PHRA 1301-80
Course Information
Name of Department: Nursing and Health Professions
Course Subject Area, Number, Title, and Section Number:
PHRA 1301, Introduction to Pharmacy, 80
Instructor Name: Jennifer Maniscalco Fabriguze
Building/Office Number: Allied Health Building (AHB) Office 123
Office Hours:
Monday (11:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Tuesday (10:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Best to make an appointment to ensure we can meet during these times.
Appointments are also available outside of these times.
Virtual Hours:
Monday - Thursday (3:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
Best to make an appointment to ensure we can meet during these times.
Appointments are also available outside of these times.
Office Telephone: 409.882.3035
Email Address: Jennifer.Fabriguze@LSCO.edu
Course Description
PHRA 1301 Introduction to Pharmacy (51.0805) 3-3-0 An overview of the qualifications, operational guidelines, and job duties of a pharmacy technician. The main objective is to provide the students with a working knowledge of most aspects of pharmacy in community, institution, and other practice settings. Co-requisite: PHRA 1243, PHRA 1305, PHRA 1313, and PHRA 2360. TEC
Pre-requisites/Co-requisites
Co-requisite: PHRA 1243, PHRA 1305, PHRA 1313, and PHRA 2360
Required Textbook & Materials
Pharmacy Practice for Technicians
Authors: Skye A. McKennon & Sarah M. Lawrence
Edition: 8th Format: Textbook with Online Code
Publisher: Paradigm Education - Kendall Hunt
ISBN: 9798319735119
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.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
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
Course Learning Outcome | Core Objective | Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects |
Outline the history and development of the pharmacy profession. | Knowledge | Students will read Chapter 1: The Profession of Pharmacy and complete the associated chapter assignments, exercises, quizzes, and activities. |
Describe the role and responsibilities of the pharmacy technician in a variety of pharmacy practice settings. | Comprehension | Students will read and complete assignments and activities from Chapter 1: The Profession of Pharmacy; Chapters 7–10: Community Pharmacy Practice; Chapters 11–13: Institutional Pharmacy Practice; and Chapter 16: Your Future in Pharmacy Practice. |
Identify the qualifications and requirements for pharmacy technician registration, certification, education, and professional advancement. | Knowledge | Students will read Chapter 16: Your Future in Pharmacy Practice and complete the associated assignments and exercises related to pharmacy technician education, credentials, certification, and career development. |
Identify laws, regulations, professional standards, and ethical principles governing pharmacy practice. | Comprehension | Students will read Chapter 2: Pharmacy Law, Regulations, and Standards and Chapter 15: Professional Performance, Communication, and Ethics and complete the associated assignments, exercises, case studies, and quizzes. |
Define and correctly interpret key medical terminology, pharmacy terminology, abbreviations, acronyms, and symbols used in pharmacy practice. | Knowledge | Students will complete weekly medical terminology and pharmacy abbreviation assignments and quizzes. Appendix A: Common Pharmacy Abbreviations and Acronyms will be used as a reference throughout the course. |
Class Time: 100% Online - 16 week session
This course is a 100% online and 16 week session, all course assignments are given in Blackboard.
It is important to note that these courses follow the semester schedule, have weekly assignment deadlines, require regular participation in discussion boards, and are as rigorous.
In order to be successful in this course, you must log into Blackboard daily and allocate at least 10 hours each week for reading and assignments.
To help achieve that success, you must have a working computer/laptop/tablet, access to WiFi/Internet, and the required textbook. Some materials will not open on the school issued Chromebooks. It is your responsibility to know the material. You have access to the computer lab and library at LSCO to access the material.
ALL QUIZZES, EXAMS, AND FINAL WILL BE PROCTORED THROUGH RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER.
Be sure you look at each week assignments, it will show you the due dates along with the assignments.
ASHP Pharmacy Technician Model Curriculum Training Goals
ASHP/ACPE Accreditation Standards for Pharmacy Technician Education and Training Programs to the individual titles in Paradigm’s Pharmacy Technician Series.
