LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

Pharmaceutical Technology

PHRA, 1301, Introduction to Pharmacy, 81D

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name	Jennifer Fabriguze
Building/Office Number	Allied Health Building (AHB), Room 123
Office Hours	Thursday 8:00 am to 9:00 am Best to make an appointment to ensure we can meet during these times. Appointments are also available outside of these times. When contacting me through email, use your LSCO email; do not send emails through Blackboard.
Virtual Hours	Monday-Thursday 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Best to make an appointment to ensure we can meet during these times. Appointments are also available outside of these times. When contacting me through email, use your LSCO email; do not send emails through Blackboard.
Office Telephone	(409) 882-3035
Email Address	Jennifer.Fabriguze@lsco.edu
Course Schedule	Building: Online, Room: TBA, Dates: 10/28/2024 - 12/11/2024, Days: TBA, Times: TBA
Course Description	PHRA 1301 Introduction to Pharmacy (51.0805) 3-3-0 An overview of the qualifications, operational guidelines, and job duties of a pharmacy technician. This course teaches pharmacy technician students information, techniques, and procedures needed to assist the pharmacist in delivery of pharmaceutical products and services. The main objective is to provide the students with a working knowledge of most aspects of pharmacy in community, institution, and other practice settings. This course includes learning modules 1-8, 10, 13-21, 23-27, 29-36, 38, 40-43, and 45 from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ Module Curriculum for Pharmacy Technician Training (Third Edition). Co-requisite: PHRA 1305, PHRA 1313, and PHRA 2260. TEC.

Required Textbook & Materials

Pharmacy Practice for Technicians

Authors: Skye A. McKennon & Robert J. Anderson 

Edition: 7th

Format: Textbook with Online Code

Publisher: Paradigm Education - Kendall Hunt

ISBN: 9798765738931

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

Student Learning Outcomes: Course- and Program-Level	Course Activities and Associated Unit-Level Student Learning Outcomes:
Outline the history of the pharmacy profession	The student will read and complete Chapter 1 assignments and exercises.
Describe the role of the pharmacy technician in a variety of settings.	The student will read and complete Chapter 1,7,8,9 and 10 assignments and exercises.
List the qualifications required for obtaining certification and registration.	The student will read and complete Chapter 16 assignments and exercises.
Identify standards of law and ethics governing pharmacy practice.	The student will read and complete Chapter 2 and 15 assignments and exercises.
Define key medical terms and abbreviations related to pharmacy practice.	Students will be given weekly medical terminology and abbreviation quizzes/assignments.
Explain the importance of utilizing pharmacy resource materials, and summarize safety standards.	The student will read and complete Chapter 2,10, and 14 assignments and exercises.

 

Class Time: 100% Online - 8 week session 

This course is a 100% online and 8 week session, all course assignments are given in Blackboard.

It is important to note that these courses follow the semester schedule, have weekly assignment deadlines, require regular participation in discussion boards, and are as rigorous.

In order to be successful in this course, you must log into Blackboard daily and allocate at least 10 hours each week for reading and assignments.

To help achieve that success you must have a working computer/laptop/tablet, access to WIFI/Internet and required textbook. 

DO NOT go off the calendar with Blackboard. It does not always show all the due dates for some items.
Be sure you look at each week assignments, it will show you the due dates along with the assignments. 

 

ASHP Pharmacy Technician Model Curriculum Training Goals

The following Mapping Guide correlates the entry-level and advanced-level key elements of the revised 
ASHP/ACPE Accreditation Standards for Pharmacy Technician Education and Training Programs to the individual titles in Paradigm’s Pharmacy Technician Series.
The ASHP/ACPE Accreditation Standards were approved in June of 2018 and published in July 2018.
 
ASHP(American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) is an independent, national, professional organization of pharmacists, pharmacy students, and pharmacy technicians.
It encourages all pharmacy technician programs and educators to seek ASHP accreditation.

