LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

PTAC, 1432, Process Instrumentation I, 03

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name	Clinton Temple
Building/Office Number
Office Hours	Tuesday and Thursday, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM. This is the hour preceding each class. Office hours are not available for occurrences when the class is not meeting in person.
Virtual Hours	As needed
Office Telephone	(409) 883-7750
Email Address	Clinton.Temple@lsco.edu
Course Schedule	Building: Wilson Building (WB), Room: 0000115, Dates: 1/20/2026 - 5/12/2026, Days: TR, Times: - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Course Description	Study of the instruments and control systems used in the process industry including terminology, process variables, symbology, control loops, and basic troubleshooting.

Required Textbook & Materials
Process Instrumentation
By  north american process technology alliance
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

Core NAPTA Learning Outcomes are:

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Session	Topic/Title	Objectives
1	Introduction to Instrumentation	1.1 Discuss the evolution and importance of process instrumentation to the process industries. 1.2 Explain the importance of monitoring process variables, the importance of instrumentation to the process technician, and the operator’s role in safety. 1.3 Categorize the major process variables controlled in the process industries and define their units of measurement. 1.4 Describe instrumentation with regard to location, function, type, and signal produced. 1.5 Examine the relationship between common process variables.
2	Process Variables, Elements, and Instruments: PRESSURE	2.1 Identify the concept of pressure and the three components that affect the force exerted by molecules. 2.2 Manipulate units of measurement associated with pressure and pressure instruments. 2.3 Illustrate common types, purpose, and operation of pressure sensing or pressure measuring instruments used in the process industries. 2.4 Using a standard calculator and conversion formulas, convert between the following pressure scales.
3	Process Variables, Elements, and Instruments: TEMPERATURE	3.1 Explain temperature and the effects of heat energy on the movement of molecules. 3.2 Calculate units of measure associated with temperature and temperature instruments. 3.3 Illustrate common types, purpose, and operation of temperature sensing and measurement devices used in the process industries. 3.4 Using conversion formulas, complete Fahrenheit and Celsius conversions.
4	Process Variables, Elements, and Instruments: LEVEL	4.1 Classify terms associated with level and level instruments. 4.2 Predict the relationship between temperature and level measurement as it relates to the density and volume of liquid. 4.3 Identify the most common types, purposes, and operation of level-sensing/measuring devices used in the process industries.
5	Process Variables, Elements, and Instruments: FLOW	5.1 Define terms associated with flow and flow measurement, 5.2 Identify the most common types, purpose, and operation of flow sensing and measuring devices used in the process industries. 5.3 Explain the difference among total volume flow, flow rate, mass flow, and volumetric flow.
6	Process Variables, Elements, and Instruments: ANALYTICS	6.1 Define terms associated with analytical instruments. 6.2 Identify the most common types of analytical devices used in the process industries and their purposes. 6.3 Identify common types of miscellaneous measuring devices. 6.4 Discuss how analytical data affects the role of the process technician and how the process technician affects the operation of analytical instrumentation.
7	Process Diagrams and Instrumentation Symbology	7.1 Describe the types of drawings that contain instrumentation an operator might use. 7.2 Explain the lettering and numbering standards based on ISA instrumentation symbols. 7.3 Demonstrate how to determine the instrument type or signal line type from the symbol information. 7.4 Using a legend, locate and identify instrumentation on a PFD or P&ID drawing.
8	Switches, Relays, and Alarms	8.1 Define the purpose and function of a switch. 8.2 Define the following terms associated with switches used in process control. 8.3 Given a drawing, picture, or actual device, identify and describe basic switch devices used in process control. 8.4 Explain how relays are used in the process industry.
9	Signal Transmission and Conversion	9.1 Explain the purpose and operation of transmitters. 9.2 Describe methods for protecting integrity and reliability of signal transmission. 9.3 Recall types of common transmissions. 9.4 Discuss the purpose and operation of signal converter equipment. 9.5 Describe wet leg and dry leg instrument lines. 9.6 Perform scaling calculations. 9.7 Explore wireless technologies—Industry 4.0—and open internet protocol transmission/addressing.
10	Introduction to Control Loops: Simple Loop Theory	10.1 Explain the function and elements of process control loops. 10.2 Explain the differences between open and closed control loops. 10.3 Classify the functions of a control scheme. 10.4 Explain signal transmission.
11	Control Loops: Primary Sensors, Transmitters, and Transducers	11.1 Describe the function of measuring instruments for pressure, temperature, level, and flow and their role in the overall control loop process. 11.2 Describe the purpose and operation of the elements in a control loop. 11.3 Discuss differential pressure in relation to the process input to the transmitter. 11.4 Compare and contrast the transmitter input and output signals. 11.5 Describe the function of a current to pneumatic or pneumatic to current transducer (signal converter). 11.6 Describe the relationship between a 3 PSIG to 15 PSIG air signal and a 4 mA to 20 mA electric signal. 11.7 Given a process control scheme, explain how a control loop functions.
