LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

Science

BIOL, 2401, Anatomy and Physiology I, 34F

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name Dr Charlotte Barker
Building/Office Number Academic Center (AC), Room 224B
Office Hours Monday: 9 am - 11:00 am, 1 pm - 3 pm
Tuesday: (virtual)
Wednesday:  9 am - 11:00 am
Thursday: (virtual)
Virtual Hours Tuesday, 9 - 10 am (virtual)
Thursday: 9 - 10 am (virtual)
Friday:  I will check my email before 5 pm for any last minute issues.
Office Telephone (409) 882-3395
Email Address Charlotte.Barker@lsco.edu


Course Description

BIOL 2401 - Anatomy & Physiology I (Lecture + Lab) 4-3-2 The first part of a two-course sequence. It is a study of the structure and function of the human body including cells, tissues and organs of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special senses. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis. The lab provides a hands-on learning experience for exploration of human system components and basic physiology. Systems to be studied include integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and special senses. Course Identifier 26.0707 AC


Required Textbook & Materials
Anatomy and Physiology - Modified Mastering (18W)
Author:       Elaine Marieb 
Edition:      7th 2020
Publisher:  Pearson
ISBN 13:    9780136780854

*This is the same text used for the lecture section.

*A paper version of the LSCO Biol 2401 Lab Manual 2020 is available in printed paper format from the LSCO print shop (409) 882-3359 for a very small fee and for on campus pick up only. 
Upon registration for classes, LSCO students are automatically charged $14 per semester credit hour for access to all required textbooks, lab manuals, lab codes, and electronic books on the first day of class through the Gator Book Pack. Information about the LSCO Gator Book Pack as well as responses to common FAQs can be found on LSCO's webpage. ALL STUDENTS WILL HAVE UNTIL THE SECOND DAY OF THE SEMESTER TO OPT-OUT OF THE GATOR BOOK PACK.

Every student MUST have access to the required textbooks by the week of class. The student will be responsible for all assignments given. Failure to have a text may result in being dropped from the class. Failure to follow instructions (written or oral) will result in penalties.


Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Upon successful completion of this course, students will acquire the following course learning outcomes:

Core Objectives

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Upon successful completion of this course, students will acquire the following course learning outcomes:

Core Objectives




Student Learning Outcomes		 Learning Activities
1. Use anatomical terminology to identify and describe locations of major organs of each system covered. Class and laboratory instruction, discussion, assigned readings, quizzes, exams, written assignments
2. Explain interrelationships among molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ functions in each system. Class and laboratory instruction, discussion, assigned readings, quizzes, exams, written assignments
3. Describe the interdependency and interactions of the systems. Class instruction, discussion, assigned readings, quizzes, exams, written assignments
4. Explain contributions of organs and systems to the maintenance of homeostasis. Class instruction, discussion, assigned readings, quizzes, exams, written assignments
5. Identify causes and effects of homeostatic imbalances. Class instruction, discussion, assigned readings, quizzes, exams, written assignments
6. Describe modern technology and tools used to study anatomy and physiology. Class and laboratory instruction, discussion, assigned readings, quizzes, exams, written assignments
7. Apply appropriate safety and ethical standards. Laboratory instruction, discussion, assigned readings, quizzes, exams, written assignments
8. Locate and identify anatomical structures Laboratory instruction, discussion, assigned readings, quizzes, exams, written assignments
9. Appropriately utilize laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, dissection tools, general labware, physiology data acquisition system, and virtual simulations  Laboratory instruction, discussion, assigned readings, quizzes, exams, written assignments
10. Work collaboratively to perform experiments. Laboratory instruction, discussion, assigned readings, quizzes, exams, written assignments
11. Demonstrate the steps involved in the scientific method. Laboratory instruction, discussion, assigned readings, quizzes, exams, written assignments
12. Communicate results of scientific investigations, analyze data and formulate conclusions. Laboratory instruction, discussion, assigned readings, quizzes, exams, written assignments
13.Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving skills, including, but not limited to, inferring, integrating, synthesizing, and summarizing, to make decisions, recommendations and predictions. Class and laboratory instruction, discussion, assigned readings, quizzes, exams, written assignments
 


