LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

Pharmaceutical Technology

PHRA, 1445, Compounding Sterile Prep, 21F

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name	Jennifer Fabriguze
Building/Office Number	Allied Health Building (AHB), Room 221
Office Hours	Monday-Thursday 7:00 am to 8:00 am Best to make an appointment to ensure we can meet during these times. Appointments are also available outside of these times.
Virtual Hours	Monday-Thursday 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Best to make an appointment to ensure we can meet during these times. Appointments are also available outside of these times.
Office Telephone	(409) 882-3035
Email Address	Jennifer.Fabriguze@lsco.edu

Course Description

PHRA 1445 Intravenous Admixture and Sterile Compounding (51.0805) 4-2-4 The process of compounding sterile preparations and aseptic technique within legal and regulatory guidelines specified by USP <797> standards. This course provides technician-focused instruction and training for the successful production of sterile parenteral preparations, a major responsibility of the pharmacy technician in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare. This course includes the learning modules 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 12-14, 17, 20-23, 25-26, 28, 30, 35, 41, and 44-45 from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ Module Curriculum for Pharmacy Technician Training (Third Edition). Pre-requisite: PHRA 1301, PHRA 1305, PHRA 1313, and PHRA 2260. Co-requisite: PHRA 1304, PHRA 1309, PHRA 1349, and PHRA 2361. TEC.


Required Textbook & Materials
Sterile Compounding and Aseptic Technique: Concepts, Training, and Assessment for Pharmacy Technicians - Text with Student Resources DVD Paradigm 

Author: Lisa McCartney

Publisher: Paradigm Education - Kendal Hunt

ISBN: 978-0-76384-083-9
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

Student Learning Outcomes: Course- and Program-Level	Course Activities and Associated Unit-Level Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Understanding sterile compounding as a pharmacy technician. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and understanding of the institution; its duties and responsibilities of his/her position, including standards of ethics governing pharmacy practice.	1. Chapter 1. Discussion of standard ethics in an institutional setting. Research of USP Chapter <797>.
2. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of sterile compounding supplies. Understanding the use of appropriate technique to maintain the sterility of the sterile compounding supplies.	2. Chapter 3: Quizzes of figure 3.1, 3.4. Meet the Challenge: using a handout for an interactive activity to identify sterile compounding supplies throughout the lab.
3. . Have a working knowledge of the sterile compounding environment. Be able to demonstrate cleaning of the laminar airflow hood defined in USP Chapter <797>.	3. Chapters 2 and 7. Quizzes of figures. Practice and Validation of Hood-Cleaning Procedures.
4. Have a working knowledge to demonstrate the procedures and techniques relating to aseptic compounding and parenteral admixture operations. Demonstrate aseptic technique in garbing and hand washing defined in USP Chapter <797>.	4. Chapters 6 and 8 through 14. Student will practice and observe the procedures and techniques of aseptic techniques. Using meet the challenge and validation check off.
5. Ability to translate pharmacy and medical terminology, abbreviations, and symbols that used on the medication orders and CSP labels utilized in sterile compounding.	5. Chapters 4 through 14. Students are given medication orders and CSP labels that they would have to translate. After translation and calculations, students have to process the order.

Hybrid Course - Lecture online and Lab Face to Face (M/T/W/R - 8:00 AM to 9:50 AM - Allied Health Building - Lab 103)

Please take some time to get familiar with the course. Check out the Content, Assignment Folder, and Discussions, as these are the things we will be using the most. Read the course syllabus, this syllabus will explain what you can expect out of me this semester AND what I expect out of you. The syllabus also contains your course schedule of reading covered and the assignments and quizzes. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the syllabus via email.

This course is a hybrid course, it allows you the flexibility to access the course contents online outside of the classroom. It is important to note that these courses follow the 8 week semester schedule, have weekly assignment deadlines, require regular participation in discussion boards, and are as rigorous as on-campus courses.

In order to be successful in this course, you must log into Blackboard daily and allocate at least 10 hours each week for reading and assignments. To help achieve that success you must have a working computer/laptop/tablet, access to Wifi/Internet and required textbook. 8 week session courses can be rigorous and demanding, make sure to stay organize and attentive.

Please take some time to get familiar with the information listed here. You will find instructor's information, program handbook, course syllabus, course outline, Discussion Board Policy, textbook requirement, grading method and important information. Also, you will find Announcement when you first log in to Blackboard. I will post announcements daily/weekly. Make sure you check it each time you log on. I will also take you on a tour of the tabs listed of the left side. Each tab will be explained to you.

