LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

Vocational Nursing

VNSG, 2214, Applied Nursing Skills III, 01

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name Sherri Foreman
Building/Office Number Nursing and Classroom Building(SNCB), Room 104L
Office Hours Thursday 12pm-2pm
Available by Appointment
Virtual Hours Available by Appointment
Office Telephone (409) 882-3912
Email Address sherri.foreman@lsco.edu


Course Description

VNSG 2214 Applied Nursing Skills III (51.3901) 2-1-3 Continuation of Applied Nursing Skills II. Application of nursing skills to meet complex client needs utilizing the nursing process and related scientific principles. Prerequisite: BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, VNSG 1136, VNSG 1160, VNSG 1222, VNSG 1227, VNSG 1323, VNSG 1331, VNSG 1502, VNSG 1561, VNSG 1562, and VNSG 2413. Co-requisite: VNSG 1138, VNSG 1330, VNSG 1334, and VNSG 2563. TEC.


Required Textbook & Materials
Williams & Hopper. (2019). Understanding medical-surgical nursing (7th ed.).  FA Davis.
Williams & Hopper. (2019). Study guide for medical-surgical nursing (7th ed.). FA Davis.

Required Online Resources:
ATI (atitesting.com)
EHR Tutor by ATI (ehrtutor.com)
Upswing (Blackboard)
 
Continue with Level 1 & 2 Clinical resource books and Potter and Perry
 
Recommended:
Silvestri, L. A. (2017). Saunders comprehensive review NCLEX-PN® examination.
     (7th ed.). Elsevier/Saunders.
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 and Program-Level Outcomes		 Course Activities and Associated
Unit-Level Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Determine nursing interventions used to meet more complex health care needs of clients
 		 Discussion Board
ATI activities
Courses activities
2. Demonstrate application of more complex nursing interventions that assist the client in meeting health care needs inclusive of interventions related to various body systems
 		 Discussion Board
ATI activities
Courses activities
3. Demonstrate application of more complex nursing interventions, communication, and nursing care of clients.
 		 Discussion Board
ATI activities
Courses activities
 
General Education Outcomes: Upon completion of the course the successful student will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the following competencies and mastery of the associated learning outcomes at a level consistent with the achievement and performance expected for college students:
 

Core Objectives		 Associated Class Activities Associated Measures
Critical Thinking Skills:
Creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.
 		 Activities: Students will be given case studies containing facts regarding patient history, and other diagnostic information so as to determine the patient’s disease process or state. Measures:
Exams
Quizzes,
in class problem solving activities,
case studies,
ATI activities
Communication Skills:
Effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication.
 		 Activities:
Students will communicate their knowledge of maternal / neonatal nursing by documenting their ideas and conclusions.		 Measures:
In class assignments
Discussion Board
 
Empirical and Quantitative Skills:
Manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.		 Activities: Students will be given patient data to determine the patient’s disease process or state. Measures:
In class assignments
Discussion Board
Quizzes
Exams
 
Teamwork:
Ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.		 Activities:
Students will work in groups to present select course content and share points of views in discussion board posts and responses		 Measures:
Group assignments
Class activities
Discussion Board
Social Responsibility:
Intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.		 Activities:
Students will participate in activities that promote social responsibility and accountability		 Measures:
Discussion boards, quizzes, examinations, and in class group assignments that involve social situations and ethical questions.
Personal Responsibility:
Ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.		 Activities:
Students will participate in activities that promote personal responsibility, accountability, and ethical decision-making		 Measures: Reads and adheres to syllabus and handbook.  Completes assignments and takes exams as scheduled. Takes responsibility for actions.




Course Topical Outline

Unit One

Integumentary System and Hematology

Unit Two

Respiratory System and Eye/Ear

Unit Three

Urinary System and Immune System

Unit Four

Cancer and Gastrointestinal System




Major Assignments Schedule

See Course Calendar posted on Blackboard.


Final Exam Date

December 11, 2023 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 11, 2023 - 11:00 AM


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.

Know Your Abilities
Much of this course requires access to, familiarity with, and use of a computer and the Internet. You should have a general understanding of basic software such as Microsoft Word or another similar word processor, the Internet, a readily available Internet access device, and good working knowledge of web browsers such as Firefox and Google Chrome. If you do not have these items at home, LSCO has computer and internet access at a variety of locations.  See me for more information. 
 
