COURSE INFORMATION
| Instructor Name
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Alex Spell
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| Building/Office Number
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| Office Hours
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Wednesday-7:30am-10:30am
Thursday- 10:30am-11:30am
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Thursday- 10:30am-11:30am
">Tuesday-10:30am-11:30am
Thursday- 10:30am-11:30am
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Thursday- 10:30am-11:30am
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| Virtual Hours
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Appointment
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| Office Telephone
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(409) 883-7750
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| Email Address
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Alex.Spell@lsco.edu
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| Course Schedule |
Building: Small Electromechanical Buildi (SMM), Room: TBA, Dates: 1/20/2026 - 5/12/2026, Days: MW, Times: - 6:00pm - 8:30pm
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| Course Description |
Basic theory and practice of electrical circuits. Includes calculations as applied to alternating and direct current.
*Only offered during fall semesters. Course Identifier 46.0301 Technical course 4.3.2
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Required Textbook & Materials
Required Textbook & Materials
Aduel Millwrights & Mechanics Guide: 5th edition Thomas Bieber Davis & Carl A. Nelson ISBN:978-0-764-54200-8
Upon registration for classes, LSCO students are automatically charged $14 per semester credit hour for access to all required textbooks, lab manuals, lab codes, and electronic books on the first day of class through the Gator Book Pack. Information about the LSCO Gator Book Pack as well as responses to common FAQs can be found on LSCO's webpage. ALL STUDENTS WILL HAVE UNTIL THE SECOND DAY OF THE SEMESTER TO OPT-OUT OF THE GATOR BOOK PACK.
Every student MUST have access to the required textbooks by the week of class. The student will be responsible for all assignments given. Failure to have a text may result in being dropped from the class. Failure to follow instructions (written or oral) will result in penalties.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will acquire the following course learning outcomes:
Core Objectives
Course Level Learning Outcomes (ACGM or WECM)
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Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects
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Basic theory and practice of electrical circuits. Includes calculations as applied to alternating and direct current.
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Explain atomic structure and basic values such as voltage, current, resistance, and power; determine electrical values for combination circuits in direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) containing resistance, inductance, and capacitance; summarize the principles of magnetism; calculate voltage drop based on conductor length, type of material, and size; and utilize electrical measuring instruments.
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Course Topical Outline
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VOLTAGE DROPS/ METERS AND TEST EQUIPMENT
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SOLVE FOR UNKNOWN RESISTOR VALUES USING METER READINGS
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ELECTRICAL ENERGY AND POWER
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ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS WIRE SIZES
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Major Assignments Schedule
Objective 1 - Define Electricity and Give an application
Objective 3 - Describe the Function and Operation of a Circuit Tester
Objective 4 - Describe the Function of the Four Basic Components of an Electrical Circuit Objective 6 - Describe the Function of an Electrical Schematic
Objective 7 - Describe the Operation of a Manual Switch
Objective 9 - Describe the Function of Three Types of Manual Switch Operators and Give an Application of Each
Skill 3 - Connect and Operate a Circuit Using Three Types of Manual Switches
Segment 4 - Output Devices
Objective 12 - Describe the Operation of Five Types of Electrical Output Devices and Give Their Schematic Symbols
Skill 5 - Connect and Operate an Electrical Circuit with a Buzzer
Skill 7 - Connect and Operate an Electrical Circuit with a motor.
Segment l - Voltage Measurement
Objective 1 - Define Voltage and Give Its Units of Measurement
Objective 2 - Describe the Function of a Voltmeter and Give Its Schematic Symbol Objective 3 - Describe How to Use a Voltmeter to Measure Voltage
Skill I - Use an Analog Voltmeter to Measure the Voltage at a Point Referenced to Ground Objective 4 - Describe the Function of 1 Voltage Multimeters: Analog and Digital
Activity 1 - Identification of Digital Multimeter Components
Skill 2 - Use a DMM to Measure the Voltage of a Point Referenced to Ground Self Review l.
