student handbook

This handbook is a result of reflecting on many of the questions that have been asked of the TAH faculty over the years and has been created to guide you through the process of reaching the goal of earning your degree. This document has been created to provide you with information about courses, expectations, procedures, and policies of Kingsborough Community College (KCC) and the Department of Tourism and Hospitality. It offers guidance as to how to proceed in situations you will face during your time at KCC. It provides direction for you to follow in planning your registration for courses as you proceed toward graduation. It shows you how to be a full member of the TAH Department community. It offers some advice about the best ways to prepare yourself for a career in the exciting tourism and hospitality industry. It is not meant to be a substitute for faculty advisement but it can, if used properly, anticipate and answer many questions you may have along the way.

The document makes special reference to learning outcomes. These are the specific knowledge and skills you are expected to achieve in each course and in the program. They will be provided by your professors at the start of the term. To be successful, you will have to demonstrate that you have achieved these outcomes according to very specific measurement tools determined by the professor and the department. You may be asked on surveys about your perceptions of progress in the department learning outcomes. Answer honestly since the responses will help the faculty evaluate curricula and teaching strategies.

Use

First, it is important that you read the Handbook thoroughly. Once you have read it, you should refer to it frequently. If you have questions, ask them. TAH faculty members have many of the answers or can refer you to publications or other college officials who can guide you. You should keep the Handbook as long as you are a student at Kingsborough.

Use the Handbook as a guide when choosing courses and the checklist for keeping track of your progress. Be aware of the requirements for graduation including courses, the CUNY exams such as those in reading, writing and mathematics and the College Proficiency Examination (CPE), applying for graduation, and other requirements. Please note that throughout the document, there is an emphasis on your active role in achieving the learning outcomes for each TAH course and for the program as a whole. While this Handbook and members of the faculty can provide you with guidance, you are the most important factor in your education.
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Departmental Mission Statement

The Department of Tourism and Hospitality at Kingsborough Community College is dedicated to preparing students for careers and further study in the rapidly evolving tourism and hospitality industry. By encouraging active learning, we provide the opportunity for students to accumulate the knowledge and skills that are necessary for success in the industry. We also seek to empower students as life-long learners by encouraging them to develop portable skills and competencies in research, critical thinking, communication, technology and an understanding of the world. To that end, we employ a multidisciplinary, student-centered approach that combines both academic and applied components. Ultimately, we serve as a network as well as a resource for industry, offering students and alumni information and contacts to enhance their professional development.
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The Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Travel and Tourism is the third largest sector in the U.S. economy;

Travel and Tourism employs more than 16.2 million people in the U.S. alone. Travel and Tourism employs 10% of the global workforce (more than262 million people);

Travel and Tourism produces a trade surplus of $24.7 billion for the U.S.;

Last year, travel and tourism businesses spent more that $1 billion in foreign countries on advertising, sales, promotion and support services promoting travel to the United States;

The number of executive level jobs in the U.S. is expected to grow in four areas:

30.8 % Food and Beverage Segment
16.2% Air Transportation Segment
27/8% Lodging Segment
39.8% Amusement and Recreation Services Segment;

The tourism and hospitality industry is consistently cited as among the strongest for women and minority advancement and ownership.

Sources: Travel Industry Association of America, National Restaurant Association

These statistics mean that there are career and internship opportunities out there for you. But, to be prepared to work in this exciting industry, you must have a knowledge of the world and the industry, understand and be able to provide excellent customer service, have strong business and technology skills, be able to do research, know a little psychology and be able to network and get along with people. The Department of Tourism and Hospitality will provide you with the opportunity to learn and perfect these skills. However, how much you know and the level of your skills is up to you!
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Career Opportunities
These represent the broad scope of
career titles available in
Tourism and Hospitality

Airlines
Directors, managers, Reservationists, Ticketing and Gate Agents, Customer Service Representatives, Clerical Support, District Sales Representatives, Flight Attendants, Dispatchers, Rate Desk Agents, Crew Schedulers, Human Resources.

