LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

PTAC, 2438, Process Tech III Operations, 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: - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Course Description	PTAC 2438 Process Technology III - Operations (41.0301) 4-3-3 This course combines systems into operational processes with emphasis on operations activities under various conditions including startup, shutdown, and emergency situations. Students write and follow procedures and operate actual equipment. Prerequisite: PTAC 1302, PTAC 1410, and PTAC 2420. Co-requisite: TECM 1303. TEC.

Required Textbook & Materials
Process Operations
Second Edition ISBN-13: 978-0-13-641991-4 ISBN-10: 0-13-64191-7
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


 

		Presence of non-operating personnel Status of permits in force
	2.	Discuss the level of detail necessary to accurately convey complete unit status information.
	3.	Describe how a typical shift change occurs. personnel involved importance of making timely relief location
	4.	List the documentation used during a typical shift change.
	5.	Discuss the importance of establishing good relationships with members of your shift and members of other shifts.
Abnormal Operations - Emergencies	1. 2.	Discuss what types of events could be considered "emergency situations". Describe how operating personnel prepare for each situation (i.e., drills, exercises).
	3.	Discuss actions that should be taken to mitigate each situation.
	4.	Discuss what types of conditions could be considered "emergency operations".
	5.	Identify possible causes for these various conditions.
	6.	Discuss possible corrective action for each of the various possible causes.
	7.	Discuss how each of these critical conditions could affect the normal operation of the unit’s process, utility, and auxiliary systems.
	8.	Discuss the field technician’s role during emergency situations and operations.
	9.	Discuss the board technician’s role during emergency situations and operations.
Abnormal Operations - Applications	1.	Given a potential emergency scenario and appropriate resources (P&IDs, process flow sheets, etc.), write an emergency procedure that complies with SH&E practices and OSHA regulations.
	2.	Given an emergency scenario and an emergency procedure, demonstrate the appropriate emergency response to the emergency operating situation that complies with SH&E practices and OSHA regulations.
Normal Shutdown - Overview and Communications	1.	Differentiate between the types of shutdowns: normal/routine shutdown, emergency shutdown, shutdown for equipment maintenance, and shutdown for turnaround.
	2.	Describe the risks and hazards associated with unit shutdown.
	3.	Describe how unit shutdown activities are covered by OSHA’s PSM (Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Materials) standard.
	4.	List the key activities involved in performing a normal/routine shut down.
	5.	List all departments and personnel who will be involved in, or affected by, the unit shutdown.

 

	6.	List the types of information that will need to be communicated regarding unit shutdown.
	7.	Discuss the communication methods that might be used at different points during the process of shutting down the unit.
Normal Shutdown - Shutdown Process Unit	1. 2.	Given a scenario, discuss the order in which the various process auxiliary and utility systems should be shut down. For a process system: Describe the hazards associated with shutting a system down. Describe the precautions that must be taken to mitigate the hazards associated with shutting down each system. List the steps required to shut down each system. Discuss how shutdown of the process system affects upstream and downstream processes
	3.	For an auxiliary system: Describe the hazards associated with shutting down the system. Describe the precautions that must be taken to mitigate the hazards associated with shutting down each system. List the steps required to shut down each system.
	4.	For a utility system: Describe the hazards associated with shutting down the system. Describe the precautions that must be taken to mitigate the hazards associated with shutting down each system. List the steps required to shut down each system.
	5.	Discuss the importance of following the written procedure and the protocol for handling discrepancies between the documented procedure and actual steps followed to complete the task.
Equipment Maintenance - Overview and Communications	1. 2.	Describe the risks and hazards involved when preparing equipment for routine maintenance. Given a piece of equipment, describe the key activities necessary for preparing the equipment for routine maintenance. Shutdown Decontamination Isolation Lockout
	3.	Discuss all departments and personnel who will be involved in, or affected by, the equipment maintenance.
	4.	Discuss the types of information that will need to be communicated regarding the preparation of equipment

 

		for routine maintenance.
	5.	Discuss the communication methods that might be used at different points during the performance of routine maintenance.
Equipment Maintenance - Economic Impact (preventive versus reactive)	1. 2. 3. 4.	Discuss the advantages of preventive maintenance with the disadvantages of reactive maintenance. Discuss the types of preventive maintenance that should be performed on a piece of equipment. Discuss the process technician’s role in the performance of various preventive maintenance activities. Propose a schedule for performing preventive maintenance for the selected piece of equipment.
	5.	Describe the types of expenses associated with preventive maintenance.
	6.	Describe the types of expenses associated with reactive maintenance.
	7.	Compare the economic impact associated with preventive maintenance versus reactive maintenance.
	8.	Describe the types of reactive maintenance that may be required in the absence of a preventive maintenance program.
Equipment Maintenance - SH&E Impact	1.	Provide examples of possible safety issues surrounding equipment maintenance activities: Breaking into piping or equipment Vessel entry ï‚· Electrical work Hot tapping, etc.
	2.	Describe measures to take to minimize the safety issues surrounding equipment maintenance such as: Confined space entry Energy/Equipment isolation Equipment Decontamination Equipment identification Fall protection Barricades Proper communication
	3.	Discuss examples of possible health issues surrounding equipment maintenance (such as exposure to hazardous materials).
	4.	Discuss measures to take to minimize the health issues surrounding equipment maintenance such as. Proper use of PPE Issuance of all necessary permits decontamination
	5.	Discuss possible environmental issues surrounding equipment maintenance such as:

 

