LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

Pharmaceutical Technology

PHRA, 1304, Pharmacotherapy and Disease Proc, 80

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.
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.
Office Telephone (409) 882-3035
Email Address Jennifer.Fabriguze@lsco.edu


Course Description

PHRA 1304 Pharmacotherapy and Disease Process (51.0805) 3-3-0 A study of the disease state and therapeutic properties of drugs used in pharmaceutical therapy. This course includes the application of objectives form learning modules 9, 11, 16, and 20 from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ Model Curriculum for Pharmacy Technician Training (Third Edition). Pre-requisite: PHRA 1301, PHRA 1305, PHRA 1313, and PHRA 2260. Co-requisite: PHRA 1309, PHRA 1349, PHRA 1445, and PHRA 2361. TEC


Required Textbook & Materials

Pharmacology for Technicians

Authors: Skye A. McKennon, PharmD, BCPS; and Sara B. Alvarez, PharmD, MS, BCPS; and Jennifer Danielson, PharmD, MBA, CDE

Edition: 7th

Format: Textbook with Online Code

Publisher: Paradigm Education - Kendall Hunt

ISBN: 9798765738955


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:

Define various disease processes, patterns, and pathogenic organisms.
Students will read and complete Chapters 11 to 20 assignments, quizzes, discussion questions and exams
 

Describe the various types of drugs utilized in the treatment of each disease.
Students will read and complete Chapters 11 to 20 assignments, quizzes, discussion questions and exams
 


Class Time: 100% Online - 16 week session 

This course is a 100% online and 16 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.




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.

Standard 1: Personal/Interpersonal Knowledge and Skills

Key Elements for Entry-level:

1.1 Demonstrate ethical conduct.

Make Connections (Chs. 5, 17)

1.2 Present an image appropriate for the profession of pharmacy in appearance and behavior.

Make Connections (Ch. 17)

1.3 Demonstrate active and engaged listening skills.

Make Connections

(Ch. 17)

1.4 Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ch. 4

1.5 Demonstrate a respectful and professional attitude when interacting with diverse patient populations, colleagues, and professionals.

Make Connections (Ch. 17)

1.6 Apply self-management skills, including time, stress, and change management.

Ch. 3

1.7 Apply interpersonal skills, including negotiation skills, conflict resolution, customer service, and teamwork.

Make Connections (Ch. 17)

1.8 Demonstrate problem-solving skills.

Chs. 1, 2; Make Connections (All Chapters)

 

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.

Make Connections (Chs. 4 and 12)

1.10 Apply critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation.

Make Connections (All Chapters)

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.

Make Connections (Ch 12)

 

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. 2, 3, 12, 15

2.2 Demonstrate ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information and understand applicable state and federal laws.

Ch. 4

2.3 Describe the pharmacy technician’s role, pharmacist’s role, and other occupations in the healthcare environment.

Chs. 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 15

2.4 Describe wellness-promotion and disease-prevention concepts.

Ch. 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 15

2.5 Demonstrate basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, and medical terminology relevant to the pharmacy technician’s role.

Chs. 1–20

2.6 Perform mathematical calculations essential to the duties of pharmacy technicians in a variety of settings.

Chs. 12

2.7 Explain the pharmacy technician's role in the medication-use process.

Chs. 1, 2, 4–20

2.8 Practice and adhere to effective infection-control procedures.

 

 

Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level

2.9 Describe investigational drug process, medications being used in off-label indications, and emerging drug therapies.

Chs.2, 10, 14

2.10 Describe further knowledge and skills required for achieving advanced competencies.

Ch. 4

2.11 Support wellness-promotion and disease-prevention programs.

Ch. 10, 17, 19

 

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. 5–20

3.2 Receive, process, and prepare prescriptions/medication orders for completeness, accuracy, and authenticity to ensure safety.

Chs. 5–20

3.3 Assist pharmacists in the identification of patients who desire/require counseling to optimize the use of medications, equipment, and devices.