ASHP Pharmacy Technician Model Curriculum

 Training Goal

 

This course includes learning modules from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacist Module Curriculum for Pharmacy Technician Training (Fourth Edition), and the current USP Chapter <797> standards.

 

Personal/Interpersonal Knowledge & Skills
1. Demonstrate ethical conduct in all job-related activities	Ch. 1
2. Present an image appropriate for the profession of pharmacy in appearance and behavior	Unit 2 Opener, Ch. 6; Appendix D
3. Communicate clearly when speaking and in writing.	Appendix B
4. Demonstrate a respectful attitude when interacting with diverse patient populations
5. Apply self-management skills, including time management, stress management, and adapting to change	Chapters 1, 4, 5, 8-14
6. Apply interpersonal skills, including negotiation skills, conflict resolution, and teamwork
7. Apply critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation to solve problems	Apply Your Knowledge, Make Connections, and Meet the Challenge exercises in all chapters

 

Foundational Professional Knowledge & Skills
8. Demonstrate understanding of healthcare occupations and the healthcare delivery system	Ch. 1; all Historical Introductions
9. Demonstrate understanding of wellness promotion and disease prevention concepts, such as use of health screenings; health practices and environmental factors that impact health; and adverse effects of alcohol, tobacco, and legal and illegal drugs	Ch. 11
10. Demonstrate commitment to excellence in the pharmacy profession and to continuing education and training	Chapters 1 and 14
11. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in areas of science relevant to the pharmacy technician’s role, including anatomy/physiology and pharmacology	All chapters; all Historical Introductions
12. Perform mathematical calculations essential to the duties of pharmacy technicians in a variety of contemporary settings	Ch. 5; mentions in all chapters; Unit 2 Opener; Appendix D
13. Demonstrate understanding of the pharmacy technician’s role in the medication-use process	All chapters; Unit 2 Opener; Appendix D
14. Demonstrate understanding of major trends, issues, goals, and initiatives taking place in the pharmacy profession	1; Unit 2 Opener; Ch. 14; all Historical Introductions; all Additional Resources feature boxes
15. Demonstrate understanding of nontraditional roles of pharmacy technicians	Ch. 14
16. Identify and describe emerging therapies	Ch. 14
17. Demonstrate understanding of the preparation and process for sterile and nonsterile compounding	All chapters; Unit 2 Opener; Appendix C; Appendix D

 

Processing & Handling of Medications & Medication Orders
18. Assist pharmacists in collecting, organizing, and recording demographic and clinical information for direct patient care and medication-use review
19. Receive and screen prescriptions/medication orders for completeness, accuracy, and authenticity	Ch. 4; mentions in all chapters; Appendix D
20. Assist pharmacists in the identification of patients who desire/require counseling to optimize the use of medications, equipment, and devices
21. Prepare non-patient-specific medications for distribution (e.g., batch, stock medications)	Chapters 5 and 7
22. Distribute medications in a manner that follows specified procedures
23. Practice effective infection-control procedures, including preventing transmission of blood-borne and airborne diseases	Chapters. 1–4, 6–14; Appendix C; Appendix D
24. Assist pharmacists in preparing, storing, and distributing medication products requiring special handling and documentation (e.g., controlled substances, immunizations, chemotherapy, investigational drugs, drugs with mandated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies [REMS])	Chapters 11, 13, 14
25. Assist pharmacists in the monitoring of medication therapy
26. Prepare patient-specific medications for distribution	Ch. 1, 8–14; Unit 2 Opener; Appendix D
27. Maintain pharmacy facilities and equipment, including automated dispensing equipment	Ch. 2, 7–14; Unit 2 Opener; Appendix C
28. Use material safety data sheets (MSDS) to identify, handle, and safely dispose of hazardous materials	Chapter 14

 

Sterile & Nonsterile Compounding
29. Prepare medications requiring compounding of sterile products	Ch. 8–14; Unit 2 Opener; Appendix D
30. Prepare medications requiring compounding of nonsterile products
31. Prepare medications requiring compounding of chemotherapy/hazardous product	Chapter 14

 

 