The following competency guide identifies the 2026 ASHP/ACPE Curriculum Elements addressed in each chapter of Paradigm’s Pharmacy Practice for Technicians, Eighth Edition. The ASHP/ACPE Accreditation Standards were updated and approved in 2026 to reflect evolving professional competencies and no longer distinguish between Entry-Level and Advanced-Level elements.
This list is meant for guidance purposes only and was created for Paradigm Education Solutions.
The ASHP/ACPE Accreditation Standards were approved in January of 2026 and published in February 2026.
Neither ASHP nor ACPE has participated in or had any role in creating this document.
ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) is an independent, national, professional organization of pharmacists, pharmacy students, and pharmacy technicians. It encourages all pharmacy technician programs and educators to seek ASHP accreditation.
ACPE (Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education) is a national, accreditation organization that offers pharmacy technician accreditation collaboration, PharmD program accreditation, continuing education provider accreditation, and an international services program for pharmacy education.
ASHP Curriculum Element: Curriculum
Element Number | Sub-Element / Objective | Aligned Chapter(s) |
5.1 | Students demonstrate professional behaviors and ethical conduct to fulfill responsibilities entrusted to pharmacy technicians, while following their organization’s policies and Code of Conduct. Student behavior and conduct shall include the following: | Chapters 15 & 16 |
a. Appearance and behavior is professional and appropriate for the pharmacy work environment. | Chapters 15 & 16 | |
b. Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally, non-verbally, and in writing. | Chapters 15 & 16 | |
c. Students consistently demonstrate a respectful and professional attitude when interacting with diverse patient populations, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. | Chapters 15 & 16 | |
d. Apply self-management skills, including time and stress management. | Chapters 16 | |
e. Demonstrate problem solving skills, customer service, and teamwork. | Chapters 7, 11, & 15 | |
5.2 | Participate in wellness promotion and disease prevention. | Chapters 4 & 5 |
5.3 | Understands basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology, and medical terminology relevant to the pharmacy technician’s role. | Chapters 3 - 5 & Appendix A |
5.4 | Performs mathematical calculations essential to the duties of pharmacy technicians in a variety of settings. | Chapter 6 |
5.5 | Demonstrates adherence to infection prevention procedures. | Chapters 12 & 13 |
ASHP Curriculum Element: Processing and Handling of Medications and Medication Orders
Element Number | Sub-Element / Objective | Aligned Chapter(s) |
5.6 | Accurately receive, process, and prepare products and prescriptions/medication orders that are safe for patient use. | Chapters 7 & 11 |
5.7 | Collect, organize, and record demographic and clinical information to assist pharmacists in the monitoring of medication therapy. | Chapters 7 & 11 |
5.8 | Identify patients who desire/require counseling to optimize the use of medications, equipment, and devices. | Chapters 7 & 15 |
5.9 | Understands concepts and processes for both compounded sterile and non-sterile medication products per applicable, current United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Chapter(s). | Chapters 10 & 13 |
5.10 | Prepares non-sterile medication products. | Chapter 10 |
5.11 | Store and prepare a variety of medication products (including requiring special handling and documentation), that will align with planned experiential rotation(s) and are in compliance with applicable current USP Chapters (regarding compounded sterile preparations). | Chapters 10 - 13 |
5.12 | Maintain pharmacy facilities and equipment. | Chapters 9 & 12 |
5.13 | Use information from Safety Data Sheets (SDS). | Chapters 13 |
5.14 | Understands DSCSA for product tracking, tracing, and handling requirements. | Chapter 2 |
5.15 | Use current technology to ensure the accuracy of medication dispensing. | Chapters 7, 8, & 11 |
5.16 | Demonstrate Point of Sale process and adjudication, including collection of payment for pharmacy services. | Chapters 8 & 9 |
