Name of Department: Nursing and Health Professions

Course Subject Area, Number, Title, and Section Number: RNSG 1311-30 Patho Lab

Instructor Name: Suzanne Baker, MSN, RN

Building/Office Number: SNCB Office 202

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 11am- 12:15pm and 3:30pm- 4:30pm

Virtual Hours: By appointment

Office Telephone: (409) 882-3301

Email Address: Suzanne.baker@lsco.edu

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.

Prerequisite: Completion of a Vocational/Practical Nursing program or Administrative Approval, BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402. TEC.

• 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, LSCO students are automatically charged $25 per semester credit hour for access to all required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes, and e-books through the Gator Book Pack program. Physical materials may be picked up in Beaumont or shipped for an additional fee. Information and FAQs are available on the LSCO Gator Book Pack webpage. Students have until the second class day of the semester to opt out of the program.

Students are expected to have access to all required materials during the first week of class and are responsible for completing all assigned coursework. Students who do not have access to their materials during the first week should notify the instructor immediately for guidance.

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

Course Level Learning Outcomes (ACGM or WECM)Core Objectives  Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects

Core Objectives

SCANS Skills

Topic: The Cell

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

·        Cellular functions

·        Cellular metabolism

·        Cellular reproduction: The Cell Cycle

·        Tissues

Genes and Genetic Diseases

·        DNA, RNA, and Proteins: Heredity at the molecular level

·        Chromosomes

·        Elements of Formal genetics

·        Transmission of genetic disease

·        Linkage Analysis and gene mapping

·        Multifactorial inheritance

Altered Cellular and Tissue Biology

·        Cell adaptation

·        Cell injury

·        Manifestations of cell injury

·        Cellular death

·        Aging and altered Cellular and Tissue Biology

Altered Fluid, electrolyte, acid and Base Balances

·        Distribution of body fluids

·        Pediatric Considerations: Distribution of body fluids

·        Geriatric considerations: Aging and distribution of Body fluids

·        Alterations in Water movements

·        Sodium, Chloride and water balance

·        Alterations in sodium, water, and chloride balance

·        Alterations in Potassium and other electrolytes

·        Acid-base balance

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

·        Human defense mechanisms

·        Innate immunity

·        Acute and Chronic Inflammation

·        Wound Healing

·        Pediatric Considerations: Age-related Factors affecting innate immunity in the newborn child.

·        Geriatric Considerations: Age-related factors affecting innate immunity in the elderly

Adaptive Immunity

·        Third line of defense: Adaptive Immunity

·        Antigens and immunogens

·        Humoral immune response

·        Cell mediated immunity

·        Immune response: Collaboration of B cells and T cells

·        Pediatric Considerations: Age-related factors affecting mechanisms of self-defense in the newborn child

·        Geriatric considerations: Age-related factors affecting mechanisms of self-defense in the elderly

Infection and Defects in Mechanisms of Defense

·        Infection

·        Deficiencies in Immunity

·        Hypersensitivity: Allergy, Autoimmunity, and Alloimmunity

Stress and Disease

·        Historical background and general concepts

·        Stress overview: Multiple mediators

·        The stress response

·        Stress, Personality, Coping, and Illness

·        Geriatric Considerations: Aging and the stress-Age Syndrome

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 terminology and Characteristics

·        The Biology of cancer cells

·        Cancer Invasion and Metastasis

·        Clinical manifestations and Treatment

Cancer Epidemiology

·        Genes, Environmental –Lifestyle factors, and risk factors

Cancer in Children

·        Incidence and types of childhood cancer

·        Etiology

·        Prognosis

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

·        Pain

·        Temperature regulation

·        Sleep

·        The special senses

Geriatric considerations: Aging and changes in hearing

Geriatric considerations: Aging and changes in olfaction and taste

·        Somatosensory function

Alterations in cognitive systems, cerebral hemodynamics, and motor functions

·        Alterations in cognitive systems

·        Alterations in cerebral hemodynamics

·        Alterations in neuromotor function

·        Alterations in complex motor performance

·        Extrapyramidal syndromes

Disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems and neuromuscular junction

·        Central nervous system disorders

·        Peripheral nervous system and neuromuscular junction disorders

·        Tumors of the central nervous system

·        Normal growth and development of the nervous system

·        Structural malformations

·        Encephalopathies

·        Cerebrovascular disease in children

·        Tumors

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

·        Mechanisms of hormonal regulation

·        Structure and function of the endocrine glands

·        Geriatric considerations: Aging and its effect on specific endocrine glands.