Core Objectives		 Associated Class Activities Associated Measures
Critical Thinking Skills:
Creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.
 		 Activities:Demonstrate critical thinking skills as evidenced by the ability to analyze facts, synthesize factual information, and evaluate opinions in light of the facts presented throughout this course. Measures:Critical thinking is the intellectual practice characterized by the comprehensive exploration of issues, ideas, artifacts, and events before accepting or formulating an opinion or conclusion.
Communication Skills:
Effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication.
 		 Activities:Written assessments, class discussion of course materials, and cooperative learning groups. Measures:Written exam questions and assignments.
Empirical and Quantitative Skills:
Manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.
 		 Activities:Written activities including case studies, short answer questions, and written assignments. Measures:Case studies, short answer questions and laboratory assignments.
Teamwork:
Ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.
 		 Activities:Students will read, analyze, and interpret readings from the course text and other materials in laboratory or assigned lecture assignments. Measures:Team-based activities
Social Responsibility:
Intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
 		 Activities:Explore real life clinical applications using logical thinking, anatomical and physiological principles that concern personal and social responsibility.  Students will assess consequences of lifestyle choices affecting global human health. 
 		 Measures:Studying the course materials; performance on written exams and assignments; attendance as measured by in-class assignments and/or activities.
Personal Responsibility:
Ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.
 		 Activities:Students will attend class regularly, observe and conform to requirements of course policies and procedures, and will meet assignment boundaries and deadlines.  Students will assess consequences of lifestyle choices affecting global human health.  Develop habits of personal well-being as they learn about human biology and medical science.
 		 Measures:Studying the course materials; performance on written exams and assignments; attendance as measured by in-class assignments and/or activities.




Course Topical Outline

Anatomy & Physiology I   

BIOL 2401.34F Tentative Lab Schedule

Fall I 2023

 
 
DATE                         TOPIC                                                                         LAB PAGES                                        
August 21-24              Intro; Anatomical Position; Directional Terms                        2  - 8
                                    Regional Terms; Body Cavities;
                                    Abdominopelvic subdivisions
 
August  28 -31             Skull                                                                                     2 -   8
 
Sept. 5 - 6                   Lab Exam I 
 
Sept. 6 - 14                 Axial Skeleton                                                                        9 - 15
                                    Appendicular Skeleton
                                    Integumentary System
 
September 18-19        Lab Exam II
 
  September 20-24      Muscles                                                                                 16 - 19
 
Sept. 25-26                  Lab Exam III
 
September 27-Oct 5     Nervous System                                                                   20 - 25
                                      Special Senses
 
October 9-10                Lab Exam IV
 
Important Dates:
August 28                     Last day to drop without penalty
October 6                     Last day to drop/withdraw
 
Lab Exam dates can be changed, if needed, with advance notice to the students.
*Lab Contents are arranged into modules/content folders with the information for each test being part of that test's module




Major Assignments Schedule

The lab is divided into four modules with the contents for each test folder  being a separate module posted in Content.

For each module/test there will be:

1)  An extensive set of images to study for the test - from lab photographs of laboratory models

2)  Assigned study from the LSCO Biol 2401 Lab Manual ed. 2020 to study including:
word lists of structures to know for the test,
homework pages (Not to turn in and Not for a grade)
appendices to label (Not to turn in and Not for a grade)
*Keys for each work sheet or appendix will be posted in Content after the student has had a chance to work those pages.

3)  An accessory powerpoint which gives additional overview/pictures/information from the instructor which is helpful for the lab

4)  There may or may not be a short videos to go with the content depending upon which topic it is.  Please note that when externally
produced videos are used, they sometimes differ slightly in terminology from the lab manual.  Always go by the terminoloy in the lab manual.

5)  The lecture textbook has good illustrations that are useful for the lab; the mastering has images that can sometimes be looked at from different directions which may also be useful for lab.



