LAMAR STATE COLLEGE ORANGE SYLLABUS

Registered Nursing

RNSG, 1311, Nursing Pathophysiology, 32

COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor Name Jennifer Trotter
Building/Office Number Nursing and Classroom Building (NCB), Room 104F
Office Hours Monday-Thursday: by appointment
Virtual Hours Monday-Friday: by appointment
Office Telephone (409) 882-3017
Email Address jennifer.trotter@lsco.edu
Course Schedule Building: Online, Room: TBA, Dates: 5/28/2024 - 8/6/2024, Days: TBA, Times: TBA
Course Description RNSG 1311 ............................................ 3-2-2 Nursing Pathophysiology (51.3801) Basic principles of pathophysiology emphasizing nursing applications. Includes epidemiologic factors that alter the normal physiological processes across the lifespan. Prerequisite: Completion of a Vocational/Practical Nursing program or Administrative Approval, BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402. TEC.

Required Textbook & Materials
APA Manual:  Most Current

Capriotti, T & Frizzell, J.P. (2020). Pathophysiology: Introductory concepts and clinical
    perspectives. (3rd ed.). F.A. Davis.

Must use access code from your book to Access Davis Advantage. Davis Advantage is a requirement for this course.

 

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

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

Core Objectives


Course Level Learning Outcomes (WECM)		 Student learning 0utcomes with Educational Competencies (EC) and Differentiated educational Competencies (DECs)  
 
Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects
1. Discuss pathological changes in human tissue and systems Demonstrate critical thinking skills as evidenced by the ability to analyze facts, synthesize factual information, and evaluate opinions in light of the facts presented throughout this course
EC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
DECs II B 4, 7; E 7
  1. Unit Exams
  2. Module assignments
  3. Module Quizzes
  4. Blogs

 
2. Relate the diagnosis, treatment modalities and potential outcomes of pathology Discuss homeostasis as a mechanism for achieving and maintaining normal interaction of structure and function
EC 1, 2, 3, 4 ,5
DECs II B 6, 7; E 7
  1. Unit exams
  2. Module Assignments
  3. Module Quizzes
  4. Blogs
3. Explain the significance of pathophysiology in professional nursing practice. Relate the physiological system and its role in pathogenesis; and explain importance of pathophysiology in nursing practice. 
EC 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  1. Unit Exams
  2. Module assignments
  3. Module Quizzes
  4. Blogs


Lamar State College Orange 
Health, Workforce, and Technical Studies
Health Profession Division
RN Transition Nursing Program

 SCANS Skills
 

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 1311
Nursing Patho-
physiology		 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
Exams
Lab assignments		 Completion of course requirements,
Group work
Exams
Patient Care		 Skills lab completion
Exams and learner assessments		 Assignments,
Exams
Word processing




Course Topical Outline

Topic:  The Cell

Didactic Objectives: Discuss Cell and tissue characteristics, genetic and congenital disorders. Cellular Biology, fluid electrolyte and acid base imbalances.

Genes and Genetic Diseases Altered Cellular and Tissue Biology Altered Fluid, electrolyte, acid and Base Balances Lab Activities:

Watch videos posted under course content.


Topic:   Mechanisms of Self Defense

Didactic Objectives: Describe concepts of Immunity, Inflammation, wound healing, Infection, Stress and Disease.

Innate Immunity: Inflammation and Wound Healing  
Adaptive Immunity Infection and Defects in Mechanisms of Defense Stress and Disease Lab Activities:

Watch videos posted under course content.

     Topic: Cellular Proliferation: Cancer

Didactic Objectives: Discuss the biology, clinical manifestations, treatment, and epidemiology of cancer.

Biology, Clinical manifestations, and Treatment of Cancer Cancer Epidemiology Cancer in Children Lab activities:

Watch the videos posted under course content.

