Course Syllabus
SFS 150 Money Management Strategies Syllabus
College Information
Semester/Year: Spring 2026
Course Section Number: 57902
Instructor Information
Name: Andrea Bright, Master of Science. Academic Counselor.
Office Location: Luther Student Center 439
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday. Schedule an Appointment in Advance from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Fridays, Drop in from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:45 PM. Additional times available per advanced request.
Email: abright4082@lakelandcollege.edu
Phone Number: 217.234.5391
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Employ fundamental principles and skills of financial planning.
- Analyze financial decisions on economic well-being.
- Create a life-long financial plan.
Course Description
Credit hours: 3
Prerequisite Information: N/A
Corequisite Information: N/A
Classroom location: Canvas, the online classroom
Meeting Times: To Be Determined (TBD) by the student (Internet Accessible 24/7)
Laker Learning Competencies
By the end of the course, students will build upon the following Laker Learning Competencies, which support their academic, professional, and personal success:
- Critical Thinking: Students connect knowledge from various disciplines to formulate logical conclusions.
- Information & Technology Literacy: Students evaluate information effectively using the appropriate technological tools.
Required Materials
Textbooks are accessed online and can be printed on demand.
TITLE: Principles of Finance
AUTHOR: Julie Dahlquist and Rainford Knight
PUBLISHER: OpenStax
VOLUME/EDITION/URL: https://assets.openstax.org/oscmsprodcms/media/documents/PrinciplesofFinance-WEB.pdf
COPYRIGHT DATE: 2022
TITLE: Personal Finance
AUTHOR: Next Gen Personal Finance
PUBLISHER: Next Gen Personal Finance
VOLUME/EDITION/URL: https://www.ngpf.org/courses/semester-course/
COPYRIGHT DATE: 2014 – 2025
TITLE: Intuit for Education
AUTHOR: Intuit Inc.
PUBLISHER: Intuit Inc.
VOLUME/EDITION/URL: https://www.intuit.com/solutions/education/
COPYRIGHT DATE: 2026
Ability to use multiple & various resources from electronic & online sources, OR the willingness to learn. A digital or physical way to record notes and classwork.
Supplemental materials provided by the instructor.
Completion can lead to a Personal Finance Certification.
Schedule of Topics and Assignments
Refer to the Summary
Distribution of Grades
Refer to the Printable Word Document for Spring 2026, SFS150, Money Management Strategies, Syllabus
Academic Integrity
At Lake Land College, it is assumed that students will honor the tradition of academic honesty. As such, students have the responsibility to be fully knowledgeable of the Academic Integrity Code, produce their own work, and encourage academic honesty among their fellow students.
Students who engage in academic dishonesty in this course will be referred to the Vice President for Student Services for further disciplinary action; those disciplinary actions are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.
For a description of what is considered to be academic dishonesty, please review the Academic Integrity Code available in the online Student Handbook and Right to Know. If you have questions regarding the College’s policy specifically related to this course, please do not hesitate to ask.
Artificial Intelligence
[The task force recommends that you use the more lenient options (AI Use Only with Acknowledgement or AI Use Only with Specific Permission) so that students learn about AI in their field before entering the workforce. Please choose one of the approaches provided below and feel free to use or edit it. Delete the unused options.]
AI Use Prohibited
Students are prohibited from using artificial intelligence or machine learning tools, including but not limited to Grammarly, ChatGPT, Microsoft Word or Copilot, on assignments in this course. Each student must complete all assignments independently, without aid from others or automated tools, as noted in the Academic Integrity Board Policy 07.28.02.
