LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

Registered Nursing

RNSG, 2262, Clinical II, 02

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name Brenda Ramsey
Building/Office Number Allied Health Building (AHB), Room 234
Office Hours By appointment only.
Virtual Hours By appointment only.
Office Telephone (409) 883-7750
Email Address brenda.ramsey@lsco.edu


Course Description

RNSG 2262 ............................................ 2-0-16 Clinical II (51.3801) A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Clinical experiences are unpaid external learning experiences. Prerequisite: Admission to the Registered Nursing Transition Program. BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420, ENGL 1301, MATH 1314 (or MATH 1342), RNSG 1300, RNSG 1311, RNSG 1327, RNSG 2261, and enrollment in RNSG 2514. Corequisites: RNSG 2514. To receive credit for RNSG 2262, the course must be successfully completed simultaneously with RNSG 2514. TEC.


Required Textbook & Materials

(access to publisher resources is required for all textbooks)

Burkhardt, Margaret A., and Nathaniel, Alvita K. (2021). Ethics and issues in contemporary 
     nursing. Elsevier.

Cuellar, E. Tina (Ed.). (2024). HESI comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination   
     (7th ed.). Elsevier.

Elsevier (Publisher). (2016). Clinical skills: Specialty collections (access card): Student Online
     Version Elsevier.

Ignatavicius, D.D., Workman, M.L., Rebar, C.R., Heimgartner, N. M. (2021). Medical-Surgical
     nursing concepts for interprofessional collaborative care(10th ed.). Elsevier.

Mosby (Publisher) (2017). Elsevier Adaptive Quizzing for the NCLEX-RN Exam [Online
     Course]. Elsevier.

Silvestri, Linda A. (2020). Comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN® examination (9thed.).  
     Elsevier/Saunders. 

Silvestri, Linda A. (2020). HESI/Saunders Online Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination (2  
     Year Access Code), (2nd ed). Elsevier.

Sole, M. L., Klein, D. G., & Moseley, M. J., (2021). Introduction to critical care nursing (8th ed.). Elsevier.

Texas
 and Louisiana Nurse Practice Acts

Townsend, Mary C., Morgan, Karyn I., (2020). Essentials of psychiatric mental health nursing.
     (8th ed.).Davis.
 
Recommended Materials Provided by LSCO Library
https://library.lsco.edu/books/dbsubject.asp#Nursing

 
Recommended Textbooks
Capriotti, T. & Frizzell, J.P. (2020). Pathophysiology: Introductory concepts and clinical perspectives:(2nd ed.). F.A. Davis Company.

Ignatavicius, D.D., Workman, M.L., Rebar, C.R., Heimgartner, N.M. (2021).Clinical
      companion for medical –surgical nursing concepts for interprofessional           collaborative care.  (10th ed.).Elsevier.

Ignatavicius, D.D., Workman, M.L., Rebar, C.R., Heimgartner, N.M. (2021). Clinical decision-making study guide for medical-surgical nursing, concepts for interprofessional collaborative care. (10th ed.).Saunders.

Jarvis, C. (2020).  Physical Examination & Health Assessment (8th ed.). Elsevier.

 



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

In accordance with the mission of Lamar State College Orange and Texas WECM, this course develops in the student the particular skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for success in the field of associate degree nursing. This clinical course provides opportunities to demonstrate competence in the application of nursing knowledge and clinical behaviors/judgments in healthcare settings. These behaviors are based on the importance of health promotion (EC2), health maintenance (EC1,3,4,5), and health restoration (EC2,3,5). Nursing management, nursing care supervision, and legal/ethical content are embedded in the curriculum.
 

