Name of Department: Health Professions/Nursing

Course Subject Area, Number, Title, and Section Number: RNSG 2362 04

Instructor Name: Susan Harris MSN, RN

Building/Office Number: SNCB Office 104H

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-1pm

Virtual Hours: Monday 4pm-6pm

Office Telephone: 409-882-3378

Email Address: susan.harris@lsco.edu

RNSG 2362 Clinical II (51.3801) 3-0-16 A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Clinical experiences are unpaid external learning experiences. Prerequisite: BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420, ENGL 1301, 3 credit-hour computer elective or MATH 1314, RNSG 1300, and RNSG 1311. Co-requisite: RNSG 2514. This course is part if the Upward Mobility Nursing Program. Students must be accepted into the program to enroll in the course. TEC.

Prerequisite: BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420, ENGL 1301, 3 credit-hour computer elective or MATH 1314, RNSG 1300, and RNSG 1311. Co-requisite: RNSG 2514. This course is part if the Upward Mobility Nursing Program. Students must be accepted into the program to enroll in the course. TEC.

Required Textbook & Materials

• Davis Nursing Consult. (2023). FA 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. FA Davis
• Martinez de Castillo, S.L., & Werner-McCullough, M. (2023). Dosage Calc 360. 3rd ed. FA Davis
• Ohman, K.A., (2023). Davis Q & A for NCLEX-RN. 4th ed. FA Davis
• Savage, C.L., Gillespie, S.L., & Whitehouse, E. (2024) Public/community health and nursing practice: Caring for populations. 3rd ed. FA Davis
• Scannell, M.J., & Ruggerio, K. (2022). Davis Advantage for maternal child care. 4th ed. FA Davis
• Silvestri, Linda A. (2020). HESI/Saunders Online Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination (2 year access code), (4th ed). Elsevier
• Townsend & Morgan: Davis Advantage for Townsend's Essentials of Psychiatric Mental-Health Nursing. 10th ed. FA Davis
• Wilkinson, J.M., & Treas, L.S. (2021). Davis Nursing Skills Videos 2 year access. FA Davis.
• Yoost, B.L. (2023). Fundamentals of Nursing. 3rd ed. Elsevier

Recommended Optional Materials:

• Drug Book
• Lab/Diagnostic Book
• Care Plan Book

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

Upon completion of RNSG 2362, the student will have applied specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts in a health-related work-based learning environment. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. The Texas Board of Nursing has identified essential competencies to ensure that nursing graduates will enter the practice as safe and competent nurses. These Competencies are organized according to four major roles of the nurse: Member of a Profession, Provider of Patient-Centered Care, Patient Safety Advocate, and Member of the Health Care Team. At the completion of RNSG 2362, the student will have been introduced to the following Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs) for Diploma and Associate Degree Programs: I. Member of the Profession: A, B, C, D II. Provider of Patient- Centered Care: A, B, C, D, E, F, G III. Patient Safety Advocate: a, B, C, D, E IV. Member of the HealthCare Team: a, B, C, D, G General Education Outcomes Upon completion of the course the successful student will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the following competencies and mastery of the associated learning outcomes at a level consistent with the achievement and performance expected for college students:

See course calendar, due date calendar, and lab assignments posted in RNSG 2362 in Blackboard.

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.

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.

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.

Clinical / Simulation (Sim) Lab:

• Only students who are compliant with all program requirements as evidenced by the compliance portal may attend clinical.
• Students who miss more than two days of clinical per semester will not be allowed to continue in the program.
• Alternate assignments will be given for the missed clinical days.
• Failure to notify the faculty of absence or tardiness will be considered as “no call/no show”. This behavior will result in immediate review by the Standards Committee and may result in dismissal from the program.
• Students who arrive more than 20 minutes late to clinical will be counseled and counted absent. Students who arrive to clinical no later than 20 minutes will receive a tardy occurrence. Three (3) or more tardy occurrences will result in a clinical absence.
• If a student is sent home from clinical by the faculty for any reason, the students will be counted as absent from clinical and an alternate assignment given. Students who leave clinical prior to dismissal will be counted as absent for the clinical day and receive an alternate assignment.
• Simulation lab is considered a clinical experience and all clinical absence rules apply.

Students must follow instructions in the course syllabi when they are unable to attend class, clinical, or simulation lab. If a clinical or simulation lab absence or tardy is unavoidable, students must speak with the instructor. If the instructor is unable to be reached, the student must contact the program director or the dean of the technical studies division. Students who fail to speak with the appropriate person will be counseled. Refer to syllabus for information regarding instructor contact. Each course syllabus explains attendance policies unique to that specific nursing course. 

