LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

PTAC, 2314, Principles of Quality, 10A

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name	Tony Bramblett
Building/Office Number	Wilson Building (WB), Room 104
Office Hours	Monday through Friday 7:00 am until 8:00 am
Virtual Hours	None
Office Telephone	(409) 882-3021
Email Address	Tony.Bramblett@lsco.edu
Course Schedule	Building: Wilson Building (WB), Room: 0000134, Dates: 8/25/2025 - 12/16/2025, Days: MTWRF, Times: - 4:30pm - 5:00pm
Course Description	PTAC 2314 Principles of Quality (41.0301) 3-3-0 Study of the background and application of quality concepts. Topics include team skills, quality tools, statistics, economics and continuous improvement. Prerequisite: PTAC 1302. TEC.

Required Textbook & Materials

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 Level: Intermediate

Course Description: Study of the background and application of quality concepts. Topics include team skills, quality tools, statistics, economics and continuous improvement.

End-of-Course Outcomes: Use statistical process control to collect, organize, and analyze data; describe the principles of quality control; and use quality tools.

Lab Recommended

CIP Code Description: 41.0301 (Chemical Technology/Technician)

Effective Date: September 1, 2022

Topic Name Objectives

Course Overview 1. Define quality.

2. Trace the rebirth of quality in the United States.

3. Discuss Deming’s philosophy of quality.

4. Discuss Juran’s philosophy of quality.

5. Discuss Crosby’s philosophy of quality.

6. Discuss other quality gurus (e.g., Shewhart, Taguchi) and their philosophies of quality.

7. Discuss quality programs significant to the process industry today: ISO 9000, and Six Sigma.

8. Explain the purpose and benefits of ISO 9000 certification.

9. Explain what policies and procedures must be in place in order for a manufacturing facility to receive ISO 9000 certification; i.e., procedures, audits, and recordkeeping.

TQM (Total Quality

Management) and

Economics 1. 2. 3. Discuss the philosophy, methods and elements of TQM – Total Quality Management. List different terms for "quality management". Distinguish between the "old" versus "new" philosophy of quality; e.g., Conformance to Specifications versus Maintenance of Consistency.

4. Discuss the impact of quality.

5. Discuss the cost of quality: appraisal, internal failure, external failure and prevention.

6. Discuss the cost associated with a lack of quality.

7. Define economics.

8. Explain competition.

9. Discuss relationship between supply and demand.

10. Define inflation.

11. Describe risk.

12. Define standard of living.

13. Discuss the concept of the operator as a stake-holder.

14. Describe downsizing.

15. Explain profit and loss.

 

Total Quality Management and Economics (Cont'd.) 16. 17. 18. Define revenue. Describe the "Five Factors of Production". Describe assets and liabilities.

19. Distinguish between accounts payable and accounts receivable.

20. Define income.

21. Illustrate the relationship between income before taxes, taxes, and income after taxes.

22. Explain fixed and variable costs.

23. Discuss relationship between profitability and /operating rate as it relates to fixed and variable costs.

24. Define gross profit.

25. List the costs that contribute to operating expenses.

26. Define depreciation.

27. Discuss how productivity affects plant profits.

28. Discuss how natural resources are used by the process industry.

29. Discuss the impact of off-spec production: re-grading or re-working.

30. Describe how substandard production in one part of the process affects the remaining parts.

31. Explain the economic impact of lost opportunities due to lack of certification or production limitations.

 

Customer Service and Personal Effectiveness 1. 2. 3. Describe customer service. Differentiate between internal and external customers. Differentiate between customer specifications and customer requirements.