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Final Exam Date

October 9, 2023 - 10:00 AM   Through  October 10, 2023 - 11:59 PM


COURSE POLICIES

Academic Honesty

Faculty who suspect violation of academic honesty, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, or abuse of resource materials may assign an academic penalty. Students must be notified of their right to appeal before the academic penalty is imposed.

Students subject to penalty due to academic honesty have the right to appeal the decision. Refer to the current LSCO Catalog for details on the appeal process.
Academic Honesty:
A student will be warned, by email, after a first incident of cheating and/or plagiarism and a zero will be received for that assignment/test.  A second instance of cheating will result in a failing grade and/or expulsion from the class. 

LSCO AI policy as per August 2023
AI Policy 1. Use of AI as a Source: Students are allowed to use AI-generated responses from the ChatGPT model as a source for their assignments or discussions. However, it is important to acknowledge the AI source when citing it in your work. This includes providing the necessary information such as the name of the AI (ChatGPT) and stating that the information was obtained from an AI language model. In addition to citing the AI source, it is essential to include the parameters or instructions provided to the AI device to provide context for the generated response.
2. Academic Integrity: While AI technology can provide valuable insights and assistance, it is essential to maintain academic integrity when using AI-generated content. Plagiarism, including directly copying AI-generated responses without proper citation, is strictly prohibited. Students should use AI-generated content as a supplement to their own analysis, critical thinking, and research.
3. Critical Evaluation: When using AI-generated responses, students should critically evaluate the information provided and consider it as one potential perspective among others. AI models like ChatGPT are trained on a vast amount of data, but they may not always produce accurate or up-to-date information. Students are encouraged to cross-reference information obtained from AI sources with reliable and credible academic resources.
4. Authentic Student Work: Assignments, papers, and assessments should primarily reflect the original thoughts, analysis, and research of the individual student. While AI can provide guidance and ideas, students should ensure that the final work demonstrates their own understanding and effort. Overreliance on AI-generated content may compromise the authenticity and educational value of the assignment.
 5. Responsible Use of AI: Students should use AI technology responsibly and ethically. This includes refraining from using AI to engage in harmful or unethical activities, such as generating false information, spreading misinformation, or engaging in malicious behaviors. The use of AI should align with the principles of academic integrity, honesty, and respect for others.
6. Consult Course Instructor: If students have questions or concerns about the use of AI generated content in their assignments, it is recommended to consult the course instructor for guidance and clarification. The instructor can provide specific instructions and guidelines regarding the acceptable use of AI as a source within the context of the course.




Electronic Communication

LSCO students are required to use either their LSCO Blackboard account or their LSCO email account (Office 365 / Microsoft Outlook) for all electronic communication. In order to ensure the privacy and identity of the student communicating via electronic methods, LSCO faculty will direct students to use their LSCO email accounts rather than personal accounts. If a student has trouble accessing their LSCO email account, they should contact the LSCO Help Desk at (409) 882-3033 or helpdesk@lsco.edu.

LSCO students are required to use their LSCO email account (Office 365 / Microsoft Outlook) for all electronic communication. Do not use Blackboard Messaging or any other means not listed above to contact the instructor. In order to ensure the privacy and identity of the student communicating via electronic methods, LSCO faculty will direct students to use their LSCO email accounts rather than personal accounts. If a student has trouble accessing their LSCO email account, they should contact the LSCO Help Desk at (409) 882-3033 or helpdesk@lsco.edu.

Please email me at charlotte.barker@lsco.edu with all questions and correspondence pertaining to your Biol 2401 Lab course including the 2401 course number and the 34F section number.


Attendance Requirements

Federal regulations require students who receive financial aid to have begun "attending" and participate substantially in each course for which they are enrolled on or before the official census reporting date outlined on the LSCO Academic Calendar. Students documented as "not attending" a course upon the census date are assumed (for financial aid purposes) to have not begun attendance for that course, negatively affecting their financial aid eligibility and disbursement.

Attendance in an ONLINE course is verified by substantial participation in the course on or before the census date published in the LSCO Academic Calendar. Substantial participation in this online course is defined as logging in and completing/participating in at least one requirement of the course. Note: Simply logging in to your online course does not constitute attendance.