Segment 2 - Introduction to Series and Parallel Circuits
Objective 5 - Define Series and Parallel Circuits
Objective 6 - Describe the Voltage Characteristics in Series and Parallel Circuits Activity 2 - Voltage Characteristics of Series and Parallel Circuits
Skill 3 - Use a DMM to Measure Voltage Drops in Series and Parallel Circuits Self Review 2
Segment 3 - Current Measurement
Objective 7 - Define Current and Give Its Units of Measurement
Objective 8 - Describe the Function of Tuo Types of Ammeters and Give Their Schematic Symbol Objective 9 - Describe How to Use an Ammeter to Measure Current
Skill 4 - Use a DMM to Measure the Electrical Current
Skill 5 - Use a DMM to Measure Current in Series and Parallel Circuits
Objective 10 - Describe the Current Characteristics in Series and Parallel Circuits Activity 3 - Characteristics in Series and Parallel Circuits
Segment 4 - Resistance Measurement
Objective 11 - Define Resistance and Give Its Units of Measurement
Objective 12 - Describe the Function of Two Types of Ohmmeters and Give Their Schematic Symbol
Objective 13 - Describe How to Use an Ohmmeter to Measure Resistance Skill 6 - Use a DMM to Measure the Resistance of a Component
Objective 14 - Describe the Resistance Characteristics in Series and Parallel Circuits Skill 7 - Measure the Resistance in Series and Parallel Circuits
Objective 15 - Describe l Voltage Methods of Measuring Continuity Skill 8 - Test the Continuity of Wires Using a DMM
Segment 1 - Power in Series Circuits
Objective 1 - State the Formula for Calculating Series Resistance and Give an application.
Skill l - Calculate Series Resistance Given Each Load's Resistance
Objective 2 - State Ohm's Law, Explain Its Importance, and Give an Application Skill 2 - Use Ohm's Law to Calculate Voltage, Current, and Resistance in a Series Circuit
Objective 3 - State Kirchhofrs Voltage Law for a Series Circuit and Give an Application Activity I - Verification of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law
Objective 4 - Define Power and Give Its Units of Measurement
Objective 5 - State a Formula for Calculating the Total Power Used in an Electrical Circuit
Skill 3 - Calculate the Total Power Used by a Series Circuit Self Review 1
Segment 2 - Power in Parallel Circuits
Objective 6 - State Kirchhof's Current Law and Give an Application Skill 4 - Calculate the Main Line Current in a Parallel Circuit
Objective 7 - State a Formula for Calculating Total Parallel Resistance
Skill 5 - Calculate the Total Parallel Resistance
Skill 6 - Calculate the Total Power Used in a Parallel Circuit Self Review 2
Segment 3 - Circuit Protection Devices
Objective 8 - Describe the Function of Two Types of Circuit Protection and Give an Application of Each
Objective 9 - Describe the Operation of a Fuse and Give Its Schematic Symbol Skill 7 - Operate a Circuit Using a Fuse
Skill 8 - Test and Replace a Fuse
Objective 10 - Describe the Operation of Two Types of Circuit Breakers and Give Their Schematic Symbols
Skill 9 - Operate a Circuit Using a Circuit Breaker Skill 10 - Test and Reset a Circuit Breaker
Segment 1 - Electromagnetism
Objective 1 - Define Electromagnetism and Give an Application Activity 1 - Test an Electromagnetic Field
Objective 2 - Describe the Function of Four Electromagnetic Devices Activity 2 - Electromagnetic Device Operation
Skill 1 - Connect and Operate a Relay in a Circuit Self Review 1
Objective 3 - Define Inductance and Give Its Unit of Measurement
Objective 4 - Describe the Operation of an Inductor and Give Its Schematic Symbol Objective 5 - Describe the Effect of an Inductor on a DC Circuit and Give an Application Activity 3 - Effect of Inductance in a DC Circuit
Objective 6 - Describe the Effect of an Inductor in an AC Circuit and Give an application.