12	Control Loops: Controllers and Final Control Element Overview	12.1 Explain terms associated with controllers. 12.2 Explain bumpless transfer of automatic to manual and manual to automatic control. 12.3 Describe the process for switching from automatic control to manual control and from manual to automatic on a local controller. 12.4 Given a drawing or actual device, describe the application and operation of the following. 12.5 Describe three types of final control elements and provide an application for each type.
13	Control Loops: Control Valves and Regulators	13.1 Given a drawing or actual device, identify the following components of a control valve system. 13.2 Define terms associated with valves and other final control elements and operating scenarios in which they are desirable. 13.3 Discuss the purpose and operation of actuators and valve positioners and explain why the action of a valve actuator may not correspond with the action of the valve. 13.4 Explain how a controller’s output signal can be reversed at the valve, a control scheme that uses such a signal, and effects on the valve’s fail-safe position upon loss of instrument air. 13.5 Explain the purpose and operation of the following. 13.6 Identify the location and use of pressure regulators used in process control, including.
14	Controllers	14.1 Explain the following states and conditions associated with process dynamics, process control, and controllers. 14.2 Define the following terms associated with process recording. 14.3 Identify tuning modes and troubleshooting for selected controller tuning errors and process problems.
15	Control Schemes	15.1 Identify and describe types of control schemes. 15.2 Describe a control scheme that allows the following modes.
16	Advanced Control Schemes	16.1 Contrast the basic rationale for advanced control schemes versus simple control loops. 16.2 Explain the purpose of a cascaded control scheme. 16.3 Explain the function of a ratio (fractional) control scheme. 16.4 Explain the purpose and function of a split-range control scheme. 16.5 Explain the purpose and function of a multivariable control scheme and steps required to change instrument controllers without bumping te process.
17	Introduction to Digital Control	17.1 Explain the development of digital control. 17.2 In general terms, describe the difference between analog and digital controllers. 17.3 Define the following terms associated with process control schemes. 17.4 In general terms, describe how a digital controller transmits an output signal to an analog final control element and how an analog controller transmits to a digital controller.
18	Programmable Logic Controls	18.1 Explain the purpose of and terms associated with programmable logic control (PLC). 18.2 Explain how ladder logic applies to programmable logic control.
19	Distributed Control Systems (DCSs)	19.1 Explain the purpose of a DCS. 19.2 In general terms, describe the operation of a DCS. 19.3 Explain the function of a multiplexer/demultiplexer. 19.4 Explain advantages of a DCS over an analog control system. 19.5 Explain how DCSs interact with analytics/trending, intrinsically safe display devices/tablets, and cyber security issues.
20	Instrumentation Power Supply	20.1 Provide an overview of plant power supply systems. 20.2 Identify the purpose and components of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems.
21	Emergency Shutdown (ESD), Interlocks, and Protective Devices	21.1 Identify terms associated with emergency shutdown systems. 21.2 Describe common types of alarms. 21.3 Identify ways of avoiding shutdowns. 21.4 Explain methods for testing and resetting ESDs and issues that are associated with bypassing an ESD logic.
22	Instrumentation Malfunctions	22.1 Recall the methods used for determining if a sensing or measuring device is malfunctioning. 22.2 Describe the failure modes of the following. 22.3 Explain how a control loop will respond to typical malfunctions in the following.
23	Instrumentation Troubleshooting	23.1 Explain the extent of an operator’s role when troubleshooting problems with process instruments and the importance of process knowledge in troubleshooting. 23.2 Identify typical malfunctions found in primary sensing elements and transmitters. 23.3 Explain the methods used for determining if a sensing or measuring device is malfunctioning. 23.4 Explain the importance of communication between the board technician and the outside process technician when troubleshooting a control loop problem. 23.5 Explain the proper use of tools and equipment related to process troubleshooting. 23.6 Discuss safety and environmental issues related to troubleshooting process instruments.

 


Course Topical Outline

Week 1	Instrumentation overview; Process Variables
Week 2	Pressure Measurement
Week 3	Temperature Measurement
Week 4	Level Measurement
Week 5	Flow Measurement & Exam 1
Week 6	Flow Devices; PID
Week 7	Symbols; Switches; Alarms
Week 8	Signals; 4-20 mA
Week 9	Control Loops & Exam 2
Week 10	Loop Components
Week 11	Controllers; Valves
Week 12	Control Schemes
Week 13	Review & Exam 3
Week 14	Digital Control; PLC
Week 15	DCS; ESD; Power
Week 16	Review & Final Exam

Major Assignments Schedule

Week 5:   Exam 1
Week 9:   Exam 2
Week 13: Exam 3
Week 16: Exam 4


Final Exam Date

May 12, 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.