Hybrid classes are a mix of face-to-face and online environments. Students will be expected to attend a certain number of classes as required by the instructor. (Include the policy on absences and tardiness.) In addition to classroom attendance, your weekly active participation in the online component (Blackboard and/or homework software) will be considered and expected.

For this online class, it is important to log in to your class's blackboard site every class day in order to keep up with new material.  However, in order to be counted present, you must do more than log in.  You will have the opportunity to participate in some 'attendance boards' particularly near the first of the semester.  You will also have four lab exams.  Each of these will be used to evaluate whether a student is 'present.' An attendance score will show up in gradebook, but it is a score and is Not a test grade.  The attendance score is used by LSCO, as per government guidelines, in determining eligibility for financial aid/and or scholarships so it is important.




Make-up Work Policy

In Biology 2401 lab, there are four lab exams; there is Not a final lab exam.  The contents of each lab exam is separate but similar to the information for lecture.  Every effort is made to distinguish between information mentioned in lab and included in the lab exam and more extensive information mentioned in lecture and which would Not be on the lab exam.  

Do Not ask for a makeup lab exam.  Makeup lab exams are not given because the lab works on a "drop test" basis. If a student takes all four of the lab exams, then the lowest regular test grade will be dropped.  If you have to miss a lab exam for any reason, that will be your  'drop test' for the semester.  This will mean that you cannot miss any other tests without incurring zeros. 

Each of the lab exams is available for two days, and the lab exam must be completed within that framework.   It is recommended that you take the lab exam on the first day of the test, or early the second day of test availability just in case of technical difficulties. 

If a student has technical difficulty accessing or taking an online blackboard lab exam, and the 24/7 online support desk personnel (936) 496-5378 can help you access your test, that is good. Each online blackboard lab exam is designed to be taken at one sitting. The lab exams are available for tin your class's blackboard site for two days each, and must be completed within this time frame. 





Classroom Etiquette


Exam Policy

All lab exams taken for the nursing prerequisite course Biol 2401 must be proctored. Two options are available.
1) Take your test at a desktop or laptop, with a webcam, of your choosing using the Bio Sig proctoring program. This desktop or laptop must have good internet access. You must use the Chrome Browser because it is what works with Bio Sig.You must keep the webcam and the microphone on during the entire time of the test. You must Not use any notes, worksheets, test reviews, mastering, powerpoints, internet, or other outside sources.  This is considered to be cheating and will be treated as such. 

Use of Safari or Edge which interfere with the function of Bio Sig is also considered as cheating and will Not be allowed.  A student who deliberately takes a lab exam using another browser, such as Safari or Edge, instead of Chrome will Not be given credit for that test and will Not be allowed to retake the test.

In order to take the test using Bio Sig, you must either have a Bio Sig ID from a  previous semester and remember what it is, or 
enroll in Bio Sig (the site for this will be available in Content the first week of class).

A 5-question trial run mini-test will be available in Content prior to the first lecture test.  This will be particularly valuable to students who haven't used the Bio Sig system to take online tests; however, all students should take the mini-test to see how my tests are arranged.

2)  If you prefer and can come to campus, you can make an appointment to take your online blackboard lab exam at the LSCO testing center in the Library building of LSCO.  This requires prior scheduling of a time at the testing center (409) 882-3330 during the same two days that the lecture test is scheduled, and prior notification of your instructor (charlotte.barker@lsco.edu).  This is recommended for students without access to laptops or desktops with reliable internet access and/or students who encounter significant difficulty with using Bio Sig.

*If you have technical difficulties taking an online test, please contact the 24/7 Blackboard Online Support Desk at (936)5378.  If there is something about your test that you think I should know about, please contact me at charlotte.barker@lsco.edu the same day you encountered the issues. 

