LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

Registered Nursing

RNSG, 2262, Clinical II, 02

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name Janet Lemons
Building/Office Number Nursing and Classroom Building (NCB), Room 104H
Office Hours By Appointment
Virtual Hours By Appointment
Office Telephone (409) 882-3037
Email Address janet.lemons@lsco.edu
Course Schedule Building: Health Care Facility (HCF), Room: TBA, Dates: 5/28/2024 - 8/6/2024, Days: TW, Times: 6:30am - 4:30pm

Course Description RNSG 2262 ............................................ 2-0-16 Clinical II (51.3801) A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Clinical experiences are unpaid external learning experiences. Prerequisite: Admission to the Registered Nursing Transition Program. BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420, ENGL 1301, MATH 1314 (or MATH 1342), RNSG 1300, RNSG 1311, RNSG 1327, RNSG 2261, and enrollment in RNSG 2514. Corequisites: RNSG 2514. To receive credit for RNSG 2262, the course must be successfully completed simultaneously with RNSG 2514. TEC.

Required Textbook & Materials
Davis nursing consult. (2023). F. A. Davis.
HESI. (2018). HESI patient reviews with RN case studies and practice tests-next generation.
     1st ed. Elsevier.
Hoffman, J.J., & Sullivan, N.J. (2024).Davis advantage for medical surgical nursing: Making   
     connections to practice. 3rd ed. F. A. Davis.
Martinez de Castillo, S.L., & Werner-McCullough, M. (2023). Dosage calc 360. 3rd ed. F. A.
      Davis.
Ohman, K.A. (2023). Davis q & a for NCLEX RN. 4th ed. F. A. Davis.
Savage, C.L., Gillespie, S.L., & Whitehouse, E. (2024) Public/community health and nursing
     practice: Caring for populations. 3rd ed. F. A. Davis.
Scannell, M.J., & Ruggerio, K. (2022). Davis advantage for maternal child care. 3rd ed. F. A.
     Davis.
Silvestri, Linda A. (2020). HESI/Saunders Online Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination (2  
     Year Access Code), (4th ed). Elsevier.
Treas, S., Barnett, K.L., & Smith, M.H. (2024). Davis advantage for Wilkinson’s fundamentals
     of nursing (2 vol. set). 5th ed. F. A. Davis.
Wilkinson, J.M., & Treas, L.S. (2021).  Davis nursing skills videos 2-year access. F. A. Davis.
Upon registration for classes, LSCO students are automatically charged $14 per semester credit hour for access to all required textbooks, lab manuals, lab codes, and electronic books on the first day of class through the Gator Book Pack. Information about the LSCO Gator Book Pack as well as responses to common FAQs can be found on LSCO's webpage. ALL STUDENTS WILL HAVE UNTIL THE SECOND DAY OF THE SEMESTER TO OPT-OUT OF THE GATOR BOOK PACK.

