LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

Registered Nursing

RNSG, 2514, Care of Clients Complex Needs, 21

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name Janet Lemons
Building/Office Number Nursing and Classroom Building (NCB), Room 104H
Office Hours
Virtual Hours
Office Telephone (409) 882-3037
Email Address janet.lemons@lsco.edu
Course Schedule Building: Stark Nursing Classroom Bldg (NCB), Room: TBA, Dates: 5/28/2024 - 8/6/2024, Days: M, Times: - 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Course Description RNSG 2514 ............................................ 5-4-2 Integrated Care of the Patient with Complex Health Care Needs (51.3801) Application of a systematic problem-solving process, critical thinking skills and concepts to provide comprehensive nursing care to diverse patients and families across the life span with complex health care needs including, but not limited to, complex childhood/adolescent diseases, complicated perinatal care, acute mental illness, complex perioperative care, serious adult health problems and health issues related to aging. Emphasis on tertiary disease prevention, health maintenance/restoration and collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary health care team. Content includes the roles of the professional nurse and applicable competencies in knowledge, judgment, skills, and professional values within a legal/ethical framework. 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 and RNSG 2261. Co-Requisites: RNSG 2262 Clinical II. To receive credit for RNSG 2514, the course must be successfully completed simultaneously with RNSG 2262. 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 Level Learning Outcomes (WECM)

Student learning Outcomes with Educational Competencies(EC) and Differentiated Educational Competencies(DECs

Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects

Prioritize clinical reasoning processes and clinical judgment when caring for patients and families across the lifespan with complex health care needs;

Promote Health Maintenance and heath restoration by using clinical reasoning and clinical judgment to implement a safe plan of care for patients and their families with complex healthcare needs.

EC 1, 4, 5

DECs II B 11, D 1 d, 5 a, b F 2, G 3 b, iii B 3bC 1 b, IV E 2 d, e

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.

Manage collaborative behavior as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team

Appy therapeutic communication skills to collaborate with the multidisciplinary heath care team to plan and provide care for clients and their families with complex health care needs.

EC 1, 3, 4, 5

DECs II C 7,  II H 2, IV A 1 a, b, 3 a, b, 4 a, B 1 b, C 4, 5, 6, 7, G 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.

Analyze legal and ethical parameters of nursing for patients and families experiencing complex health care problems

Appy the nurse practice act in relation to patients and families and recognize situations requiring advocacy for patients and their families.

EC 1, 4, 5

DECs I C 3, D 5, III A 3, 4, 5, B 3 b, IV B 1b                                                                                                                                                                                                       

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.



 

 





Course Topical Outline

Emergency/Disaster Nursing/Burns/Musculoskeletal Trauma/Shock Emergency, Trauma, Environmental Injuries, Disaster, Mass Casualty Incidents, Complex Emergencies, Burns, Musculoskeletal Trauma, Shock, and Sepsis
Neuro/Pedi Neuro Assessment of Neurological Function, Brain Disorders, Spinal Cord Disorders, Critically Ill Patients with Neurological Dysfunction, Neurological or Sensory
Cardiac/Pedi Cardiac Assessment of Cardiovascular Function, Cardiac Dysrhythmia, Cardiac Disorders, Vascular Disorders, Critically Ill Patients with Cardiovascular Dysfunction
Respiratory/Pedi Respiratory/Endocrine Lower Airway Disorders, Critically Ill Patients with Respiratory Disorders, Assessment of Endocrine Function, Diabetes Mellitus, DKA, HHS
GI/Pedi GI/Renal/Pedi Renal Assessment of Gastrointestinal Function, Oral and Esophageal Disorders, Stomach Disorders, Intestinal Disorders, Hepatic Disorders, Biliary and Pancreatic Disorders, Assessment of Renal and Urinary Function, Renal Disorders, Urinary Disorders
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   




Major Assignments Schedule

See the Course Calendar, Reading List, and Assignment List posted in RNSG 2514 in Blackboard.




Final Exam Date

August 5, 2024 - 9:00 AM   Through  August 5, 2024 - 12:00 PM


COURSE POLICIES

Academic Honesty

Faculty who suspect violation of academic honesty, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, or abuse of resource materials may assign an academic penalty. 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.
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 are strongly encouraged to take exams as scheduled.  However, in the event that an exam cannot be taken on the scheduled date, the student is required to notify the instructor BEFORE the exam and give his/her reason.  A make-up exam may be scheduled at the discretion of the instructor(s).  In the event that a make-up exam is allowed, it must be taken within one week after the original exam date.  All make-up exams will have a ten-point penalty deducted.  There will be NO exceptions to this rule.  The final examination must be taken according to the published college exam schedule with NO provision for make-up.  




Classroom Etiquette


Exam Policy

All exams will be given on campus in a computer lab to simulate NCLEX-RN.  The use of outside resources during exams are not allowed.  This includes, but not limited to, notes, smartphones, smartwatches, smart glasses, or internet browsers.

A combined weighted exam score of 78% must be obtained on the math quizzes (calculated as 5%), Exam 1 (calculated as 7%), Exam 2 (calculated as 7%), Exam 3 (calculated as 7%), Exam 4 (calculated as of 7%), Exam 5 (calculated as 7%), HESI Med/Surg (calculated as 4%), HESI Critical Care (calculated as 6%) and the Final Comprehensive Exam (calculated as 20%) to pass this course, independent of all other graded assignments. See "Grading and Evaluation Method" for further breakdown of exams.

The final exam will be a comprehensive final exam of 100 questions. 

There will be no rounding of any course grades.




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

Exams: There are 5 instructor generated exams. Each of these exams are worth 7% for a total of 35% of the combined weighted exam grade. These exams will be administered in Blackboard. 