AI Use Limited to Proofreading and Grammar
In this course, the use of artificial intelligence or machine learning tools (such as Grammarly, ChatGPT, Microsoft Word, etc.) is strictly limited to proofreading for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Any other use, including generating, solving, outlining, or drafting assignments—such as essays, quizzes/tests, discussion posts, problem sets, or other coursework—is prohibited. Examples of misuse include using AI to write papers, solve math problems, or generate discussion responses. Submitting AI-generated content is considered cheating, as it undermines the expectation of independent work and may lead to copyright violations. All work must be completed independently by the student, without the assistance of others or unauthorized tools. Violations of this policy are breaches of academic integrity and will result in disciplinary action under Academic Integrity Board Policy 07.28.02.
AI Use Only with Specific Permission
Students may use artificial intelligence or machine learning tools (e.g., Grammarly, Microsoft Word) for proofreading writing assignments, such as checking spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Any other use of AI—like generating, solving, outlining, or drafting assignments—is only allowed if the assignment specifically permits it. Examples of prohibited uses include using AI to write essays, solve math problems, take quizzes/tests or create discussion posts. All work must be completed independently, without unauthorized assistance from others or automated tools unless otherwise specified. Misuse of AI is considered cheating and will result in disciplinary action under Academic Integrity Board Policy 07.28.02.
AI Use Only with Acknowledgement
Students may use AI or machine learning tools, like Grammarly, ChatGPT, or Microsoft Copilot, in their coursework as long as they properly document and credit any such use. For instance, text generated by ChatGPT-4o should include a citation similar to:
APA Format
OpenAI (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/
MLA Format
“Example of an MLA citation” prompt. ChatGPT, GPT-4o, OpenAI, 30 Oct. 2024, chat.openai.com/chat
Failing to cite sources correctly is considered a breach of academic integrity and will be handled according to Academic Integrity Board Policy 07.28.02. Students are also responsible for identifying and correcting any factual inaccuracies, biases, or fabricated information produced by the tool. Optional additional requirement: If AI tools are used, students should provide a brief (2-3 sentence) explanation of how and why they used them.
Classroom Policies
Insert content here.
Attendance
Regular, punctual classroom attendance is considered important for quality performance and success. Students are expected to punctually attend
all meetings of classes in which they are enrolled. We will use a combination of attendance and performance to ensure adequate progress. Any student who chronically skips class sessions and/or fails to submit assignments. Example: 4 consecutive class session absences and no communication with the instructor, combined with no assignment submissions, are at risk of being withdrawn by the instructor. The Illinois Community College Board requires instructors to certify the attendance of students at mid-term. Any student who has an “F” grade at the mid-term mark and neglects to rectify prior to verification deadlines will be withdrawn by the instructor during mid-term verifications. More information in Board Policy 06.24.
Missing a Test
The Final Exam is Required. No Make-up or Late Submissions Accepted. Schedule follows the College’s Posted Exam Times.
Late Work
Work needs to be submitted before the posted deadlines.
Late work will be automatically accepted at half-credit until May 5th @ noon.
Credit Hour Assignment, Board Policy 07.21
Board policy 07.21, Credit Hour, describes how credit hours are assigned to courses and the work required to award the credit. For example:
Lecture/Discussion-Oriented Instruction: Students who participate in lecture/discussion-oriented instruction will be assigned one credit hour for each 15 classroom hours of instruction per semester. It is assumed that two hours of out-of-class student work will be invested for each classroom or direct faculty instruction hour.
Alternate Modalities: Students who participate in courses offered through alternate modalities, including, but not limited to, online, hybrid, compressed, and competency-based education formats, will be expected to complete at least the equivalent amount of student work as required in lecture/discussion-oriented instruction. It is assumed that a minimum of 45 hours of student work will be invested for each credit hour obtained per semester.