ACPE (Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education) is a national, accreditation organization that offers pharmacy technician accreditation collaboration, PharmD program accreditation, continuing education provider accreditation, and an international services program for pharmacy education.

ASHP and ACPE have had no participation in Paradigm's Mapping Guide.

SECTION I: COMPETENCY EXPECTATIONS

Standard 1: Personal/Interpersonal Knowledge and Skills 

Key Elements for Entry-level: 

1.1 Demonstrate ethical conduct.	Ch. 15; also, Chs. 2, 14, and Work Wise tips
1.2 Present an image appropriate for the profession of pharmacy in appearance and behavior.	Chs. 15, 16
1.3 Demonstrate active and engaged listening skills.	Ch. 15
1.4 Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.	Chs. 15, 16; also Chs. 7–9, 11
1.5 Demonstrate a respectful and professional attitude when interacting with diverse patient populations, colleagues, and professionals.	Ch. 15; also Work Wise and Practice Tip margin features
1.6 Apply self-management skills, including time, stress, and change management.	Chs. 15, 16
1.7 Apply interpersonal skills, including negotiation skills, conflict resolution, customer service, and teamwork.	Chs. 15, 16; also Work Wise tips and other chapter margin tips
1.8 Demonstrate problem-solving skills.	Chs. 7–9, 15, 16; also Navigator+ end-of-chapter exercises

Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level 

1.9 Demonstrate capability to manage or supervise pharmacy technicians in matters such as conflict resolution, teamwork, and customer service.	Ch. 15, specifically pages 713-715
1.10 Apply critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation.	Information to support these skills provided in Ch. 15 and within Work Wise margin features
1.11 Apply supervisory skills related to human resource policies and procedures.
1.12 Demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate with other healthcare professionals, payors, and other individuals necessary to serve the needs of patients and practice.	Information to support these skills provided in Chs. 1, 7, and 15

Standard 2: Foundational Professional Knowledge and Skills 

Key Elements for Entry-level 

2.1 Explain the importance of maintaining competency through continuing education and continuing professional development.	Chs. 1, 12–16
2.2 Demonstrate ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information and understand applicable state and federal laws.	Ch. 2 (pages 51-52) and Ch. 15 (pages 715-721)
2.3 Describe the pharmacy technician’s role, pharmacist’s role, and other occupations in the healthcare environment.	Chs. 1, 7, 9, 10,
2.4 Describe wellness-promotion and disease-prevention concepts.	Chs. 7, 9, 12, 14, 15
2.5 Demonstrate basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, and medical terminology relevant to the pharmacy technician’s role.	Chs. 3–5
2.6 Perform mathematical calculations essential to the duties of pharmacy technicians in a variety of settings.	Chs. 6–13
2.7 Explain the pharmacy technician's role in the medication-use process.	Chs. 1, 7, 11, 14, 15
2.8 Practice and adhere to effective infection-control procedures.	Chs. 10, 12–14

Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level 

2.9 Describe investigational drug process, medications being used in off-label indications, and emerging drug therapies.	Chs. 3, 11
2.10 Describe further knowledge and skills required for achieving advanced competencies.	Ch. 16
2.11 Support wellness-promotion and disease-prevention programs.	Chs. 12, 15

Standard 3: Processing and Handling of Medications and Medication Orders 

Key Elements for Entry-level: 