Procurement, Billing, Reimbursement, & Inventory Management
32. Initiate, verify, and assist in the adjudication of billing for pharmacy services and goods, and collect payment for these services
33. Apply accepted procedures in purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies
34. Apply accepted procedures in inventory control of medications, equipment, and devices
34. Apply accepted procedures in inventory control of medications, equipment, and devices.	Ch. 2–4, 6–14; Appendix D 35
35. Explain pharmacy reimbursement plans for covering pharmacy services

 

Patient & Medication Safety
36. Apply patient and medication safety practices in all aspects of the pharmacy technician’s roles	All chapters; Unit 2 Opener; Appendix C; Appendix D
37. Verify measurements, preparation, and/or packaging of medications produced by other healthcare professionals (e.g., tech-check-tech)	Ch. 4, 5, 8–14
38. Explain pharmacists’ roles when they are responding to emergency situations and how pharmacy technicians can assist pharmacists by being certified as Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider
39. Demonstrate skills required for effective emergency preparedness
40. Assist pharmacists in medication reconciliation
41. Assist pharmacists in medication therapy management

 

Technology & Informatics
42. Describe the use of current technology in the healthcare environment to ensure the safety and accuracy of medication dispensing	Chapters 11, 13

 

Regulatory Issues
43. Compare and contrast the roles of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in ensuring pharmacy department compliance with professional standards and relevant legal, regulatory, formulary, contractual, and safety requirements	All chapters; all USP Chapter margin tips; Unit 2 Opener; Appendix C; Appendix D
44. Maintain confidentiality of patient information	Chapters 1, 4

 

Quality Assurance
45. Apply quality assurance practices to pharmaceuticals, durable and nondurable medical equipment, devices, and supplies	All chapters; Unit 2 Opener; Appendix C; Appendix D
46. Explain procedures and communication channels to use in the event of a product recall or shortage, a medication error, or identification of another problem	Chapter 1

 

 

Course Topical Outline

STUDENT MUST CHECK BLACKBOARD WEEKLY/DAILY NEWS AND CALENDER FOR ASSIGNMENTS AND

EXAMS DATES/DUE DATES FOR THE COURSE

Major Assignments Schedule

See Course Calendar on Blackboard


Final Exam Date

October 11, 2023 - 12:00 AM   Through  October 12, 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.



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.




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.

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.

Instructor Initiated Drop: The program director has the right to initiate the administrative withdrawal of any student whose attendance, conduct, or scholastic abilities, for the role of the pharmacy technician makes it inadvisable for the student to continue in the program. This includes, but is not limited to, a randomly acquired screening for alcohol or illicit drugs.

               Immediate dismissal from the Pharmacy Technology Program will follow documented
               evidence of the following:

                  A. Willful lying or deceit.
                  B. Verbal or physical abuse of faculty or pharmacy personnel.
                  C. Falsification.
                  D. Academic dishonesty.
                  E. Theft of any personal or company property
                  F. Working under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.
                  G. Insubordination to faculty or pharmacy personnel.
                  H. Unethical conduct or unsafe performance of the training duties of the pharmacy     
                       technician.
                       1. Violating or threatening the physical, psychological, microbiological, chemical, or
                       thermal safety of the client.
                       2. Breaking previously mastered principles/ learning objectives in carrying out delegated
                       pharmacy technician functions.
                       3. Assuming inappropriate independence in actions or decisions.
                       4. Failing to recognize own limitations, incompetence, and/or legal responsibilities.
                       5. Failing to accept moral and legal responsibility for his/her actions; thereby violating the
                       professional integrity of the pharmacy technician.
                       6. Falsifying or altering academic records, medical records, and prescription orders.
                       7. Representing you as a Pharmacist.
                       8. Engaging in dispensing, counseling, supervising other supportive personnel or other
                       duties only belonging to a registered pharmacist.
                       9. Unlawful or unauthorized delivery of any prescription to anyone but the patient or
                       his/her agent.
                       10. Accepting monetary compensation for fulfilling or not performing technician duties
                       during clinical.
                       11. Unauthorized distribution, delivery, or possession of any prescription, controlled
                       substance, or illegal drug on clinical site premises and classroom.



Make-up Work Policy

Daily Assignments, Discussion Questions, and Quizzes: All assignments are to be turned in on the assigned day. No late work will be accepted.


Classroom Etiquette

• Face-to-Face - No food, drink, tobacco, cell phones, etc.
• Online - Since face-to-face meetings in the classroom may be replaced by online meetings through discussion boards, emails, and/or Blackboard Collaborate, students are expected to follow the rules of netiquette in these forums.
• Hybrid - When face-to-face meetings in the classroom are replaced by online meetings through discussion boards, emails, and/or Blackboard Collaborate, students are expected to follow the rules of netiquette in these forums.