Classroom Recording and Content Sharing
To maintain a respectful and secure learning environment, the following policies apply to all students enrolled in this course:
- Recording Restrictions
Students may record (audio, video, or screen capture) any part of this class—including lectures, discussions, or presentations—without prior written consent from the instructor. This includes recordings made with phones, laptops, or other devices. Recordings are for personal academic use only and may not be shared, posted, or distributed in any form. - Use of Approved Recordings
If a student has an approved accommodation through the Office of Student Accommodations that includes recording lectures, those recordings are for personal academic use only and may not be shared, posted, or distributed in any form. Instructors are notified by the Office of Student Accommodations if the accommodation is approved. - Prohibited Distribution
Posting or sharing any class content—including recordings, screenshots, or instructor materials—on public or private platforms (e.g., YouTube, TikTok, Discord, Instagram, etc.) without explicit permission is strictly prohibited. This may violate college policy, copyright law, and privacy regulations, and could result in disciplinary action. - Intellectual Property Notice
All course materials, including lectures, slides, and assignments, are the intellectual property of the instructor and/or the institution. Unauthorized use or distribution is a violation of copyright law. - Consequences
Violations of this policy may result in: - Removal of the content
- Referral to the Vice President for Student Services for code of conduct review
- Potential legal action in cases of copyright infringement or privacy violations
Basic Needs
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 the Student Wellness Center for support.
Safety Breakdown
Review the safety tips on the Lake Land College website or view the video below.
Photosensitivity Warning
This video contains intermittent flashing lights and high-contrast color patterns (Red, White, and Blue) throughout. This may trigger discomfort or seizures for viewers with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised. If you prefer not to watch the video, please read the transcript below the video.
Transcript of “Clear & Present Danger” Video
Hello, everyone, and welcome to our training regarding the State of Illinois Firearms Owners Identification Card Act, specifically the part that relates to determining if a person is a Clear and Present Danger to themselves or others.
The purpose of this part of the Act is to create a reporting mechanism to the Illinois State Police intended to prevent individuals determined to pose a Clear and Present Danger from having access to firearms or firearm ammunition by revoking the individual’s Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card.
Under this Act, it is the duty of law enforcement officials and school administrators to report to the Illinois State Police when a student or other person is determined to pose a Clear and Present Danger to themselves or others.
There is obviously some subjectivity to determining if someone meets this standard, but hold on to that…..we will get to it in a few minutes.
The College’s leadership has decided that all of our administrators, supervisors, chairs,
those serving on our Behavior Intervention Team, academic counselors, college nurses and law enforcement officers should receive annual training on this law and understand the Clear and Present Danger reporting requirement to the Illinois State Police.
It should be noted before we go any further, this reporting duty that we are getting ready to discuss is separate from any requests for assistance made to a law enforcement agency.
For immediate police assistance, employees must still contact the Lake Land College Police Department or call 911. Here are the important things to remember so we can comply with this law:
(1) When a student or other person demonstrates threatening physical or verbal behavior, such as violence, suicidal or assaultive threats, actions or other behaviors determined to pose a Clear and Present Danger to themselves or others, that information needs to be reported immediately.
Just like you have always done, complete the Behavioral Intervention Team Referral Form which can be found on the Lake Land College Hub.
Additionally, we want you to notify the Lake Land College Police Department immediately. If you are not sure if someone might pose a Clear and Present Danger to themselves or others, contact the Lake Land College Police Department and we will work together to make that determination.
(2) Here’s an important point……Our school administrators and staff subject to this training must be diligent and report the incident and all pertinent details to our police department.
Please remember to have information regarding specific behaviors and statements, including dates and times of any occurrence, as well as the names and contact information of any witnesses, so a determination can be made regarding whether or not those involved meet the criteria that would necessitate a Clear and Present Danger form being completed.
If necessary, additional supporting documentation will be referenced in the report and submitted with the Clear and Present Danger form to the Illinois State Police regardless of known Firearms Owners Identification Card status.
(3) If an individual has been determined to pose a Clear and Present Danger, the Lake Land College Police Department will complete the Clear and Present Danger form and submit it to the Illinois State Police, Firearms Services Bureau, Investigative Support Unit within 24-72 hours of the incident giving rise to the determination that the individual poses a Clear and Present Danger.