3.1 Assist pharmacists in collecting, organizing, and recording demographic and clinical information for the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process.	Chs. 7–9, 11
3.2 Receive, process, and prepare prescriptions/medication orders for completeness, accuracy, and authenticity to ensure safety.	Chs. 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 16
3.3 Assist pharmacists in the identification of patients who desire/require counseling to optimize the use of medications, equipment, and devices.	Chs. 7–9, 14–16, and Practice Tips
3.4 Prepare patient-specific medications for distribution.	Chs. 7, 10, 11, 13–15
3.5 Prepare non-patient-specific medications for distribution.	Chs. 10, 12, 13
3.6 Assist pharmacists in preparing, storing, and distributing medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.	Chs. 7, 10, 11–13, 14, 16
3.7 Assist pharmacists in the monitoring of medication therapy.	Chs. 7, 9, 11, 14, 16
3.8 Maintain pharmacy facilities and equipment.	Chs. 7, 9, 11, 12
3.9 Use information from Safety Data Sheets (SDS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Hazardous Drug List, and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) to identify, handle, dispense, and safely dispose of hazardous medications and materials.	Chs. 10, 13, 14
3.10 Describe Food and Drug Administration product tracking, tracing, and handling requirements.	Chs. 2, 3, 4, 10,
3.11 Apply quality assurance practices to pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies.	Chs. 7, 9, 12–15
3.12 Explain procedures and communication channels to use in the event of a product recall or shortage, a medication error, or identification of another problem.	Chs. 2, 7, 14, 15
3.13 Use current technology to ensure the safety and accuracy of medication dispensing.	Chs. 7–14, 16
3.14 Collect payment for medications, pharmacy services, and devices.	Chs. 8, 9
3.15 Describe basic concepts related to preparation for sterile and nonsterile compounding.	Chs. 10, 12, and 13
3.16 Prepare simple, nonsterile medications per applicable USP chapters (e.g., reconstitution, basic ointments and creams).	Ch. 10
3.17 Assist pharmacists in preparing medications requiring compounding of nonsterile products.	Ch. 10
3.18 Explain accepted procedures in purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies.	Ch. 9
3.19 Explain accepted procedures in inventory control of medications, equipment, and devices.	Chs. 9, 11
3.20 Explain accepted procedures utilized in identifying and disposing of expired medications.	Chs. 9, 15
3.21 Explain accepted procedures in delivery and documentation of immunizations.	Chs. 7, 16

 

Course Topical Outline




Major Assignments Schedule

See Course Content on Blackboard.

You must click on each week, select the assignment folder to see when items are due.

DO NOT use the calendar within Blackboard it does not list all the due dates. 



Final Exam Date

December 13, 2024 - 12:00 AM   Through  December 16, 2024 - 11:59 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.



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.

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.

Instructor Initiated Drop: The program director has the right to initiate the administrative withdrawal of any student whose attendance, conduct, or scholastic abilities, for the role of the pharmacy technician makes it inadvisable for the student to continue in the program. This includes, but is not limited to, a randomly acquired screening for alcohol or illicit drugs.

               Immediate dismissal from the Pharmacy Technology Program will follow documented
               evidence of the following:

                A. Willful lying or deceit.
                  B. Verbal or physical abuse of faculty or pharmacy personnel.
                  C. Falsification.
                  D. Academic dishonesty.
                  E. Theft of any personal or company property
                  F. Working under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.
                  G. Insubordination to faculty or pharmacy personnel.
                  H. Unethical conduct or unsafe performance of the training duties of the pharmacy     
                       technician.
                       1. Violating or threatening the physical, psychological, microbiological, chemical, or
                       thermal safety of the client.
                       2. Breaking previously mastered principles/ learning objectives in carrying out delegated
                       pharmacy technician functions.
                       3. Assuming inappropriate independence in actions or decisions.
                       4. Failing to recognize own limitations, incompetence, and/or legal responsibilities.
                       5. Failing to accept moral and legal responsibility for his/her actions; thereby violating
                       the professional integrity of the pharmacy technician.
                       6. Falsifying or altering academic records, medical records, and prescription orders.
                       7. Representing you as a Pharmacist.
                       8. Engaging in dispensing, counseling, supervising other supportive personnel or other
                       duties only belonging to a registered pharmacist.
                       9. Unlawful or unauthorized delivery of any prescription to anyone but the patient or
                       his/her agent.
                       10. Accepting monetary compensation for fulfilling or not performing technician duties
                       during clinical.
                       11. Unauthorized distribution, delivery, or possession of any prescription, controlled
                       substance, or illegal drug on clinical site premises and classroom.


