LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

Registered Nursing

RNSG, 2514, Care of Clients Complex Needs, 21

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name	Jennifer Trotter
Building/Office Number	Nursing and Classroom Building (NCB), Room 104F
Office Hours	Monday-Friday:  by appointment Wednesday and Thursday:  4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Virtual Hours	Monday-Friday:  by appointment
Office Telephone	(409) 882-3017
Email Address	jennifer.trotter@lsco.edu

Course Description

RNSG 2514 ............................................ 5-4-2 Integrated Care of the Patient with Complex Health Care Needs (51.3801) Application of a systematic problem-solving process, critical thinking skills and concepts to provide comprehensive nursing care to diverse patients and families across the life span with complex health care needs including, but not limited to, complex childhood/adolescent diseases, complicated perinatal care, acute mental illness, complex perioperative care, serious adult health problems and health issues related to aging. Emphasis on tertiary disease prevention, health maintenance/restoration and collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary health care team. Content includes the roles of the professional nurse and applicable competencies in knowledge, judgment, skills, and professional values within a legal/ethical framework. 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 and RNSG 2261. Co-Requisites: RNSG 2262 Clinical II. To receive credit for RNSG 2514, the course must be successfully completed simultaneously with RNSG 2262. TEC.


Required Textbook & Materials

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(10^th ed.). Elsevier.
 
Mosby (Publisher) (2021). Elsevier Adaptive Quizzing for the NCLEX-RN Exam [Online
     Course]. Elsevier.
 
Silvestri, Linda A. (2023). 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), (2^nd ed). Elsevier.
 
Sole, M. L., Klein, D. G., & Moseley, M. J., (2021). Introduction to critical care nursing (8^th 
     ed.). Elsevier.
 
Townsend, Mary C., Morgan, Karyn I., (2020). Essentials of psychiatric mental health nursing.
     (8^th ed.).Davis.

Required Materials Available Online through the LSCO library:
https://library.lsco.edu/books/dbsubject.asp#Nursing
 
 
Recommended Optional Materials:
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.
      (10^th 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. (10^th ed.).Saunders.
 
Jarvis, C. (2020).  Physical Examination & Health Assessment (8^th ed.). Elsevier.
 
Supplementary Materials: 
Teaching/Learning activities are designed to enhance the student’s learning experience in relating nursing theory to practice and may include but not limited to:
 
Teaching/Learning activities are designed to enhance the student’s learning experience in relating nursing theory to practice and may include:
 

Lecture/discussion	Guest lectures
Simulations	Internet
Audio-visual aids	Role play and gaming
Handouts	Clinical/Field experiences
Models/specimens	Case presentations
Laboratory	Student presentations
Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI)	Worksheets
Independent study groups	Seminars
Teaching charts	Library Resources

Upon registration for classes, LSCO students are automatically charged $14 per semester credit hour for access to all required textbooks, lab manuals, lab codes, and electronic books on the first day of class through the Gator Book Pack. Information about the LSCO Gator Book Pack as well as responses to common FAQs can be found on LSCO's webpage. ALL STUDENTS WILL HAVE UNTIL THE SECOND DAY OF THE SEMESTER TO OPT-OUT OF THE GATOR BOOK PACK.

Every student MUST have access to the required textbooks by the week of class. The student will be responsible for all assignments given. Failure to have a text may result in being dropped from the class. Failure to follow instructions (written or oral) will result in penalties.


Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

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

Core Objectives

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

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

Course Level Learning Outcomes (WECM)	Student learning Outcomes with Educational Competencies (EC) and Differentiated Educational Competencies (DECs	Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects
Prioritize clinical reasoning processes and clinical judgment when caring for patients and families across the lifespan with complex health care needs;	Promote Health Maintenance and heath restoration by using clinical reasoning and clinical judgment to implement a safe plan of care for patients and their families with complex healthcare needs. EC 1, 4, 5 DECs II B 11, D 1 d, 5 a, b F 2, G 3 b, iii B 3bC 1 b, IV E 2 d, e	Complete case studies, and patient care simulations with pre and post simulation activities which may include case studies, care plans, and review of journal articles for evidence-based practice. Participate in discussion board.
Manage collaborative behavior as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team	Appy therapeutic communication skills to collaborate with the multidisciplinary heath care team to plan and provide care for clients and their families with complex health care needs. EC 1, 3, 4, 5 DECs II C 7, II H 2, IV A 1 a, b, 3 a, b, 4 a, B 1 b, C 4, 5, 6, 7, G 3	Complete case studies, and patient care simulations with pre and post simulation activities which may include case studies, care plans, and review of journal articles for evidence-based practice. Participate in discussion board.
Analyze legal and ethical parameters of nursing for patients and families experiencing complex health care problems	Appy the nurse practice act in relation to patients and families and recognize situations requiring advocacy for patients and their families. EC 1, 4, 5 DECs I C 3, D 5, III A 3, 4, 5, B 3 b, IV B 1b	Complete case studies, and patient care simulations with pre and post simulation activities which may include case studies, care plans, and review of journal articles for evidence-based practice. Participate in discussion board.

