LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

AGAH, 1343, Animal Health, E4

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name	Jacqueline Sveter
Building/Office Number
Office Hours	Teacher: Jacqueline Sveter   Email: jsveter@livingstonisd.com Phone Number: 936-328-8600 Ext: 8106 Conference: 7th Period 1:35 PM - 2:25 PM "> Teacher: Jacqueline Sveter Email: jsveter@livingstonisd.com Phone Number: 936-328-8600 Ext: 8106 Conference: 7th Period 1:35 PM - 2:25 PM
Virtual Hours
Office Telephone	(409) 883-7750
Email Address	Jacqueline.Sveter@lsco.edu
Course Schedule	Building: Livingston High School (LV), Room: TBA, Dates: 2/9/2026 - 5/12/2026, Days: TBA, Times: 12:00pm - 12:01pm
Course Description	AGAH 1343 - Animal Health Credits 3 Lecture Hours 2 Lab Hours 3 An overview of anatomy and physiology as it relates to animal health. Topics include disease symptoms, basic immunology, diagnosis, prevention, and control of infectious and non-infectious diseases of animals. Course Identifier 01.0302 TEC

Required Textbook & Materials

Course Description

The Advanced Animal Science course examines the interrelatedness of human, scientific, and technological dimensions of livestock production. This course is to prepare students for a career in the field of animal science. Students will cover topics like Advanced Animal Genetics, Management Practices, and much more. By the end of this course, all students are expected to take and pass the Elanco Fundamentals of Animal Science certification with a score of 80% or higher.

Units of Study

• General Animal Science

• Animal Nutrition

• Animal Management Practices

• Animal Health & Wellness

• Animal Breeding.

Materials/Supplies Needed

• 3 inch 3 ring binder

• 1 package of binder dividers

• Pens/Pencils

• 1 box of crayons, markers or colored pencils

• Scissors

• Glue or Glue Sticks

• Notebook Paper

• Throughout the year poster boards may be needed for projects/assignments.

What I Expect From YOU:

Come PREPARED for class each day including:

• Having a proper writing utensil.

• Have a class BINDER/Notebook with paper (to be left in the classroom).

• Completed homework / assignments.

• An open mind and an attitude ready to learn.

Be ready to LEARN:

• Be in your seat and ready to learn when the bell rings and keep that attitude until dismissed by the instructor.

• Take risks! Try new things. You might discover something interesting.

• Always try your best.

Take Responsibility for Yourself and your actions:

• Clean up after yourselves, dispose of any waste in the proper locations, and recycle materials.

• Turn in all work on time.

• If you’re absent – Check Google Classroom and follow up with me then complete all assignments.

• Be truthful and honest at all times.

• Do what you know to be right and take full responsibility for your actions.

Maintain a SAFE learning environment for everyone.

• Respect others’ opinions as you would want them to respect your opinions.

• Follow all safety guidelines.

• Respect the classroom and materials because it’s OUR learning environment.

• USE COMMON SENSE.

**All school guidelines and policies listed in the student handbook apply at all times.**

Under NO circumstances will swearing, profanity, horseplay, cheating, dishonesty, or any other inappropriate behavior be tolerated…

What You Can Expect From ME:

• You will have a FAN!!! I BELIEVE that you can succeed in this class.

• You will be challenged to THINK.

• You’ll always have help - Just ask!!!

GRADING GUIDELINES

Grades will be assigned on the following scale:

• A’s = 90 - 100

• B’s = 80 - 89

• C’s = 70 - 79

• D’s = 60 - 69

• F = anything below 60

Breakdown of Grading:

• You may earn 100 possible points on EVERYTHING.

• You may receive a “1” if you have a missing grade and I have discussed it with you. A “1” means it is your responsibility to bring the completed work to me!

• Practice grades include but are not limited to: Bell Ringer responses, participation/teacher observation of work ethic, book assignments, article summaries, handouts and worksheets, chapter review packets.

• Assessment grades include but are not limited to: Unit finals, projects, notebook checks, AET records, and Elanco IBC.

Daily Routine:

• Bell Ringer: A bell ringer and your daily agenda will be on the board daily. The agenda and bell ringer will have instructions for the assignment and class each day so please be sure to check the board when you enter class. Each week your class binders will be checked for a grade. This form of record keeping reminds you what you have done throughout the week and what topics you will need to study for upcoming assessments and provide study/review material for upcoming units of study.

• Notebook Checks: Your binder/notebook will be graded randomly throughout the course based on the number of assignments we have completed. I will post an announcement on google classroom with notebook check dates. Place all work in your binder/notebook in the order it is listed on the announcement for an assessment grade. I will provide an example binder and table of contents to help you make sure that you have everything correct in your binder.

