LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

HART, 1401, Basic Electricity for HVAC, E2

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name	Michael Ruland
Building/Office Number
Office Hours	I am usually in the HVAC classroom at Lumberton Monday through Thursday prior to class from 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.   "> I am usually in the HVAC classroom at Lumberton Monday through Thursday prior to class from 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.   Office Hours by appointment.  I am usually in my office Monday thru Friday 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Industrial Technology Building office102.  I am usually in the HVAC classroom at Lumberton Monday through Thursday prior to class from 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Virtual Hours	We do not have any virtual hours at this time.
Office Telephone	(409) 882-3016
Email Address	Michael.Ruland@lsco.edu
Course Schedule	Building: Lumberton High School (LB), Room: TBA, Dates: 1/20/2026 - 5/12/2026, Days: TBA, Times: 12:00pm - 12:01pm
Course Description	HART 1401 - Basic Electricity for HVAC Credits 4 Lecture Hours 3 Lab Hours 2 Principles of electricity as required by HVAC, including proper use of test equipment, electrical circuits, and component theory and operation. Course Identifier 15.0501 TEC

Required Textbook & Materials

Required Textbook & Materials
Textbooks are provided by Lumberton Independent School District.  
 
Students must purchase Amatrol Learning access through Gator Book Pack

Students must obtain a 2" binder to store and manage notes, handouts, and other materials from the HVAC class.  These notes and the binder will be reviewed and graded periodically.  

 
 
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.
 
 

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

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


Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

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

Core Objectives

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

 

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

Students will be introduced to Electricity in the industry for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC).  

Core Objectives:

1.      Safety in the workplace.

·         Always have your PPE on your person and wear that PPE anytime you are engaged in work in the HVAC industry.

·         Ensure your PPE fits well and is appropriate for the job at hand. 

2.      Describe the fundamentals of electricity.

·         Learn the safe and effective use of voltmeters to analyze and test electrical components.  

·         Learn trade mathematics utilized in the HVAC industry.  

·         Describe The difference between alternating current and direct current.

·         Identify general electrical safety practices.

·         Describe the OSHA requirements and procedures related to electrical lockout/tagout.

3.      Explain basic electrical theory:

·         Define voltage, current, resistance, and power and describe how they are related.

·         Use Ohm's Law to calculate the current, voltage and resistance in a circuit.

·         Use the power formula to calculate how much power is consumed by a circuit.

·         Describe the differences between series and parallel circuits and calculate circuit loads for each type

·         Demonstrate the purpose and benefits of the “power wheel”

4.      Identify the electrical measuring instruments used in HVAC R work and describe their uses.

·         Describe how voltage is measured.

·         Describe how current is measured.

·         Describe how resistance is measured.

5.      Identify electrical components used in HVAC R systems and describe their functions.

·         Identify and describe various load devices and explain how they are represented on circuit diagrams.

·         Identify and describe various control devices and explain how they are represented on circuit diagrams.

·         Identify and describe the types of electrical diagrams used in HVAC R work.

 

Performance Tasks:

Under the supervision of the instructor, you should be able to performthe following:

1.      Use the proper instrument to measure voltage in an energized circuit.

2.      Use the proper instrument to measure current in an energized circuit.

3.      Use the proper instrument to measure resistance.

4.      Use a multimeter to check circuit continuity.

5.      Assemble and test low and high voltage series and parallel circuits using a transformer and selected control and load devices.

6.      Perform necessary conversion from U.S. imperial to metric

7.      Perform necessary calculations related to the HVAC and Electrical trade

 

 

Course Learning Outcomes

 

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

·         Students must learn and apply applicable safety procedures. 

·         Students will be introduced to Electricity in the industry for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC).  

·         Students will be able to identify and explain the purpose of electrical components in an air conditioning and refrigeration unit,

 

 

 

 Course Level: Basic/Introductory

 

Course Description:  Principles of electricity as required by HVAC, including proper use of test equipment, electrical circuits, and component theory and operation.  

