LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

Real Estate Management

RELE, 1300, Contract Forms and Addenda, 80F

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name Tina Rummel
Building/Office Number Online Only,
Office Hours Please call for appointment. Since this is an asynchronous course, students should primarily communicate with Instructor by email and may normally expect a response within one 24 hours, with the exception of holidays and weekends which could be up to 72 hours.
Virtual Hours
Office Telephone (409) 883-7750
Email Address Tina.Rummel@lsco.edu


Course Description

RELE 1300 ............................................ 3-3-0 Contract Forms and Addenda (52.1501) Promulgated Contract Forms, shall include but is not limited to unauthorized practice of law, broker-lawyer committee, current promulgated and approved forms, commission rules governing use forms and case studies involving use of forms. TEC.


Required Textbook & Materials

REQUIRED
 

Texas Promulgated Forms - With Supplement

By  Santmyer, Peggy
Edition : 4TH 22
Publisher : DEARBORN F
ISBN 13 : 9781078823623


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 Outcome 1 Core Objective Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects
Describe the Broker-Lawyer Committee, including composition and purpose
NA Chapter quizzes, powerpoints
Demonstrate that a given action or statement constitutes the unauthorized practice of law and state the penalties for same NA Scenario exercises, chapter quizzes, powerpoints
Compare and contrast promulgated and approved forms NA transaction activities, scenario exercises, chapter quizzes
Assess if the use of a form is within the Texas Real Estate Commission rules for use of forms; and utilize correct forms for a given scenario. NA transacation activities, scenario exercises, chapter quizzes
     
     




Course Topical Outline

WEEK 1
Unit Title Break Minutes/Topic Points
Unit 1: Contract Law Overview      
Elements of a Valid Contract   20  
Valid/Void/Unenforceable/Voidable   20  
Executed and Executory Contracts   20  
  10    
Bilateral Versus Unilateral   15  
Reasonable Time Versus Time Is of the Essence   15  
Amendments and Addenda   20  
  10    
Performance of a Contract   25  
Statute of Limitations   10  
Reasons for Termination   15  
Certification email   10 5
Orientation Quiz   25 5
Syllabus Quiz   30 50
Chapter Quiz   60 100
Total Minutes/Unit   285  
WEEK 2
Unit Title Break Minutes/Topic Points
Unit 2: Laws, Rules, and Regulations      
Texas Real Estate License Act   35  
Unauthorized Practice of Law   30  
  10    
Unauthorized Practice of Law   30  
The Broker-Lawyer Committee   30  
Use of Promulgated Forms   25  
  10    
Presenting Offers and Multiple Offers   30  
When Does the Offer Become a Contract?   10  
Chapter Quiz   60 100
Total Minutes/Unit   250  
WEEK 3
Unit Title Break Minutes/Topic Points
Unit 3: Parties, Property, and the Money      
Information Needed to Complete Contract Forms   30  
Elements of the One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale)   30  
  10    
Third Party Financing Addendum   30  
Loan Assumption Addendum   30  
  10    
Seller Financing Addendum   30  
Addendum for Release of Liability on Assumed Loan and/or Restoration of Seller’s VA Entitlement   30  
Contract Workshop   40  
Scenario Exercise 1   45 100
Case Study   30  
Case Study Questions   30  
Chapter Quiz   60 100
Total Minutes/Unit   385  
WEEK 4
Unit Title Break Minutes/Topic Points
Unit 4: Covenants, Commitments, and Notices      
License Holder Disclosure   20  
Earnest Money   15  
Option Money   15  
Title Policy and Survey   30  
  10    
Property Condition: Inspections, Acceptance, Repairs   30  
  10 30  
Seller's Disclosure and Lead Based Paint Disclosure   30  
Environmental Assessment and Threatened or Endangered Species and Wetlands Addendum   30  
Residential Service Contract   30  
Contract Workshop   30  
Chapter Quiz   45 100
Total Minutes/Unit   305  
WEEK 5
Unit Title Break Minutes/Topic Points
Unit 5: Closing, Possession, and More      
Closing And Possession   30  
Temporary Lease Forms   30  
  10    
Special Provisions   15  
Settlement and Other Expenses   20  
Prorations, Casualty Loss, Default, and Mediation   20  
  10    
Escrow Provisions   30  
Other Contract Provisions   30  
Executing the Contract and Finalizing the Agreement   30  
Amendment   30  
The Final Pages   30  
Contract Workshop   30  
  10    
Transaction: Strassman to Applewhite   60 100
Scenario Exercise 2   60 100
Case Study      
Case Study Questions      
Chapter Quiz   60 100
Total Minutes/Unit   475  
WEEK 6
Unit Title Break Minutes/Topic Points
Unit 6: The Remaining Promulgated Forms      
Is it Different from the One to Four Family Contract   30  
  10    
Residential Condominium Contract   30  
Farm and Ranch Contract   30  
  10    
Unimproved Property Contract   30  
New Home Contracts   30  
  10    
Transaction: Tomas to Perry   60 100
Chapter Quiz   60 100
Total Minutes/Unit   270  
WEEK 7
Unit Title Break Minutes/Topic Points
Unit 7: Promulgated Addenda, Notices, and Other Forms      
Introduction      
Addendum for Sale of Other Property by Buyer   20  
Addendum for Back-Up Contract   20  
Addendum for Reservation of Oil, Gas, and Other Minerals   20  
  10    
Notice of Buyer’s Termination of Contract   20  
Notice of Seller's Termination of Contract   20  
Mutual Termination of Contract   20  
Addendum Concering Right to Terminate Due to Lender's Appraisal   20  
Addendum for Property Located Seaward of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Addendum for Coastal Area Property   20  
Addendum for Coastal Area Property   20  
Addendum for Property in a Propane Gas System Service Area   20  
Addendum for Property Subject to Mandatory Membership in an Owner’s Association   20  
  10    
Short Sale Addendum   20  
Noncontract Forms   20  
Non-Realty Items   20  
  10    
Contract Workshop   45  
Chapter Quiz   60 100
Total Minutes/Unit   385  
WEEK 8
Unit Title Break Minutes/Topic Points
Unit 8: Other Real Estate Matters      
Real Estate Fraud   30  
Brokers’ Fees   30  
  10    
Fair Housing Laws   30  
Other Disclosures   30  
Occupancy Standards   30  
Chapter Quiz   60 100
Total Minutes/Unit   210  
Unit Title Break Minutes/Topic Points
Unit 9: Practice Makes Perfect      
Transaction: Fleming to Donaldson   30 100
  10    
Transaction: Johnson to Swanson   30 100
  10    
Transaction: Kramer to Sweeney   30 100
       