Clear and Present Danger forms will not be accepted after 72 hours unless extenuating circumstances exist so it’s very important law enforcement officials are notified as soon as possible after an incident has been reported to a campus administrator or the Behavior Intervention Team (or the BIT Team).
(4) Once a Clear and Present Danger determination is made by the investigative unit with the Illinois State Police, an Agent or an Analyst from that Support Unit will contact our police department to advise whether the FOID holder is revoked, denied, or will remain valid so we will receive feedback regarding the individuals in question.
(5) Please be aware that Clear and Present Danger reporting shall be made consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to assist the Illinois State Police with protecting the health and safety of the public by denying persons who present a Clear and Present Danger from having lawful access to weapons and ammunition.
(6) A good thing to know is any school administrator or law enforcement official making the determination and his or her employer shall not be held criminally, civilly, or professionally liable for making or not making the notification required under this law, except for willful or wanton misconduct.
(7) Making a determination regarding whether someone poses a Clear and Present Danger can be tricky.
The key is to utilize your professional training and your various life experiences to guide you through your decision-making progress.
If you feel something is out of place or someone is demonstrating verbal or non-verbal cues that make you nervous or uncomfortable, please reach out to the Lake Land College Police Department and submit a report to the Behavior Intervention Team as soon as possible so we all can take a thorough look into the incident and make a timely decision that will positively impact our campus.
(8) As a reminder, if there is an imminent or immediate threat to you or the campus, contact the Lake Land College Police Department or call 911.
Remember, if you see something, say something! We’re all in this together.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to reach out to the police department and we’ll do our best to help.
Help Desk Support
The Information Technology (IT) department offers technical support and is located in the Virgil Learning Resource Center/Library on the lower level. the IT Helpdesk welcomes walk-in campus support Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm during the spring and fall semesters. During the summer, the college is open from Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
If you have any difficulties using Canvas, click the Help link in the global navigation to the left. Choose Report a Canvas Problem to create a ticket. Be prepared to provide a detailed description of your problem when completing the ticket form. Please don't hesitate to ask for help.
For other technology issues, please contact the IT Helpdesk directly at the contact information below.
Contact Information
Phone: 217-234-5261
Email: helpdesk@lakelandcollege.edu
Physical Location: Virgil Learning Resource Center/Library 061 (See MapsLinks to an external site. for directions)
Website: Information Technology (IT)
Enroll in the Laker Training Technology Course - This is a free course site where you can practice submitting assignments and learn how to use Canvas and other campus technologies.
Student Success Center
The Student Success Center offers free tutoring for Lake Land College students. Students may arrange a one-time session or regular, ongoing weekly appointments based on their needs. To ensure there is a tutor available, an appointment is preferred, but walk-in tutoring is generally available for most main college subjects and study assistance.
The school supply pantry is also located inside the Student Success Center. Students who need help with basic materials for school are encouraged to stop by and receive materials like paper, pencils, highlighters, and more to assist with their ongoing academic success.
Contact Information
Phone: 217-234-5287
Email: tutoringandtesting@lakelandcollege.edu
Physical Location: Webb Hall, Room 130
Website: Student Success Center
Enroll in Tutoring course site - The Student Success Center offers additional tutoring resources in the course site.
Proctoring
Proctoring is available at the Mattoon campus and the Effingham Technology Center (ETC). Proctoring appointments should be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Please take note of deadlines in your syllabus, especially those that fall on a Friday or weekend.
- Login to the Laker Hub. Click the middle widget and select "Proctoring" to schedule an appointment.
Students needing assistance with the proctor scheduler should call (217) 234-5301.
Students who need special accommodation for proctoring should contact the Student Success Center directly at 217-234-5287 or proctor@lakelandcollege.edu
Career Services
Career Services is here to help you on your path to success! We offer a range of complimentary services to support and prepare you to achieve your educational and professional goals.
