LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

Registered Nursing

RNSG, 1311, Nursing Pathophysiology, 61

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name Jennifer Trotter
Building/Office Number Nursing and Classroom Building (NCB), Room 104F
Office Hours Monday-Friday:  by appointment
Virtual Hours Monday-Thursday:  by appointment
Friday: 8-12 by appointment
Office Telephone (409) 882-3017
Email Address jennifer.trotter@lsco.edu


Course Description

RNSG 1311 ............................................ 3-2-2 Nursing Pathophysiology (51.3801) Basic principles of pathophysiology emphasizing nursing applications. Includes epidemiologic factors that alter the normal physiological processes across the lifespan. Prerequisite: Completion of a Vocational/Practical Nursing program or Administrative Approval, BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402. TEC.


Required Textbook & Materials

APA Manual:  Most Current
 
Capriotti, T & Frizzell, J.P. (2020). Pathophysiology:Introductory concepts and clinical
    perspectives. (2nd ed.). F.A. Davis.

Must use access code from your book to Access Davis Advantage. Davis Advantage is a requirement for this course.

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

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

Core Objectives


Course Level Learning Outcomes (WECM)		 Student learning Outcomes with Educational Competencies (EC) and Differentiated educational Competencies (DECs) Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects
1. Discuss pathological changes in human tissue and systems Demonstrate critical thinking skills as evidenced by the ability to analyze facts, synthesize factual information, and evaluate opinions in light of the facts presented throughout this course
EC 1,2,3,4,5
DECs II B 4, 7; E 7		 Unit Exams
Module assignment
Module Quizzes
Blogs
2. Relate the diagnosis, treatment modalities and potential outcomes of pathology Discuss homeostasis as a mechanism for achieving and  maintaining normal interaction of structure and function
EC 1,2,3,4,5
DECs II B 6, 7; E 7		        Unit Exams
Module assignment
Module Quizzes
Blogs
3. Explain the significance of pathophysiology in professional nursing practice. Relate the physiological system and its role in pathogenesis; and explain importance of pathophysiology in nursing practice. 
EC 1,2,3,4,5		 Unit Exams
Module assignment
Module Quizzes
Blogs




Course Topical Outline

Course Topical Outline


Topic:  The Cell

Didactic Objectives:

Discuss Cell and tissue characteristics, genetic and congenital disorders.
Cellular Biology, fluid electrolyte and acid base imbalances. Genes and Genetic Diseases Altered Cellular and Tissue Biology Altered Fluid, electrolyte, acid and Base Balances Laboratory activities:
  1. Watch the videos posted under course content

Topic:   Mechanisms of Self Defense
Didactic Objectives:

Describe concepts of Immunity, Inflammation, wound healing, Infection, Stress and Disease.
 
Innate Immunity: Inflammation and Wound Healing  
Adaptive Immunity Infection and Defects in Mechanisms of Defense Stress and Disease Lab Activities:
  1. Watch videos posted under course content

Topic: Cellular Proliferation: Cancer
Didactic Objectives:

Discuss the biology, clinical manifestations, treatment, and epidemiology of cancer.
Biology, Clinical manifestations, and Treatment of Cancer Cancer Epidemiology Cancer in Children Lab activities:
  1. Watch the videos posted under course content
                                                                        Topic:    The Neurological System

Didactic Objectives:

Discuss Pain, temperature, sleep, sensory function, Alterations in cognitive systems, cerebral hemodynamics, motor functions, disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems and neuromuscular junction, and alterations of neurologic functions in children
Pain, Temperature, sleep and sensory function Geriatric considerations: Aging and changes in hearing
Geriatric considerations: Aging and changes in olfaction and taste Alterations in cognitive systems, cerebral hemodynamics, and motor functions Disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems and neuromuscular junction Lab activities:
  1. Watch the videos posted under course content

Topic:   The Endocrine system
Didactic Objectives: Discuss Mechanisms of Hormonal regulation and alterations of Hormonal regulation

 
Mechanisms of hormonal regulation Alterations of hormonal regulation Lab activities:
  1. Watch the videos posted under course content                                            

Topic:    The Hematologic System
Didactic Objectives: Discuss alterations of hematologic function and alterations of hematologic function in children.

 
Alterations of hematologic function Alteration of hematologic function in children Lab Activities:
  1. Watch videos posted under course content

Topic:    The Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems
Didactic Objectives: Discuss alterations of cardiovascular function, and alterations of cardiovascular function in children.

 
Alterations of Cardiovascular Function Alterations of Cardiovascular function in Children Lab activities:
  1. Watch videos posted under course content

Topic:    Pulmonary Function
Didactic Objectives: Discuss Alterations of pulmonary function and alteration of pulmonary function in children.

 
Alterations of pulmonary function Alterations of pulmonary function in children Lab activities:
  1. Watch videos posted under course content

Topic:    The Renal Urologic System
Didactic Objectives: Discuss Alterations of renal and urinary tract function and alterations of renal and urinary tract function in children.           