Late Work Policy:

If you were absent, it is your responsibility to check google classroom and follow up with me for any work you may have missed, and take care of that in a timely manner.

ANY work that is handed in late will be deducted 10 points for each day late unless you were absent. If you were absent, I will give you 1 day for each day you were absent to complete the work.

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 Outcome 1	Core Objective	Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects
Compare and contrast the structures, reproduction, and characteristics of animals	Critical Thinking	Students will create a table to list structures, reproduction, and characteristics of animals and write a three-paragraph paper which elaborates on the similarities and differences and how they benefit the animals.

Course Topical Outline




Major Assignments Schedule

This course includes a variety of major assignments, assessments, and instructional activities designed to build advanced knowledge and practical skills in animal science. A detailed course schedule will be provided and updated as needed throughout the year.

Major Course Requirements & Assignments

Major course requirements may include, but are not limited to:

• Unit Exams
  Assessments covering key concepts, vocabulary, and applications from each unit of study.

• Projects & Presentations
  Individual and group projects requiring research, analysis, creativity, and application of animal science concepts.

• Laboratory Activities & Practicums
  Hands-on labs, demonstrations, and applied learning activities focused on animal health, nutrition, management, and breeding.

• Notebook/Binder Checks
  Organized records of classwork, notes, bell ringers, and assignments used as study tools and graded periodically.

• Certification Preparation & Exams
  Coursework and assessments aligned with the Elanco Fundamentals of Animal Science certification, including the required certification exam.

• FFA-Related Assignments (as applicable)
  Assignments connected to leadership development, career exploration, and supervised agricultural experiences (SAE).

Readings & Instructional Materials

• Required and recommended readings may include:

  • Teacher-provided notes and handouts

  • Articles, case studies, and industry resources

  • Online instructional materials posted in Google Classroom

• All required readings and resources will be clearly identified prior to assignment.

Course Schedule & Due Dates

• A course schedule outlining:

  • Class meetings and instructional topics

  • Reading assignments

  • Major assignment and assessment due dates
    will be posted in Google Classroom and updated as needed.

• Students are responsible for regularly reviewing the posted schedule and announcements.

Instructional Topics

Instruction will include lectures, discussions, labs, and guided activities covering topics such as:

• General Animal Science

• Animal Nutrition

• Animal Management Practices

• Animal Health & Wellness

• Animal Breeding and Genetics

Schedule Changes

• The instructor reserves the right to adjust the course schedule, instructional topics, and due dates as necessary to support student learning, school events, or unforeseen circumstances.

• Any changes will be communicated in advance through Google Classroom and/or ParentSquare.

Final Exam Date

May 12, 2026 - :00   Through  May 16, 2026 - :00


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.

All electronic communication related to Advanced Animal Science must follow Livingston ISD guidelines to ensure student safety, privacy, and accountability.

Approved Communication Platforms

• Students are required to use their Livingston ISD-issued email account for all electronic communication related to this course.

• Personal email accounts, social media, or messaging apps are not permitted for school-related communication.

• Official course communication may also occur through:

  • Google Classroom

  • ParentSquare

Privacy and Identity Verification

• To protect student privacy and verify identity, all communication must occur through district-approved platforms.

• Messages sent from personal or unapproved accounts may not receive a response.

Student Responsibilities

• Students are responsible for:

  • Checking their LISD email and Google Classroom daily.

  • Reviewing announcements, assignments, and messages posted by the instructor.

• Failure to regularly monitor electronic communication does not excuse missed assignments or deadlines.

Parent and Guardian Communication

• Parent and guardian communication will be conducted through ParentSquare, in accordance with Livingston ISD guidelines.

• Parents are encouraged to ensure ParentSquare notifications are enabled to stay informed about class updates and student progress.

Technical Issues

• Students experiencing difficulty accessing their Livingston ISD email or Google Classroom should report the issue promptly.

• For technical support, students should contact the Livingston ISD Technology Department or campus administration.

• Technical difficulties do not automatically excuse late or missing work unless verified and approved.

Professional Communication Expectations

• All electronic communication should be respectful, appropriate, and professional.

• Inappropriate or abusive communication may result in disciplinary action in accordance with Livingston ISD policy.

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.

Regular attendance is critical to your success in Advanced Animal Science. This course is hands-on, fast-paced, and builds daily on prior instruction. When you are absent, you miss instruction, discussion, labs, and activities that cannot always be recreated.

Expectations

• Students are expected to be present and on time every day.

• Being physically present and actively participating is required to earn full credit for daily work.

• Attendance will be taken each class period in accordance with LISD policy.

Excused Absences

Absences will be considered excused only when they meet Livingston ISD and state guidelines (illness, school-approved activities, family emergency, etc.).