Topic: The Neurological System

Didactic Objectives: Discuss Pain, temperature, sleep, sensory function, Alterations in cognitive systems, cerebral hemodynamics, motor functions, disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems and neuromuscular junction, and alterations of neurologic functions in children.

Pain, Temperature, sleep and sensory function Geriatric considerations: Aging and changes in hearing
Geriatric considerations: Aging and changes in olfaction and taste Alterations in cognitive systems, cerebral hemodynamics, and motor functions Disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems and neuromuscular junction Lab activities:

Watch the videos posted under course content

Topic: The Endocrine system

Didactic Objectives: Discuss Mechanisms of Hormonal regulation and alterations of Hormonal regulation

 
Mechanisms of hormonal regulation Alterations of hormonal regulation Lab activities:

Watch the videos posted under course content                                            

Topic: The Hematologic System

Didactic Objectives: Discuss alterations of hematologic function and alterations of hematologic function in children.

 
Alterations of hematologic function Alteration of hematologic function in children Lab Activities:

Watch videos posted under course content

Topic: The Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems

Didactic Objectives: Discuss alterations of cardiovascular function, and alterations of cardiovascular function in children.

 
Alterations of Cardiovascular Function Alterations of Cardiovascular function in Children Lab activities:

Watch videos posted under course content

Topic: Pulmonary Function

Didactic Objectives: Discuss Alterations of pulmonary function and alteration of pulmonary function in children.

 
Alterations of pulmonary function Alterations of pulmonary function in children Lab activities:

Watch videos posted under course content

Topic: The Renal Urologic System

Didactic Objectives: Discuss Alterations of renal and urinary tract function and alterations of renal and urinary tract function in children.           

 
Alterations of Renal and urinary tract function Alterations in Renal and Urinary tract function in children. Lab Activities:

Watch the videos posted under course content

Topic: The Digestive System

Didactic Objectives: Discuss alterations of digestive function and alterations of digestive function in children.

 
Alterations of digestive function Alterations of digestive function in children Lab Activities:

Watch the videos posted under course content

Topic: The Musculoskeletal System

Didactic Objectives: Discuss Alterations of musculoskeletal function and alterations of musculoskeletal function in children.

Alterations in musculoskeletal function Alterations of musculoskeletal function in children Lab Activities:

Watch the videos posted under course content

Topic: Integumentary

Discuss: Structure, function, and disorder of the integumentary system in adults and children.
 
 Structure, function, and disorders of the integument Alterations of the integument in children Lab Activities:

Watch the video posted under course content

 




Major Assignments Schedule

Date Lectures Labs
Online  Class    
5/27   Syllabus Quiz opens
5/28  Syllabus; Units 1,2, 3, & 4  Watch collaborate recording for Orientation to Pathophysiology, discussion boards and how to Sign up for Davis Advantage
Exam 1 opens 8 am
Assignment 1 opens
6/3    Syllabus Quiz due
Davis advantage modules, quizzes and clinical judgment chapters 2, 4, 3, 6, 7, 7, 8., 9, 10, 11, 11 due at 11:59 pm
6/4  Units 5, 6, &7  Exam 1 due at 11:59 and Assignment 1 due at 11:59  Discussion 1 opens
6/10   Davis advantage modules, quizzes and clinical judgment chapters 12, 13, 14, 15, 15., 16, 16, 17, 17, 18, 20, 21, 21 due at 11:59 pm
6/11      Exam 2  Opens 8 am and closes 10 pm
2 hours to complete
Discussion 1 closes at 11:59 pm
6/18 Units 8 & 9  
6/24   Davis advantage modules, quizzes and clinical judgment chapters 22, 22, 23, 24, 24, 24, 25, 25, 25, 26 ,27
due at 11:59 pm
6/25 Units 10, 11 & 15  
7/1   Davis advantage modules, quizzes and clinical judgment chapters 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 43, 44 due at 11:59 pm
7/2     Exam 3  opens at 8 am and closes at 10 pm
2 hours to complete
Discussion 2 opens 
7/4     4th of July Holiday  
7/9      Unit 12  Discussion 2 closes at 11:59; Assignment 2 opens at 8 am
7/15   Davis advantage modules, quizzes and clinical judgment chapters 37, 38, 39 due at 11:59  pm
7/16     Unit 13 Assignment 2 due at 11:59
7/23   Units 14 & 16  
7/26  Last day to drop or withdraw  
7/29   Davis advantage modules, quizzes and clinical judgment chapters 40, 41, 42, 46, 46 due at 11:59 pm
7/30    Exam 4  opens at 8 am and closes at 10 pm
2 hours to complete
All CEU's due
8/6    Final exam opens 8 am to 10 pm
 3 hours to complete
 


