cited and discussed.

Resources: Guidance on the ethical and effective use of GAI will be provided through designated course materials and office hours, where applicable.

Assessment: Contributions of GAI must be clearly cited and will be assessed on the student's ability to critically analyze and integrate the AI-generated content.

Penalties: Misuse of GAI, including a failure to cite, will be considered a breach of academic integrity, with consequences including a failing grade for the assignment and academic review.

Exceptions: Should the technology be required as an accommodation, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Course Calendar

See the Schedule page.

Health & Safety Protocols

Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances. The college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus. If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.

Some important things to remember:

• If you have not done so, ACC encourages all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available throughout the community. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a vaccine location near you.
• Campuses are open to faculty, staff, and students. The college and its departments and offices may invite internal and external guests to their events and activities, though access is still restricted for external parties seeking to host activities at ACC. The college's Appian Health Screening App remains available to everyone who visits campus. This continues to be a good way to check your own health before coming to class or work.
• If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility. Testing is now widely available. To find testing locations near you, click this link.
• If you test positive, please report it on the ACC self-reporting tool located here.
• ACC continues to welcome face masks on campus. Per CDC guidelines, face masks remain a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19.
• The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.
• Please be sure to carry your student, faculty, or staff ID badge at all times while on campus.

Because of the everchanging situation, please go to ACC's Covid website for the latest updates and guidance.

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process. Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college's information technology resources. Further information is available at the Academic Integrity website.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state, and federal laws. Student Rights & Responsibilities

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct.

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus: (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online, go to the Counseling website.

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options: Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964; compliance@austincc.edu.

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at the Student Complaint Procedures website.

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students' educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section. Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard or another platform. Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity. Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester. All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at the Emergency Management website.

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day's activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an outbreak of illness, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Smoke, Vaping, & Tobacco-Free Environment

ACC provides a smoke/vape- and tobacco-free environment for all College vehicles, facilities and all campuses. The College prohibits the use, distribution, and/or sale of tobacco, smoke, and nicotine vapor products and devices by any person on all premises owned, rented, leased or supervised by the College, including all College facilities, buildings, grounds, and vehicles. This prohibition applies to property owned by others that the College uses by agreement, and further applies to all College and personal vehicles on ACC District property. Campus Managers and Campus Coordinators are required to inform anyone on their campus or in their center who are violating this rule that they are doing so and, if the violator is a student, the Dean of Student Affairs must initiate disciplinary procedures.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC's commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college's concealed handgun policy.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 512-223-1231. Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at the Campus Carry website.

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance. Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide.

Use of ACC Email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student's ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college-related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at the ACC Email Q&A website.

Use of the Testing Center

The Testing Centers will allow only limited in person testing and testing time will be limited to the standard class time, typically one and one-half hours. Specifically, only the following will be allowed in the Testing Centers:

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Testing: All approved SAS testing
• Assessments Tests: Institutionally approved assessment tests (e.g., TSIA or TABE)
• Placement Tests: Placement tests (e.g., ALEKS)
• Make-Up Exams (for students who missed the original test): Make-up testing is available for all lecture courses but will be limited to no more than 25% of students enrolled in each section for each of four tests
• Programs incorporating industry certification exams: Such programs (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) may utilize the ACC Business Assessment Center for the industry certification exams (BACT) at HLC or RRC

Student Accessibility Services

Austin Community College (ACC) is committed to providing a supportive, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Each campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Students are encouraged to request accommodations prior to the beginning of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received accommodations from SAS for this course will provide the instructor with the legal document titled "Faculty Notification Letter" (FNL) through the Accessible Information Management (AIM) portal.

Until the instructor receives the FNL, accommodations should not be provided. Once the FNL is received, accommodations must be provided. Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student's best interest to request their accommodations as soon as possible prior to the beginning of the semester.

Please contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information.

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis.

An online tutor request can be made here: Online Tutoring Request

Additional tutoring information can be found here: Online Tutoring

Library Services

ACC Library Services offers both in-person and extensive online services, with research and assignment assistance available in-person during limited hours of service. Although all college services are subject to change, plans include ACC students signing up for study space and use of computers at open libraries, extensive online instruction in classes, online reference assistance 24/7 and reference with ACC faculty librarians. In addition, currently enrolled students, faculty and staff can access Library Services online (also 24/7) via the ACC Library website and by using their ACCeID to access all online materials (ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos).

• Library Website
• Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form
• Library Hours of Operation by Location
• Email: library@austincc.edu

Parent and Family Engagement Services

ACC understands how important parent and family support is to every student's college journey. From parents and siblings to stepparents, grandparents, partners, and loved ones, the Parent and Family Engagement Office at ACC is committed to empowering families to support student success. The office provides a family orientation to ACC, free workshops explaining the world of higher education (financial aid, student resources, career and transfer services, etc.), a monthly newsletter full of student success tips, and a website designed to answer family members' frequently asked questions. All students, especially first-generation students, are encouraged to share these resources with their families and invite them to be part of the Riverbat experience. Contact familyengagement@austincc.edu or visit the Parent & Family Engagement website for more information.

Academic Adjustments for Pregnant Students

ACC works with each student to provide academic adjustments that best meet their needs, including for students who are pregnant. Examples of such adjustments may include but are not limited to:

• Breaks during class, as needed
• Excused absences or a leave of absence
• Making up missed assignments or assessments
• Additional time to complete assignments in the same manner as the institution allows for a student with a temporary medical condition

Additional examples and further information are available at the Accommodations for Pregnant Students website. To request adjustments due to pregnancy, contact equalopportunity@austincc.edu.

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities. They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else. Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at the Student Life website.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found at the Central Texas Food Bank website.
• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office.
• A full listing of services for student parents is available at the Child Care website.

Mental health counseling services are available through the Counseling website.

Crisis hotlines and emergency resources are listed on the Resources page.