 
Alterations of Renal and urinary tract function Alterations in Renal and Urinary tract function in children. Lab Activities:
  1. Watch the videos posted under course content

Topic:    The Digestive System
Didactic Objectives: Discuss alterations of digestive function and alterations of digestive function in children.

 
Alterations of digestive function Alterations of digestive function in children Lab Activities:
  1. Watch the videos posted under course content

Topic:   The Musculoskeletal System
Didactic Objectives: Discuss Alterations of musculoskeletal function and alterations of musculoskeletal function in children.

Alterations in musculoskeletal function Alterations of musculoskeletal function in children Lab Activities:
  1. Watch the videos posted under course content

Topic: Integumentary

Discuss: Structure, function, and disorder of the integumentary system in adults and children.
 
 Structure, function, and disorders of the integument Alterations of the integument in children Lab Activities:
  1. Watch the video posted under course content


Lamar State College Orange Syllabus
Health, Workforce, and Technical Studies
Health Profession Division
RN Transition Nursing Program

 
 
SCANS Skills
 

Course		 1
Reading		 2
Writing		 3
Arithmetic/
Math		 4
Speaking/
Listening		 5
Thinking Skills		 6
Personal
Qualities		 7
Workplace
Competencies		 8
Basic Use of
Computers
 
RNSG 1311
Nursing Patho-
physiology		 Text
Modules
Assignment
Tests
Websites
Equipment
Tools
Assessment
Homework		 Homework
Assignments
Documentation of Nursing Process
Tests		 Calculation of grades
Medication administration		 Lecture discussion
Small group work
Lab presentations		 Homework
Exams
Lab assignments		 Completion of course requirements,
Group work
Exams
Patient Care		 Skills lab completion
Exams and learner assessments		 Assignments,
Exams
Word processing
 




Major Assignments Schedule

Major Assignments Schedule


Date		 Lectures Labs
Thursday Class    
8/24  Syllabus; Units 1,2 &3  Orientation to Patho; Discuss   blogs; Sign up for   Davis Advantage Modules and   quizzes; 
8/31  Unit 4  Exam 1 Opens
9/7  Unit 5  Blog 1 Opens; Exam 1 Due;   
9/14  Unit 6  Blog 1 Due
9/21  Unit 7  
9/28  Exam 2  Online from 8 am to 10 pm
10/5  Units 8 & 9  Blog 2 Opens
10/12  Unit 10  Blog 2 Due
10/19   Fall Break  
10/26  Units 11 &15  
11/2  Exam 3  Online from 8 am to 10 pm
11/9  Unit 13  
11/17  Units 14 & 16  
11/24  Thanksgiving  
11/30  Exam 4  Online from 8 am to 10 pm All Davis modules and quizzes are   due; All CEU and Lifesaver   seminars are due; 
12/7  Final Exam  Online from 8 am to 10 pm
 

Final Exam Date

December 7, 2023 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 7, 2023 - 10:00 PM




Final Exam Date

December 7, 2023 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 7, 2023 - 10:00 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.

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: Cheating –  
Plagiarism – to take and use as one’s own the ideas or writings of another without giving that person credit.  Plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional and includes copying someone else’s work word-for-word and claiming that it is yours as well as summarizing, paraphrasing, or quoting and not providing he proper documentation and credit to the author.  This includes information from any source: printed, verbal (such as an interview), electronic (the Internet or any electronic source), even if the site/author specifically states that you are allowed to download and use any portion and claim it as your own.  It also includes overly-helpful relatives and friends who are too generous with their input for assignments, no matter how pure their intensions are.  Plagiarism, including “cut, paste and copy” may result in a grade of “F” for the paper, classwork, or exam and may result in failure of the course.
 
Collusion – lending assistance or failing to report witnessed acts of academic misconduct.  This includes discussing an examination with students who have not taken the exam, having a copy of the examination outside the time and place of test administration.  If you observe cheating during an exam, or know of students who have an unfair advantage, it is your obligation to report these occurrences to the Dean of Technical Studies who will investigate the allegations while maintaining your confidentiality.
 
Lying or deceitfulness –  
Also, according to the LSCO Student Handbook, p. 52, "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."
According to the LSCO Student Handbook, any of these methods of academic dishonesty are grounds for immediate dismissal from the institution.
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. The Vice President for Academic Affairs has final authority in cases where a student appeals an academic penalty due to academic honesty.
After completion of the academic process, the Vice President for Academic Affairs who makes final disposition of the case may refer the matter to the Vice President for Student Services for any additional discipline that may be appropriate.  
Students subject to penalty due to academic honesty have the right to appeal to the division director and eventually to the Dean and/or Vice President for Academic Affairs before imposition of the penalty. (See LSCO Student Handbook, Academic Integrity)
             
 



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.