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


Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

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

Core Objectives

Course Learning Outcomes (WECM) Student learning Outcomes with Educational Competencies (EC) and Differentiated Educational Competencies (DECs) Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects
As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry; EC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
DECS I B 3 a, b, c, 7, C 1, 3 a, b, c,  4, 6 a, b, D 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, II A 1, 2 a, b, c, 3, 4, B 1, 2, 3 a, b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9 a, b, C 1, 2, 3 a, b, 4, 5, 6, 7, D 2 a, b, d, 3 a, b, c, 4 E 1, 2 a, b, c,3 a, b, 5 a, b, 6 a, b, 10, 11, 12 a, b, 13, F 1 b, c, 2 a, b, 3 b, 4, 5 c, 6, G 1, 2 a, b, 3, 4, 5 a, b, 6, 7, H 1, 3, 4, 5 a, b, III C 1, 2 a, b, D 2, 3, IV A 1, 2 b, 3, B 1 a, 2, 3 a, b, c, 4 a, b, 5 b, C 1 a, b, c, 3 a, 4,  D 1 d, 2 a, 3 b, G 1, 4
Complete case studies and patient care simulations with pre and post simulation activities which may include case studies, care plans and review of journal articles for evidence-based practice. Participate in Discussion Board.
Develop and implement a plan of care for your clients (nursing care plan).
Plan nursing care with the registered nurse’s scope of practice, based on the Nurse Practice Act.
Develop a teaching plan for a client which will promote health maintenance/health restoration.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team as needed when implementing nursing care.
Communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally, when implementing the nursing care plan.
and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry. EC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
DECS I A 1, 2, 3 a, b, c, B 1, 2 a, b, c, 4 a, b, c, 5 a, b, c, 6 a. b, c, 8, 9, 10, C 2, 5, II D 1, 2 c, E 4, 6 c, d, 7 a, b, c, 8, 9, F 1 a, 3 a, 5 a, b, H 2 a, b, 6, III A 2, 3, 4, 5 a, b, B 1, 2, 3 a, b, c, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, C 3, D 1, E 1, 2, 3, 4, IV 2 a, B 1 b, 5 a, C 2 a, b, c, 3 b, D 1 a, b, c, 2 b, c, 3
 
Complete case studies and patient care simulations with pre and post simulation activities which may include case studies, care plans and review of journal articles for evidence-based practice. Participate in Discussion Board.
Develop and implement a plan of care for your clients (nursing care plan).
Plan nursing care with the registered nurse’s scope of practice, based on the Nurse Practice Act.
Develop a teaching plan for a client which will promote health maintenance/health restoration.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team as needed when implementing nursing care.
Communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally, when implementing the nursing care plan.


Upon completion of RNSG 2262, the student will have applied specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts in a health-related work-based learning environment. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional.
 
The Texas Board of Nursing has identified essential competencies to ensure that nursing graduates will enter the practice as safe and competent nurses.  These Competencies are organized according to four major roles of the nurse:  Member of a Profession, Provider of Patient-Centered Care, Patient Safety Advocate, and Member of the Health Care Team. At the completion of RNSG 2262, the student will have been introduced to the following Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs) for Diploma and Associate Degree Programs:
 
I.     Member of the Profession:               A,B,C,D                 
II.    Provider of Patient-­­Centered Care:  A, B,C,D,E,F,G,H     
III.    Patient Safety Advocate:                 A,B,C,D,E                
IV.    Member of the HealthCare Team:   A,B,C,D,G   


SCANS Skills Attached
 

Course
1
Reading
2
Writing
3
Arithmetic/
Math
4
Speaking/
Listening
5
Thinking Skills
6
Personal
Qualities
7
Workplace
Competencies
8
Basic Use of
Computers
RNSG 2262
 
Clinical II
 
Text
Modules
Assignment
Tests
Websites
Equipment
Tools
Assessment
Homework
Homework
Assignments
Documentation of Nursing Process
Tests
Calculation of grades
Medication administration
Lecture discussion
Small group work
Lab presentations
Homework
quizzes
Lab assignments
Completion of course requirements,
Group work
quizzes
Patient Care
Skills lab completion
quizzes and learner assessments
Assignments,
quizzes
Word processing




Course Topical Outline

See course calendar, due date calendar, and lab assignments posted in RNSG 2514 on Blackboard.




Major Assignments Schedule

See course calendar, due date calendar, and lab assignments posted in RNSG 2514 on Blackboard.




Final Exam Date

~ExamMonthName~ , 2024 - :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. Students must be notified of their right to appeal before the academic penalty is imposed.

Students subject to penalty due to academic honesty have the right to appeal the decision. Refer to the current LSCO Catalog for details on the appeal process.
Faculty who suspect violation of academic honesty, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, or abuse of resource materials may assign an academic penalty. Students must be notified of their right to appeal before the academic penalty is imposed.

Students subject to penalty due to academic honesty have the right to appeal the decision. Refer to the current LSCO Catalog for details on the appeal process.
Nursing students are held accountable for any form of academic dishonesty and will be withdrawn from the Nursing Program in the face of substantial evidence of said action.  Students who are withdrawn under this policy are not eligible for readmission to the program.