Course Learning Outcomes
WELCOME
Student learning Outcomes with Educational Competencies (EC) and Differentiated Educational Competencies (DECs) Course Activities and Associated
Unit-Level Student Learning Outcomes:
1.         Promote health maintenance/health restoration based on assessment data 1. Use assessment data to promote health maintenance and restoration
EC: 2
DECS: II B 6, 7, E 2 a, b, c, 13, G 1, 3, 6, H 1, III B 8, IV G 3
1. Develop a teaching plan for a client which will promote health maintenance/health restoration
2.         Utilize critical thinking skills to make safe and ethical clinical decisions utilizing a systematic problem-solving process when providing care to diverse patients and families with complex healthcare needs across the lifespan 2. Use clinical reasoning and clinical judgment to make safe ethical clinical decisions utilizing a systematic problem-solving process when providing care to diverse patients and families with complex healthcare needs across the lifespan
EC: 1, 4, 5
DECs: I A 2, B 3 a, b, c, 5 c, 7, D 1; II A 1, 2 a, b, c, 4, B 1, 2, 3 a, b, 4, 5, 8, 9 a, b, C 1, 7, D 2a, b, d, 3 a, c, E 1, 3 a, 5 a, b, 6 c, 7 b, c, 12 a, b, F 1 a, b, c, 2 a, b, 4, 6, G 2 b, 4; III A 3, B 1, 2, 3 a, b, c, 4, 5, 6, 9, C 1, 2 a, b, 3; IV A 3, B 1 a, 2, 3 c, C 1 a, b, c
2. Develop and implement the nursing care plan
3.         Collaborate in multidisciplinary planning to provide care for clients/families with complex healthcare needs 3.Collaborate in multidisciplinary planning to provide care for patients/families with complex healthcare needs
EC: 1, 4, 5
DECs: I B 2 b, 4 c, 5 b, 9, 10, C 2, 3 b, 6 a, b; II C 2, 4, 5, D 3 b, 4 E 6 a, b, 8, F 3 b, 5 c, G 2 a, H 3, 4, 5 a, b; III B 7, E 4; IV A 1, 2 b, B 4 a, b, 5 a,   C 4,  G 1                        
3. Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team as needed when implementing nursing care
4.         Apply therapeutic communication skills with diverse patients and families 4.Apply therapeutic communication skills while caring for diverse patients and families
EC: 1, 3
DECs: I B 8, D 2 c; II E 3 b, 4, 6 d, 9, 10, 11, F 3 a, 5 a, b, H 2 a, b; III E 1, 3; IV A 2a, B 4 a, 5 b, C 2 a, b, c, D 1 a, b, 3, a, b, c, d, G 2
4. Communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally, when implementing the nursing care plan
5.         Apply the Nursing Practice Act in relation to patients experiencing complex health care needs; recognize situations requiring advocacy for patients and families 5.Practice using the Nurse Practice Act in relation to patients experiencing complex health care needs; recognize situations requiring advocacy for patients and families
EC: 1, 5
DECs: I A 1, 3 a, b, B 1, 2 a, c, 4 a, b, 5 a, 6 a, b, c, C 3 a, c, 4, 5, D 3, 4, 5, 6; II B 3 a, b, C 6, D 1, E 7 a, G 7, H 6; III A 1, 2, 4, 5 a, 5 b, 6, D 1, 2, 3, E 2, F 1; IV B 3 a, b, C 3 a, b, E 1 a, b, c, 2 a, b, c, 3 a, b
5. Plan nursing care with the registered nurse’s scope of practice, based on the Nurse Practice Act.
 
The student will apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the nursing occupation (EC 1, 2, 3); demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, communicating in the applicable language of the nursing occupation. (EC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
 
The Texas Board of Nursing has identified essential competencies to ensure that nursing graduates will enter the practice as safe and competent nurses.  These competencies are organized according to four major roles of the nurse:  Member of a Profession, Provider of Patient-Centered Care, Patient Safety Advocate, and Member of the Health Care Team. AtthecompletionofRNSG2514,thestudentwillhavebeenintroducedtothefollowingDifferentiatedEssentialCompetencies(DECs)forDiplomaandAssociate DegreePrograms:
I.             MemberoftheProfession:                A,B,C
II.             ProviderofPatient-­­CenteredCare:       A,B, C, D,E, F, G
III.             PatientSafetyAdvocate:                    A,B,C,D,E, F
IV.             MemberoftheHealthCareTeam:       A,B,C,D,E, G
 
Detailed differentiated competencies expectations are located in the course under Content


Course Topical Outline


See course calendar.