Chs. 2, 4–20

3.4 Prepare patient-specific medications for distribution.

Chs. 5–20

3.5 Prepare non-patient-specific medications for distribution.

Ch. 2

3.6 Assist pharmacists in preparing, storing, and distributing medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.

Chs. 2, 4–20

3.7 Assist pharmacists in the monitoring of medication therapy.

Ch. 4

3.8 Maintain pharmacy facilities and equipment.

Ch. 2

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.

Ch. 20

3.10 Describe Food and Drug Administration product tracking, tracing, and handling requirements.

Ch. 2

3.11 Apply quality assurance practices to pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies.

Chs. 2, 4–20

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, 4

3.13 Use current technology to ensure the safety and accuracy of medication dispensing.

Ch. 4

3.14 Collect payment for medications, pharmacy services, and devices.

 

3.15 Describe basic concepts related to preparation for sterile and nonsterile compounding.

Ch. 20

3.16 Prepare simple, nonsterile medications per applicable USP chapters (e.g., reconstitution, basic ointments and creams).

Ch. 16

3.17 Assist pharmacists in preparing medications requiring compounding of nonsterile products.

 

3.18 Explain accepted procedures in purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies.

Ch. 2

3.19 Explain accepted procedures in inventory control of medications, equipment, and devices.

Ch. 2

3.20 Explain accepted procedures utilized in identifying and disposing of expired medications.

 

3.21 Explain accepted procedures in delivery and documentation of immunizations.

Some coverage in Ch. 17

3.22 Prepare, store, and deliver medication products requiring special handling and documentation.

Ch. 4, 20

 

Additional Key elements for Advanced-level

3.23 Prepare compounded sterile preparations per applicable, current USP Chapters.

Ch. 19

3.24 Prepare medications requiring moderate and high-level nonsterile compounding as defined by USP (e.g., suppositories, tablets, complex creams).

 

3.25 Prepare or simulate chemotherapy/hazardous drug preparations per applicable, current USP Chapters.

Ch. 20

3.26 Initiate, verify, and manage the adjudication of billing for complex and/or specialized pharmacy services and goods.

Make Connections (Ch. 9)

3.27 Apply accepted procedures in purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies.

 

3.28 Apply accepted procedures in inventory control of medications, equipment, and devices.

Ch. 2

3.29 Process, handle, and demonstrate administration techniques and document administration of immunizations and other injectable medications.

Chs. 17, 20

3.30 Apply the appropriate medication-use process to investigational drugs, medications being used in off-label indications, and emerging drug therapies as required.

Chs. 2, 14

3.31 Manage drug-product inventory stored in equipment or devices used to ensure the safety and accuracy of medication dispensing.

Ch. 2

 

Standard 4: Patient Care, Quality, and Safety Knowledge and Skills

Key Elements for Entry-level

4.1 Explain the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process and describe the role of the pharmacy technician in the patient care process.

Chs. 2, 4

4.2 Apply patient- and medication-safety practices in aspects of the pharmacy technician's roles.

Chs. 1–20

4.3 Explain how pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in responding to emergent patient situations, safely and legally.

 

4.4 Explain basic safety and emergency preparedness procedures applicable to pharmacy services.

Ch. 20

4.5 Assist pharmacist in the medication reconciliation process.

Ch. 4

4.6 Explain point-of-care testing.

 

4.7 Explain pharmacist and pharmacy technician roles in medication management services.

Ch. 2, 4

4.8 Describe best practices regarding quality assurance measures according to leading quality organizations.

 

Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level

4.9 Verify measurements, preparation, and/or packaging of medications produced by other healthcare professionals.

Ch. 4, 20

4.10 Perform point-of-care testing to assist pharmacist in assessing patient's clinical status.

 

4.11 Participate in the operations of medication management services.

Ch. 2, 4

4.12 Participate in technical and operational activities to support the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process as assigned.

2, 4

4.13 Obtain certification as a Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider.

 

 

Standard 5: Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge and Skills

Key Elements for Entry-level

5.1 Describe and apply state and federal laws pertaining to processing, handling, and dispensing of medications including controlled substances.

Chs. 2, 4, 18

5.2 Describe state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to pharmacy technicians.

Chs. 2, 4, 18

5.3 Explain that differences exist among states regarding state regulations pertaining to pharmacy technicians and the processing, handling, and dispensing of medications.