4. Discuss what customers want from their providers and suppliers.

5. Explain the relationship between the customer's processes and the supplier's processes.

6. Describe the importance of customer visits.

7. Describe the importance of responding to customer requests and comments.

8. Explain why good customer relationships are important to the success of your company's business

9. Explain why a "win/win' relationship must exist between customer and supplier for the business to prosper.

10. Explain why the employee "is" the organization in the customer's eyes.

11. Identify personal strengths and weaknesses and how they impact personal effectiveness.

12. Describe the characteristics of an effective, efficient person.

13. Explain the concept of a person’s sphere of influence.

14. Describe and practice time management skills.

15. Describe and demonstrate organizational skills.

16. Discuss and demonstrate planning and prioritization skills.

17. Define personal productivity.

18. List and discuss the factors that impact productivity.

19. Describe personal accountability and examples of employee evaluation processes.

20. Explain how expanded duties benefit the organization and the individual.

21. Explain the importance of organizational mission, vision, and values.

22. Explain the importance of aligning one's own values with those of the organization.

23. Describe various organizational structures and one's place therein.

24. Describe various organizational resources (i.e., training department, HR, quality assurance lab, maintenance, and engineering) and how to utilize them.

 

Customer Service and Personal Effectiveness (Cont'd.) 25. 26. Describe ways to improve time management. Describe the importance of the following as they relate to personal effectiveness: • Display patience. • Take initiative. • Display task-orientation. • Demonstrate flexibility. • Display the ability to adapt to change. • Express confidence. • Characterize and display a strong work ethic.

27. Discuss the importance of acknowledging one's limitations, without being defensive and recognizing opportunities for growth.

28. Explain the importance of obtaining knowledge and skills quickly and completely.

29. Explain the importance of having a willingness to: • learn in various environments • be multi-skilled and accept additional responsibilities • share knowledge and train others • take ownership of processes and systems outside normal technical duties

Team Skills 1. Summarize various concepts surrounding team dynamics.

2. Identify and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.

3. List various personality type characteristics which can be found among a diverse group of team members.

4. Explain the following effective meeting management techniques. • Importance of meetings. • Delegating and assigning tasks. • Assessing and allocating resources. • Methods for managing conflict. • Showing respect for and courtesy toward team members • Recognize possible strengths and weaknesses of team members (including you)

 

Effective Teams 1. Explain the importance of communicating appropriately across the organization. 2. Describe the importance of terms used in plant communications; i.e., shift turnover, shift meetings, plant jargon, etc. 3. Discuss tools for plant communication: i.e., software applications, email, voicemail, telephone, radio, log book, documentation. 4. Discuss the importance of written communication; i.e., legible, specific, signed, recordkeeping, legalities. 5. Discuss the importance of accuracy in communication. 6. Describe and demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills and techniques. 7. Explain the necessity for sharing information. 8. Discuss the importance of checking email and voicemail regularly. 9. Describe the purpose and function of teams. 10. Explain the life cycle of teams. 11. List and describe the stages of team development. 12. Convert team goals and objectives into team mission statements. 13. Identify and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills. 14. Describe the following concepts as they relate to team performance: • Getting over the "us" versus "them' mentality. • Willingness to share and participate. • Appreciate diversity. • Value others' perspectives. • Display resourcefulness. • Align individual values and subsequent actions with those of the team. • Recognize that many points of view are better than one. • Accept feedback. • Show a willingness to depend on others. • Appreciate value of "win/win" thinking. • Team dynamics

 

Variance and Operating Consistency 1. 2. 3. Define variation. List variables that affect processes. Summarize the various causes of variation.

4. Explain the difference between common cause and special cause variation. Examples: • Common cause variation: an air-conditioned room the temperature varies as a result of common causes such as body heat, thermostat control settings, etc. • Special cause variation: opening a window, compressor failure, etc.

5. Discuss the concept of operating consistency.

6. Outline the Standardize/Do/Check/Act (SDCA) process for process standardization and continuous improvement.

7. Explain the importance of documentation in maintaining operating consistency (i.e., why is documentation necessary: ISO 9000, customer requirements, best management practices, PSM compliance, etc.).