Academic dishonesty is defined as:  
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:  
Flagrant or repeated violation of academic honesty may be referred to the Dean of Student Services for further action. Students subject to penalty or dismissal due to academic dishonesty have the right to appeal, following the chain of command (See LSCO Student Catalog, Academic Integrity).
 
Examples of substantial evidence of academic dishonesty may include but are not limited to the following:

 




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.




Make-up Work Policy

Students will be given alternate assignments for missed clinical days (a maximum of one (1) missed day allowed). If the alternate assignment is not completed by the due date given, a counseling note will be written.  Failure to meet the plan specified in the counseling note will result in review by the Standards Committee for continued progress in, or dismissal from, the program.


Classroom Etiquette


Exam Policy

Exams are not administered in clinical.


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

Students will be assigned written assignments, assignments within the learning platforms, and presentations during the clinical experience.  Failure to complete these assignments by the due date and time will result in an unsatisfactory clinical performance and failure of the clinical course.
 
All assignments must be submitted to Blackboard, no assignments will be accepted via email or any other format other than Blackboard.
 
See the course calendar and Blackboard for written clinical assignments and instructions.

The clinical instructor will complete a formal mid-term and final evaluation with each assigned student, summarizing the student’s clinical and sim lab performance, and discussing strengths and areas for improvement. If the student receives an unsatisfactory for the mid-term evaluation, appropriate interventions for remediation will be initiated.
 
Safe, professional clinical behavior components are considered essential components of the program and must be adhered to at all times.  Disrespectful, unsafe, or unprofessional clinical behavior, as discussed in the nursing student handbook and course syllabus, will result in review by the Standards Committee and may result in immediate dismissal from the program. 

Student behaviors marked with a pound sign (#) are critical behaviors.  These must be met with a score of 3 to pass this course.  
 
Rating Code
4    Behavior for outcome exceeds expectations. The student demonstrates excellence and strengths that are above expectations.    Student consistently performs above what is expected for the currently enrolled program level. Student rarely requires direction. 

3    Behavior for the outcome is met. Students consistently perform professionally and meets the clinical behavior. Expectations for the    currently enrolled program level are met.  Student requires occasional written and verbal direction and/or demonstration. 
   
2    Behavior for outcome requires further development. The student is not consistent performance and lacks self-direction, knowledge,    and/or motivation. Minimal expectations for the currently enrolled program level are met. Student requires frequent written and verbal        direction and/or demonstration.

1    Behavior for the outcome is not met. Student performance is inconsistent and does not reflect expectations for the currently enrolled  program level. The student is unable to demonstrate behaviors and requires continuous written and verbal direction and/or demonstration.             
 
Mid-Term Evaluation
Students will complete a self-evaluation at mid-term, using the above rating scale.  Students are expected to provide a thoughtful assessment of strengths and areas for continued development of knowledge and skills and provide a minimum of two specific examples of how they have made progress toward meeting the core components.  In addition, students must provide at least two specific strategies for improving their clinical performance. Students must also post documentation that discusses a minimum of two examples reflecting how they have met the required Differentiated Essential Competencies.  
 
Clinical and Simulation Faculty will complete a mid-term evaluation using the rating scale.  In addition, faculty will review the student self-evaluation and provide written feedback for specific components receiving a rating below two. 
 
Final Clinical Evaluation
The Clinical and Simulation faculty will assign a rating to each item and a score will be totaled and divided by two.  Student behaviors marked with a pound sign (#) are critical behaviors.  These must be met with a score of 3 to pass this course.  A percentage score will then be calculated based on the achieved points/total points. The student must achieve a score of 78% (111 points) or better on the summative clinical evaluation compiled by the instructor to pass the course.  Students scoring less than 78% (or 111 points) on the final evaluation will receive an unsatisfactory grade and will be withdrawn from the nursing program. Final clinical grade issued: *S for successful completion of RNSG 2262  and co-responding course(s) OR *U for unsuccessful completion of RNSG 2262 or any of the co-responding course(s). 