 

 




Expected Time Requirement for this Course

For every hour in class (or unit of credit) taught in a 16-week session, students should expect to spend at least two to three hours per week studying and completing assignments. Example: For a 3-credit hour class taught in a 16-week session, students should prepare to allocate approximately 6 to 9 hours per week outside of class studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit hour taught in a 10-week summer session, students should prepare to allocate approximately 10 to 15 hours per week outside of class studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit hour taught in an 8-week session, students should prepare to allocate approximately 12 to 18 hours per week outside of class studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit hour taught in a 5-week summer session, students should prepare to allocate approximately 20 to 29 hours per week outside of class studying and completing assignments.


Grading and Evaluation Method

The lab grade which will be used in calculating the 25% from lab for the semester grade will come from the average of your three highest lab exam grades.  If you take all four lab exams, the lowest grade will be dropped.

At the end of the semester, you will receive four hours of college credit with the grade calculated using lecture for 75% of your semester grade and lab for 25% of your semester grade.  The grading scale for your four hours is as follows:

A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = below 60
 
*Please note, the Bio 2401 Lab must be taken and passed the same Summer I session that the Biol 2401 lecture is taken.



Instructor Response Time

The instructor will respond to emails within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. On weekends and holidays, the instructor will respond to emails from students within 24 hours of the first business day following the weekend or holiday.


Participation Requirements

Frequent participation in Bio 2401 Lab is expected and is critical for student success.  If you are going to be unable to participate for more than a couple of class days due to unusual circumstances, you should let me know by email.  Assignments must also be completed in a timely manner.  You will have a due date for sending my email your first choice topic and a second choice topic for your required pathology report.  Then later you will have a range of several days when the pathology report submission site will be available in Content in which to submit your report.  Papers submitted after the designated due date will have points deducted.  


Review of Test Grades

If the student has an issue with his/her grade, the instructor must be contacted no later than three (3) days after receiving the grade. 
A student can email me with any questions about a lab exam; this initial contact must be made within three days of receiving the grade. 
The student can also make an appointment to come by my office during office hours to look at their online test.  The student can look at the test, and see what the correct answers are, but they cannot take a cell phone picture of the test.  A student can also make an appointment to call me at (409) 882-3395 during my scheduled office hours to have a phone discussion of their test results. 





Student's Responsibility

This syllabus contains information, policies, and procedures for a specific course. By enrolling, the student agrees to read, understand, and abide by the rules, policies, regulations, and ethical standards of Lamar State College Orange as those contained in the current LSCO Catalog and schedule of classes.


Syllabus Content

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus if deemed necessary. All changes will be provided to the students orally or in writing before the implementation of the change.


Textbook and Required Materials Access

Every student MUST have access to the required textbooks by the second week of class. The student will be responsible for all assignments given. Failure to have a text may result in being dropped from the class. Failure to follow instructions (written or oral) will result in penalties.


STUDENT SUPPORT RESOURCES

Advocacy Information

Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is encouraged to contact the advising office for guidance on how to identify possible resources. Please notify the instructor of your circumstance if you are comfortable doing so.


Affirmative Action

LSCO is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution which provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination or harassment in full compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 503,504); Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; the Vietnam Era Veterans Assistance Act of 1974; Article 522lk V.A.C.S.; and Executive Orders 11246 and 11758.


Title IX of the Education Amendments

LSCO prohibits discrimination, including sexual harassment and retaliation, against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Any student who believes that he or she has experienced prohibited conduct or believes that another student has experienced prohibited conduct should immediately report the alleged acts to the Title IX Coordinator, Patty Collins, at patty.collins@lsco.edu.


Blackboard Resources

LSCO students will access Blackboard through the MyGator portal. Login credentials will use the following format: username@my.lsco.edu and Password. For help in identifying your Username/Password, visit https://www2.lsco.edu/sspr/.

Blackboard student resource videos and help-sites are available at https://www.lsco.edu/distanceed/blackboard-student.asp.


Career Coach

Lamar State College Orange provides career advising services to all students and alumni through Career Coach, an online career planning tool. Career Coach assists students through all phases of developing, initiating, and implementing career plans.

Information regarding employment opportunities and career options are provided along with access to live local job postings. Full-time and part-time employment opportunities, as well as internships, are available through Career Coach. Visit https://www.lsco.edu/advising/career-planning.asp for more details on how to use LSCO's Career Coach to plan for and learn more about your future career.