Activity 4 - Effect of Inductive Reactance in an AC Circuit
Objective 7 - State the Formulas for Calculating Total Series Inductance and Inductive Reactance
Objective 8 - State the Formulas for Calculating Total Parallel Inductance and Inductive Reactance
Skill 2 - Calculate the Total Load on an AC Circuit with Inductors Self Review 2
Objective 9 - Define Capacitance and Give Its Units of Measurement
Objective 10 - Describe the Operation of a Capacitor and Give Its Schematic Symbol Objective 11 - Describe the Functions of Three Types of Capacitors
Skill 3 - Discharge a Capacitor
Skill 4 - Test a Capacitor with a DMM
Segment 4 - Characteristics of Capacitance
Objective 12 - Describe the Effect of a Capacitor in a DC Circuit and Give an application.
Skill 5 - Measure the Voltage across a Charged Capacitor Activity 5 - Effect of a Capacitor in a DC Circuit
Objective 13 - Describe the Effect of a Capacitor in an AC Circuit and Give an application.
Activity 6 - Effect of a Capacitor in an AC Circuit
Objective J4 - State the Formulas for Calculating Total Series Capacitance and Capacitive Reactance
Objective 15 - State the Formulas for Calculating Total Parallel Capacitance and Capacitive Reactance
Skill 6 - Calculate the Total Load on an AC Circuit with Capacitors Self Review 4
Segment 5 - Inductor and Capacitor Applications
Objective J6 - Describe the Function of a Fluorescent Light Fixture
Objective 17 - Describe the Function of an RC Timing Circuit in a Time-Delay Relay Skill 7 - Calculate the Time to Charge and Discharge a Capacitor
Objective 18 - Describe the Function of Capacitors and Inductors in an Electric Power Supply
Segment 1 - Characteristics
Objective I - Define a Series-Parallel Circuit
Objective 2 - Describe a Method for Identifying the Series and Parallel Sections of a Circuit Skill - Trace the Current Path in a Combination Circuit
Objective 3 - List the Se\'end Steps for Solving a Combination Circuit Skill 2 - Solve a Combination Circuit
Segment 2 - Lighting Circuits
Objective 4 - Describe How Switches Are Used in Combination Circuits and Give an Application Skill 3 - Connect and Operate a Basic Lighting Circuit
Skill 4 - Connect and Operate a Ceiling Fan Circuit
Objective S - Describe the Function of a variable Resistor and Give an Application Activity I - Rheostat Operation
Skill S - Connect and Operate a Rheostat as a Light Dimmer Self Review 2
Segment 3 - Voltage Dividers
Objective 6 - Describe the Function of a Voltage Divider and Give an Application Objective 7 - Describe the Ot> operation of Three Types of Voltage Dividers
Skill 6 - Design a Voltage Divider Network
Skill 7 - Connect and Operate a Voltage Divider Network Self Review 3
Segment 4 - Troubleshooting
Objective 8 - Ex1>lain the Effect of a Short Circuit
Objective 9 - Describe the Four Steps for Troubleshooting a Short Circuit Skill 8 - Locate a Short Circuit
Objective 10 - Describe the Three Basic Steps for Troubleshooting an Open Circuit Skill 9 - Locate an Open Circuit
Final Exam Date
April 20, 2026 - 8:00 AM
Through April 25, 2026 - 5:00 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.
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 are required to be in class and prepared to learn on time. Failure to do so will result in a contact phone call to the student’s employer.
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.
Make-up Work Policy
Classroom Etiquette
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Online - Since face-to-face meetings in the classroom may be replaced by online meetings through discussion boards, emails, and/or Blackboard Collaborate, students are expected to follow the rules of netiquette in these forums.
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Hybrid - When face-to-face meetings in the classroom are replaced by online meetings through discussion boards, emails, and/or Blackboard Collaborate, students are expected to follow the rules of netiquette in these forums.
Exam Policy
Most exams are done online using an LMS system, although some exams may be hands on depending on what is being learning in the classroom. Exams will be discussed in class and dates set in class.
There is no make-up for exams. IF you miss, you will not make it up.
Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Students should use AI technology responsibly and ethically. This includes refraining from using AI to engage in harmful or unethical activities, such as generating false information, spreading misinformation, or engaging in malicious behaviors. The use of AI should align with the principles of academic integrity, honesty, and respect for others. Students are responsible for adhering to LSCO's Academic Honesty policy found in the Student Handbook. LSCO's full AI policy can be found at
AI Policy | Lamar State College Orange (lsco.edu)
Expected Time Requirement for this Course
For every hour in class (or unit of credit) taught in a 16-week session, students should expect to spend at least two to three hours per week studying and completing assignments. Example: For a 3-credit hour class taught in a 16-week session, students should prepare to allocate approximately 6 to 9 hours per week outside of class studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit hour taught in a 10-week summer session, students should prepare to allocate approximately 10 to 15 hours per week outside of class studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit hour taught in an 8-week session, students should prepare to allocate approximately 12 to 18 hours per week outside of class studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit hour taught in a 5-week summer session, students should prepare to allocate approximately 20 to 29 hours per week outside of class studying and completing assignments.
Grading and Evaluation Method
Instructor Response Time
The instructor will respond to emails within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. On weekends and holidays, the instructor will respond to emails from students within 24 hours of the first business day following the weekend or holiday.
Participation Requirements
Weekly participation and engagement in the courses are critical for student success. Assignments should be completed by the due date. Students should also refer to the instructor’s attendance policy for additional information. (See LSCO Catalog, Class Attendance.)
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR PANTS AND A NICE SHIRT WHEN IN CLASS. We have industry partners always on campus and are potentially hiring students when they are here. First impressions are a top priority.
To prepare students for a successful transition into the workforce, the LSCO Technical
Programs will maintain high standards for attendance and punctuality.
Students will wear closed-toed shoes and appropriate shirts will be worn because the student
is held to a higher standard. Industry partners will be in and around campus so the student
should look their best at all times while in class.
• To be counted present, a student will be present at his or her work area 5 minutes
prior to the start of class and dressed in the appropriate attire.
• If you show up to class pass the start time you are tardy, 10 minutes pass the start
time you are absent.
• If enrolled in the LSCO/FAME PROGRAM, students are responsible for attending class
on all days that LSCO holds class.
• School related absences must be communicated in advance, in writing,
confirmed, and approved by the Program Director.
• Students are expected to be present and on time for class and remain until they are
dismissed.
• If a student is removed from class for any reason, the student will be counted absent.
• Students should visit the restroom prior to class, not during class.
• A student who has accrued more than three absences in a sixteen-week course (two
for an eight-week course) has not met the minimum requirements of the program.
Four tardies equal one absence. Therefore 10% will be deducted from each absence
and 3% for each tardy up to three absences, then 4% thereafter.
• If minimum requirements are not met the employer will be notified and future
employment and continuance in the program will be decided by the GTFAME board
and the employer.
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 Catalog, Class Attendance.)
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.
Review of Test Grades
If the student has an issue with his/her grade, the instructor must be contacted no later than three (3) days after receiving the grade.
Student's Responsibility
This syllabus contains information, policies, and procedures for a specific course. By enrolling, the student agrees to read, understand, and abide by the rules, policies, regulations, and ethical standards of Lamar State College Orange as those contained in the current LSCO Catalog and schedule of classes.
Syllabus Content
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus if deemed necessary. All changes will be provided to the students orally or in writing before the implementation of the change.
Textbook and Required Materials Access
Every student MUST have access to the required textbooks by the second week of class. The student will be responsible for all assignments given. Failure to have a text may result in being dropped from the class. Failure to follow instructions (written or oral) will result in penalties.
STUDENT SUPPORT RESOURCES
Mental Health Resources
TimelyCare is a virtual health and well-being platform that is available 24/7 for all non-dual credit enrolled LSCO students. There is no cost to eligible students for this service. TimelyCare’s providers offer emotional support, mental health counseling, health coaching, psychiatry, and basic needs support. Non-Dual Credit students enrolled in classes can log in to the TimelyCare website or app available at
timelycare.com/LSCO.
