Course Information
Important Dates
- Withdrawal with refund: 26 January 2026
- Withdrawal without instructor permission (no refund): 10 February 2026
Time Expectations
Instructional Contact Hours
This class meets twice a week with a flexible attendance format. I suggest you read the material before coming to class and use the class time to complete the guided exercises and labs. Expect to spend 3-5 hours per week in class.
Minimum Weekly Study Time
Plan to spend at least 3 hours per week on coursework. Because this is an accelerated (8-week) course, you may need additional time in some weeks to stay on track.
Required Texts, Materials, and Technology
Course Materials
This course is taught using the official Red Hat curriculum and virtualized Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems that are similar to what you will use on the Red Hat certification exam. Course material is available online and is provided by Red Hat free of charge.
Computer and Internet Access
Because most work is completed online, you will need an up-to-date computer and a reliable internet connection. If you need access to a computer on campus, the college provides computers in the Multi-Use Computer Lab (BA 40).
Course Competencies
You can view official course competencies on the Maricopa CCTA Program & Course page.
Third-Party Learning Tools
Red Hat Academy Learning Portal
Red Hat provides the curriculum as well as a virtual lab environment for this course on the Red Hat Academy Learning Portal. This is provided at no charge to you.
Zoom Video Conferencing
I will use Zoom for our live sessions. A meeting link will be available in MCC's Canvas. If you're unfamiliar with Zoom, you can join a test meeting. to confirm your camera and microphone work properly.
About Your Instructor
Dennis Kibbe
I'm passionate about helping students build the skills they need for today's tech careers.
As a Red Hat Academy instructor, I teach using Red Hats official curriculum designed to prepare you for the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) exam.
Outside the classroom, I'm a Quality Matters Peer Reviewer, a certified AWS Instructor, and hold credentials from MIT's Sloan School of Management and the University at Buffalo. I also hold a Certificate of Completion in Generative AI from Purdue University, reflecting my commitment to staying current with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
If you're ready to gain real-world Linux skills, this is the class for you.
How to Contact Me
- Instructor: Dennis Kibbe
- Email: dennis.kibbe@mesacc.edu
- Teleconferencing: Request a Zoom meeting.
- Office location: BA 40, Room BA 025
- Office hours: Posted on my faculty contact page.
- Office phone: (480) 461-7246
Faculty Regular and Substantive Interaction
In alignment with U.S. Department of Education requirements for online courses, you can expect regular and substantive interaction through Canvas. Your instructor will:
- Monitor your engagement and progress and contact you through the Canvas Inbox as needed.
- Provide explanations, examples, and additional course guidance using Canvas tools to support your learning.
- Give detailed, individualized feedback in the Canvas gradebook in a timely manner.
- Respond to questions via Canvas Inbox within 24 hours, except on weekends and holidays.
Course Schedule
Modules and dates may shift if needed; you will be notified of any changes.
Week 1 (19 January)
- Chapter 0: Introduction
- Chapter 1: Introduction to Red Hat Enterprise Linux
- Chapter 2: Accessing the Command Line
- Chapter 3: Getting Help from Local Documentation
- Chapter 4: Registering Systems for Red Hat Support
Week 2 (26 January)
- Chapter 5: Getting AI-assisted Help with Red Hat Enterprise Linux Lightspeed
- Chapter 6: Navigating the File-system Hierarchy
- Chapter 7: Managing Files from the Command Line
- Chapter 8: Editing Text Files
Week 3 (2 February)
- Chapter 9: Redirecting Shell Input and Output
- Chapter 10: Managing Local Users and Groups
- Chapter 11: Controlling Access to Files
Week 4 (9 February)
- Chapter 12: Installing and Updating Software with RPM
- Chapter 13: Installing and Updating Applications by Using Flatpak
Week 5 (16 February)
- Chapter 14: Accessing Removable Media
- Chapter 15: Monitoring and Managing Linux Processes
Week 6 (23 February)
- Chapter 16: Controlling Services and Daemons
- Chapter 17: Introduction to Networking
Week 7 (2 March)
- Chapter 18: Managing Network Configuration
- Chapter 19: Configuring and Securing SSH
Week 8 (9 March)
- Chapter 20: Comprehensive Review
Grading Standards and Practices
How Your Final Grade Is Determined
Your final letter grade will be determined by the point value of work completed. Quizzes and end-of-chapter labs are graded. Guided Exercises are not graded. Occasionally, Red Hat changes the total point value of a lab mid-class. If this happens I will update the point value of the lab in Canvas. Example, if the point value of a lab was 35 points in Canvas but Red Hat changes it to 30 points I will adjust the points in Canvas to match.