Exam Policy

• All exams/final are taken as scheduled. Exams and Final are scheduled with NO MAKE-UP. If a student does not take an exam/final as scheduled, he/she will be issued a ZERO for that exam/final.
   
• ALL EXAMS/FINAL ARE TAKEN ON BLACKBOARD AS SCHEDULED 

Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (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. Students are responsible for adhering to LSCO's Academic Honesty policy found in the Student Handbook. LSCO's full AI policy can be found at AI Policy | Lamar State College Orange (lsco.edu)


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

Lab Assignments Rules:

• Lab assignments are given during the week in class and counts as a lab grade
• If you are absent on lab assignment day, you will be able to make up the lab but there will be a -10 points for each missed day until lab is made up

Chapter Quizzes in Blackboard:

• Each week you will have a chapter quiz. Chapter quiz are set to have unlimited attempts. The highest graded attempt will be set into the grade book.

• Chapter quiz are assigned at the beginning of each week and are due at the end of the week on Sunday by 11:59pm

Chapter Discussion Questions in Blackboard:

• Initial post must include a citation from at least one source (textbook, internet, article, etc.)
• APA citations are required for the initial post
• Initial post must be minimum 250 words
• Reply post must be a minimum 100 words
• Initial post due Wednesday by 11:59 PM and replying on 2 different post due Sunday by 11:59 PM
• Review discussion board policy/guidelines for full requirements

All criteria and due dates must be met to receive full credit.

Evaluation Method:  Letter grades will be assigned as follows

A = 90 - 100%

B = 80 - 89

C = 75-79

F = below 74.99


Final grades will be calculated as follows:

• Chapter Quizzes                                             25%
• Daily Participation/Lab Assignments               25%
• Discussion Questions                                      25%
• Exams and Final Exam                                    25%

A final course grade of 75%, independent of all other requirements is necessary for the student to pass this course. Failure is defined as a grade of less than 75%.
In addition to pass this course, student must pass all 9 Validation with 100% compliance and achieve a 75% or above grade on Exam One and Exam Two.



Assessment Requirements for ACPE IV Certification
In this course, to earn your ACPE IV Certification you will have to complete the assessment requirements.

(This is a brief list of requirements, refer to SCAT syllabus for complete list)


Assessment Requirements for ACPE IV Certification:

Documentation of Training Hours Form (20 hours didactic and 20 hours on hands)

Midterm Exam - A passing grade of 75% (or higher) is required to receive a passing grade  

Midterm Lab Exam - A passing grade of 75% (or higher) is required to receive a passing grade  

Final Exam - A passing grade of 75% (or higher) is required to receive a passing grade

Final Lab Exam - A passing grade of 75% (or higher) is required to receive a passing grade

• 
  According to the ACPE IV Certification requirements, if you do not pass the exams the first time with a 75% or higher, you will be able to retake the exams a second time.
   
• A passing grade of 75% or higher is required for each exam.

Process Validation (9) - 100% Adherence to basic aseptic technique principals

• Each process validation will also count as a grade.
   
• All validation will be scheduled as per instructor. If you miss the scheduled time set for validation, it is your responsibility to get with the instructor to reschedule.

Complete the Didactic Portion of the Course. Complete all 14 chapters of the textbook, including any reading, quizzes, or homework assigned by your instructor (with an overall average score of 75% or better). 


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

Weekly participation and engagement in the courses are critical for student success. Assignments should be completed by the due date. Students should also refer to the instructor’s attendance policy for additional information. (See LSCO Student Handbook, Class Attendance.)


Review of Test Grades

If the student has an issue about his/her grade, the instructor must be contacted no later than three (3) days after receiving the grade. If a student fails a unit examination, he/she is expected to make an appointment within one week, after the examination with the course instructor. At that time, the student will review the examination and, with the assistance of the instructor, identify strategies to improve testing performance.

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

Mental Health Resources

TimelyCare is a virtual health and well-being platform that is available 24/7 for all non-dual credit enrolled LSCO students. There is no cost to eligible students for this service. TimelyCare’s providers offer emotional support, mental health counseling, health coaching, psychiatry, and basic needs support. Non-Dual Credit students enrolled in classes can log in to the TimelyCare website or app available at timelycare.com/LSCO.


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.