 
 
Upon completion of RNSG 2514, the student will have been given the opportunity to:
 
·       Differentiate between roles and functions of the Licensed Vocational Nurse and in a
             Registered Nurse variety of health care settings (EC 5)
·       Compare the different legal and ethical responsibilities of the Licensed Vocational Nurse and Registered Nurse (EC 5)
·       Apply the nursing process in planning comprehensive care for diverse clients and their families (EC 1, 3, 4)
·       Apply principles of critical thinking and decision-making when providing nursing care for clients with common health problems (EC 1, 5)
·       Discuss the importance of collaborative behavior as a member of the health care team (EC 3, 5); discuss principles of health promotion (EC 2) 
·       Apply therapeutic communication skills to maintain effective interpersonal relationships (EC 3); identify principles of and demonstrate skills for safe basic nursing care including medication administration (EC 4, 5)
·       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.
 
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:                    C,D
                                     II.    ProviderofPatient-­­CenteredCare:             B, C, D,E, F, G, H
                                    III.    PatientSafetyAdvocate:                        A,B,C
                                   IV.    MemberoftheHealthCareTeam:           A,B,C,E, G
 
 
General Education Outcomes
Upon completion of the course the successful student will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the following competencies and mastery of the associated learning outcomes at a level consistent with the achievement and performance expected for college students:
 

Core Objectives	Associated Class Activities	Associated Measures
Critical Thinking Skills: Creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.	Activities: Students will communicate their knowledge of Health care concepts by documenting their ideas and conclusions and be able to support those findings with evidence-based research.	Measures: Exams to demonstrate content mastery. Problem Solving Activities Discussion Board Case Studies Basic Math and Dosage Calculation Adaptive quizzing assignments
Communication Skills: Effective development, interpretation, and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication.	Activities: Students will communicate effectively in the clinical setting during report and when reporting changes in patient status. They will also communicate effectively in the classroom setting during classroom discussions.	Measures: Discussion boards and responding to their peer’s posts, written examinations. Written assignments, group assignments. Clinical evaluations
Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.	Activities: Dosage calculations in the clinical setting. Using assessment data to make an informed clinical decision for patient care	Measures: Math questions on written examinations. Math questions in discussion boards.  Math questions in simulation activities. Clinical evaluations
Teamwork: Ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.	Activities: Clinical experiences Simulation experiences Group assignments	Measures: Written examination and groups assignments clinical evaluations and group evaluations
Social Responsibility: Intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.	Activities: students will participate in activities that promote social responsibility, accountability	Measures: Participate in clinical experiences in any and all areas without regard for the status of the patient. Participate in all simulations regarding social situations and ethical questions.
Personal Responsibility: Ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.	Activities: students will participate in activities that promote personal responsibility, accountability, and ethical decision making	Measures: Participate in handoff report in clinical reporting to clinical on time and in uniform maintaining current immunization status and CPR status. Participate in all simulation experiences regarding ethical legal situations.

 
 
SCANS Skills Attached
 




Course Topical Outline

Course Topical Outline

Nursing concepts applied by the ADN in caring for clients of all age groups and their families experiencing complex health problems (of) (with the):

Critical Care Overview:	Overview, Patient and family response to critical care experience, Comfort and Sedation, Organ Donation,
Cardiovascular System:	Dysrhythmias, Cardiac Problems, Shock , Acute Coronary Syndrome, Pediatric Cardiovascular Disorders, Cardiovascular Medications, Hemodynamic monitoring, Sepsis, multiple organ failure, Rapid Response Teams and Code Management
Endocrine System:	Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Medications
Gastrointestinal System:	Nutritional, Oral, Esophageal, Gastric, Liver, Biliary and Pancreas, and Intestinal Disorders, Pediatric GI Disorders, GI Medications
Integumentary System:	Burns
Neurological System:	Care of the Critically Ill patient with Neurological Problems (with exception of seizures, infections, and cognitive disorders), Brain Injuries, Spinal Cord Disorders, Pediatric Neurological Disorders, Neurological Medications
Muscular/Skeletal System:	Trauma
Renal System:	Urinary Tract Disorders, Kidney Disorders, Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease, Pediatric Renal / Urinary Disorders, Renal, and Urinary Medications
Respiratory System:	Care of critically ill patients with respiratory problems, Oxygen therapy and tracheostomies, Lower Respiratory Disorders, Acute Respiratory Failure, Pediatric Respiratory Disorders, Respiratory Medications.
Trauma:	Mechanisms of injury, Emergency Resuscitation, Assessment and Management of Trauma patients.
Pediatric:	Overview of Pediatric Care and Pediatric Critical Care topics

Major Assignments Schedule


See Course Calendar, Due Date Calendar, Reading List, and Lab assignments posted in RNSG 2514 on Blackboard.