Airport Operations
Directors, Managers, Human Resources, Training Specialists, Security.

Car Rental Companies
Managers, Reservationists, Counter Sales Agents, District sales Managers, Clerical support, Maintenance Personel, Training Specialists, Fleet
Supervisors, Shuttle Drivers.

Rail Travel
Directors, Managers, Clerical Support, Sales Representatives, Travel Agents, Automation Specialists.

Conventions and Meetings
Senior Executives, Managers, Meeting Planners, Clerical Support, Food and Beverage Staff, Engineering Staff, Sales Representatives.

Corporate Travel Management
Directors, Managers, Human Resources, Training specialists, Acconutants, Clerical Support, Corporate Travel Managers, Travel Agents, Account Managers.

Visitor Bureaus
Directors, Managers, Marketing Coordinators, Clerical Support, Special Events Coordinators, Public Information Officers, Photographers.

On-Line Travel Providers
Managers, clerical Support, Sales Representatives, Automation Specialists.

Motorcoach Operators
Drivers, Reservationists/Dispatchers, Schedulers,
Tour guides/Tour Conductors, Sales Representatives, Managers

Cruise Industry
Senior Executives, Directors, Managers, Rservationists, Clerical Support, Passenger Service Representatives, District Sales Managers, Shipboard Executives, Support Staff, Entertainers, Human Resources, Shore Excursion Personnel, Port Staff, Cruise Directors.

Incentive Tavel
Managers, Directors, Clerical Support, Supplier Coordinators, Event Planners, Accountants, Sales Representatives, Audio-Visual, Graphics Specialists, Trip Directors.

Lodging & Food Service Industries
Managers, Directors, Clerical Support, Reservationists, Front Desk Staff, Concierges, Groups and Meetings Coordinators, Audio-Visual Coordinators, Safety, Security Specialists, Food and Beverage Staff, sales Representatives, Business Center Staff, Housekeeping Staff.

Tour Operators
Senior Executives, Directors, Managers, Tour guides, Reservationists, Tour Conductors, Tour Planners, Drivers, District Sales Managers, Marketers, Advertisers, Writers, Artists, Photographers.

Travel Agency Operations
Leisure and/or Corporate Travel Aents, Managers, Owners, Travel Specialists, Outside Sales Representatives, Group Specialists, Vendor Negotiators.
Theme Parks
Managers, Admissions Agents, Ride Operators, Food Service Personnel, Tour Guides, Sales Reps, Public Relations Specialists, Ride & Attraction Designers, Safety Personnel.

Departmental Learning Outcomes

With the proper effort and attention to assignments, projects, lectures, and class participation, students graduating with an Associates in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Tourism and Hospitality will achieve the following learning outcomes and goals:

Knowledge of products and services offered by various segments of the tourism/hospitality industry

Knowledge of how tourism/hospitality products are marketed and sold

Developing knowledge of the distribution of tourism/hospitality products

Developing an appreciation of the importance of service in the tourism/hospitality

Learning about the world and the importance of place in destinations

Learning about the characteristics of destinations (culture, history, geography, food, attractions, etc.)

Developing a specialized vocabulary used by industry professionals

Developing personally and professionally to create leaders for the tourism and hospitality industry

Developing psycho-social skills

Developing basic skills in reading, writing, communication, computation and analysis

Using technology related to business, in general, and the tourism/hospitality industry, in particular

Developing and using research skills

Developing a knowledge of business processes related to and used in the industry

Developing knowledge about and using systems used in various segments of the industry

Explaining the relationship of the industry to regulators, government, certifying agencies, professional organizations

Developing an understanding of the economics and cost structures related to doing business in tourism/hospitality