8. List the different levels of documentation found in the process industry today: • Policies • General Procedures • Specific Procedures (or Job Instructions) • Forms

9. Define variation.

10. List variables that affect processes.

11. Summarize the various causes of variation.

12. Discuss the concept of operating consistency.

13. Outline the Standardize/Do/Check/Act (SDCA) process for process standardization and continuous improvement.

 

Variance and Operating Consistency (Cont’d.) 14. 15. Explain the importance of documentation in maintaining operating consistency (i.e., why is documentation necessary: ISO 9000, customer requirements, best management practices, PSM compliance, etc.). List the different levels of documentation found in the process industry today: • Policies • General Procedures • Specific Procedures (or Job Instructions) • Forms 16. Describe different types of procedures, procedure formats and information found in procedures. 17. Describe different types of policies, policy formats and information found in policies. 18. Discuss the process technician’s role in following and maintaining procedures and policies. 19. Describe the concept of "best practices". 20. Illustrate how the information found within a policy relates to how business is conducted. 21. Explain how the information found within a procedure relates to the functioning of the process. 22. Explain the concept of "document control" 23. Explain the importance of document control 24. Discuss document retention policies found within industry. 25. Explain the importance of keeping process documentation “evergreen". 26. Discuss the consequences of not following policies and procedures; i.e., product inconsistencies, threats to safety, health and environment. 27. Discuss and explain the importance of the following: • Willingness to take directions. • Attention to detail. • Completing tasks in sequential order. • Motivation to perform steps as stated in procedures. 28. Discuss the value of policies and procedures. 29. Discuss the importance of recognizing when instructions given by others are in conflict with approved policies and procedures and discuss steps taken to resolve the conflict.

 

Continuous Improvement and Corrective/Preventive Action 1. 2. 3. 4. Define continuous improvement. Differentiate between chronic and sporadic process problems. List the various strategies companies engage in to improve their processes. Discuss various management approaches to process improvement.

5. Discuss the following as they relate to continuous improvement: • Considering alternatives • Willing to get involved • Practicing observant behavior • Challenging the process • Desiring to improve upon the current state Ability to take action. • Ability to take initiative. • Assertiveness. • Willingness to share ideas in an environment where contributory behavior is not readily rewarded Displaying an openness to change. • Respecting the fact that people can learn from ideas that "don’t work".

6. Discuss preventive action.

7. Discuss corrective action.

8. Describe the concept of cause and effect.

9. Define non-conformance. Describe the consequences of not addressing a non-conformance.

Group Problem Solving 1. Explain the use of various: • Problem solving processes • Solution generation techniques • Decision making tools

 

Basics of SPC (Statistical Process Control) 1. 2. 3. Explain why statistics are necessary for process control. Define SPC – statistical process control. Discuss the foundation for SPC.

4. Explain the need for a SPC control system.

5. Discuss the following as they relate to SPC. • Properties of distributions: location, spread, range. • Normal distribution. • Bi-modal distribution.

6. Define and determine mean, median and mode.

7. Explain standard deviation.

Data Collection and

Control Charts 1. 2. Illustrate how plant data represents the process. Identify various types of data process technicians would collect.

3. Explain the value of plant data.

4. Explain the purposes for collection data: • To describe • To infer • To predict

5. Explain the uses of plant data:

6. Explain how data is collected.

7. Explain how you would use observation skills to collect data: • Touch • Hear • Feel • See

8. Explain how data is used to troubleshoot a process. • inconsistent data • irreconcilable data

9. Explain how questioning techniques (five why’s) are used to collect data.

 

Data Collection and Control Charts (cont) 10. 11. Define representative samples. Explain the problems associated with improper sampling techniques. Describe the importance of completing documentation.

12. Describe the following • Consequences of falsifying records. • Importance of accuracy and precision. • Importance of attention to detail. • The ability to not become complacent. • The ability to seek clarification when unclear.

Control Charts and

Data Representation,

Analysis and

Interpretation 1. 2. 3. 4. Explain the purpose and use of control charts. Explain the characteristics of control charts (upper and lower limits, average, mean, range). Explain control charts for variables (continuous data): Xbar/R, X/Moving R, and Xbar/S charts. Explain control charts for attributes (discrete data): p, np, c, and u charts.