 

End of Course Outcomes: 

1.      Use the proper instrument to measure voltage in an energized circuit.

2.      Use the proper instrument to measure current in an energized circuit.

3.      Use the proper instrument to measure resistance.

4.      Use a multimeter to check circuit continuity.

5.      Assemble and test low and high voltage series and parallel circuits using a transformer and selected control and load devices.

6.      Trouble shoot “live circuits” and recommend repairs/corrections. 

 

 

 

Lab Required:

We will regularly practice and apply what we have read and discussed by performing exercises on equipment and lab components. 

 

Core elements overview:

Alternating current (AC)

Ammeter

Ampere (A)

Analog meter

Arc

Clamp-on ammeter

Conductor

Contactors

Continuity

Current

Conversion factors and formulas for Electrical and HVAC trades

Digital meter

Direct current (DC)

Electromagnet

Ground fault

Inductive

In-line ammeter

Inrush current

Insulator

Ladder diagram

Line duty

Loads

Motor starters

Multimeter

Ohms (Ω)

Pilot duty

Power

Rectifier

Relay

Resistance

Short circuit

Solenoid coil

Thermistor

Time-delay fuses

Transformer

Volts (V)

Voltage

Watts (W)

Course Topical Outline

COURSE SCHEDULE

 

WEEK ONE: Review and apply information presented from the previous course in the HVAC industry. 

Discuss and review information from 03101, Introduction to Cooling and 03107, Introduction to Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC).  Students should have read and studied this text and information last semester in Principles of Refrigeration.

Review all information, handouts, and trade terms,  

Study and prepare for Industry Based Credential testing through NCCER.  

 

WEEK TWO:  Take the NCCER test over 03101 and 03107

 Discuss and review information, handouts, trade terms, and text from section 03102 (Trade Mathematics). Review trade terms from 03102 page 35.  Review provided conversion and formulas chart previously handed out.

 

WEEK THREE:  Review and test on Trade Mathematics 03102.  Perform conversions and calculations exercises.  Take Test on Trade Mathematics.  Take the NCCER test on Trade Mathematics. 

 

WEEK FOUR:  Discuss and review 03106 Basic Electricity from the NCCER Textbook. 

 

WEEK FIVE:  Discuss Lock-out/Tagout procedure OSHA 29 CFR 1926.417, Lockout and Tagging of circuits.  Learn and apply the Trade Terms on page 1 of this section. 

 

WEEK SIX:  Re-read and Review Section 2.0.0 and complete review questions on page 18 of NCCER 03106.  Complete the performance tasks to assemble and test low-and high-voltage series and parallel circuits using a transformer and selected control and load devices as stated on page 11 of NCCER 03106. 

 

WEEK SEVEN:  Read and discuss H11133 AC/DC Electrical Systems in the Amatrol program.  Perform objectives after reading all modules. 

 

WEEK EIGHT:  Continue to work through H11133 AC/DC Electrical Systems and all objectives. 

 

WEEK NINE:  Perform exercises on the AC/DC trainer. 

 

WEEK TEN:  Re-read Section 3.0 in NCCER 03106 pages 19-25.  Complete the performance Tasks on page 19 demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the appropriate measuring instruments.  Learn and apply Trade Terms listed on page 19. 

 

WEEK ELEVEN:  Complete 3.0.0 Section Review questions on page 25. 

 

WEEK TWELVE:  Re-read Section 4.0.0 Electrical components in HVACR systems, NCCER 03106.  Learn about load and control devices and the types of electrical diagrams used in electrical circuits.  Learn the trade terms listed on page 26. 

 

WEEK THIRTEEN:  Review and study Ladder diagrams and Wiring diagrams on page 38 and page 39.  Review Legends on each diagram.  Review schematic symbols on page 46 and page 47. Complete the Performance Objectives on page 26 of NCCER 03106. 

 

WEEK FOURTEEN:  Review Trade Terms from NCCER 03106 page 48 & 49.  Take test over Trade Terms. 

 

WEEK FIFTEEN:  Review and take NCCER Basic Electricity Test. 

 

WEEK SIXTEEN:  Take Final exam for Basic Electricity for HVAC.  Exam Date May 7, 2026. 