HESI Exams: The HESI exams include the Med/Surg (worth 4%) and the Critical Care (worth 6%) of the combined weighted exam grade.  The HESI exams will be calculated as a numerical grade based on the grading criteria.

Math Quizzes: A total of three math quizzes will be administered with no provisions for make ups for these exams.  They must be taken on the date and time scheduled.  Math quizzes not taken on the day and time scheduled will receive a zero for the grade.  Math Quiz #1 is worth 1%, while Math Quiz #2 and Math Quiz #3 are worth 2% of the combined weighted exam grade.  

The final exam will be a comprehensive final exam of 100 questions. 

See course calendar and course reading list for all exam content and dates.

Failure to obtain the 78% on the required combined weighted exam score will result in failure of the course.  FA Davis Personalized Learning (Ticket to Class) Assignments, FA Davis Personalized Learning Assignments, FA Davis Clinical Judgement Assignments, Evolve Patient Reviews as Lab Assignments, Evolve Practice Tests for HESI Exams, and the syllabus quiz will be added in ONLY if the student achieves the combined weighted exam score of 78% to calculate the final course grade.

FA Davis Personalized Learning (Ticket to Class) Assignments: 6 assignments each due at 8am on the morning of the corresponding lecture worth a total of 2% of assignment average. Grading is as follows: green thumb - 100, orange thumb - grade that student earned, red thumb - 0 (zero).  No late or make-up assignments will be accepted. 

FA Davis Personalized Learning Assignments: 10 assignments each due at 8am on the morning of the corresponding exam worth a total of 10% of the assignment average. Grading is as follows: green thumb - 100, orange thumb - grade that student earned, red thumb - 0 (zero). No late or make-up assignments will be accepted.

Clinical Judgement Assignments: 5 assignments each due at 8am on the morning of the corresponding exam worth 5% of the assignment average. Grading is as follows: green thumb - 100, orange thumb - grade that student earned, red thumb - 0 (zero). No late or make-up assignments will be accepted.

Lab Assignments: Evolve Patient Reviews, Critical Care.  5 virtual assignments due the day after the corresponding online lecture by 11:59pm worth 6% of the assignment average. The student will have one attempt for each lab assignment and the grade earned will be recorded.  No late or make-up assignments will be accepted.

Evolve Practice Tests for HESI Exams: 2 practice exams for preparation of corresponding HESI exams due at 8am on the morning of the corresponding exam worth 6% of the assignment average. The student will have one attempt for each practice exam and the grade earned will be recorded.  No late or make-up assignments will be accepted.

Syllabus Quiz and Read & Respond: Verification of reading of syllabus due per course calendar worth 1% of the assignment average.  If student does not submit by the date due per course calendar, student may be dismissed from the RN Transition Program.


A final course grade of 78% is necessary for the student to pass this course.  The final course grade is calculated as follows:
A        90-100
B        80-89
C        78-79
D        70-77
F         0-69

There will be no rounding of any course grades.  




Exams: 70% of course grade:		  
Math Quiz 1 (Dosage Calc 360) 10 questions 1%
Math Quiz 2 (Dosage Calc 360) 20 questions 2%
Math Quiz 3 (Dosage Calc 360) 25 questions 2%
Exam 1 (Blackboard) 80 questions 7%
Exam 2 (Blackboard) 80 questions 7%
Exam 3 (Blackboard) 80 questions 7%
Exam 4 (Blackboard) 80 questions 7%
Exam 5 (Blackboard) 80 questions 7%
HESI Med/Surg 4%
HESI Critical Care 6%
Final Exam Comprehensive (Blackboard) 100 questions 20%
A combined weighted score of 78% must be obtained on the math quizzes (calculated as 1%, 2%, 2%), Exam 1 (calculated as 7%), Exam 2 (calculated as 7%), Exam 3 (calculated as 7%), Exam 4 (calculated as of 7%), Exam 5 (calculated as 7%), HESI Med/Surg (calculated as 4%), HESI Critical Care (calculated as 6%) and the Final Comprehensive Exam (calculated as 20%) to pass this course, independent of all other graded assignments. (Total 70%)  

Assignments: 30% of course grade:
(will be added if exam weighted score is 78)		  
FA Davis Assignments:  
     Personalized Learning – Tickets to Class- (6 assignments) 2% (total)
     Personalized Learning Assignments (10 assignments) 10% (total)
     Clinical Judgement (6 assignments) 5% (total)
Evolve Assignments:  
     HESI Practice Tests (2 tests-Med/Surg & Critical Care) 6% (total)
     Lab Assignments (5 assignments- Patient Reviews) 6% (total)
Syllabus Quiz and Read & Respond 1%



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

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. In addition to classroom attendance, your weekly active participation in the online component (Blackboard and/or homework software) will be considered and expected.  Assignments should be completed by the due date posted in Blackboard. In addition, students are expected to participate in weekly classroom activities to enhance content mastery. Work is not an excuse for missed assignment deadlines and missed exams.  
 
Students are expected to be present and on time for class and remain until they are dismissed.

Students are responsible for obtaining material covered in their absence.
 



Review of Test Grades

After ALL students have completed the exam and immediately after exam submission, missed items and accompanying feedback may be made available for review. If all students are not available to take the exam, review of missed questions, and rationale will not be available until determined by faculty. The test is reviewed by the faculty after all students have completed the exam. Test statistics will be evaluated by faculty and test results adjusted if warranted. Students are informed of rationales for exam items that have been re-evaluated.
 
Additional review is available to any student per request. Students are expected to make an appointment individually within one week after the exam with one of the instructors. At that time the student reviews the exam and, with the assistance of the instructor, identifies strategies to improve exam performance.
 
Remediation/Retention: 


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.