Developing entrepreneurial skills

Exploring careers in tourism/hospitality

Exposure to current events in the industry and the world

Using a variety of learning strategies, including traditional lecture, experiential learning, active learning, applied learning, individualized instruction, computer-assisted learning, collaborative learning, role playing, internships, volunteer opportunities, and experience in the real and virtual economies.
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Assessment

The Department of Tourism and Hospitality is committed to assessing the progress made by its students. As a result, in addition to the general department goals and outcomes listed on the previous page, you will be provided with the expected learning outcomes for each course in the department. You will receive these at the start of the semester as part of the course outline and syllabus. During the course, you will be asked to demonstrate that you have achieved the outcomes. Remember, you are in control of your learning. It is vital that you do all assignments to the best of your ability, participate in class, do well in examinations, and make every effort to learn what is expected of you. You may be asked to answer survey questions about what you have learned and demonstrate the progress you have made in the program.

Technology

The use of computers, computer software and the Internet are important parts of your education and your preparation for a career in tourism and hospitality. Many TAH courses use technology for research, as classroom strategies or for assignments. It is vital, therefore, that you become familiar with commonly-used software packages such as Microsoft Office and with specialized, TAH-related, software that is used in several classes. You should always have a blank disk or a USB pen/keychain drive with you to save your work.

In addition, email is often used as a means of communication between students and faculty and among the students in your class. It is important to note that email is public information. Unlike writing to your friends, the email used at Kingsborough is to be considered a professional means of communication.

Writing

Many TAH courses are designated as Writing Intensive. That means that you will be expected to write extensively in both formal and informal assignments. It has been our experience that many students at Kingsborough have difficulty in writing their ideas in acceptable business fashion. The writing intensive courses offer you the opportunity to write more, revise your work, and improve your writing skills. You may seek additional help in the Reading and Writing Center in the Library (L-219).

Honors Program

You may petition your instructor to have your courses designated as an honors program. Of course, this designation will result in additional research and other work. However, the honors designation is also indicated on your diploma. Students seeking an honors option must be referred to the Department Chair.

CUNY Online

Some courses are taught partially through the Internet, using CUNY Online, which uses BlackBoard ® as its course management system.
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Course Requirements for the A.A.S. in Tourism and Hospitality
TOTAL CREDITS=60

COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS

1. Passing scores on the CUNY/ACT in Reading and Writing and the COMPASS Math Skills Test or developmental courses maybe required.

2. ENG 01200

3. ENG 02400

4. HPE 01200

5. Group Requirements: 13 CREDITS

A minimum of three credits each in Groups I-IV from three different groups

Group I: Performing and Visual Arts

Art - Music - Speech - Theatre Arts

(Excluded are Art & Music Studio, Theatre Production & Technique courses)

Group II: Language and Literature

Foreign Language - Literature - Philosophy

Group III: Social Sciences

Economics - History - Political Science

Group IV: Behavioral Sciences

Anthropology - Psychology - Sociology

Group V: Mathematics and Sciences 4 credits

Biological Sciences - Mathematics & Computer Science - Physical Sciences

DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS

All Majors MUST TAKE:

TAH 1 Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality

TAH 2 Destination Geography

TAH 17 Tourism and Hospitality Technology

TAH 18 Case Studies in Tourism and Hospitality

TAH 19 The Business of Tourism and Hospitality

TAH 90 The Virtual Enterprise

TAH 91 Professional Portfolio (TAH 09100)

TAH 92 Field Experience in Tourism and Hospitality

Fundamentals of Business (BA 01100) or Entrepreneurship (ES 05100)

Principles of Marketing (BA 01400) or Salesmanship (RM 03300)

Introduction to Computer Concepts (BA 60)

PLUS EITHER A OR B BELOW

A) FOR MAJORS WITH CONCENTRATION IN TOURISM:

Students must take two of the following courses:

TAH 12 Tourism Entrepreneurship

TAH 15 Cruises and Specialty Markets

TAH 65 Airport and Aviation Management

TAH 82 Airline and Airport Security

B) FOR MAJORS WITH CONCENTRATION IN HOSPITALITY:

Students must take two of the following courses:

TAH 22 Front Office Operations

TAH 41 Introduction to Meeting Planning

TAH 43 Event Catering Management

TAH 72 Restaurant and Food Service Operations

Electives

Students may elect to take additional department electives consistent with their career and transfer goals. Electives include: TAH 51, Interpretive Guiding; TAH 52, Internet Applications in TAH; TAH 71, Introduction to Professional Food Service, TAH 73, Cultural Foods: The Geography of Food and Wine; TAH 74, Menu and Dining Room Management.
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Sequence and Advisement

TAH 1 is a prerequisite for all the other TAH courses. Therefore, as a general rule, it is recommended that you take TAH 1 and TAH 2 in your first semester. TAH 91 and 92 should be taken in your last semester and TAH 18 before you take the CPE examination (see below). You may take the other courses in any order. While TAH courses are offered during both day and evening hours, not every course is offered every term or at the hour you may want them.

You must be advised by a member of the TAH faculty before registering each semester. Advisement does not guarantee a seat in each course; it simply checks whether you are on the right path to your personal and professional goals. After advisement you must register using e-sims or in person based on the instructions provided by the office of the registrar. In the event you have a problem registering on the Internet or in person, call (718-368-5143) or visit the department (V226).

Sometimes courses are closed due to over-subscription or cancelled due to under-subscription. The best defense against both is to be advised and register as early as possible. In the event a course you have been advised to take is closed or has been cancelled, contact an advisor or the department for alternate suggestions.

Occasionally, courses required for graduation are unavailable at registration. In this case, see an advisor. An appropriate substitution may be made where possible.
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Evening/Weekend Courses

The TAH department offers a variety of classes from 8 AM – 9:30 PM across six days per week in order to accommodate students with any number of scheduling constraints. In the event that a required course is not offered at a time you can attend see an advisor.

Using E-sims

E-sims stands for the Electronic Student Information Management System. With e-sims you can view your unofficial transcript, search for seats in courses, register, and print your bill. To do this you'll need a pin number from the registrar, which comes by mail or is available from A-101. Before each registration period a variety of e-sims workshops are offered by the Academic Advisement Center; attend one. For registration, you'll get an appointment letter in the mail telling you when you are able to register using e-sims. Register as close to your appointment as possible. If you have any trouble registering with e-sims, call the e-sims help line, the department (718-368-5143) or your advisor.

Additional Graduation Requirements

Math Skills Test and the CUNY/ACT in Reading and Writing

Students must achieve a passing grade on the Math Skills Test and the CUNY/ACT in Reading and Writing. These tests evaluate student skills in reading, writing and mathematics. The results of the examinations determine the need for developmental instruction.

Developmental Courses

Students who do not achieve a passing grade in the Math, Reading or Writing examinations must take developmental English or Mathematics courses before they can take English 12 or Math 7 or Math 9.

CUNY Proficiency Examination (CPE)

Effective Fall 1999 and thereafter, all new first-time freshmen admitted to a CUNY degree program are required to pass the University Proficiency Exam. The CPE tests students in aspects of academic reading, writing and critical thinking and assesses the proficiency of associate degree students prior to graduation, students seeking to transfer into the senior colleges, and senior college students advancing from the lower to the upper division. Additional information may also be obtained at: www.kingsborough.edu or www.cuny.edu.