Final Exam Date

November 3, 2023 - 9:00 AM   Through  November 3, 2023 - 12:00 PM


COURSE POLICIES

Academic Honesty

Faculty who suspect violation of academic honesty, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, or abuse of resource materials may assign an academic penalty. Students must be notified of their right to appeal before the academic penalty is imposed.

Students subject to penalty due to academic honesty have the right to appeal the decision. Refer to the current LSCO Catalog for details on the appeal process.
Students subject to penalty due to academic honesty have the right to appeal the decision. Refer to the current LSCO Catalog for details on the appeal process.



Electronic Communication

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




Attendance Requirements

Federal regulations require students who receive financial aid to have begun "attending" and participate substantially in each course for which they are enrolled on or before the official census reporting date outlined on the LSCO Academic Calendar. Students documented as "not attending" a course upon the census date are assumed (for financial aid purposes) to have not begun attendance for that course, negatively affecting their financial aid eligibility and disbursement.

Attendance in an ONLINE course is verified by substantial participation in the course on or before the census date published in the LSCO Academic Calendar. Substantial participation in this online course is defined as logging in and completing/participating in at least one requirement of the course. Note: Simply logging in to your online course does not constitute attendance.

Hybrid classes are a mix of face-to-face and online environments. Students will be expected to attend a certain number of classes as required by the instructor. (Include the policy on absences and tardiness.) In addition to classroom attendance, your weekly active participation in the online component (Blackboard and/or homework software) will be considered and expected.

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.

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.






Make-up Work Policy

Make-up Work Policy

Students are strongly encouraged to take exams as scheduled.  However, in the event that an exam cannot be taken on scheduled date, the student is required to notify the instructor BEFORE the exam and give his/her reason.  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 published college exam schedule with NO provision for makeup or rescheduling.  
 
Assignment Policy
Assignments must be submitted by the due date, in the proper format and proper location.  Any assignments not submitted by the due date will not be accepted and will receive a zero (0).  All assignments must be submitted to Blackboard, no assignments will be accepted via email or any other format other than Blackboard.




Classroom Etiquette

All electronic communication devices must be set to silent mode at all times in the classroom.  The use of electronic communication devices in any learning setting is to be limited to emergency situations only. If it is necessary to leave the classroom to respond to a call or text, the student may re-enter the classroom at the next break. Students may not use a cellular telephone in the classroom. 
 
Classroom behavior should not interfere with the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or the ability of other students to learn from the instructional program. Unacceptable behavior includes but not limited to disrespectful, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior and will not be tolerated. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior may be instructed to leave the classroom and may receive disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal from the program. This prohibition applies to all instructional forums, including electronic, classroom, labs, clinical, discussion groups, field trips, etc.

Exam Policy

All exams will be given on campus in a computer lab to simulate NCLEX-RN®.The use of outside resources during exams are not allowed. This includes but not limited to notes, smartphones, smartwatches, or internet browsers.

Exam Schedule
Exams are given on scheduled dates in the computer lab (refer to course calendar).
The Final Examination must be taken according to the course calendar schedule with no provision for makeup or rescheduling.




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

Grading and Evaluation Method
Exams: There are three (3) math exams. The math competency exams will be administered on the computer. The math competency exams will be worth a total of 6% of the exam grade. (Math exam 1- 1%, math exam 2-2%, math 3-3%)
 
There are six exams, two HESIs,  and a final.  There are six (6) instructor-generated exams, exams 1&6 are worth 6% each, exams 2-5 are worth  7% each, and one (1) HESI Medical-Surgical exam worth 5%. and a  HESI Critical Care exam worth 5%. There will be an instructor-generated final exam worth 20%.  The exams are administered on the computer to simulate state board exams. The exams are administered during the assigned time. The use of outside resources during exams are not allowed. This includes notes, smartphones, smartwatches, or internet browsers. 
 
A combined weighted score of 75 must be obtained from a combination of each exam (calculated at 6% & 7% each), HESI Med/Surg and HESI CC Exams (calculated at 5% each) the three math competency exams (calculated at 1%, 2%, and 3%), and a Final Exam (calculated at 20%) to pass this course, independent of all other graded assignments.  Failure to obtain the 75% on the required combined weighted score will result in failure of the course. These scores represent 75% of your course grade and can be calculated using the formula listed below.  Evolve Case Studies,  Assignments, Exam Wrappers, Syllabus Quiz, and Adaptive Quizzing will be added ONLY if you achieve the combined weighted score of 75.