Chs. 2, 4

5.4 Describe the process and responsibilities required to obtain and maintain registration and/or licensure to work as a pharmacy technician.

Ch. 2

5.5 Describe pharmacy compliance with professional standards and relevant legal, regulatory, formulary, contractual, and safety requirements.

Chs. 2, 4

5.6 Describe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) requirements for prevention and treatment of exposure to hazardous substances (e.g., risk assessment, personal protective equipment, eyewash, spill kit).

Ch. 20

5.7 Describe OSHA requirements for prevention and response to blood-borne pathogen exposure (e.g., accidental needlestick, postexposure prophylaxis).

 

5.8 Describe OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (i.e., “Employee Right to Know”).

 

 

Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level

5.9 Participate in pharmacy compliance with professional standards and relevant legal, regulatory, formulary, contractual, and safety requirements.

 

5.10 Describe major trends, issues, goals, and initiatives taking place in the pharmacy profession.

Chs. 2, 4, 14, 18



Course Topical Outline


16 Weeks

Monday- Sunday

Projected Instruction

 

Week 1/2

 

January 16 – January 28

Chapter 11: The Respiratory System and Drug Therapy

 

Week 3/4

 

January 29 – February 11

Chapter 12: The Gastrointestinal System and Drug Therapy

Week 5/6

February 12 – February 25

Chapter 13: The Endocrine System and Drug Therapy

Chapter 14: The Reproductive System and Drug Therapy

Week 7/8

February 26 – March 10

Chapter 15: The Renal System and Drug Therapy

SPRING BREAK – MARCH 11 – MARCH 15 - NO CLASS

Week 9/10

March 18 – March 31

Chapter 16: The Immune System, Bacterial Infections, Fungal Infections, and Drug Therapy

Chapter 17: The Immune System, Viral Infections, and Drug Therapy

Week 11/12

April 1 – April 14

Chapter 18: Pain, Anesthesia, and Drug Therapy

Chapter 19: Nutrition, Fluids, Electrolytes, and Drug Therapy

Week 13/14

April 15 – April 28

Chapter 20: Cancer and Drug Therapy

Week 15/16

April 29 – May 5

Final Week

EXAM DATES

ALL EXAMS ARE GIVEN IN CLASS AS SCHEDULED; REFER TO DATE AND TIME

EXAM ONE – February 11 (CHAPTERS 11 & 12)

EXAM TWO – March 10 (CHAPTERS 13-15)

EXAM THREE – April 14 (CHAPTERS 16-19)

EXAM FOUR FINAL- May 5 (all assigned chapters)
       




Major Assignments Schedule

See Course Content on Blackboard



Final Exam Date

May 1, 2024 - 12:00 AM   Through  May 5, 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.

Attendance Requirements

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. Violating 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 own 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 fulfilling 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


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 CAMPUS AS SCHEDULED.  





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:
Chapter Discussion Questions in Blackboard:
                All criteria and due dates must be met to receive full credit.


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


Final grades will be calculated as follows:
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 for additional information. (See LSCO Student Handbook, Class Attendance.)


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.


Affirmative Action

LSCO is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution which provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination or harassment in full compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 503,504); Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; the Vietnam Era Veterans Assistance Act of 1974; Article 522lk V.A.C.S.; and Executive Orders 11246 and 11758.


Title IX of the Education Amendments

LSCO prohibits discrimination, including sexual harassment and retaliation, against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Any student who believes that he or she has experienced prohibited conduct or believes that another student has experienced prohibited conduct should immediately report the alleged acts to the Title IX Coordinator, Patty Collins, at patty.collins@lsco.edu.


Blackboard Resources

LSCO students will access Blackboard through the MyGator portal. Login credentials will use the following format: username@my.lsco.edu and Password. For help in identifying your Username/Password, visit https://www2.lsco.edu/sspr/.

Blackboard student resource videos and help-sites are available at https://www.lsco.edu/distanceed/blackboard-student.asp.


Career Coach

Lamar State College Orange provides career advising services to all students and alumni through Career Coach, an online career planning tool. Career Coach assists students through all phases of developing, initiating, and implementing career plans.

