HCS 504 Starting With The Basics

HCS 504 Starting With The Basics

Student Name

University of Phoenix

HCS 504 Introduction to Graduate Study in Health Sciences/Nursing

Prof. Name:

Date

Learning Resources and Student Success Guide

Students at the University of Phoenix have access to several academic support services designed to improve mathematics, writing, research, and collaboration skills. Key resources include the Center for Mathematics Excellence, Center for Writing Excellence, University Library, Learning Team Toolkit, and technical support services. These tools help students strengthen academic performance, follow APA formatting guidelines, avoid plagiarism, and successfully complete coursework.

Center for Mathematics Excellence

The Center for Mathematics Excellence provides six online math labs that help students strengthen foundational and advanced mathematical skills.

Six Math Labs Available

• Self-Assessment

• ALEKS Math Refresher

• Pre-Algebra Review

• Algebra 1

• Algebra 2

• Introduction to Statistics

These labs allow students to identify knowledge gaps and improve their mathematical proficiency before completing course assignments.

Center for Writing Excellence

The Center for Writing Excellence (CWE) offers several tools that help students improve writing quality, citation accuracy, and academic integrity.

Writing Review Services

Students can use the following services:

• RiverPoint Writer – Assists with APA formatting, in-text citations, references, and document formatting based on University guidelines.

• WritePoint – Reviews grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and formatting while providing writing feedback.

• Plagiarism Checker – Verifies originality by identifying potential matches with published content and previously submitted work.

APA Formatting Tool

The University of Phoenix provides RiverPoint Writer to help students create documents that follow APA guidelines.

APA Resources Available

The APA section within the Tutorials and Guides includes resources for:

• APA formatting guidance

• Reference and citation examples

• Citation generator

• Title page templates

• Tables and figures formatting

• APA manual comparisons

• RiverPoint Writer access

Example of an APA Book Reference

Below is the correctly formatted APA reference for the provided textbook:

Green, M. A., & Rowell, J. C. (2008). Understanding health insurance: A guide to billing and reimbursement (9th ed.). Delmar Cengage Learning.

Additional APA Reference Example

Chabner, D. E. (2009). Medical terminology: A short course (5th ed.). Saunders.

Grammar and Writing Guides

The Grammar and Writing Guides provide resources that help students improve writing skills and academic communication.

Five Main Sections

• Writing Style

• Grammar Mechanics

• Grammar Glossary

• English Language Learners

• Plagiarism

Each section focuses on improving writing clarity, grammar accuracy, and ethical academic practices.

Active Voice vs. Passive Voice

Active voice makes writing clear and direct, while passive voice shifts the focus from the subject performing the action.

Examples

Passive Voice

Some of the content of this document was submitted by Mary.

Active Voice

Mary submitted some of the content of this document.

Understanding Plagiarism

Plagiarism occurs when someone presents another person’s ideas, words, or work as their own without proper acknowledgment.

Summarizing

Summarizing condenses the main ideas of a source into a shorter version using original wording.

Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing restates another author’s ideas in different words while preserving the original meaning. Proper citation is still required.

Plagiarizing

Plagiarizing involves copying or closely using another person’s work without giving appropriate credit.

How to Avoid Plagiarism

Students can reduce the risk of plagiarism by:

• Citing all borrowed ideas and quotations.

• Using RiverPoint Writer for APA formatting.

• Checking originality with the Plagiarism Checker.

• Writing in their own words after understanding the source material.

Correct Punctuation Examples

Proper punctuation improves readability and sentence clarity.

Karen is a knowledgeable, intelligent person.

Roger left the bookstore; he met the Learning Team at the coffee shop.

University Library Resources

The University Library provides access to academic research tools and student support services.

General Resources

• Center for Writing Excellence

• Center for Mathematics Excellence

University Library Handbook

The University Library Handbook is located under the University Library tab within the Library Services section. The most recent copyright date listed is March 2013.

Information Required When Contacting a Librarian

Students must complete the following fields when submitting a library inquiry:

• First Name

• Last Name

• University of Phoenix Affiliation

• Course Number

• Email Address

• Inquiry

Accessing Course Reading Assignments

Students can access assigned readings by:

1. Logging into the student portal.

2. Opening the appropriate course.

3. Selecting the weekly objectives.

4. Opening the Assigned Readings section to download or view course materials.

Discussion Forum Participation

Discussion responses are submitted in the Main Forum.

To reply to classmates:

• Open the discussion question.

• Select a student’s discussion thread.

• Click Reply and submit your response.

Learning Team Toolkit Documents

The Learning Team Toolkit contains six essential documents:

• Learning Team Handbook

• Online Learning Team Campus Handbook

• Guide to Completing the Learning Team Charter

• Learning Team Log

• Learning Team Evaluation

• Learning Team Charter

Resolving Team Conflicts

Successful conflict resolution requires respectful communication, active listening, and collaboration.

A useful conflict-resolution process includes:

• Assume positive intentions.

• Express personal concerns respectfully.

• Identify the issue clearly.

• Discuss desired outcomes.

• Reach a mutually understood agreement.

This structured approach promotes teamwork and minimizes misunderstandings.

Student Technical Support

The University of Phoenix Student Technical Support phone number is:

1-877-832-4867

Updating Personal Contact Information

Students can update their personal information by selecting the My Profile tab on the student website.

Schedule and Grades Section

The Schedule and Grades area includes the following headings:

• Schedule and Grades

• Current and Upcoming Courses

• Programs and Credits

• Transfer Credits

Frequently Asked Questions

What math labs are available in the Center for Mathematics Excellence?

Students can access Self-Assessment, ALEKS Math Refresher, Pre-Algebra Review, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Introduction to Statistics.

Which writing tools are available in the Center for Writing Excellence?

The primary tools include RiverPoint Writer, WritePoint, and the Plagiarism Checker.

Which tool helps students format APA papers?

RiverPoint Writer is the University’s primary APA formatting tool.

What is the difference between summarizing and paraphrasing?

Summarizing shortens the original content by focusing on key ideas, while paraphrasing rewrites the information in new words without changing its meaning. Both require proper citation.

Where can students update their personal information?

Students can update their contact information through the My Profile section of the student portal.

How do students access course readings?

Assigned readings are available within each course under the weekly objectives and Assigned Readings section.

Key Facts

• The Center for Mathematics Excellence offers six math learning labs.

• RiverPoint Writer is the University’s APA formatting tool.

• WritePoint provides grammar and writing feedback.

• The Plagiarism Checker helps students maintain academic integrity.

• The University Library offers research assistance and librarian support.

• Learning Team Toolkit resources improve collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

• Student Technical Support can be reached at 1-877-832-4867.

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://apastyle.apa.org/

University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Center for Writing Excellence. https://www.phoenix.edu/

University of Phoenix. (n.d.). University Library. https://www.phoenix.edu/

HCS 504 Starting With The Basics

Green, M. A., & Rowell, J. C. (2008). Understanding health insurance: A guide to billing and reimbursement (9th ed.). Delmar Cengage Learning.

Chabner, D. E. (2009). Medical terminology: A short course (5th ed.). Saunders.

Wisinski, J. (1993). Resolving conflicts on the job. American Management Association.