See formula for calculating grade below:
Formula for calculating:

Math 1                                 1%                          You make:     75     X      1% = 0.75

Math 2                                 2 %                         You make:     75    X      1% = 1.5

Math 3                                 3%                          You make      75    X      3%=2.25

Exam 1                                6 %                         You make:     75    X      6% = 4.50

Exam 2                                7%                          You make:     75    X      7% = 5.25

Exam 3                                7%                          You make:     75    X      7% =5.25

Exam 4                                7%                          You make:     75    X      7% =5.25

Exam 5                                7%                          You make:     75    X      7% = 5.25

Exam 6                                6%                          You make:     75    X      6% = 4.50

HESI M/S                            5%                         You make:     75    X      5% =3.75  HESI CC                             5%                         You make:     75    X      5% =3.75 Final Exam                           20%                       You make:     75   X      20% =15

Total: 57 divided by 75% = 76       You have achieved the required score

=74.45  You did not achieve the required score

Evolve Case Studies: Students must complete the assigned Evolve Case Studies per course calendar. The student will have one attempt for each case study and the grade earned will be recorded. NO LAT SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. These will count as 10% of this course.

Blog Assignments: There will be 4 blog assignments. They must be completed on time and within the expected form. These will be 4% of this course.

Exam Wrappers:  Assignments will include the completion of 8 exam wrappers and will also include additional Adaptive Quizzing labeled "Post-Exam Review Questions". This will include your HESI Fundamentals remediation from last semester. These will count for 4% of this course.

Adaptive Quizzing: There will be 8 adaptive quizzes required throughout the semester. To receive credit for this assignment, the students must complete the assigned quizzes by the due date per course calendar. Students scoring more than 75% will receive the grade earned. Students scoring below 75% will receive a grade of zero (0). NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. This will count as 5% of the course grade. 

Syllabus Quiz: This quiz shows that you have read and will abide by the syllabus. This will count as 1% of the course grade.
 

Graded Activities Description Math 1 Concepts learned as evidenced by the scores earned on the exam   1%    Math 2 Concepts learned as evidenced by the scores earned on the exam 2% Math 3 Concepts learned as evidenced by the scores earned on the exam 3% Exam 1(instructor generated exam) Concepts learned as evidenced by the scores earned on the exam 6% Exam 2(Instructor generated exam) Concepts learned as evidenced by the scores earned on the exam 7% Exam 3 (Instructor generated exam) Concepts learned as evidenced by the scores earned on the exam 7% Exam 4 (Instructor generated exam) Concepts learned as evidenced by the scores earned on the exam 7% Exam 5 (Instructor generated Exam) Concepts learned as evidenced by the scores earned on the exam 7% Exam 6 (Instructor generated Exam) Concepts learned as evidenced by the scores earned on the exam 6%     HESI Med/Surg Exam Concepts learned as evidenced by the scores earned on the exam 5% HESI Critical Care Exam Concepts learned as evidenced by the scores earned on the exam 5% Final Exam (instructor generated Exam) Concepts learned as evidenced by the scores earned on the exam 20%   A combined weighted score of 75 must be obtained on the math competency exams (calculated at 6% total), Exam 1 (calculated at 6%), Exam 2 (calculated at 7%) Exam 3 (calculated at 7%), Exam 4 (calculated at 7 %),Exam 5 (calculated at 7%), Exam 6 (calculated at 6%), HESI Medical Surgical (calculated at 5%), HESI Critical Care (calculated at 5%), and Comprehensive Final Exam (calculated at 20%) to pass this course, independent of all other graded assignments. (Total 75) Blogs 4 at 1% each. These will be completed and scored in Blackboard. (4%) Evolve Case Studies Concept learned as evidenced by correct answers to pertinent questions. Students receive a numeric grade assigned according to full, complete, thoughtful answers to the case study. 10% Exam Wrappers Exam Wrappers, Post-Exam AQ Questions 4% Adaptive Quizzes  8 Adaptive quizzes (0.625% each) 5% Syllabus Quiz 1 % (must complete to progress in course) TOTAL 100%

A final course grade of 75% is necessary for the student to pass this course.  The final course grades are assigned as follows:

A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 89
C = 75 - 79
D = 70 - 74
F = 0 - 69
 

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

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.
 
Much of this course requires access to, familiarity with, and use of a computer and the Internet. You should have a general understanding of basic software such as Microsoft Word or another similar word processor, the Internet, a readily available Internet access device, and good working knowledge of web browsers such as Firefox and Google Chrome. If you do not have these items at home, LSCO has computer and internet access at a variety of locations.  See me for more information.
 
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




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.