 

 

Major Assignments Schedule

 

To be determined based on student understanding and accomplishments.  Students will receive verbal notice of the date of assignments and  tests.  We will post these notices in Blackboard.

 

 

Final Exam Date

 

May 7, 2026 at 1:04 PM  

 

Major Assignments Schedule

None determined at this time.  


Final Exam Date

May 7, 2026 - 1:40 PM   Through  May 7, 2026 - 1:51 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.

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.

Students must be in class to learn and apply learning. Students are allowed to miss two days without penalty; each additional day will result in the student’s grade being dropped by a letter grade.

I. Example: 2 days absent = If student has an A average no penalty

        3 days absent = A drops to a B

        4 days absent = B drops to a C 

        5 days absent = C drops to a D (student must retake class)

        6 days absent = D drops to a F (student must retake class)

II. Absences are counted for unexcused, excused and coming to class late.

III. 3 tardies = 1 absence

   A. Tardy- arriving within 15 minutes after class begins or leaving before the end of class.

   B. More than 15 minutes late you will be counted absent.

   C. If you go to sleep in class you will be counted absent.

IV. Excused absences. Only given to allow students to make up missed work.

    A. Will be given for documented Injury or Illness. Doctor’s excuse required showing proof. Will count toward total days missed.

    B. Will be given for documented Death in immediate family. Will count toward total days missed.

    C. Approved Lamar State College Orange, (Or your high school if you are enrolled in High School) school functions; E.g. SkillsUSA,       SGA etc. Will not count toward total days missed

    D. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain from the instructor any handouts or assignments for classes missed. Lectures will not be repeated.

V. If you wish to drop, you are responsible for the drop process. I will not initiate the drop, no matter how many absences or zeroes you     have; that is, if you stop coming to class and do not drop, you will earn an “F” in the course. Students are only allowed to drop 6 times    in their college career. Students must wear pants that are not baggy and must wear closed toe shoes.  

 

 

 

Make-up Work Policy

Students must request to make-up work that is missed.  A zero is issued for missed work until students notify their professor in writing within three days of missed work that they are requesting to make up work.  


Classroom Etiquette

Classroom Etiquette

 

Students must wear appropriate PPE when working near equipment.  

Safety goggles are always worn when in Lab and working with tools

 

1. No electronic devices of any kind (cell phones, I-pod, headphone, etc.) will be tolerated in the classrooms or labs, unless permitted by the instructor to access specific information pertaining to the class. If you are seen using any electronic device, other than for classroom use, you will be asked to leave the class for the day.

2. No food or drink will be allowed in the classroom.

3. No derogatory or foul language will be tolerated.

4. We have a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment.

5. We have a zero tolerance policy of racial or ethnic discrimination.

6. Be considerate of others in the classroom. Remember they paid for the class just like you. 

 

Disabilities Statement The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are federal anti-discrimination statutes that provide comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, these statutes require that all students with documented disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodations for their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator or visit the office in Student Services. 

Student Code of Conduct Statement It is the responsibility of all registered Lamar State College Orange students to access, read, understand and abide by all published policies, regulations, and procedures listed in the Lamar State College Orange Catalog and Student Handbook. The Lamar State College Orange  Catalog and Student Handbook may be accessed in print upon request at the Student Services Office.
Exam Policy

Exams dates will be published to the student in class verbally, and on Blackboard.  


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 daily grade (participation and attentiveness grade) will be issued for each day of attendance. 
 

A daily grade is based upon the information and presentation of notes, handouts, and information in your binder.  
A student is expected to take notes, study those notes, and be prepared for a "pop test" over the notes given by the instructor and from the material assigned for reading.  

The daily grade and pop tests are 50% of your overall grade.  Scheduled tests are 40% of your overall grade. The final exam is 10% of your overall grade. 

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

Students must participate in class.  Students must take notes in class.  Students must read study materials and text assigned for each class.  Students must maintain notes and handouts in their binder.  We will monitor these binders and grade according to the notes and materials maintained in this binder.  


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.