Scenario Exercise 3   45 100
Case Study   30  
Case Study Questions      
Chapter Quiz   60 100
Final Exam   90 500
Total Minutes/Unit   315  
Total Course Minutes   2880 2260
Total Contact Hours   48  
Total Semester Credit Hours   3  




Major Assignments Schedule

All course assignments, examinations, etc. are listed in the course topical outline above and can be found in Blackboard.


Final Exam Date

October 11, 2023 - 12:00 AM   Through  October 13, 2023 - 11:59 PM


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.

Faculty who suspects 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.



AI Policy:

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

 APA style citation

 In-text citation example:

(OpenAI, 2023) Reference citation example: OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

 Source: https://apastyle.apa.org/blog/how-to-cite-chatgpt

MLA style citation

In-text citation example:

 (“Describe the symbolism”) Reference citation example:

“Describe the symbolism of the green light in the book The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald” prompt.

ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 8 Mar. 2023, chat.openai.com/chat.

Source: https://style.mla.org/citing-generative-ai/

 Please note that the above examples are a general framework for citing an AI source like ChatGPT in APA and MLA format. However, it's always recommended to follow the specific guidelines provided by your instructor or institution for accurate and consistent citation practices.

 Developed by the Office of Learning Technology and Distance Education Committee, August 2023





Electronic Communication

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

LSCO students are required to use 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.

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.)  LOOK UNDER CONTENT in BLACKBOARD FOR THE ASSIGNMENTS BELOW and DUE DATES

URGENT!! Complete the following two tasks PRIOR TO the “CERTIFICATION/CENSUS DATE” for this course 8-28-2023

 Earn a total of “10 Bonus Points” toward your total score in the course for completing the following two tasks PRIOR TO the “Certification/Census Date for this course.

 

TASK 1:  Prior to the certification date for this course send an email to your instructor with the following information (5 bonus points awarded)

      Your name, student I.D., and all contact information

      Include a sentence that says:  “I ___________(student name) have read all of the information and instructions for the course, know how to contact my instructor, and am beginning the course.”  (you may simply “copy and paste” this sentence into your email.)

      Include a short background on yourself so that I can get to know you better (optional)

      Be sure that you send the email PRIOR TO the certification/census date for this course

 

TASK 2:  Prior to certification/census date, go into the course and take the “Syllabus Quiz” (5 bonus points awarded).  Located at the upper left corner of the course screen online, you will find “Menu Icons”.  Find the one titled “Quizzes and Exams”.  Click on that menu icon.  Find the Quiz titled:  “Syllabus Quiz”.  Take the Quiz PRIOR TO the Certification/Census Date for the course.

 

IMPROTANT NOTE:  By “sending the email to me” and “taking the Syllabus Quiz” PRIOR TO THE CERTIFICATION/CENSUS DATE, you are fulfilling the requirements for certification in this course.

 

CAUTION!!  If you are relying on “financial aid of any kind” you MUST be certified in the course.  If you are NOT certified in the course, your financial aid will be in jeopardy!  Talk with the Financial Aid Office if you have questions.





Make-up Work Policy

Course work in an emergency situation with documented note from a physician may be granted at the instructor’s discretion.


Classroom Etiquette

Classroom Policies:

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:
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.


Exam Policy

Tests are not proctored, however some tests may be timed.


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

Summary of Graded Work:  The final grade for the course reflects an evaluation of the student’s work on the following assignments.  The assignments are calculated as follows:
 

Assignments
Points Totals Points
Certification email 1 @ 5 points 5
Orientation Quiz 1@ 5 points  5
Syllabus Quiz 1 @ 50 points  50
Chapter Quizzes 8 @ 100 points each 900
Scenarios/Case Study Quizzes 3@ 100 points each 300
Transaction 5@100 points 500
Final Exam 1 @ 500 points 500
Total Points   2260
 
TOTAL possible points from Assignments/Quizzes/Exams: 2,260 points 



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

It is imperative that all student's login to the course frequently as the course may change as the semester progresses.  The instructor sometimes adjusts the schedule, assignments and test dates, so it is VERY IMPORTANT to login often and pay attention to your LSCO email notifications and ANNOUNCEMENTS throughout the semester to be successful in this course.


Review of Test Grades

If a student has an issue about their grade, the instructor must be contacted no later than three (3) days after receiving the grade.


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.