Information regarding employment opportunities and career options are provided along with access to live local job postings. Full-time and part-time employment opportunities, as well as internships, are available through Career Coach. Visit https://www.lsco.edu/advising/career-planning.asp for more details on how to use LSCO's Career Coach to plan for and learn more about your future career.


Gator Assistance Services

Lamar State College Orange provides currently enrolled technical students support for daycare costs as well as other services.

Visit https://www.lsco.edu/advising/gator-assistance.asp for details on assistance services.


Gator Success Center

Students are encouraged to make an appointment or walk in to receive tutoring, support services, or access to an open computer lab. Face-to-face and online supplemental instruction sessions are available to help students through any LSCO course. Reach out to learning.center@lsco.edu for more information on how students can receive academic support.


Library Services

Students are encouraged to visit library.lsco.edu to find the library's current operating hours, access the catalog to locate print materials, and access GatorSearch to explore the vast electronic collection. The library provides over 77 electronic database collections that include eBooks, newspapers, magazines, academic journals, and streaming video. The physical library contains a specialized collection of research materials specifically chosen to support the degrees and courses offered. Additionally, Students with research questions or questions about library services are encouraged visit the library in person, call 409-882-3352, access the chat on the library webpage, or to email their question to lscolibrary@lsco.edu.


Student with Disabilities

Under the Texas State System, Lamar State College Orange complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, pertaining to the provision of reasonable academic adjustments/auxiliary aids for students with disability. We strive to provide reasonable academic adjustments/auxiliary aids to students who request and require them.

Students who believe they have a disability requiring an academic adjustment/auxiliary aid are encouraged to contact the Special Populations Advisor at (409) 882-3393 or visiting the Advising Office located on the first floor of the Ron Lewis Library Building (RLB) room 113. Students are encouraged to apply before the start of the semester when at all possible. The Accommodation Request Form and details regarding the appropriate documentation needed can be found here: https://www.lsco.edu/advising/disability.asp. Once approved, the signed accommodation form provided by the Special Populations Advisor must be submitted to the instructor at least two business days in advance of need.


Upswing 24/7 FREE Tutoring Services

Lamar State College Orange provides currently enrolled students with access to online tutoring through a partnership with Upswing, an online tutoring platform. Tutors are available 24/7 online in almost every subject.

Visit https://www.lsco.edu/tutoring/online-tutoring.asp for details on how to log-in to the FREE services.


INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES

Campus Closure

In the event of an emergency campus closure in excess of three class days, Lamar State College Orange's classes will continue via the use of Blackboard. In such an instance, the college website, www.lsco.edu, will have information concerning the event and anticipated re-opening plans.


Civility

Please be considerate of other classmates' feelings, ethnic background, cultural differences, situations, and level of maturity. Students will be asked to leave the course if disruptive or inappropriate behavior is exhibited in any of the course requirements. If your instructor feels that you have not contributed appropriately to course requirements, your final course grade may be reduced accordingly.

The instructor reserves the right to manage a positive learning environment and will not tolerate inappropriate conduct in the course. Rude correspondence (discourteous or impolite, especially in a deliberate way) in e-mails, telephone calls, in person, or comments made to other class members, the instructor, or the office staff.


Contingency Plans

Students should develop a backup plan should their computer system or their Internet provider fail. Computer or internet connectivity issues are not valid excuses for missing a deadline. The College provides many opportunities for using computer equipment, as do many public libraries. Refer to the LSCO website for operational hours of the Library and Success Center.


COVID Notification Policy

Students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 are required to report their condition to their instructor and to the College via the COVID Notification Form. Guidance on how to proceed will be delivered to the student's email after completing the required notification form.


Credit Transfer

Students should check in advance with the institution to which they plan to transfer credit to confirm transferability.


Criminal Background Policy

LSCO awards some certificates and degrees in which a criminal history MAY disqualify candidates from becoming licensed, certified, and/or employed upon degree/certificate completion. Students with a criminal background enrolling in courses leading to a degree/certificate in Criminal Justice, Cosmetology, Emergency Medical Technology, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Vocational Nursing (VN), Registered Nursing (RN), Pharmacy Technician, Real Estate, or Teacher Preparation program are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to discuss the certification and/or licensing regulations of the program with the program director listed in order to learn more about the current guidelines related to criminal history as well as the right of individuals to request a criminal history evaluation letter.