We specialize in helping you connect to a career, establish a portfolio, build transferable skills, create networking opportunities, enhance communication skills, and develop job search materials.
Contact Information
Phone: 217-234-5288
Email: careerservices@lakelandcollege.edu
Physical Location: Luther Student Center, room 435
Website: Career Services
Enroll in the Career Services Resource course site - Students can enroll for access to additional Career Services resources in the course site.
Lake Land College Policies
Academic Standards and Policies
For more information on academic standards and policies, please view the student handbook. It is the student’s responsibility to understand when they need to consider dropping/withdrawing from a course. Refer to the Lake Land College website for dates and deadlines. Instructors may withdraw a student from class if the number of absences is detrimental to the student’s ability to meet the course objectives. Instructors can withdraw students from a course prior to five instructional days before the first day of the final exam period.
Responsible Use of Classroom Content
Class discussions, papers, pictures, video, and any other student-created work for a course are all considered official course content. Student work, including papers, discussions, quizzes, assignments, etc., must be confined to the classroom (either on-campus or virtual) and should not be shared outside the classroom without the express permission of the student who created it. Students should respect the privacy of person-to-person or person-to-class communication in all forms. Violating student privacy may result in removal from the course. Significant or repeated violations may result in disciplinary action. This standard is pursuant to Board Policies 07.28.01 (Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures) and 11.15 (Acceptable Technology Use).
Accessibility Statement
Lake Land College is committed to providing an accessible, inclusive and equitable experience designed for all students, staff, faculty and community members to thrive within the physical and digital campus. This commitment is designed to eliminate barriers, regardless of ability or technology and to cultivate an environment that fosters success and a sense of belonging for the Lake Land College community.
Canvas ADA Compliance Statement
Canvas conforms to the W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WAI WCAG) 2.0 AA and Section 508 guidelines.
Accommodations
Lake Land College is committed to providing a quality educational experience to all students. As such, the College provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability to help them achieve their full potential. For additional information, please contact Student Accommodations within Counseling Services.
Student Accommodations
217-234-5259
Diversity at Lake Land College
Per Board Policy 01.03.01, Lake Land College is committed to developing and maintaining an environment for students, employees, and the college community that embraces and actively supports diversity, equity, and inclusion. We aspire to be an institution where the quality of education and work environment is enhanced and enriched by an inclusive campus community that encourages multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas.
Student Development is committed to cultivating a welcoming, engaging campus environment for all students by continuously assessing student needs and removing barriers to student success. By providing accessible and comprehensive academic, personal, and professional development services throughout a student’s time at the college and beyond, we can support holistic learning experiences that honor each student’s unique background while fostering understanding, connection, and growth across our multifaceted communities. Learn more at the following URL.
Health Services
Lake Land College is committed to ensuring the safety of the college community while providing the best possible learning experience for students. Students with health concerns should immediately notify their instructor(s). Students with prolonged illness should contact the college nurse, in accordance with Board Policy 07.43 (Health Services), at 217-234-5276 or healthservices@lakelandcollege.edu.
Sexual Harassment and Misconduct (Title IX)
Lake Land College is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and employment environment that is free from discrimination, harassment and misconduct on the basis of sex, which includes sexual orientation or gender-related identity. Information about addressing sexual harassment and misconduct is found in the Student Handbook at Student Guide to Addressing Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct section.
College Closings
The responsibility for canceling classes or closing for a specific period of time rests with the President of the College. When weather conditions prevent the opening of the College or cause a delayed opening of the College, announcements will be made on local radio and TV stations, and with text messaging, email and all other technology mediums available by 6:00 a.m. for that day.
Cancellation of day classes is not an automatic closing of evening sessions. The decision to close classes that begin at 5:00 p.m. or later will be made as close to 2:00 p.m. as possible.
Printable Word Document for Spring 2026, SFS150, Money Management Strategies, Syllabus