Gator Assistance Services

Lamar State College Orange provides currently enrolled technical students support for daycare costs as well as other services.

Visit https://www.lsco.edu/advising/gator-assistance.asp for details on assistance services.


Gator Success Center

Students are encouraged to make an appointment or walk in to receive tutoring, support services, or access to an open computer lab. Face-to-face and online supplemental instruction sessions are available to help students through any LSCO course. Reach out to learning.center@lsco.edu for more information on how students can receive academic support.


Library Services

Students are encouraged to visit library.lsco.edu to find the library's current operating hours, access the catalog to locate print materials, and access GatorSearch to explore the vast electronic collection. The library provides over 77 electronic database collections that include eBooks, newspapers, magazines, academic journals, and streaming video. The physical library contains a specialized collection of research materials specifically chosen to support the degrees and courses offered. Additionally, Students with research questions or questions about library services are encouraged visit the library in person, call 409-882-3352, access the chat on the library webpage, or to email their question to lscolibrary@lsco.edu.


Student with Disabilities

Under the Texas State System, Lamar State College Orange complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, pertaining to the provision of reasonable academic adjustments/auxiliary aids for students with disability. We strive to provide reasonable academic adjustments/auxiliary aids to students who request and require them.

Students who believe they have a disability requiring an academic adjustment/auxiliary aid are encouraged to contact the Special Populations Advisor at (409) 882-3393 or visiting the Advising Office located on the first floor of the Ron Lewis Library Building (RLB) room 113. Students are encouraged to apply before the start of the semester when at all possible. The Accommodation Request Form and details regarding the appropriate documentation needed can be found here: https://www.lsco.edu/advising/disability.asp. Once approved, the signed accommodation form provided by the Special Populations Advisor must be submitted to the instructor at least two business days in advance of need.


Upswing 24/7 FREE Tutoring Services

Lamar State College Orange provides currently enrolled students with access to online tutoring through a partnership with Upswing, an online tutoring platform. Tutors are available 24/7 online in almost every subject.

Visit https://www.lsco.edu/tutoring/online-tutoring.asp for details on how to log-in to the FREE services.


INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES

Campus Closure

In the event of an emergency campus closure in excess of three class days, Lamar State College Orange's classes will continue via the use of Blackboard. In such an instance, the college website, www.lsco.edu, will have information concerning the event and anticipated re-opening plans.


Civility

Please be considerate of other classmates' feelings, ethnic background, cultural differences, situations, and level of maturity. Students will be asked to leave the course if disruptive or inappropriate behavior is exhibited in any of the course requirements. If your instructor feels that you have not contributed appropriately to course requirements, your final course grade may be reduced accordingly.

The instructor reserves the right to manage a positive learning environment and will not tolerate inappropriate conduct in the course. Rude correspondence (discourteous or impolite, especially in a deliberate way) in e-mails, telephone calls, in person, or comments made to other class members, the instructor, or the office staff.


Contingency Plans

Students should develop a backup plan should their computer system or their Internet provider fail. Computer or internet connectivity issues are not valid excuses for missing a deadline. The College provides many opportunities for using computer equipment, as do many public libraries. Refer to the LSCO website for operational hours of the Library and Success Center.


COVID Notification Policy

Students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 are required to report their condition to their instructor and to the College via the COVID Notification Form. Guidance on how to proceed will be delivered to the student's email after completing the required notification form.


Credit Transfer

Students should check in advance with the institution to which they plan to transfer credit to confirm transferability.


Criminal Background Policy

LSCO awards some certificates and degrees in which a criminal history MAY disqualify candidates from becoming licensed, certified, and/or employed upon degree/certificate completion. Students with a criminal background enrolling in courses leading to a degree/certificate in Criminal Justice, Cosmetology, Emergency Medical Technology, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Vocational Nursing (VN), Registered Nursing (RN), Pharmacy Technician, Real Estate, or Teacher Preparation program are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to discuss the certification and/or licensing regulations of the program with the program director listed in order to learn more about the current guidelines related to criminal history as well as the right of individuals to request a criminal history evaluation letter.