		Leaks Spills Contaminated equipment Chemical waste
	6.	Describe measures to take to minimize the environmental issues surrounding equipment maintenance. Waste disposal Spill cleanup Housekeeping Proper decontamination
Equipment Maintenance - Documentation and Permits	1. 2.	Discuss the types of documentation that must be completed prior to performing maintenance on a selected piece of equipment. Discuss the role the process technician may have in preparing each type of documentation.
	3.	Explain the purpose of a work permit.
	4.	List the various types of work permits used within the process industries.
	5.	List the departments or groups that may need to be consulted and/or sign a work permit.
Equipment Maintenance - Equipment Isolation	1. 2. 3.	Differentiate between energy sources and devices used for isolation. Discuss the methods used to clear equipment. Describe the purpose of various PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) used during equipment clearing and isolation.
	4.	Identify the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for use in a specific clearing and isolation scenario.
Turnarounds	1.	Define the term "turnaround".
	2.	Differentiate between routine maintenance and work performed during turnaround.
	3.	Given a scenario, list the tasks which must be completed and discuss the process technicians role to adequately prepare for a turnaround.
	4.	Compare and contrast routine shutdown versus shutting down for turnaround.
	5.	Describe the role of the process technician in unit turnarounds.
	6.	Compare and contrast routine startup versus starting up after turnaround.
	7.	Discuss PSM’s Management of Change requirements in relationship to turnarounds.
	8.	Discuss the PSM’s Pre-Startup Safety Review requirements in relationship to turnarounds.

 

Given a scenario, list the tasks which must be completed and discuss the process technicians role for successful startup following a turnaround. Removal of energy isolation devices Purging Pressure testing of equipment Vessel and/or piping inventory Installation of plugs, caps, blind flanges, etc. Explain how unit personnel would evaluate the success of a turnaround. Zero injuries Zero environmental incidents Successful startup On time and on budget Improved plant performance

 




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


Two Labs will be completed during the semester.
Classes will consist of Lecture and equipment demonstrations.
Each student will be required to take the NAPTA Test. This test will be scheduled on 4/30, 5/1, 5/2 2025 during normal Business Hours. It will be administered at the Testing Center in the library. 
NOTE
The NAPTA Test is an additional requirement.
There will also be a Test given each week



Final Exam Date

December 9, 2025 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 9, 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
 
In order to prepare students for successful transition into the workforce, the LSCO Technical Programs will maintain high standards for attendance and punctuality.
·To be counted present, a student will be present at his or her work area, prepared for work, and dressed in the appropriate attire, at the appropriate time.
                ·To be counted present, a student must have notebook (for taking notes, hand out materials) pen and      pencil and class textbook. Notebooks will be reviewed periodically during the semester and points will be given to student. Failure to have all this material will result in loss of attendance points for the day.
·While enrolled in the LSCO technical programs, students are responsible for attending class on all days that LSCO holds class.
·Student holidays and activities at individual high school campuses do not excuse students from college classes. If a student has a schedule conflict, arrangements must be agreed upon in writing prior to the first day of 
class and signed by the associate dean.
              ·School related absences must be communicated in advance, in writing, by the school coordinator, confirmed, and approved by the program director.
                     ·Students are expected to be present and on time for class and remain until dismissed.
              ·Test Day students will be required to remain in class for entire class period. Each scheduled class day is required for hours of completion.
                      ·If a student is removed from class for any reason, the student will be counted absent.
 
Extenuating Circumstances
The competencies taught in the LSCO technical programs are critical to the safety and productivity of our local workforce. Due to the nature of the environment for which we are training workers, it is imperative that each student receiving credit for a course be proficient in each competency.
 
Students are encouraged to review LSCO Technical Program Attire and equipment guidelines with parents.
 
 
Probation
Students who accumulate excessive absences during a sixteen-week course will be placed on probationary status and may have the option of completing a project to regain credit for the course.
Questions or Concerns
For questions and concerns, please make an appointment with the program director

Make-up Work Policy

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.



Classroom Etiquette

Classroom Etiquette


Attire and Equipment Guidelines
 
Attire
 
While participating in technical programs, students are required to be dressed and equipped according to industry standards. Specific requirements will be outlined in the syllabus for each class. At a minimum, at all times while on campus, students should be dressed according to the following guidelines:

Closed toe shoes or boots

              Covers entire foot
              Soles should offer adequate protection
Work Pants
Full length jeans or other durable material. Properly fitted (not excessively baggy) Worn at the waist (no sagging)
Work Shirt
Collared with Buttons Polo or Work Shirt
Tshirt with finished collar, no graphics, slogans, etc. (LSCO graphics are 
allowed)
 
 
 
 
Safety
When operating HOT 3 unit, students will be required to wear the following safety equipment:
Eye protection
Hard hat
Hearing protection
Work gloves
 
***The LSCO technical programs faculty and staff are committed to ensuring that every student is able to realize his or her potential without financial constraints placing anyone at a disadvantage. Any student who is unable to obtain the appropriate attire or equipment may communicate their need to the instructor or program director with confidence that shared information will be kept confidential.

Exam Policy

If an exam is missed due to an excused absence, it can be made up during regular office hours. If the exam has not been made up by the next exam date it will be counted as a ZERO Grade.
Students that want to take a Make Up Exam, must make a request in writing the date in which they want to take the exam. This can be done via email.


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

 A = 90 - 100%, B = 80 - 89, C = 70 - 79, D = 60 - 69, F = Below 60

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




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

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.