Major Assignments Schedule

See course calendar.


Final Exam Date

~ExamMonthName~ , 2023 - :00


COURSE POLICIES

Academic Honesty

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.

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 dishonesty will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to the following:  
According to the Lamar State College Orange Student Handbook, any of these methods of academic dishonesty are grounds for immediate dismissal from the institution.  Also, according to the Lamar State College Orange Student Handbook, "unauthorized use of university computer account(s), computer data files, and/or computer facilities," is considered a breach of conduct, and "is not in keeping with the educational aims, purposes, and philosophy of the university and will subject student(s) to disciplinary action."  Students subject to penalty due to academic dishonesty have the right to appeal following the appeal process as stated in the Lamar State College Orange Student Handbook (Refer to the LSCO Student Handbook, Academic Integrity, and the Transition RN Student Handbook for additional information).
 



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.

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.

Clinical / Simulation (Sim) Lab:  
 
Students must follow instructions in the course syllabi when they are unable to attend class, clinical, or simulation lab.  If a clinical or simulation lab absence or tardy is unavoidable, students must speak with the instructor. If the instructor is unable to be reached, the student must contact the program director or the dean of the technical studies division. Students who fail to speak with the appropriate person will be counseled.  Refer to the syllabus for information regarding instructor contact. Each course syllabus explains attendance policies unique to that specific nursing course.  
 






Make-up Work Policy

Students will be given alternate assignments for missed clinical days (a maximum of one (1) missed day allowed). If the alternate assignment is not completed by the due date given, a counseling note will be written.  Failure to meet the plan specified in the counseling note will result in a review by the Standards Committee for continued progress in, or dismissal from, the program.



Classroom Etiquette


Exam Policy

Not applicable



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

Students will be assigned written assignments, assignments within the learning platforms, and presentations during the clinical experience.  Failure to complete these assignments by the due date and time will result in unsatisfactory clinical performance and failure of the clinical course.
 
All assignments must be submitted to Blackboard, no assignments will be accepted via email or any other format other than Blackboard.
 
See the course calendar and Blackboard for written clinical assignments and instructions.
The clinical instructor will complete a formal mid-term and final evaluation with each assigned student, summarizing the student’s clinical and sim lab performance, and discussing strengths and areas for improvement. If the student receives an unsatisfactory for the mid-term evaluation, appropriate interventions for remediation will be initiated.
 
Safe, professional clinical behavior components are considered essential components of the program and must be adhered to at all times.  Disrespectful, unsafe, or unprofessional clinical behavior, as discussed in the nursing student handbook and course syllabus, will result in review by the Standards Committee and may result in immediate dismissal from the program.  Student behaviors marked with a pound sign(#) are critical behaviors.  These must be met with a score of 3 in order to pass this course.  
 
 
Rating Code
4    Behavior for outcome exceeds expectations. The student demonstrates excellence and strengths that are above expectations. Student consistently performs above what is expected for the currently enrolled program level. Student rarely requires direction. 
3    Behavior for the outcome is met. Student consistently performs professionally and meets the clinical behavior. Expectations for the currently enrolled program level are met.  Student requires occasional written and verbal direction and or demonstration.
2    Behavior for outcome requires further development. The student is not consistent in performance and lacks self-direction, knowledge, and/or motivation. Minimal expectations for the currently enrolled program level are met. Student requires frequent written and verbal direction and/or demonstration.
1    Behavior for the outcome is not met. Student performance is inconsistent and does not reflect expectations for the currently enrolled program level. The student is unable to demonstrate behaviors and requires continuous written and verbal direction and/or demonstration.
 