Drops and Withdrawals

Never attending or ceasing to attend classes DOES NOT constitute a drop or withdrawal. You remain registered until you request a drop from the instructor. Failure to act in a timely manner will result in an "F" grade for the course. It is the student's responsibility to follow up with the LSCO advising office to ensure that all drops/withdrawals are processed as desired.


Grade of "Incomplete"

The grade of "I" may be given when any requirement of the course, including the final examination, is not completed. Students seeking an incomplete should have completed 75% of the course requirements and be passing the course at the time of the request. Arrangements to complete deficiencies in a course should be made in advance of the end of the semester with the instructor. The instructor will process the Incomplete form online, and a confirmation will be sent to the student's LSCO email.

Incomplete work must be finished during the next long semester. If not, the Office of Admission and Records must change the "I" grade to the grade of "F." The course must then be repeated if credit is desired. An "I" grade also automatically becomes an "F" if the student registers for the course prior to removing the deficiencies and receiving a grade change. The instructor may record the grade of "F" for a student who is absent from the final examination and is not passing the course.


Grade Appeals and the Academic Grievance Process

Grade determination and awarding of grades in a course are the responsibility of the instructor and should be calculated according to college policy, procedures, and written details provided in the course syllabus. NOTE: Final grades are available to students within 48 hours of the instructor posting the grade in Banner. Students may view final grades by logging into MyGator and then accessing Gator Self-Service.

An academic appeal process is afforded to students who desire to dispute a grade or any decision that affects the student's ability to complete and earn a grade for the course provided it is not related to a violation outlined in the LSCO Student Code of Conduct. If an informal conference with the faculty member regarding an academic complaint fails to reach the outcome requested by the student, the student may initiate the formal process outlined below. Even after initiating the formal complaint process, students are encouraged to seek informal resolution of their concerns. A student whose concerns are resolved may withdraw a formal complaint at any time.

Refer to the current catalog or for details on the formal grade appeal process.


Institutional Educational Goals

Lamar State College Orange has identified seven educational goals to specify the knowledge and skills that students should gain from completing academic and technical programs with the College. These goals are:

  1. Critical thinking (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to demonstrate creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.
  2. Communication (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to effectively develop, interpret and express of ideas through written, oral and visual communication.
  3. Empirical and quantitative skills (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to manipulate and analyze numerical data or observable facts and create informed conclusions.
  4. Teamwork (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.
  5. Social responsibility (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to recognize and acquire a sense of intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national and global communities.
  6. Personal responsibility (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.
  7. Professional competency (Technical) - Students will be able to recognize or demonstrate skills and that depict professional values and employability. If the career has licensure or certification requirements, students may prepare for the licensure and certification in a capstone course and sit for the licensure or certificate at the end of the program.

MyGator and Log-In Credentials

Current students will access many LSCO applications through the MyGator portal. Login credentials will use the following format: username@my.lsco.edu/Password. For help in identifying your username/Password, visit https://www2.lsco.edu/sspr/.

It is a violation of College policy, state laws, and federal laws for anyone to gain or help others gain unauthorized access to MyGator or any LSCO application or service. All accounts shall be for use by a single individual - the person for whom the account was approved or assigned. This includes Blackboard accounts as well as any application within MyGator. Sharing or loaning accounts is strictly prohibited, can be construed as a form of cheating, and violates College policy, state laws, and federal laws.


Policies and Procedures

LSCO adheres to the policies and procedures established in the Texas Education Code, Texas State University System Rules and Regulations, LSCO Faculty Handbook, LSCO Student Handbook, and LSCO Catalog.


Prohibited Items in the Classroom

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. It is inappropriate for minor children to be on campus due to the potential liability to the College, the risk of harm to the children, and decreased employee productivity due to distractions and disruptions.


Student Privacy

The privacy of all students, including Distance Education students, is protected through strict adherence to the rules of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. LSCO's statement regarding the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act can be found in LSCO's Student Handbook, page 70. Additional information regarding privacy for Distance Education students can be found in the Distance Education Handbook, appendix D.