Letter Grades
| Letter Grade | Percent |
|---|---|
| A | 90–100% |
| B | 80–89% |
| C | 70–79% |
| D | 60–69% |
| F | 0–59% |
How I Grade Lab Assignments
You receive 5 points for each PASS. In this example grading report the total points are 25. For any FAIL the report output will tell you why it failed and you can usually redo just that part of the lab then rerun the grading script to improve your score. Lab assignments can be re-submitted for a higher score.
When you take the screenshot of the grading report only include the content indicated by the red line in the illustration above not the entire computer screen. Use the screenshot utility on your computer not your phone.
Attendance and Participation
Attendance Policy (Online Engagement)
In an online course, “attendance” is measured by your participation—submitting work and staying engaged week to week. You may be withdrawn from the course if:
- You miss more than two weeks of assignments overall, or
- You miss two or more consecutive due dates/weeks without contacting the instructor in advance, or
- Your grade falls below 50% and you are no longer participating.
If you are at risk of withdrawal, you will receive an email notice. You will then have three (3) days to respond. If no response is received, you will be withdrawn.
Important: Withdrawals will not be issued during the final three weeks of the course plus finals week. At that point, students who remain enrolled will receive the final grade earned—even if it is non-passing. Continued engagement is expected throughout the term.
Exception: If you have actively participated for most of the term and your grade drops below 50% during the last three weeks, you will receive the final grade you earned rather than being withdrawn.
Excused Absences
MCC policies excuse absences due to college-sanctioned events, death of an immediate family member, jury duty, subpoenas, short-term military service, or religious holidays. Signed absence verification forms or accommodation forms are required prior to the absence when applicable. See the district regulation: MCCCD Administrative Regulations (2.3).
Accessibility and Student Support
Classroom Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Please request accommodations through the MCC Disabilities Resources and Services Office:
- Southern and Dobson: (480) 461-7447
- Red Mountain: (480) 654-7771
- Email: drsfrontdesk@mesacc.edu
Title IX: Addressing Incidents of Sexual Harassment
Learn more here: Addressing Incidents of Title IX Sexual Harassment.
Helpful Resources for Students
If you need support with academics or basic needs (for example, tutoring or transportation), resources are available. MCC has compiled a list in the Student Resource Referral Guide.
Academic Integrity and Student Conduct
Learning requires honesty, responsibility, and professional behavior. The college responds to academic misconduct and dishonesty whether it is committed intentionally or not.
Tuition Charges and Refunds
Please refer to the Course Information section above for refund-related dates specific to this course.
District policy is available here: District Refund Policy.
Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Student
You are responsible for understanding the policies in this syllabus, because these guidelines are used for grading, participation, and course procedures. You are also responsible for knowing relevant college and district policies in the catalog and student handbook, including policies that may apply to withdrawal or incomplete grades.
In addition to this syllabus, you should be aware of district Administrative Regulations that outline student rights and responsibilities:
Changes in the Syllabus or Course Policies
Course policies and the schedule may change to meet course needs, by agreement between the instructor and students, or as required by administration. If changes occur, you will be notified. By remaining enrolled, you agree to stay informed and follow updated course information as communicated.