Late assignments will not be accepted. There are no provisions for make-up work nor extra credit. RNSG 2362 must meet the Texas Board of Nursing mandated clinical hour requirements for this course.

All electronic communication devices must be set to silent mode at all times in the classroom. The use of electronic communication devices in any learning setting is to be limited to emergency situations only. If it is necessary to leave the classroom to respond to a call or text, the student may re-enter the classroom at the next break. Students may not use a cellular telephone in the classroom. Classroom behavior should not interfere with the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or the ability of other students to learn from the instructional program. Unacceptable behavior includes but not limited to disrespectful, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior and will not be tolerated. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior may be instructed to leave the classroom and may receive disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal from the program. This prohibition applies to all instructional forums, including electronic, classroom, labs, clinical, discussion groups, field trips, etc.

• 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.

All exams in the corresponding didactic courses 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, or internet browsers.

The clinical final exam will consist of a skills checkoff. You must meet all critical elements on the assigned skills to be successful in this course.  

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.

Students will be assigned written assignments, assignments within the learning platforms, and presentations during the clinical experience. Failure to complete these assignments by the due date and time will result in an unsatisfactory clinical performance and failure of the clinical course.

All assignments must be submitted to Blackboard; no assignments will be accepted via email or any other format other than Blackboard.

See the course calendar and Blackboard for written clinical assignments and instructions.

The clinical instructor will complete a formal mid-term and final evaluation with each assigned student, summarizing the student’s clinical and sim lab performance, and discussing strengths and areas for improvement. If the student receives an unsatisfactory for the mid-term evaluation, appropriate interventions for remediation will be initiated.

Safe, professional clinical behavior components are considered essential components of the program and must be adhered to at all times. Disrespectful, unsafe, or unprofessional clinical behavior, as discussed in the Nursing Student Handbook and course syllabus, will result in review by the Standards Committee and may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Student behaviors marked with a pound sign (#) are critical behaviors. These must be met with a score of 3 to pass this course.  

Rating Code

4  Behavior for outcome exceeds expectations. The student demonstrates excellence and strengths that are above

expectations. Student consistently performs above what is expected for the currently enrolled program level. Student

rarely requires direction. 

3  Behavior for the outcome is met. Student consistently performs professionally and meets the clinical behavior.

Expectations for the currently enrolled program level are met. Student requires occasional written and verbal direction

and/or demonstration. 

2  Behavior for outcome requires further development. The student is not consistent in performance and lacks self

direction, knowledge, and/or motivation. Minimal expectations for the currently enrolled program level are met. Student

requires frequent written and verbal direction and/or demonstration.

1  Behavior for the outcome is not met. Student performance is inconsistent and does not reflect expectations for the

currently enrolled program level. The student is unable to demonstrate behaviors and requires continuous written and

verbal direction and/or demonstration.    

Mid-Term Evaluation Students will complete a self-evaluation at mid-term, using the above rating scale. Students are expected to provide a thoughtful assessment of strengths and areas for continued development of knowledge and skills and provide a minimum of two specific examples of how they have made progress toward meeting the core components. In addition, students must provide at least two specific strategies for improving their clinical performance. Students must also post documentation that discusses a minimum of two examples reflecting how they have met the required Differentiated Essential Competencies.  

Clinical and Simulation faculty will complete a mid-term evaluation using the rating scale. In addition, faculty will review the student self-evaluation and provide written feedback for specific components receiving a rating below two. 

Final Clinical Evaluation The Clinical and Simulation faculty will assign a rating to each item and a score will be totaled and divided by two. Student behaviors marked with a pound sign (#) are critical behaviors. These must be met with a score of 3 to pass this course. A percentage score will then be calculated based on the achieved points/total points. The student must achieve a score of 78% (117 points) or better on the summative clinical evaluation compiled by the instructor to pass the course. Students scoring less than 78% (or 117 points) on the final evaluation will receive an unsatisfactory grade and will be withdrawn from the nursing program.

Final clinical grade issued:

*S for successful completion of RNSG 2362 and corresponding course(s)

OR

*U for unsuccessful completion of RNSG 2362 or any of the corresponding course(s)

Pre-Sim Assignment

Students will be required to submit pre-sim assignments before assigned sim lab days. These assignments will be submitted to the pre-sim assignment drop box and must be submitted to the sim lab instructor on the day of sim lab. Students not turning in sim lab assignments on time will be sent home and a clinical absence will be incurred. No late submissions will be accepted. These will be included in the sim day grade and may result in an unsatisfactory grade for clinical if not completed and submitted as per instructions.