Technical Issues 
All course work should be completed from a laptop or personal computer. Tablets and phones are not acceptable forms of technology to complete coursework on Blackboard. If you are using the Blackboard APP, only use this APP to check grades and review announcements. Do not try to complete coursework from the app. Also, use Google Chrome and Firefox as your browser for Blackboard. The only technical issues we will accept regarding failure to complete assignments are those directly involving Blackboard availability when LSCO is responsible, as they can be documented by LSCO Office of Learning Technology. It is your responsibility to contact the help desk to document any such interruptions of accessibility and provide them to me. If we are not notified of a Blackboard outage, no consideration will be given to late assignments. We strongly advise all students to submit assignments well in advance of the closing date. Do not wait until the closing date to submit a document to discover whether you may have technical issues.
 
NCLEX Preparation
At the beginning of Level 3 students need to be prepared, early in the semester, to pay for the NCLEX-PN examination.
 


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.

If a student misses a class lecture, it is his/her responsibility to obtain information covered during the lecture, including handouts.  The student is expected to be present and on time in the classroom for lectures.  An attendance roll is taken daily. Work is not an excuse for missing assignments and missing exams.


Make-up Work Policy

Students are strongly encouraged to take exams as scheduled.  However, in the event an exam is missed, the student is required to notify the instructor through Office 365 email before the exam and request to take a makeup.  No exams will be taken early.  The make-up exam must be taken within two days, after the original exam date.  The student is responsible to schedule the make-up exam with the testing center.  If the exam is not taken within this time period, the student will receive a zero on that exam. Failure of the student to contact the instructor within 24 hours after the exam will result in a ZERO on the exam.  ALL make-up exams will have a ten-point penalty deducted for the first make up exam, a 20-point penalty for the second make up exam, a 30-point penalty for the third make up exam, and a 40-point penalty for the fourth make up exam.  The final MUST be taken at the scheduled time.  There is no make up for the final.
 
In emergencies the Nursing Department Administrative Assistant @ 409-882-3344 or the
LSC-O operator @ 409-883-7750 should be contacted.  They will relay the message to the student right away.  Be sure to tell the Nursing Administrative Assistant or the LSC-O operator that the student is in the Level II of the VN program.
 



Classroom Etiquette

No food or drink is allowed in classrooms, computer & skills labs at any time. The student can be asked to leave the building.
 
Dress for the classroom and lab includes appropriate daytime dress.  Students wearing clothing deemed distracting to faculty or other members of the class will be asked to change into something more appropriate.
 
Classroom behavior should not interfere with the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or the ability of other students to learn from the instructional program.  Unacceptable or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.  Students engaging in unacceptable behavior may be instructed to leave the classroom.  Inappropriate behavior may result in disciplinary action.  This prohibition applies to all instructional forums, including electronic, classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc.

Exam Policy

Exams will be proctored at LSCO in NCB Rm 114/115. (See Course Calendar for dates and times of exams) Nothing will be allowed to be brought into the computer lab on test day.  There should be NO conversation once test has started.  Any last-minute study or communication must take place outside the classroom prior to the test.  Any student caught with a cell phone during testing will be asked to leave and will receive a zero on exam.  If you are dismissed from the exam, no makeup on that exam will be allowed.  Caps/hats with visors and hoodies worn over the head will not be allowed during testing/exams. Headphones of any type are not allowed to be worn during testing/exams.


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

Exams.  Exams will be based on course objectives and material.  Course content from prerequisite courses may be included on exams, as appropriate.  Exams may be multiple choice, multiple answer, essay, true/false or other alternate NGN item formats.  There will be four (4) unit exams, one (1) Med/Surg ATI Assessment, the ATI Comprehensive Predictor Assessment, and the Final Exam. 
 
Med/Surg ATI.  The grading scale for Med/Surg ATI Assessment before completed remediation is: Level 3=90, Level 2=75, Level 1=60, Below Level 1=50
 
The grading scale for Med/Surg ATI Assessment after submitting remediation as instructed by instructor by the due date is:  Level 3=100, Level 2=85, Level 1=70, Below Level 1=60
 
The Med/Surg ATI will count as 2% of the student’s grade. Students will have two attempts to achieve a Level 2 or higher.  Students who score Level 1 or Below Level 1 must take the second attempt. The student must submit instructor directed ATI remediation for the first attempt, on the date designated by the instructors, before they will be allowed to take the second attempt.  If the Student is required to take the second attempt and is absent for the second attempt, they will receive the first attempt score plus a 10-point deduction. Students who score a Level 2 or 3 are still required to submit remediation from first attempt and have the option of taking the second attempt. Students who are absent for the first attempt will receive a zero for that attempt.  The grade they receive on the second attempt will be the grade entered into the gradebook plus a 10-point deduction.  There is no make up for the first or second ATI assessment attempt. If the student misses both attempts, they will receive a “0” for 10% of their grade for the Med/Surg ATI. If the student is more than 20 minutes late to either attempt, they will not be allowed to take the assessment and will receive a “0” for that attempt.
 