Make-up Work Policy

Daily Assignments, Discussion Questions, and Quizzes: All assignments are to be turned in on the assigned day.

No late work will be accepted.



Classroom Etiquette

• Face-to-Face - No food, drink, tobacco, cell phones, etc.
• Online - Since face-to-face meetings in the classroom may be replaced by online meetings through discussion boards, emails, and/or Blackboard Collaborate, students are expected to follow the rules of netiquette in these forums.
• Hybrid - When face-to-face meetings in the classroom are replaced by online meetings through discussion boards, emails, and/or Blackboard Collaborate, students are expected to follow the rules of netiquette in these forums.
• Lab - No cell phone, smartwatches, pagers are allowed to be out during class. They must be put up in the appropriate place or turned off. 

Exam Policy

All exams/final are taken as scheduled. Exams and Final are scheduled with NO MAKE-UP. If a student does not take an exam/final as scheduled, he/she will be issued a ZERO for that exam/final.

ALL EXAMS/FINAL ARE TAKEN ON BLACKBOARD AS SCHEDULED.

ALL QUIZZES, EXAMS, AND FINAL WILL BE PROCTORED THROUGH RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER AND MONITOR  

Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Students should use AI technology responsibly and ethically. This includes refraining from using AI to engage in harmful or unethical activities, such as generating false information, spreading misinformation, or engaging in malicious behaviors. The use of AI should align with the principles of academic integrity, honesty, and respect for others. Students are responsible for adhering to LSCO's Academic Honesty policy found in the Student Handbook. LSCO's full AI policy can be found at AI Policy | Lamar State College Orange (lsco.edu)


Expected Time Requirement for this Course

For every hour in class (or unit of credit) taught in a 16-week session, students should expect to spend at least two to three hours per week studying and completing assignments. Example: For a 3-credit hour class taught in a 16-week session, students should prepare to allocate approximately 6 to 9 hours per week outside of class studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit hour taught in a 10-week summer session, students should prepare to allocate approximately 10 to 15 hours per week outside of class studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit hour taught in an 8-week session, students should prepare to allocate approximately 12 to 18 hours per week outside of class studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit hour taught in a 5-week summer session, students should prepare to allocate approximately 20 to 29 hours per week outside of class studying and completing assignments.


Grading and Evaluation Method

Chapter Quizzes in Blackboard:

• Each week you will have a chapter quizzes. Chapter quizzes are set to have unlimited attempts. The highest graded attempt will be set into the grade book.

• Chapter quizzes are assigned on Friday of each week and are due on the following Friday by 11:59 PM.

Chapter Discussion Questions in Blackboard:

• Initial post must include a citation from at least one source (textbook, Internet, article, etc.)  

• APA citations are required for the initial post

• Initial post must be a minimum of 250 words

• Reply post must be a minimum of 100 words

• Initial post is due on Tuesday by 11:59 PM, and replaying on 2 different posts are due on Friday by 11:59 PM.

• The initial post due date will not show in the calendar, it on shows the due date of the replies

• It is your responsibility to remember your initial post. Failure to post initial post will result in a “0”

• Review discussion board policy/guidelines for full requirements

 
All criteria and due dates must be met to receive full credit.

 

Exam Policy:

• All exams/final are taken as scheduled. Exams and Final are scheduled with NO MAKE-UP. If a student does not take an exam/final as scheduled, he/she will be issued a ZERO for that exam/final.

• ALL EXAMS/FINAL ARE TAKEN ON BLACKBOARD AS SCHEDULED.

• ALL QUIZZES, EXAMS, AND FINAL WILL BE PROCTORED THROUGH RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER AND MONITOR  

Evaluation Method:

Letter grades will be assigned as follows:
A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 – 89%
C = 75 – 79%
F = below 74.99

Grades are not rounded.

Example: If you have a 74.50%, then your grade is 74.50% which equals a letter grade of F.