• It is the student’s responsibility to:

  • Check Google Classroom for missed work.

  • Follow up with me upon returning to class.

• Students will receive one day for each day absent to complete missed work without penalty.

Unexcused Absences

• Any absence not recognized as excused by LISD is considered unexcused.

• Work missed due to unexcused absences may receive a grade penalty or may not be eligible for makeup, depending on the assignment.

• Repeated unexcused absences may result in administrative referral.

Tardies

Being on time matters.

• 1st tardy – Verbal warning

• 2nd tardy – Lunch detention

• 3rd tardy – Two lunch detentions

• 4th and subsequent tardies – Written referral

Students are expected to be in their seat and ready to learn when the bell rings.

Leaving Class / Out of Location

• Students may not leave class without permission.

• Leaving class or campus without approval will be treated as a student out of location and handled according to LISD discipline procedures.

Extended or Chronic Absences

Excessive absences may:

• Impact grades due to missed instruction and assessments.

• Require administrative involvement.

• Affect eligibility for projects, certifications, labs, and FFA-related opportunities.

Make-up Work Policy

Make-Up Work Policy (Livingston ISD Aligned)

Make-up work is provided in accordance with Livingston ISD policy and state attendance requirements. Students are responsible for completing all missed assignments in a timely and responsible manner.

Excused Absences

• Students who are absent for excused reasons (as defined by Livingston ISD) are allowed to make up all missed work.

• Students will be given one day for each day absent to complete and submit missed assignments without penalty.

• It is the student’s responsibility to:

  • Check Google Classroom for assignments and instructions.

  • Follow up with the teacher upon returning to class.

• Assignments must be completed according to the original expectations unless otherwise noted.

Unexcused Absences

• Make-up work for unexcused absences is subject to teacher discretion and may receive a grade penalty or may not be eligible for full credit.

• Missed labs, activities, and assessments that cannot be reasonably replicated may not be available for make-up.

• Repeated unexcused absences may result in administrative action per LISD policy.

Assessments, Labs, and Major Projects

• Tests, quizzes, labs, and major projects missed due to an excused absence must be scheduled for make-up within the allotted time frame.

• Alternative assignments or assessments may be provided when appropriate.

• Some hands-on labs or group activities cannot be recreated and may require an alternate assignment at the teacher’s discretion.

Long-Term or Pre-Planned Absences

• For known or school-approved absences (field trips, UIL/FFA events, appointments), students are encouraged to communicate in advance.

• Work may be required to be completed before the absence when reasonable.

Failure to Complete Make-Up Work

• Failure to complete assigned make-up work within the allotted time may result in a zero or reduced grade, in accordance with LISD grading guidelines.

• Students who are absent are still responsible for mastering the content covered during their absence.

Classroom Etiquette

A positive, respectful learning environment is essential for everyone to be successful in Advanced Animal Science. Proper classroom etiquette ensures safety, learning, and mutual respect among students and the teacher.

Respect the Learning Environment

• Be respectful to the teacher, classmates, and guests at all times.

• Listen when others are speaking and do not interrupt.

• Use appropriate language; profanity, disrespectful remarks, or inappropriate comments will not be tolerated.

• Respect differing opinions and viewpoints.

Be Engaged and Responsible

• Be in your seat and ready to learn when the bell rings.

• Follow directions the first time they are given.

• Stay on task and actively participate in class activities, discussions, and labs.

• Use class time appropriately and productively.

Respect Classroom Materials and Space

• Treat classroom materials, equipment, and supplies with care.

• Clean up after yourself and return materials to their proper locations.

• Food and drink are permitted only with teacher permission.

• Keep personal belongings organized and out of walkways.

Technology Use

• Technology (Chromebooks, phones, headphones, etc.) may be used only for instructional purposes and with teacher permission.

• Unauthorized use of technology during class time will result in disciplinary consequences.

• Recording, photographing, or posting content from the classroom without permission is strictly prohibited.

Safety and Conduct

• Follow all safety procedures, especially during labs and hands-on activities.

• Horseplay, unsafe behavior, or misuse of equipment will result in immediate consequences.

• Remain in the classroom unless given permission to leave.

Academic Integrity

• Be honest in all work.

• Cheating, plagiarism, or dishonesty of any kind will result in disciplinary action and academic consequences in accordance with LISD policy.

Accountability

• Students are expected to take responsibility for their actions and behavior.

• Failure to follow classroom etiquette expectations will be addressed using the progressive discipline procedures outlined in this syllabus and the LISD student handbook.

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If you want, I can:

• Make a short “student-friendly” version for the wall

• Create a lab-specific etiquette add-on

• Turn this into a signed etiquette agreement

• Align it word-for-word with LISD handbook language

Exam Policy

Exams are an essential measure of student understanding and mastery of course content in Advanced Animal Science. All students are expected to complete exams honestly, independently, and in accordance with school and district policies.