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.

In addition, to prepare students for a successful transition into the workforce, the LSCO Department of Industrial Systems will maintain the following standards for attendance and punctuality.
 
• To be counted present, a student will be present at his or her work or class area, prepared for work, and dressed in the appropriate attire, at the appropriate time.
• To be counted present, a student must have a notebook, pen and or pencil and class textbook. Notebooks will be reviewed periodically during the semester and points will be given to students. Failure to have all this material will result in loss of attendance points for the day.
• While enrolled in the LSCO Industrial Systems programs, students are responsible for attending class on all days that LSCO holds class.
 • Student holidays and activities at individual high school campuses do not excuse students from college classes. If a student has a schedule conflict, arrangements must be agreed upon in writing prior to the end of the first week of class and signed by the professor.
• School related absences must be communicated at least one week in advance, in writing, by the student, and approved by the professor, program director, or Chair of the Department.
• Students are expected to remain in class until dismissed.
• On test days students will be required to remain in class for the entire class period.
• If a student is removed from class for any reason, the student will be counted absent.

Extenuating Circumstances

Extenuating circumstances or special arrangements may be made by a professor in a course to meet the specific needs of a student. Students are encouraged to review LSCO Technical Program Attire and equipment guidelines with parents. Probation Students who accumulate excessive absences during a course will be placed on probationary status and may have the option of completing a project to regain credit for the course


Make-up Work Policy

Students who miss a test or lab due to illness, family emergency, or other valid reasons may request a make-up. Make-up work shall be completed and submitted within one week (7 calendar days, including weekends and holidays) of the original date. Documentation may be required, and make-up assessments may differ in format from the original at the instructor’s discretion. Because labs and tests are essential to your learning, students are expected to notify the instructor in advance whenever possible. Email is the preferred method of contact. Failure to comply with this policy could result in a grade of ZERO for the missing test or missing lab.


Classroom Etiquette

LSCO Department of Industrial Systems Operational Excellence Guidelines:

Attire: 

While participating in Department of Industrial Systems classes, students are required to be dressed and equipped according to industry standards. Specific or further requirements may be outlined in the syllabus for each class. Students should be dressed for class according to the following guidelines:

Closed toe shoes or boots: Covers entire foot. Soles should offer adequate penetration and slip protection.

Work Pants: Full length jeans or other durable material. Properly fitted (not excessively baggy). Worn at the waist (not sagging)

Work Shirt: Collared with buttons Polo or Work Shirt T-shirt with finished collar, no graphics (except LSCO graphics), slogans, etc.

Safety:  When operating HOT 3 unit, students will be required to wear the following safety equipment: Eye protection, hard hat, hearing protection, and work gloves

***The LSCO Department of Industrial Systems faculty and staff are committed to ensuring that every student can realize his or her potential without financial constraints placing anyone at a disadvantage. Any student who is unable to obtain the appropriate attire or equipment may communicate their need to the instructor. program director or chair with confidence that shared information will be kept confidential.***

Electronic Devices Guidelines:

Students may not use a cellular telephone in the classroom or lab area at any time for any reason. A student who accesses a telephone during class will be asked to leave the class for the remainder of the day and counted absent. See section on absences for further information. Students may access electronic textbooks on lap top computer, requirements will apply, no accessing email programs, games, applications, or videos without permission of the instructor. Students are preparing to work in an environment where they will be expected to remain off their phones during their workday. Repeat infractions of the electronic devices guidelines will result in removal from the program.
Exam Policy


The course will have a total of four exams. All exams will be administered in person. Each test will be weighted evenly.  

*As noted in the Make-Up Policy, students who miss a test or lab due to illness, family emergency, or other valid reasons may request a make-up. Make-up work shall be completed and submitted within one week (7 calendar days, including weekends and holidays) of the original date. Documentation may be required, and make-up assessments may differ in format from the original at the instructor’s discretion. Because labs and tests are essential to your learning, students are expected to notify the instructor in advance whenever possible. (Email is the preferred method of contact) Unexcused absences will result in a grade of zero.



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

There will be a total of four exams that will account for 60% of the student's final grade. Additionally, there will be assignments throughout the term that will weighted at 30%. Attendance will contribute to the remaining 10% of the student's final grade. 

Exams = 60%
Assignments (Labs, Discussion Boards, Online Homework) = 30%
Attendance = 10%

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

Instructor Response Time

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


Participation Requirements

Weekly participation and engagement in this course is critical for student success. Exams and assignments should be completed on time. Student's should also refer to the attendance policy for additional information.


Review of Test Grades

If the student has an issue with a test grade, the instructor must be contacted no later than three (3) business 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:

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.