Instructor directed ATI remediation will be required after both the first and second Med/Surg ATI attempts, regardless of the student’s score.  Med/Surg ATI remediation must be completed and submitted by the date designated by the instructors to be eligible to take the 2nd Med/Surg ATI attempt and/or Comprehensive Predictor. Students required to take the 2nd Med/Surg ATI must complete and submit remediation by date designated by the instructor to be eligible to take the Comprehensive Predictor. There are no makeups for ATI assessments and final exams.
 
ATI Comprehensive Predictor Assessment.The ATI Comprehensive Predictor will be counted as 8% of the students grade. Students who do not score a 90% or higher on the first attempt will be required to take the 2nd attempt. There are no make-ups for ATI. If the student misses the first attempt, the student will receive a zero and will have one chance to take the Predictor. There will be a 10 point penalty on the 2nd attempt. If the student is required to take the 2nd attempt and misses that attempt, the student will receive a 10 point penalty on the first attempt score. Instructor directed remediation is required after each attempt. 
 
ATI Capstone.  All students in Applied Nursing 3 are required to participate in ATI Capstone. The weekly Capstone assessments, pre and post assignments will be counted as 3% of their grade. The grades will be based on performance on the assessments and post assignments. The faculty receives weekly ATI Capstone reports. Remember Capstone grades can raise or lower your grade. If the student DOES NOT SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE BY THE DUE DATE MORE THAN 2 ASSESSMENTS AND/OR ASSIGNMENTS OR DOES NOT PARTICIPATE IN CAPSTONE, they will receive a "0" for 3% of their grade. 

Virtual ATI.All Applied Nursing 3 students are required to participate in Virtual ATI. Virtual ATI begins once ATI Capstone has ended. The student is required to complete the Fundamentals, Pharmacology, Med/Surg, and Management Modules. The will receive a “0” for 2% of their grade if all the required modules are not completed. The student must progress through the Virtual ATI modules as instructed by the ATI Educator. The student will not be considered successfully complete with a module unless it is approved by the ATI Educator. The faculty receives the Virtual ATI reports from the ATI Educator.
 
Assignments.  There will be assignments throughout the semester. Assignments could consist of quizzes, workbook assignments, worksheets, a discussion board, ATI assignments, etc.  Assignments will be submitted via the drop box in your blackboard course. Assignments will count as 5% of your course grade.  Assignments will be due according to the day and time posted in Blackboard.  Assignments not submitted by the due date will receive a zero. 

The student will have one week after the assignment grade is posted to provide proof that the assignment was successfully completed by due date. If proof is not submitted within one week, the original grade posted by the instructor will be final.
 
Discussion Board Grading Criteria.  Criteria for the Discussion Board will be posted in Blackboard under Course Content.  Discussion board entries must be submitted by the due date/time posted in Blackboard, in the correct format.
 
Course Evaluation:
If the student does not achieve an average of 75% or greater in this course, they will be given a “D” in Applied Nursing 3 and an Unsatisfactory in Clinical.
 
Final course letter grades will be assigned as follows: 
                       
A = 90-100     B = 80-89   C = 75-79     D = 60-74     F = 59-0
 
The final course grade is calculated as follows:                      
 
 

Graded Activities		 Percentage of final course grade
  • 4 Unit Exams
 55%
  • Assignments
 5%
  • Capstone
 3%
  • Med/Surg ATI Assessment
 2%
A student must attain an average of 75% or better on the 4 Unit Exams, Assignments, Capstone, and the Med/Surg ATI Assessment to sit for the Comprehensive ATI, the final exam, and receive Virtual ATI grade.
  
  • Comprehensive ATI
 8%
  • Virtual ATI 
 
 		 2%
  • Final Exam
 
 		 25%
TOTAL:  To successfully pass this course, student must achieve an average of 75% or greater. If the student does not achieve this, they will be given a “D” in Applied Nursing 3 and an Unsatisfactory in Clinical. 100%




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

Immediately following the exam, the student may review the exam with the proctor present if everyone took the exam.  If a student is caught with a cell phone or recording device during exam review, that student will be asked to leave, and that student will receive a zero on that exam.  A student may review the exam in private with one of the course instructors within one week of the class review.


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.