Exam Expectations

• Students must be present on exam days and arrive on time.

• Exams must be completed independently, unless otherwise stated.

• All class rules, academic integrity standards, and LISD policies apply during exams.

• Unauthorized materials, technology, communication, or collaboration during an exam is considered academic dishonesty and will result in disciplinary and academic consequences.

Missed Exams

• Exams missed due to an excused absence may be made up.

• Make-up exams must be completed within the allotted time frame determined by the teacher.

• Exams missed due to unexcused absences may not be eligible for make-up or may receive a grade penalty.

• Some exams may be replaced with an alternate assessment at the teacher’s discretion.

Proctored Exams

Certain exams—including certification exams, major unit assessments, or integrity-sensitive assessments—may require proctoring.

When proctoring is required, students may have one or more of the following options:

In-Class Proctoring

• Exams may be proctored during the regular class period under teacher supervision.

Testing Center Proctoring

• Students may be required to take an exam at an approved Testing Center, if available.

• The Testing Center must be approved by the teacher or campus administration.

• Students are responsible for scheduling their testing appointment and adhering to all Testing Center rules and procedures.

Remote Proctoring

• Some exams may require remote proctoring software (such as BioSig or similar platforms).

• Students are responsible for:

  • Ensuring compatible technology and internet access

  • Completing identity verification requirements

  • Following all testing protocols

• Failure to comply with proctoring requirements may result in the exam being invalidated.

Testing Integrity

• Any attempt to bypass proctoring requirements, share exam content, or violate testing rules will be treated as cheating.

• Consequences may include:

  • A zero on the exam

  • Loss of exam privileges

  • Parent contact

  • Administrative referral

  • Additional disciplinary action per LISD policy

Special Circumstances

• Students with approved accommodations must coordinate testing arrangements in advance.

• Extenuating circumstances must be communicated to the teacher as soon as possible.

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

Grades will be assigned on the following scale:

• A’s = 90 - 100

• B’s = 80 - 89

• C’s = 70 - 79

• D’s = 60 - 69

• F = anything below 60

Instructor Response Time

The instructor will respond to emails within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. On weekends and holidays, the instructor will respond to emails from students within 24 hours of the first business day following the weekend or holiday.


Participation Requirements

Active participation and engagement are essential for success in Advanced Animal Science. This course includes discussion, hands-on activities, labs, collaborative work, and independent practice that require consistent involvement.

Participation Expectations

• Students are expected to participate daily in class activities, discussions, labs, and assignments.

• Weekly participation and engagement are critical to mastering course content and skills.

• Students should come to class prepared, with required materials and a readiness to learn.

• Active participation includes:

  • Completing bell ringers and daily tasks

  • Engaging in discussions and group work

  • Following instructions and staying on task

  • Demonstrating appropriate work ethic and effort

Assignment Completion

• All assignments should be completed and submitted by the assigned due date.

• Late work will be handled according to the course Late Work Policy.

• Incomplete or missing work may impact participation and practice grades.

Attendance and Participation

• Regular attendance directly affects participation and learning.

• Students are responsible for reviewing and following the Attendance Policy outlined in this syllabus.

• Absences—excused or unexcused—do not remove the responsibility to complete assignments and stay current with course material.

Behavior and Engagement

• Disruptive behavior, lack of effort, or refusal to participate may result in reduced participation credit and disciplinary action in accordance with LISD policy.

• Students are expected to contribute to a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment at all times.

Accountability

• Participation is assessed through teacher observation, completion of in-class activities, and engagement in course content.

• Failure to meet participation expectations may negatively impact grades and eligibility for certain activities, projects, labs, or certifications.

Review of Test Grades

Students are encouraged to review their test and assessment grades carefully. If a student has a question or concern regarding a test grade, the following procedure must be followed.

Grade Review Timeline

• The student must contact the instructor no later than three (3) school days after receiving the grade.

• Requests submitted after the three-day window will not be considered.

Review Procedure

• Grade review requests must be made respectfully and professionally.

• The student should be prepared to:

  • Identify the specific question(s) or section(s) in dispute

  • Explain why they believe the answer should receive credit

• The instructor will review the assessment and provide clarification or correction if warranted.

Final Determination

• After review, the instructor’s decision regarding the grade is final.

• In some cases, reviewing an exam may result in a score remaining the same or being adjusted based on accuracy and grading criteria.

Academic Integrity

• Requests for grade changes that involve academic dishonesty, altered work, or misrepresentation will be handled in accordance with Livingston ISD academic integrity and discipline policies.

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.