 



Final Exam Date

August 6, 2024 - 8:00 AM   Through  August 6, 2024 - 10:00 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.



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.

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.
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to the following:  
Cheating –  
Plagiarism – to take and use as one’s own the ideas or writings of another without giving that person credit.  Plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional and includes copying someone else’s work word-for-word and claiming that it is yours as well as summarizing, paraphrasing, or quoting and not providing the proper documentation and credit to the author.  This includes information from any source: printed, verbal (such as an interview), electronic (the Internet or any electronic source), even if the site/author specifically states that you are allowed to download and use any portion and claim it as your own.  It also includes overly-helpful relatives and friends who are too generous with their input for assignments, no matter how pure their intensions are.  Plagiarism, including “cut, paste and copy” may result in a grade of “F” for the paper, classwork, or exam and may result in failure of the course.
 
Collusion – lending assistance or failing to report witnessed acts of academic misconduct.  This includes discussing an examination with students who have not taken the exam, having a copy of the examination outside the time and place of test administration.  If you observe cheating during an exam, or know of students who have an unfair advantage, it is your obligation to report these occurrences to the Divisional Chair who will investigate the allegations while maintaining your confidentiality.
 
Lying or deceitfulness –  
Also, according to the LSCO Student Handbook, p. 52, "unauthorized use of university computer account(s), computer data files, and/or computer facilities," is considered a breach of conduct, and "is not in keeping with the educational aims, purposes, and philosophy of the university and will subject student(s) to disciplinary action."
According to the LSCO Student Handbook, any of these methods of academic dishonesty are grounds for immediate dismissal from the institution.
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. The Vice President for Academic Affairs has final authority in cases where a student appeals an academic penalty due to academic honesty.
After completion of the academic process, the Vice President for Academic Affairs who makes final disposition of the case may refer the matter to the Vice President for Student Services for any additional discipline that may be appropriate.  
Students subject to penalty due to academic honesty have the right to appeal to the division director and eventually to the Dean and/or Vice President for Academic Affairs before imposition of the penalty. (See LSCO Student Handbook, Academic Integrity)
             

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.

Students enrolled in RNSG 1311 are health care providers/professionals. Thus, in making a professional commitment to health care as a career, students are expected to conduct themselves as adult learners, displayed in attendance patterns, conduct in class, and in being active, continual, self-reliant, autonomous, independent learners. Students are expected to read assignments, answer objectives, use the library, participate in class, and complete other learning activities in pursuit of the classes' aims and objectives of the individual units of study. The student should be prepared for the consequences of failure to meet attendance and self-directed learning expectations.
 




Make-up Work Policy

Students are strongly encouraged to take exams as scheduled.  However, in the event that an exam cannot be taken as scheduled, the student is required to notify the instructor BEFORE the originally scheduled exam date and give the reason for the absence.  A make up exam may be scheduled at the discretion of the instructors.  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, whether taken early or late, will have a ten-point penalty deducted.  There will be NO exceptions to this rule.

The Final Examination must be taken according to course calendar schedule with no provision for makeup. 

There will be no provision for late assignments or discussions. If not turned in on time a zero will be given. All assignments and discussions must be posted to the assignment drop box and discussion box.
 