Applying for Graduation/Waivers

In the semester you are expecting to graduate, you must apply for graduation. The registrar’s office will then send you a letter indicating if you have fulfilled all the requirements for graduation. If you need a waiver for a course, it is during this final semester that you would seek one from Dr. Schulman, the Chairman of the Department.
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Course Checklist

As you progress through the program, check off the courses you have taken:

COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS:

______ ENG 12

______ ENG 24

______ HPE 12

______ GROUP 1 (Indicate course: ______________________)

______ GROUP 2 (Indicate course: ______________________)

______ GROUP 3 (Indicate course: ______________________)

______ GROUP 4 (Indicate course: ______________________)

______ GROUP 5 (Indicate course: ______________________)

DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED COURSES:

______ TAH 1

______ TAH 2

______ TAH 17

______ TAH 18

______ TAH 19

______ TAH 90

______ TAH 91

______ TAH 92

______ BA 11 or ES 51 or substitute (Indicate course: _____________)

______ BA 14 or RM 33 or substitute (Indicate course: _____________)

______ BA 60 or substitute (Indicate course: _____________________)

Plus 2 courses from either A or B below:

A. Tourism

______ TAH 12

______ TAH 15

______ TAH 65

B. Hospitality

______ TAH 19

______ TAH 22

______ TAH 43

______ TAH 72

______ TAH 74

Additional Elective Courses

______ (Indicate course: ______________________)

______ (Indicate course: ______________________)
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Department of Tourism and Hospitality Course Descriptions

TAH 00100 – INTRODUCTION TO TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Overview of the many and varied organizations and agencies that make up the tourism and hospitality industry, their roles and interrelationships. Topics include transportation, lodgings, restaurants, wholesale and retail operations, attractions, government owned parks and facilities, trade organizations, and governmental agencies.

TAH 00200 – DESTINATION GEOGRAPHY (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Destination development topics include: travel motivation; man-made and natural attractions, and activities in their geographic context; major tourism destination areas; selling techniques used when counseling clients. Pre or corequisite: TAH 00100

TAH 01200 – TOURISM ENTREPRENEURSHIP (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

The role of governmental and quasi-governmental bodies as they affect the operation and financial status of travel retailers and wholesalers. Introduced to the use of computer systems, students become familiar with governmental regulations and financial sales reports. Pre or corequisite: TAH 00100

TAH 01500 – CRUISES AND SPECIALTY MARKETS (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Presents various specialty, niche travel markets to the student. These markets include: cruises, Adventure Tourism, Heritage Tourism, Spa and Fitness Tourism, Special Interest Sports Tourism, Gaming and Casino operations. Pre or corequisite: TAH 00100

TAH 01700 – TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY TECHNOLOGY (3 crs. 4 hrs.)

Surveys critical technology components in travel and tourism, hospitality and food service. Students develop a basic understanding of these systems and their application to each industry through workplace simulations and online activities. Pre or corequisite: TAH 00100

TAH 01800 – CASE STUDIES IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

The case method is used to examine the various components of the tourism and hospitality industry. Each case contains details of actual operations that can be viewed from various perspectives in reaching solutions. Relevant technology and analytical tools are utilized throughout the course. Pre or corequisite: TAH 00100

TAH 01900 – THE BUSINESS OF TOURISM & HOSPITALITY (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Survey of critical business competencies and applied technology strategies to manage, market, create and promote tourism and hospitality products and services. Relevant reports and documents are prepared by students through simulated activities. Entrepreneurial activities are placed in a Tourism and Hospitality context. Pre or corequisite: TAH 00100

TAH 02200 – FRONT OFFICE OPERATIONS (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

Survey of front office operations within a hotel including front desk, reservations, customer service, night audit, marketing and human resources. Students master and apply critical skills and competencies for careers in the Hospitality industry. Pre or corequisite: TAH 00100

TAH 04100 – INTRODUCTION TO MEETING PLANNING (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

The basic essentials and elements of meeting planning plus an introduction to the opportunities and responsibilities in this growing field. Pre or corequisite: TAH 00100

TAH 04200 – EVENT PLANNING AND OPERATIONS (3 crs. 3 hrs.)

To effectively manage the increasingly complex area of hotel and association meeting and event planning and operations, students learn to understand and deal with fiscal constraints and acquire necessary skills and knowledge to successfully interact with the various players involved. Prerequisite: TAH 04100