Written Clinical Assignments

Students will be given written assignments and presentation assignments during the clinical experience. Failure to complete these assignments by the due date and time will result in an unsatisfactory clinical performance and failure of the clinical course. No late submissions will be accepted.

Clinical Final Exam

The clinical final exam will consist of a skills checkoff. You must meet all critical elements on the assigned skills to be successful in this course.  

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. Please utilize the Microsoft 365 email system.

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.)

CLINICAL UNIFORM POLICY:

• All students will wear the official uniform of the ADN Program. The jacket is part of the official uniform.
• Black pants, white shirt, white lab coat are the designated uniform and purchased from the designated supplier.
• Student photo ID badges are required in all clinical settings. The photo identification badges include the school name, student first name and last name initial, the program name (RN Nursing Student), and student title (Associate Degree Student Nurse).
• Designated Nursing Program patch must be worn on the left sleeve of the lab coat, neatly sewn three inches below the shoulder seam. Velcro, Super Glue, or safety pins are not acceptable.
• No lanyards may be worn.
• All students are to bathe and use deodorant prior to coming to clinical each day. Do not wear scented powders or perfume. All students are to wear clean, newly laundered, wrinkle-free uniforms to clinical each day. If a student has only one uniform, it is mandatory that he/she wash it each day. To safeguard the community and prevent the spread of microorganisms, students should change/wash uniforms as soon as possible after the clinical day.
• Standard and functional all WHITE leather shoes must be worn for clinical. No canvas shoes, or backless shoes are permitted.
• White hose or white socks are to be worn.
• White undershirts may be worn under the uniform.
• Fingernails are to be clean, without polish, and no longer than the fingertip. No artificial nails or fingernail jewelry/rhinestones are allowed. A student who arrives at a clinical site in violation will be sent home with an absence recorded.
• Hair is to be worn off the collar (for males and females). This means NO HAIR CAN TOUCH THE COLLAR OF THE SHIRT. Items used to keep the hair off the collar should not be made from ribbon. Hair should be of a natural color and head bands should be close to hair color. Hair should be clean and neat as deemed by clinical instructor.
• Sideburns, mustaches, and beards are acceptable on campus but may be inappropriate in certain clinical facilities.
• Students are to meet the standard at the facility.
• A watch with a second hand and plain band in a neutral color (no jewels or stones).
• No rings may be worn with the exception of a plain wedding band with no stones or ridges. Silicone wedding bands must be neutral in color.
• No earrings are to be worn.
• Migraine piercings, tongue rings or other body piercings cannot be worn to clinical. No spacers or gauges are to be worn.
• No necklaces of any kind may be worn. No additional pins are allowed on uniform (i.e. angels, nurses, etc.)
• No bracelets are allowed.
• Tattoos are to be covered if they are deemed vulgar, inappropriate, or offensive and as per clinical affiliation agreements and must wear a long sleeve white shirt under their uniform top.
• Cosmetics must be used moderately and attractively applied. False eyelashes or lash extensions are not permitted. Perfume or scented lotions are not allowed. At no time while in uniform should you smell like cigarette smoke.
• ABSOLUTELY NO GUM CHEWING IS ALLOWED.

The following accessories are required for clinical:

• Bandage scissors
• Black pen
• Black permanent marker
• Pencil
• Stethoscope
• Pen light
• Pocket mask for CPR
• Sphygmomanometer
• Goggles
• Notepad

The student may be required to provide additional PPE according to the healthcare facility’s policy.

At different times during the year, students are required to go to various activities that require professional attire. Students are usually asked to wear “nice clothes” with their nametags and lab coats. Unacceptable clothes would be T-shirts, tank tops, halter tops, short skirts or dresses, blue jeans and denim material of any kind, sleeveless shirts, and/or revealing clothing. If professional attire is unavailable, the student is required to wear his/her uniform. Students who arrive inappropriately dressed may be sent home and counted absent. Uniforms may not be worn after clinical to go to the store, restaurant, etc. (Infection control, professionalism).

Students are to adhere to the uniform policy. Faculty has the right to send a student home who comes to clinical without complying, resulting in a clinical absence.

Classroom dress code: Dress for the classroom and lab includes appropriate daytime dress. Students wearing clothing deemed distracting to faculty or other members of the class will be asked to change to something appropriate or to leave campus.

Students in the ADN Program at Lamar State College Orange are expected to always present themselves in a professional manner and will be subject to disciplinary action if not present in a professional manner.