Final grades will be calculated as follows:

• Chapter Quizzes                       25%
• Discussion Questions               12.5%
• Assignments                             12.5%
• Critical Thinking                       25%
• Unit Exams and Final Exam     25%

A final course grade of 75% or above, independent of all other requirements is necessary for the student to pass this course.

Failure is defined as a grade of less than 75%. 

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.


Review of Test Grades

If the student has an issue about his/her grade, the instructor must be contacted no later than three (3) days after receiving the grade. If a student fails a unit examination, he/she is expected to make an appointment within one week, after the examination with the course instructor. At that time, the student will review the examination and, with the assistance of the instructor, identify strategies to improve testing performance.


Student's Responsibility

This syllabus contains information, policies, and procedures for a specific course. By enrolling, the student agrees to read, understand, and abide by the rules, policies, regulations, and ethical standards of Lamar State College Orange as those contained in the current LSCO Catalog and schedule of classes.


Syllabus Content

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus if deemed necessary. All changes will be provided to the students orally or in writing before the implementation of the change.


Textbook and Required Materials Access

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


STUDENT SUPPORT RESOURCES

Mental Health Resources

TimelyCare is a virtual health and well-being platform that is available 24/7 for all non-dual credit enrolled LSCO students. There is no cost to eligible students for this service. TimelyCare’s providers offer emotional support, mental health counseling, health coaching, psychiatry, and basic needs support. Non-Dual Credit students enrolled in classes can log in to the TimelyCare website or app available at timelycare.com/LSCO.


Advocacy Information

Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is encouraged to contact the advising office for guidance on how to identify possible resources. Please notify the instructor of your circumstance if you are comfortable doing so.


Equal Opportunity to Educational Programs

Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is an equal opportunity educational institution and does not discriminate against any person regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status, in admissions, educational programs, student activities or employment. For further information about this policy, contact the Accessibility Coordinator at (409) 882-3393.


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, Joseph Hargrave, at Joseph Hargrave@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.


OASIS (formerly) 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 Accessibility Coordinator at (409) 882-3393 or visit the Advising Office. 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.

Students with questions about the accommodations they receive in class should contact their instructor or the Accessibility Coordinator.


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.


Credit Transfer

Students should check in advance with the institution to which they plan to transfer credit to confirm transferability. Refer to the LSCO Catalog for details on how to handle and resolve transfer disputes with public institutions of higher education in Texas.


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 Court Reporting, 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 at least 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 (Complaints Related to Earned Grades)

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 Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual, LSCO Faculty Handbook, and LSCO Catalog.


Prohibited Items in the Classroom

No food or tobacco (including smokeless) 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 Complaints (excluding Safety, Harassment, or Title IX)

Student-Staff and Student-Instructor Complaint Process excluding Safety, Harassment, or Title IX

LSCO believes that all matters involving a staff member (non-instructor) OR an instructor are best resolved directly with the employee. Should it not be resolved at that level, access and complete the Student Complaint Intake form within five (5) business days from the date of the offense. The Student Complaint Intake Form can be found in any of these locations:

• LSCO Website (Current Students)
• LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints)
• MyGator Card
• Blackboard (Student Resources, Student Services, Student Resources)

After a student completes the Student Complaint Intake Form, they will be contacted by an LSCO employee unrelated to the offense and provided guidance on how to proceed with the Complaint process.

Refer to the LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints) for details on the complaint process.


Student Complaints (involving Safety, Harassment, or Title IX)

Student-Staff and Student-Instructor Complaint Process involving Safety, Harassment, or Title IX:

Students who have experienced a safety, harassment, or title IX event should access and complete the Title IX/Clery: Anonymous Reporting Form found in any of these locations:

• LSCO Website (Sexual Misconduct & Title IX)
• LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints)
• MyGator Card
• Blackboard (Student Resources, Student Services, Student Resources)

After a student completes the intake form, they will be contacted by an LSCO employee and provided guidance on how to proceed.

Refer to the LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints) for details on the complaint process.


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 Catalog. Additional information regarding privacy for Distance Education students can be found in the Distance Education Handbook.