Classroom Etiquette

When in class no food or drink is allowed. If you must have your cell phone it must be on silent during class.
Exam Policy

Unit exams will be administered online as scheduled on the course calendar.   The Final Examination must be taken according to the published college final exam schedule with no provision for makeup.  Date of final exam: August 6, 2024. 


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 four (4) exams. All four exams total 30% of the course grade. Each exam will comprise 7.5% of the course grade.  The final exam will comprise 20% of the class grade. 
 
The student will be given the opportunity to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to enhance their learning experiences. Lecture topics will have accompanying written assignments, modules, discussion, and/or videos.  All course assignments are expected to be submitted by due date through the assignment tool in Blackboard.  It is the responsibility of the student to turn in required assignments on time and to notify the instructor of inabilities to meet assignment prior to the due dates.  All correspondence with the instructor will be done through the students' email through Office 365.
 
Pathophysiology Davis Advantage® Learning Modules and Quizzes: This will comprise 25% of your course grade.  Complete the required Pathophysiology Davis Advantage® modules for each chapter. To receive credit for your modules you must do the pretest, the activity and obtain a green thumbs up on the post test. There are six next generation activities that must be completed in addition to the green thumbs up on the modules to receive credit for the six modules to which they are attached. The next generation activities must be done but no specific activity grade needs to be obtained. You must also do the assigned Davis Advantage quizzes with a green thumbs up. The assignments and due dates are posted to the blackboard website on the first-class day. Late assignments that are completed will receive one half credit for completed modules or quizzes. This does not include assignments completed after the date of the 4th exam.
 
Discussions: Discussion questions or topics will be posted. They will comprise 9% of your grade. Students are expected to answer the questions or respond to the topic and answer at least two other student’s response. You must post on non consecutive days. Student responses must be done in a professional manner and must substantially add to the class discussion for the question or topic (using reflection and personal experience as well as the literature or asking questions of others for further clarification). All posts must adhere to online netiquette at all times. See the grading criteria for further clarification. Discussions not completed on time will not be graded.

Assignment Questions.  These will comprise 10% of your course grade. The Assignment questions will be posted first class day. The answers to the assignment questions will be submitted to the instructor only via the assignment tool in blackboard. Assignment questions must be submitted by the due date. Assignment questions not turned in on time will not be graded.  

System Specific CEUs: These will comprise 5% of the course grade. Complete four (4) different System Specific CEUs (1.25% each) nursing or medical continuing education activities or units.  The CEUs are required to encompass the Pathophysiology topics discussed in the required textbook for this class. Each activity or unit has to be equivalent to at least a 1-hour CEU.  A copy of the completion certificate with the student’s name, the CEU’s name, amount of time spent and type of CEU is due and should be dropped to the appropriate drop box on the date of the 4th exam.  There is no provision for makeup. See class calendar for date of the 4th exam.

Syllabus Quiz: is a quiz that comprises 1% of your course grade. This quiz is used to verify student understanding and agreement to abide by the syllabus.


 
 Course Grading Criteria
1.  Davis Advantage Learning Module and quizzes   25%
2.  Discussions                                                            9%
3. Assignments                                                           10%
4.  CEU’s (4) @ 1.25% each                                       5%
5. Syllabus Quiz                                                          1%
6.  Exams (4) @ 7.5% each                                       30%        
7.  Comprehensive Final Examination                       20%
                Total                                                          100%   
 
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 75 - 79
D = 70 – 74 (Not transferable to the RN Transition Program)
F = below 69 (Not transferable to the RN Transition Program)


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 Catalogue, Class Attendance.)



Review of Test Grades

After all students have completed the exam, instructors evaluate test item statistics and adjust grades if warranted.
Students are informed of rationales for exam items that have been re-evaluated.
If a student fails a unit exam, additional review is recommended. Students are expected to make an appointment individually within one week after the exam with the instructor. At that time, the student, with the assistance of the instructor, identifies strategies to improve exam performance.
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.



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.