5. Explain why control charts should only be used with certain types of processes (variable as opposed to fixed).

6. Calculate control limits.

Process Capability 1. Interpret the data on a control chart.

2. Describe the rules for determining "out-of-control" status.

3. Explain over-controlling and under-controlling.

4. Define "process capability".

5. Define process capability limits.

6. Define Cp, Cpu, Cpl, and Cpk indices.

7. Compare and contrast potential capability (Cp) with actual capability (Cpk).

8. Explain the benefits of capability indices.

Team Project Apply data collection, representation, analysis, and interpretation skills in a real-world, process industry scenario.

Course Topical Outline

Week of	Day	Topic
8/25	M-F	Introduction To Process Tech 1302.  Afternoon Safety Health and Environmental
9/01	M-F	Introduction To Process Tech 1302.  Afternoon Safety Health and Environmental
9/8	M-F	Introduction To Process Tech 1302.  Afternoon Safety Health and Environmental
9/15	M-F	Introduction To Process Tech 1302.  Afternoon Safety Health and Environmental. 9/17 Start Process Instrumentation 1432, Afternoon Process Tech 1 Equipment 1410
9/22	M-F	Process Instrumentation 1432, Afternoon Process Tech I Equipment 1410
9/29	M-F	Process Instrumentation 1432, Afternoon Process Tech I Equipment 1410
10-6	M-F	Process Instrumentation 1432, Afternoon Process Tech I Equipment 1410
10/13	M-F	Process Instrumentation 1432, Afternoon Process Tech I Equipment 1410, 10/15 Process Tech II Systems 2420, Afternoon Principles of Quality 2314.
10/20	M-F	Process Tech II Systems 2420, Afternoon Principles of Quality 2314.
10/27	M-F	Process Tech II Systems 2420, Afternoon Principles of Quality 2314.
11/03	M-F	Process Tech II Systems 2420, Afternoon Principles of Quality 2314.
11/10	M-F	Process Tech II Systems 2420, Afternoon Principles of Quality 2314.
11/17	M-F	Process Troubleshooting 2446, afternoon Process Tech III 2438.
11/24	M-F	Process Troubleshooting 2446, afternoon Process Tech III 2438.
12-01	M-F	Process Troubleshooting 2446, afternoon Process Tech III 2438.
12-08	M-F	Process Troubleshooting 2446, afternoon Process Tech III 2438.
		Last Class Day; Review for Final Exam
		LSCO Graduation

Major Assignments Schedule

Tests will be given each week.


Final Exam Date

October 11, 2025 - 8:00 AM   Through  October 11, 2025 - 10:00 AM


COURSE POLICIES

Academic Honesty

Faculty who suspect violation of academic honesty, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, or abuse of resource materials may assign an academic penalty.

Incidents of academic dishonesty are a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. 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, including academic dishonesty.




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.

Attendance: Attendance and tardiness for each class will be recorded. Students are expected to attend regularly. Excessive absenteeism will result in a reduction of the “Class work” portion of the final grade. 

Absences: With an absence, Labs and Exams Grades will have a ZERO Grades recorded in the Grade Book until the missed Lab or missed exam is made up. If the exam is not made up by the next Exam date, the grade will remain a ZERO Grade. Any Lab that is missed will require the student to complete an additional assignment for a make up grade


Make-up Work Policy

All make up work must be completed within the following week after work was initially assigned.


Classroom Etiquette


Exam Policy

Students are responsible to report on exam week. Make up tests will follow LSCO procedures.


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




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

If the student has an issue with his/her grade, the instructor must be contacted no later than three (3) days after receiving the grade.


Student's Responsibility

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


Syllabus Content

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


Textbook and Required Materials Access

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


STUDENT SUPPORT RESOURCES

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, Rebecca Gentry, at Rebecca.Gentry@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.