CLINICAL BEHAVIORS

• Clinical experiences may be composed of hospital rotations, simulation labs, community health facilities service learning activities, conferences, seminars, and presentations.
• To meet the clinical objectives and to maintain the maximum experience from the clinical rotations provided, students are expected to arrive promptly in an approved LSCO nursing uniform, be prepared, and participate in clinical until dismissed. During each clinical, students will be required to demonstrate an understanding of the pathophysiology of common diseases, laboratory and diagnostic tests and results, medications, assessment expectations, and nursing interventions and rationales. All findings must reflect evidence-based practice.
• At no time are students allowed to administer IV chemotherapy, blood or blood products, witness legal documents in the clinical setting such as surgical permits or advance directives, remove central or arterial lines, take verbal / phone orders, nor perform skills outside the nursing student role.
• If students do not follow the above guidelines, a counseling note will be written, and the student will be sent home from clinical resulting in a clinical absence for that clinical day and progressive disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the program as determined by the Standards Committee.
• In the event of an absence, students are expected to notify faculty before the beginning of the clinical day. Clinical days can be missed only due to verifiable illnesses or emergencies.
• Students must be able to meet the “minimum abilities” per program requirements. There are no provisions for “light duty” assignments. Students who are under the provisions of a healthcare provider’s care are required to submit documentation from their physician monthly stating that they have no restrictions and can perform clinical assignments.
• Alternate assignments will be given for missed clinical days (a maximum of two (2) days allowed). Failure to notify the faculty will be considered a “no-call/no-show” and will result in immediate review by the Standards Committee.
• Students must adhere to unit guidelines for all breaks and lunch. During hospital rotations, students must remain on the premises and adhere to a thirty-minute time allotment for lunch. Instructors must be notified of any exceptions to the above. Failure to notify may result in dismissal from the program.
• Students who arrive more than 20 minutes late to clinical will be counseled and counted absent. Students who arrive at clinical no later than 20 minutes will receive a tardy occurrence. Three (3) or more tardy occurrences will result in a clinical absence.
• If a student is sent home from clinical by the faculty for any reason, the student will be counted as absent from clinical and an alternate assignment given. Students who leave clinical before dismissal will be counted as absent for the clinical day and receive an alternate assignment.
• If the alternate assignment is not completed by the due date given, a counseling note will be written. Failure to meet the plan specified in the counseling note will result in a review by the Standards Committee for continued progress in, or dismissal from, the program.
• Simulation lab is considered a clinical experience and all clinical absence rules apply.
• The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) requires documentation regarding minimum class and clinical hours for graduation. Should a student be unable to maintain these expectations or stated program requirements, dismissal from the program may occur.

Clinical Behaviors / Sim Lab

• All clinical/simulation patient information is confidential and any inappropriate viewing, discussion, or disclosure of this information is considered a violation of clinical policy and may be a violation of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other state and federal laws.
• This information is privileged and confidential regardless of the format (electronic, written, overheard or observed).
• Students may only view, use, disclose, or copy information as needed for the clinical/simulation experience.
• All scenarios, regardless of their outcome, should be treated in a professional manner.
• Situations simulated in the lab are to be used as a learning tool and not to be used criticize fellow students.
• The Simulation mannequins are to be used with respect and treated as if they were a live patient.
• No betadine, ink pens or sharp objects are to be near the simulation mannequins at any time.
• If students do not follow the above guidelines, a counseling note will be written and the student may be sent home from simulation lab resulting in an un-excused absence for that clinical day.

Unsafe or Unprofessional Clinical Practice (refer to Student Handbook).

Clinical Site Assignments

Due to the availability of clinical sites, students will be assigned to a clinical group, not a specific site. Consideration for assignment to a specific clinical site must be for profound reasons. Carpooling is not an option for consideration as a profound reason.

Evening hours may be required to complete clinical requirements. Students should be able to provide care for two or more patients by the end of Level I. Students should be able to provide care for five patients by the end of Level IV.

Students must realize that they may be exposed to infectious diseases during clinical experiences. Infectious diseases include the viruses such as the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19, hepatitis, tuberculosis, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other communicable diseases. Following standard precautions at all times when providing care to patients will greatly reduce the risk of contracting an infectious disease. Students cannot refuse to take care of any patient due to the patient’s diagnosis.

Much of this course requires access to, familiarity with, and use of a computer and the Internet. The student should have a general understanding of basic software such as Microsoft Word, the Internet, a readily available Internet access device, and good working knowledge of web browsers such as Firefox and Google Chrome. If students do not have these items at home, LSCO has computer and internet access at a variety of locations. 

The clinical final exam will be graded upon completion of the skill, and discussed with the student following the checkoff.

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.