Alterations of hormonal regulation

·        Mechanisms of hormonal alteration

·        Alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary system

·        Alterations of thyroid function

·        Alterations of parathyroid function

·        Dysfunction of the endocrine pancreas

·        Chronic complications of diabetes

·        Alterations of adrenal function

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

·        Alterations of erythrocyte function

·        Classification of anemias

·        Myeloproliferative red cell disorders

·        Alterations of leukocyte function

·        Alterations of lymphoid function

·        Alterations of splenic function

·        Alterations of platelets and coagulation

Alteration of hematologic function in children

·        Disorders of erythrocytes

·        Disorders of coagulation and platelets

·        Neoplastic disorders

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

·        Diseases of the veins

·        Disease of the arteries

·        Disorders of the heart wall

·        Manifestations of heart disease

·        Shock

Alterations of Cardiovascular function in Children

·        Congenital heart defects

·        Acquired Cardiovascular disorders

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

·        Clinical manifestations of pulmonary alterations

·        Disorders of the chest wall and pleura

·        Pulmonary disorders

·        Geriatric considerations: Aging and the pulmonary system

Alterations of pulmonary function in children

·        Disorders of the upper airway

·        Disorders of the lower airway

·        Sudden infant death syndrome

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

·        Urinary tract obstruction

·        Urinary tract infection

·        Glomerular disorders

·        Acute kidney injury

·        Chronic kidney disease

·        Pediatric considerations: Pediatrics and renal function

·        Geriatric considerations: Aging and renal function

Alterations in Renal and Urinary tract function in children.

·        Structural abnormalities

·        Glomerular disorders

·        Bladder disorders

·        Nephroblastoma

·        Urinary incontinence

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

·        Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

·        Disorders of the accessory organs

·        Cancer of the digestive tract

Alterations of digestive function in children

·        Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

·        Disorders of the liver

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

·        Musculoskeletal injury

·        Disorders of bone

·        Disorders of joints

·        Disorders of skeletal muscle

·        Musculoskeletal trauma

·        Aging and the musculoskeletal system

Alterations of musculoskeletal function in children

·        Congenital defects

·        Bone infection

·        Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

·        Osteochondrosis

·        Scoliosis

·        Muscular dystrophy

·        Musculoskeletal trauma

·        Musculoskeletal tumors

·        Nonaccidental trauma

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

·        Structure and function of the skin

·        Geriatric considerations: aging and changes in skin integrity

·        Disorders of the skin

·        Disorders of the hair

·        Disorders of the nails

Alterations of the integument in children

·        Acne vulgaris

·        Dermatitis

·        Infections of the skin

·        Insect bites and parasites

·        Hemangiomas and vascular malformations

·        Other skin disorders

Lab Activities:

Watch the video posted under course content.

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:

• any form of fraudulence, cheating, lying or deceitfulness in connection with the responsibility of a nursing student in the classroom, clinical, or learning lab setting and
• any act that attempts to deceive or misrepresent the student's behaviors, abilities, and/or knowledge in order to affect or improve the student's standing in the Nursing Program.

Cheating –

• using unauthorized resources during exams, i.e. cheat sheets, cell phones, internet sites, talking with other students about or during an exam or looking at another students’ exam.
• Purchasing a paper or test information from an online course or another person
• Making written notes or taping examination questions during test review.
• Submitting a false or forged excuse

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 –

• falsifying data in a patient health record, nursing care plan or any form on which data is reported
• lying about or misrepresenting nursing care given, clinical errors, or any action related to the clinical experience
• unauthorized entry (hacking) into test banks or examinations

LSCO students are required to use 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.

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.

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 This negatively affects their financial aid eligibility and disbursement and requires the student to repay any financial aid funds that have already been disbursed .

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 class during the scheduled meeting time. (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.

Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) courses utilize a blended course design that allows students to choose how they will ATTEND their class sessions. Students can choose to attend sessions in-person or live online without attending class on campus. A watch later option is available to students taking a HyFlex course, however, students may utilize watch later sessions no more than three classes during an 8-week term or five classes during a 16-week term.

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.

• Face-to-Face - No food, drink, tobacco, cell phones, etc.

• Online - Since face-to-face meetings in the classroom may be replaced by online meetings through discussion boards, emails, and/or Blackboard Collaborate, students are expected to follow the rules of netiquette in these forums.

• Hybrid - When face-to-face meetings in the classroom are replaced by online meetings through discussion boards, emails, and/or Blackboard Collaborate, students are expected to follow the rules of netiquette in these forums.

• Hyflex - Whether attending in person or online (synchronously or asynchronously)—students are expected to engage respectfully and responsibly. Arrive prepared, minimize distractions, and participate actively using appropriate tools (e.g., microphones, chat, discussion boards). When joining remotely, keep your camera on when possible, mute your microphone when not speaking, and use the chat feature constructively. In the classroom, be mindful of peers who are joining online by speaking clearly and allowing space for all voices. All communication should remain professional.

Unit exams will be administered online as scheduled on the course calendar. The Respondus Lockdown browser will be used for all exams. Please refer to the instruction located in your Blackboard course. Exams will open at 8am and close on the due date at 1159pm.

The Final Examination must be taken according to the published college final exam schedule with no provision for makeup.

FA Davis Assignments will open at 8am on the first class day and will be due at 1159pm on the date listed on the course calendar. 

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 Catalog. LSCO's full AI policy can be found at AI Policy | Lamar State College Orange (lsco.edu)

For every hour in class (or unit of credit), students should expect to spend at least two to three hours per week studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit-hour class, students should prepare to allocate approximately six to nine hours per week outside of class in a 16-week session OR approximately twelve to eighteen hours in an 8-week session. All Online/Hybrid students should expect to spend at least as much time in this course as you would in the traditional, face-to-face class.