Advocacy Information
Any student who faces challenges securing their food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is encouraged to contact the advising office for guidance on how to identify possible resources. Please notify the instructor of your circumstance if you are comfortable doing so.
Equal Opportunity to Educational Programs
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is an equal opportunity educational institution and does not discriminate against any person regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status, in admissions, educational programs, student activities or employment. For further information about this policy, contact the Accessibility Coordinator at (409) 882-3393.
Title IX of the Education Amendments
LSCO prohibits discrimination, including sexual harassment and retaliation, against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Any student who believes that he or she has experienced prohibited conduct or believes that another student has experienced prohibited conduct should immediately report the alleged acts to the Title IX Coordinator, Rebecca Gentry, at
Rebecca.Gentry@lsco.edu.
Blackboard Resources
LSCO students will access Blackboard through the MyGator portal. Login credentials will use the following format: username@my.lsco.edu and Password. For help in identifying your Username/Password, visit
https://www2.lsco.edu/sspr/.
Blackboard student resource videos and help-sites are available at
https://www.lsco.edu/distanceed/blackboard-student.asp.
Career Coach
Lamar State College Orange provides career advising services to all students and alumni through Career Coach, an online career planning tool. Career Coach assists students through all phases of developing, initiating, and implementing career plans.
Information regarding employment opportunities and career options are provided along with access to live local job postings. Full-time and part-time employment opportunities, as well as internships, are available through Career Coach. Visit
https://www.lsco.edu/advising/career-planning.asp for more details on how to use LSCO's Career Coach to plan for and learn more about your future career.
Gator Assistance Services
Lamar State College Orange provides currently enrolled technical students support for daycare costs as well as other services.
Visit
https://www.lsco.edu/advising/gator-assistance.asp for details on assistance services.
OASIS (formerly) Gator Success Center
Students are encouraged to make an appointment or walk in to receive tutoring, support services, or access to an open computer lab. Face-to-face and online supplemental instruction sessions are available to help students through any LSCO course. Reach out to
learning.center@lsco.edu for more information on how students can receive academic support.
Library Services
Students are encouraged to visit library.lsco.edu to find the library's current operating hours, access the catalog to locate print materials, and access GatorSearch to explore the vast electronic collection. The library provides over 77 electronic database collections that include eBooks, newspapers, magazines, academic journals, and streaming video. The physical library contains a specialized collection of research materials specifically chosen to support the degrees and courses offered. Additionally, Students with research questions or questions about library services are encouraged visit the library in person, call 409-882-3352, access the chat on the library webpage, or to email their question to
lscolibrary@lsco.edu.
Student with Disabilities
Under the Texas State System, Lamar State College Orange complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, pertaining to the provision of reasonable academic adjustments/auxiliary aids for students with disability. We strive to provide reasonable academic adjustments/auxiliary aids to students who request and require them.
Students who believe they have a disability requiring an academic adjustment/auxiliary aid are encouraged to contact the Accessibility Coordinator at (409) 882-3393 or visit the Advising Office. Students are encouraged to apply before the start of the semester when at all possible. The Accommodation Request Form and details regarding the appropriate documentation needed can be found here:
https://www.lsco.edu/advising/disability.asp. Once approved, the signed accommodation form provided by the Special Populations Advisor must be submitted to the instructor at least two business days in advance of need.
Students with questions about the accommodations they receive in class should contact their instructor or the Accessibility Coordinator.
Upswing 24/7 FREE Tutoring Services
Lamar State College Orange provides currently enrolled students with access to online tutoring through a partnership with Upswing, an online tutoring platform. Tutors are available 24/7 online in almost every subject.
Visit
https://www.lsco.edu/tutoring/online-tutoring.asp for details on how to log-in to the FREE services.
INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES
Campus Closure
In the event of an emergency campus closure in excess of three class days, Lamar State College Orange's classes will continue via the use of Blackboard. In such an instance, the college website, www.lsco.edu, will have information concerning the event and anticipated re-opening plans.