Mid-Term Evaluation
Students will complete a self-evaluation at mid-term, using the above rating scale.  Students are expected to provide a thoughtful assessment of strengths and areas for continued development of knowledge and skills and provide a minimum of two specific examples of how they have made progress toward meeting the core components.  In addition, students must provide at least two specific strategies for improving their clinical performance. Students must also post documentation that discusses a minimum of two examples reflecting how they have met the required Differentiated Essential Competencies.  
 
Clinical and Simulation Faculty will complete a mid-term evaluation using the rating scale.  In addition, faculty will review the student self-evaluation and provide written feedback for specific components receiving a rating below two. 

Final Clinical Evaluation
The Clinical and Simulation faculty will assign a rating to each item and a score will be totaled and divided by two.  Student behaviors marked with a pound sign (#) are critical behaviors.  These must be met with a score of 3 in order to pass this course.  A percentage score will then be calculated based on the achieved points/total points. The student must achieve a score of 75% (111 points) or better on the summative clinical evaluation compiled by the instructor in order to pass the course.  Students scoring less than 75% (or 111 points) on the final evaluation will receive an unsatisfactory grade and will be withdrawn from the nursing program.
 
Pre-Sim Assignment
Students will be required to submit pre-sim assignments prior to assigned sim lab days. These assignments will be submitted to the pre-sim assignment Dropbox and must be submitted to the sim lab instructor on the day of the sim lab. Students not turning in sim lab assignments on time will be sent home and a clinical absence will be incurred.  No late submissions will be accepted. These will be included in the sim day grade and may result in an unsatisfactory grade for clinical if not completed and submitted as per instructions. 
 
Written Clinical Assignments
Students will be given written assignments and presentation assignments during the clinical experience.  Failure to complete these assignments by the due date and time will result in unsatisfactory clinical performance and failure of the clinical course.  No late submissions will be accepted.


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

Clinical Dress Code
All students will wear the RN Transition Program designated uniform, including a school patch and photo identification badge in all clinical settings, including the simulation lab, unless otherwise specified by the clinical instructor. Students who fail to adhere to the dress code may be dismissed from class/clinical, resulting in a clinical absence.
 
Accessories:  
Hygiene and body grooming:  
Jewelry:  
Other required materials for clinical:
All students will have the following items with them for every clinical experience, plus any other material specified by instructors:  
Hospital attire for non-patient care activities: When students enter the hospital for activities other than patient care, neat street attire under a buttoned lab coat is acceptable. (Shorts, jeans, thongs, and short skirts are not considered professional attire.) LSCO Student Nurse photo ID is required when in the clinical agency setting.
 
Attire for clinical experiences allowing street clothes: Students practicing in such areas will wear designated attire per instructor and lab coat with LSCO name tag.  No T-shirts, athletic wear, lounge wear, jeans, or shorts are allowed.  Certain facilities may have additional restrictions.  Students will be notified of specific requirements prior to the event/rotation.
 
CLINICAL BEHAVIORS
 
 
Clinical Behaviors / Sim Lab
 

 

Unsafe or Unprofessional Clinical Practice (refer to Student Handbook).

 
Clinical Site Assignments
Due to the availability of clinical sites, students will be assigned to a clinical group, not a specific site.  Consideration for assignment to a specific clinical site must be for profound reasons. Carpooling is not an option for consideration for a profound reason. 
 
Much of this course requires access to, familiarity with, and use of a computer and the Internet. The student should have a general understanding of basic software such as Microsoft Word, the Internet, a readily available Internet access device, and good working knowledge of web browsers such as Firefox and Google Chrome. If students do not have these items at home, LSCO has computer and internet access at a variety of locations. 

 
 





Review of Test Grades

Not applicable



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.