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 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/Lifesaver Seminar Assignment: 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 or attend four (4) one hour LSCO lifesaver seminars. Please refer to the assignment directions posted in your Blackboard course. 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 required for full credit.  There is no provision for makeup. See class calendar for due date.

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. This must be completed before the learning modules will open to continue in the course.

 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 final course grade of 75% or higher is necessary for the student to pass this course as required for the RN Transition Program. The final course grade is calculated as follows:

A = 90 - 100%

B = 80 - 89%

C = 75 - 79%

D = 60 - 74% (NOT transferable to RN Transition Program)

F = 0 - 59% (NOT transferable to RN Transition Program)

***Final course averages will not be rounded. A 74.99% is not rounded to a 75%.

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.

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 Catalog, Class Attendance.)

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Any student who faces challenges securing their food, housing, transportation, or childcare for minor dependents and believes this may affect their performance in the course is encouraged to contact the student care office (studentcare@lsco.edu)for guidance on how to access possible resources. Please notify the instructor of your circumstance if you are comfortable doing so.

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 Director of Student Care and Accessibility at studentcare@lsco.edu.

LSCO prohibits discrimination, including sexual harassment and retaliation, against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Any student who believes that he or she has experienced prohibited conduct or believes that another student has experienced prohibited conduct should immediately report the alleged acts to the Title IX Coordinator, Rebecca Gentry rebecca.gentry@lsco.edu.

LSCO students will access Blackboard through the MyGator portal. Login credentials will use the following format: NetID@my.lsco.edu/Password. For help in identifying your NetID/Password, visit https://www2.lsco.edu/sspr/userinfo1.asp.

Students needing help learning how to navigate Blackboard are encouraged to reach out to LearningTechnology@lsco.edu. Blackboard student resource videos and help-sites are available at https://www.lsco.edu/distanceed/blackboard-student.asp.

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. Access 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.

Lamar State College Orange provides currently enrolled students support for daycare and/or transportation costs on a first come first serve basis as funding allows.

Access https://www.lsco.edu/advising/gator-assistance.asp for details on assistance services.

Students needing course content or study skills support are encouraged to make an appointment or walk in to receive tutoring and academic support services. Our series of student success seminars, named Lifesavers, are available Face-to-face, online, and self-paced throughout the semester. Reach out to OASIS@lsco.edu for more information on how students can receive academic support. Visit https://www.lsco.edu/student-life/library/lifesavers.php for more information about Lifesavers.

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.

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 Director of Student Care & Accessibility at studentcare@lsco.edu. 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 Director of Student Care & Accessibility must be submitted to the instructor at least two business days in advance of need.

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.

Access https://www.lsco.edu/tutoring/online-tutoring.asp for details on how to log-in to the FREE services.

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.

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.

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 OASIS.

Students should check in advance with the institution to which they plan to transfer credit to confirm transferability.

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 Criminal Justice, Barber, Cosmetology, Emergency Medical Technology, HVAC, Electrician, Plumbing, 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.

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.

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 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 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. 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.

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:

• Critical thinking (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to demonstrate creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.

• Communication (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to effectively develop, interpret and express ideas through written, oral and visual communication.

• Empirical and quantitative skills (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to manipulate and analyze numerical data or observable facts and create informed conclusions.

• 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.

• 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.

• Personal responsibility (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.

• Professional competency (Technical) – Students will be able to recognize or demonstrate skills 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.

Current students will access many LSCO applications through the MyGator portal. Login credentials will use the following format: NetID@my.lsco.edu/Password.

Students can set a password here: https://www2.lsco.edu/sspr/

IMPORTANT: 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.

LSCO adheres to the policies and procedures established in the Texas Education Code, Texas State University System Rules and Regulations, LSCO Faculty Handbook, and LSCO Catalog.

No food or tobacco 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.

LSCO believes that all matters involving a staff member (non-instructor) OR an instructor are best resolved directly with the employee. Should it not be resolved at that level, access and complete the Student Complaint Intake form within five (5) business days from the date of the offense. The Student Complaint Intake Form can be found in any of these locations: 

• LSCO Website (Current Students) 
• LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints) 
• MyGator Card 
• Blackboard (Student Resources, Student Services, Student Resources) 

After a student completes the Student Complaint Intake Form, they will be contacted by an LSCO employee unrelated to the offense and provided guidance on how to proceed with the Complaint process. 

Refer to the LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints) for details on the complaint process. 

Student-Staff and Student-Instructor Complaint Process involving Safety, Harassment, or Title IX: 

Students who have experienced a safety, harassment, or title IX event should access and complete the Title IX/Clery: Anonymous Reporting Form found in any of these locations: 

• LSCO Website (Sexual Misconduct & Title IX)
• LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints)
• MyGator Card 
• Blackboard (Student Resources, Student Services, Student Resources)

After a student completes the intake form, they will be contacted by an LSCO employee and provided guidance on how to proceed. 

Refer to the LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints) for details on the complaint process. 

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, appendix D.