Pre-Sim Assignment
Students will be required to submit pre-sim assignments before assigned sim lab days. These assignments will be submitted to the pre-sim assignment drop box and must be submitted to the sim lab instructor on the day of sim lab. Students not turning in sim lab assignments on time will be sent home and a clinical absence will be incurred.  No late submissions will be accepted. These will be included in the sim day grade and may result in an unsatisfactory grade for clinical if not completed and submitted as per instructions. 
 
Written Clinical Assignments
Students will be given written assignments and presentation assignments during the clinical experience.  Failure to complete these assignments by the due date and time will result in an unsatisfactory clinical performance and failure of the clinical course.  No late submissions will be accepted.



Instructor Response Time

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


Participation Requirements

Weekly participation and engagement in the courses are critical for student success. Assignments should be completed by the due date. Students should also refer to the instructor’s attendance policy for additional information. (See LSCO Student Handbook, Class Attendance.)

Clinical Dress Code
All students will wear the RN Transition Program designated uniform, including school patch and photo identification badge in all clinical settings, including simulation lab, unless otherwise specified by the clinical instructor. Students who fail to adhere to the dress code may be dismissed from class/clinical, resulting in a clinical absence.

CLINICAL UNIFORM POLICY The following accessories are required for clinical:
The student may be required to provide additional PPE according to the healthcare facility’s policy.
           
At different times during the year, students are required to go to various activities that require professional attire.  Students are usually asked to wear “nice clothes” with their nametags and lab coats. Unacceptable clothes would be T-shirts, tank tops, halter tops, short skirts or dresses, blue jeans and denim material of any kind, sleeveless shirts, and/or revealing clothing. If professional attire is unavailable, the student is required to wear his/her uniform.  Students who arrive inappropriately dressed may be sent home and counted absent. Uniforms may not be worn after clinical to go to the store, restaurant, etc. (Infection control, professionalism).
 
Students are to adhere to the uniform policy. Faculty has the right to send a student home who comes to clinical without complying, resulting in a clinical absence.
 
Hospital attire for non-patient care activities: When students enter the hospital for activities other than patient care, neat street attire under a buttoned lab coat is acceptable. (Shorts, jeans, thongs, and short skirts are not considered professional attire.) LSCO Student Nurse photo ID is required when in the clinical agency setting.
 
Attire for clinical experiences allowing street clothes: Students practicing in such areas will wear designated attire per instructor and lab coat with LSCO name tag.  No T-shirts, athletic wear, lounge wear, jeans, or shorts are allowed.  Certain facilities may have additional restrictions.  Students will be notified of specific requirements before the event / rotation.
 
CLINICAL BEHAVIORS  
Clinical Behaviors / Sim Lab

Clinical Site Assignments
Due to the availability of clinical sites, students will be assigned to a clinical group, not a specific site.  Consideration for assignment to a specific clinical site must be for profound reasons. Carpooling is not an option for consideration as a profound reason. Evening hours may be required to complete clinical requirements.
 
Much of this course requires access to, familiarity with, and use of a computer and the Internet. The student should have a general understanding of basic software such as Microsoft Word, the Internet, a readily available Internet access device, and good working knowledge of web browsers such as Firefox and Google Chrome. If students do not have these items at home, LSCO has computer and internet access at a variety of locations.
 
Students should be able to provide care for two or more patients by the end of Level I.  Students should be able to provide care for five patients by the end of Level III.
 
Students must realize that they may be exposed to infectious diseases during clinical experiences.  Infectious diseases include the viruses such as the common cold, influenza, and Covid-19, hepatitis, tuberculosis, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other communicable diseases.  Following standard precautions at all times when providing care to patients will greatly reduce the risk of contracting an infectious disease. Students cannot refuse to take care of any patient due to the patient’s diagnosis. 

 


Review of Test Grades

Exams are not administered in clinical.



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, Joseph Hargrave, at Joseph Hargrave@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:



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:



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.