Students enrolled in RNSG 1311 are health care providers/professionals. Thus, in making a professional commitment to health care as a career, students are expected to conduct themselves as adult learners, displayed in attendance patterns, conduct in class, and in being active, continual, self-reliant, autonomous, independent learners. Students are expected to read assignments, answer objectives, use the library, participate in class, and complete other learning activities in pursuit of the classes' aims and objectives of the individual units of study. The student should be prepared for the consequences of failure to meet attendance and self-directed learning expectations.
 


Make-up Work Policy

Students are strongly encouraged to take exams as scheduled.  However, in the event that an exam cannot be taken as scheduled, the student is required to notify the instructor BEFORE the originally scheduled exam date and give the reason for the absence.  A make up exam may be scheduled at the discretion of the instructors.  In the event that a make-up exam is allowed, it must be taken within one week after the original exam date. All make-up exams, whether taken early or late, will have a ten-point penalty deducted.  There will be NO exceptions to this rule.
The Final Examination must be taken according to course calendar schedule with no provision for makeup. 
 




Classroom Etiquette

When in class no food or drink is allowed. If you must have your cell phone it must be on silent during class.
Exam Policy

Unit exams will be administered online as scheduled on the course calendar.   The Final Examination must be taken according to the published college final exam schedule with no provision for makeup.
Date of final exam: December 7, 2023. 
 


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:  There are four (4) exams. All four exams total 30% of the course grade. Each exam will comprise 7.5% of the course grade.  The final exam will comprise 20% of the class grade. 
 
The student will be given the opportunity to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to enhance their learning experiences. Lecture topics will have accompanying written assignments, modules, discussion, and/or videos.  All course assignments are expected to be submitted by due date through the assignment tool in Blackboard.  It is the responsibility of the student to turn in required assignments on time and to notify the instructor of inabilities to meet assignment prior to the due dates.  All correspondence with the instructor will be done through your email through Office 365.
 
Pathophysiology Davis Advantage® Learning Modules and Quizzes. This will comprise 30% of your course grade.  Complete the required Pathophysiology Davis advantage® module for each chapter. To receive credit for your modules you must do the pretest, the activity and obtain a green thumbs up on the post test. There are six Next Generation activities that must be completed in addition to the green thumbs up on the modules to receive credit for the six modules to which they are attached. The Next Generation activities must be done but no specific activity grade needs to be obtained. You must also do the assigned Davis Advantage quizzes with a green thumbs up or an 85%.The assignments and due date will be posted to the blackboard website on the first-class day. Late assignments will receive a zero.
 
Blogs: Blog questions or topics will be posted. They will comprise 9% of your grade. Students are expected to answer the questions or respond to the topic and answer at least one other student’s responses. You must post on at least two separate days, at a minimum. Student responses must be done in a professional manner and must substantially add to the class discussion for the question or topic (using reflection and personal experience as well as the literature or asking questions of others for further clarification). All posts must adhere to online netiquette at all times. See the grading criteria for further clarification.
 
System Specific CEUs.  These will comprise 5% of the course grade. Complete four (4) different System Specific CEUs (1.25% each) nursing or medical continuing education activities or units.  The CEUs are required to encompass the Pathophysiology topics discussed in the required textbook for this class. Each activity or unit has to be equivalent to at least a 1-hour CEU.  A copy of the completion certificate with the student’s name, the CEU’s name, amount of time spent and type of CEU is due when the student sits for the 4th exam. (Keep the original for your records and turn in a copy of the completion certificate.) There is no provision for makeup. See class calendar for date of the 4th exam.

Lifesaver Seminars  These will comprise 5% of your grade. You must compete 4 different lifesaver seminars. You will upload your completion certificates to the appropriate drop box on the date of the 4th exam. See class calendar for the date of the 4th exam.

Syllabus Quiz is a quiz that comprises 1% of your course grade. This quiz is used used to verify student understanding and agreement to abide by the syllabus.
 
 Course Grading Criteria
1.  Davis Advantage Learning Modules
        and quizzes                                               30%
2.  Blogs                                                              9%
3.  CEU’s (4) @ 1.25% each                              5%
4. Lifesaver seminars                                          5%
5. Syllabus Quiz                                                  1%
6.  Exams (4) @ 7.5% each                               30%        
7.  Comprehensive Final Examination              20 %   
                Total                                                 100%   
 
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 75 - 79
D = 70 – 74 (Not transferable to the RN Transition Program)
F = below 69 (Not transferable to the RN Transition Program)

 


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

After all students have completed the exam, instructors evaluate test item statistics and adjust grades if warranted.
Students are informed of rationales for exam items that have been re-evaluated.
If a student fails a unit exam, additional review is recommended. Students are expected to make an appointment individually within one week after the exam with the instructor.At that time, the student, with the assistance of the instructor, identifies strategies to improve exam performance.
After ALL students have completed the exam and immediately after exam submission, missed items and accompanying feedback may be made available for review. If all students are not available to take the exam, review of missed questions and rationale will not be available until determined by faculty.



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.