Civility
Please be considerate of other classmates' feelings, ethnic background, cultural differences, situations, and level of maturity. Students will be asked to leave the course if disruptive or inappropriate behavior is exhibited in any of the course requirements. If your instructor feels that you have not contributed appropriately to course requirements, your final course grade may be reduced accordingly.
The instructor reserves the right to manage a positive learning environment and will not tolerate inappropriate conduct in the course. Rude correspondence (discourteous or impolite, especially in a deliberate way) in e-mails, telephone calls, in person, or comments made to other class members, the instructor, or the office staff.
Contingency Plans
Students should develop a backup plan should their computer system or their Internet provider fail. Computer or internet connectivity issues are not valid excuses for missing a deadline. The College provides many opportunities for using computer equipment, as do many public libraries. Refer to the LSCO website for operational hours of the Library and Success Center.
Credit Transfer
Students should check in advance with the institution to which they plan to transfer credit to confirm transferability. Refer to the LSCO Catalog for details on how to handle and resolve transfer disputes with public institutions of higher education in Texas.
Criminal Background Policy
LSCO awards some certificates and degrees in which a criminal history MAY disqualify candidates from becoming licensed, certified, and/or employed upon degree/certificate completion. Students with a criminal background enrolling in courses leading to a degree/certificate in Court Reporting, Criminal Justice, Cosmetology, Emergency Medical Technology, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Vocational Nursing (VN), Registered Nursing (RN), Pharmacy Technician, Real Estate, or Teacher Preparation program are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to discuss the certification and/or licensing regulations of the program with the program director listed in order to learn more about the current guidelines related to criminal history as well as the right of individuals to request a criminal history evaluation letter.
Drops and Withdrawals
Never attending or ceasing to attend classes DOES NOT constitute a drop or withdrawal. You remain registered until you request a drop from the instructor. Failure to act in a timely manner will result in an "F" grade for the course. It is the student's responsibility to follow up with the LSCO advising office to ensure that all drops/withdrawals are processed as desired.
Grade of "Incomplete"
The grade of "I" may be given when any requirement of the course, including the final examination, is not completed. Students seeking an incomplete should have completed at least 75% of the course requirements and be passing the course at the time of the request. Arrangements to complete deficiencies in a course should be made in advance of the end of the semester with the instructor. The instructor will process the Incomplete form online, and a confirmation will be sent to the student's LSCO email.
Incomplete work must be finished during the next long semester. If not, the Office of Admission and Records must change the "I" grade to the grade of "F." The course must then be repeated if credit is desired. An "I" grade also automatically becomes an "F" if the student registers for the course prior to removing the deficiencies and receiving a grade change. The instructor may record the grade of "F" for a student who is absent from the final examination and is not passing the course.
Grade Appeals (Complaints Related to Earned Grades)
Grade determination and awarding of grades in a course are the responsibility of the instructor and should be calculated according to college policy, procedures, and written details provided in the course
syllabus. NOTE: Final grades are available to students within 48 hours of the instructor posting the grade in Banner. Students may view final grades by logging into MyGator and then accessing Gator Self-Service.
An academic appeal process is afforded to students who desire to dispute a grade or any decision that affects the student's ability to complete and earn a grade for the course provided it is not related to a violation outlined in the LSCO Student Code of Conduct. If an informal conference with the faculty member regarding an academic complaint fails to reach the outcome requested by the student, the student may initiate the formal process outlined below. Even after initiating the formal complaint process, students are encouraged to seek informal resolution of their concerns. A student whose concerns are resolved may withdraw a formal complaint at any time.
Refer to the current catalog or for details on the formal grade appeal process.
Institutional Educational Goals
Lamar State College Orange has identified seven educational goals to specify the knowledge and skills that students should gain from completing academic and technical programs with the College. These goals are:
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Critical thinking (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to demonstrate creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.
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Communication (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to effectively develop, interpret and express of ideas through written, oral and visual communication.
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Empirical and quantitative skills (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to manipulate and analyze numerical data or observable facts and create informed conclusions.
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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.
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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.
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Personal responsibility (General Education, Technical) - Students will be able to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.
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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.