Drops and Withdrawals

Never attending or ceasing to attend classes DOES NOT constitute a drop or withdrawal. You remain registered until you request a drop from the instructor. Failure to act in a timely manner will result in an "F" grade for the course. It is the student's responsibility to follow up with the LSCO advising office to ensure that all drops/withdrawals are processed as desired.


Grade of "Incomplete"

The grade of "I" may be given when any requirement of the course, including the final examination, is not completed. Students seeking an incomplete should have completed 75% of the course requirements and be passing the course at the time of the request. Arrangements to complete deficiencies in a course should be made in advance of the end of the semester with the instructor. The instructor will process the Incomplete form online, and a confirmation will be sent to the student's LSCO email.

Incomplete work must be finished during the next long semester. If not, the Office of Admission and Records must change the "I" grade to the grade of "F." The course must then be repeated if credit is desired. An "I" grade also automatically becomes an "F" if the student registers for the course prior to removing the deficiencies and receiving a grade change. The instructor may record the grade of "F" for a student who is absent from the final examination and is not passing the course.


Grade Appeals and the Academic Grievance Process

Grade determination and awarding of grades in a course are the responsibility of the instructor and should be calculated according to college policy, procedures, and written details provided in the course syllabus. NOTE: Final grades are available to students within 48 hours of the instructor posting the grade in Banner. Students may view final grades by logging into MyGator and then accessing Gator Self-Service.

An academic appeal process is afforded to students who desire to dispute a grade or any decision that affects the student's ability to complete and earn a grade for the course provided it is not related to a violation outlined in the LSCO Student Code of Conduct. If an informal conference with the faculty member regarding an academic complaint fails to reach the outcome requested by the student, the student may initiate the formal process outlined below. Even after initiating the formal complaint process, students are encouraged to seek informal resolution of their concerns. A student whose concerns are resolved may withdraw a formal complaint at any time.

Refer to the current catalog or for details on the formal grade appeal process.


Institutional Educational Goals

Lamar State College Orange has identified seven educational goals to specify the knowledge and skills that students should gain from completing academic and technical programs with the College. These goals are:

  1. Critical thinking (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to demonstrate creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.
  2. Communication (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to effectively develop, interpret and express of ideas through written, oral and visual communication.
  3. Empirical and quantitative skills (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to manipulate and analyze numerical data or observable facts and create informed conclusions.
  4. Teamwork (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.
  5. Social responsibility (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to recognize and acquire a sense of intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national and global communities.
  6. Personal responsibility (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.
  7. Professional competency (Technical) - Students will be able to recognize or demonstrate skills and that depict professional values and employability. If the career has licensure or certification requirements, students may prepare for the licensure and certification in a capstone course and sit for the licensure or certificate at the end of the program.

MyGator and Log-In Credentials

Current students will access many LSCO applications through the MyGator portal. Login credentials will use the following format: username@my.lsco.edu/Password. For help in identifying your username/Password, visit https://www2.lsco.edu/sspr/.

It is a violation of College policy, state laws, and federal laws for anyone to gain or help others gain unauthorized access to MyGator or any LSCO application or service. All accounts shall be for use by a single individual - the person for whom the account was approved or assigned. This includes Blackboard accounts as well as any application within MyGator. Sharing or loaning accounts is strictly prohibited, can be construed as a form of cheating, and violates College policy, state laws, and federal laws.


Policies and Procedures

LSCO adheres to the policies and procedures established in the Texas Education Code, Texas State University System Rules and Regulations, LSCO Faculty Handbook, LSCO Student Handbook, and LSCO Catalog.


Prohibited Items in the Classroom

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. It is inappropriate for minor children to be on campus due to the potential liability to the College, the risk of harm to the children, and decreased employee productivity due to distractions and disruptions.


Student Privacy

The privacy of all students, including Distance Education students, is protected through strict adherence to the rules of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. LSCO's statement regarding the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act can be found in LSCO's Student Handbook, page 70. Additional information regarding privacy for Distance Education students can be found in the Distance Education Handbook, appendix D.