5.17 | Understands accepted procedures in purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies. | Chapter 9 |
5.18 | Manage inventory of medications, equipment, and devices. | Chapters 9 & 11 |
5.19 | Understand the management of product recall, product shortages, and medication error reporting. | Chapters 2 & 14 |
5.20 | Understand accepted procedures utilized in disposing of medications and supplies. | Chapter 13 |
5.21 | Process, handle, and demonstrate administration techniques of immunizations and other injectable medications. |
|
ASHP Curriculum Element: Patient Care, Quality, and Safety Knowledge and Skills
Element Number | Sub-Element / Objective | Aligned Chapter(s) |
5.22 | Demonstrate patient-safety and medication-safety practices (e.g., management of high alert, high risk, tall man lettering, look-alike sounds-alike). | Chapter 14 |
5.23 | Understand basic safety and emergency preparedness applicable to pharmacy services (e.g., floods, hurricanes, robberies, bio-terrorism, terrorism). | Chapter 12 |
5.24 | Assist pharmacist in the medication reconciliation process. | Chapters 7 & 11 |
5.25 | Demonstrate point-of-care testing (e.g., glucose monitoring, cholesterol screening, blood pressure, temperature). |
|
5.26 | Verify measurements, preparation, and/or packaging of medications produced by others. | Chapters 6, 11, & 13 |
ASHP Curriculum Element: Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge and Skills
Element Number | Sub-Element / Objective | Aligned Chapter(s) |
5.27 | Demonstrate application of state and federal laws pertaining to processing, handling and dispensing of medications including controlled substances. | Chapter 2 |
5.28 | Understand state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to pharmacy technicians, including obtaining and maintaining registration, licensure, and/or certification to work as a pharmacy technician. | Chapters 1 & 16 |
5.29 | Understands the pharmacy technician’s role, pharmacist’s role, and other occupations in the healthcare environment. | Chapters 1 & 16 |
5.30 | Understand the importance of regulatory agencies, such as: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), The Joint Commission (TJC), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States Pharmacopedia (USP), Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). | Chapters 2, 3, 12, & 13 |
Course Topical Outline
Course Length 16 Weeks | Dates | Projected Instruction |
Week 1/2 | August 24 – September 4 | Chapter 1: The Profession of Pharmacy Chapter 2: Pharmacy Law, Regulations and Standards |
Week 3/4 | September 5 – September 18 | Chapter 3: Drug and Supplement Development Chapter 4: Routes of DrugAdministration and DosageFormulations |
Week 5/6 | September 19 – October 2 | Chapter 6: Pharmacy Measurements and Calculations Chapter 7: Community Pharmacy Dispensing |
Week 7/8 | October 3 – October 16 | Chapter 8: Prescription Drug Insurance in Health Care Mid Term Exam (Chapters 1-4, 6-8) |
NO CLASS | October 19 – October 23 (MONDAY – FRIDAY) | FALLBREAK Pharmacy Week |
Week 9/10 | October 24 – November 6 | Chapter 9: The Business of Community Pharmacy Chapter 10: Extemporaneous, Nonsterile Compounding |
Week 11/12 | November 7 – November 20 | Chapter 14: Medication Safety Chapter 15: Professional Performance, Communication, and Ethics |
Week 13/14 | November 21 – December 4 | Chapter 16: Your Future in Pharmacy Practice Start Critical Thinking Project |
NO CLASS | November 25 – November 27 (WEDNESDAY – FRIDAY) | THANKSGIVING BREAK |
Week 15/16 | December 5 – December 15 | Review Finals (All Chapters Assigned) Critical Thinking Project Due – December 11 |
Do not wait till last minute to complete assignments and quizzes.
Blackboard assignments have set due dates.
No late assignments will be accepted.
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 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
Any student who arrives more than 10 minutes late will be counted absent for the day and will receive a “0” for any assignments or activities completed that day.
Any student who is not in the complete required uniform for lab will be considered absent for the day and will receive a “0” for any assignments or activities completed that day.
A student who misses a third (3rd) class session will be required to meet with the instructor for follow-up and with the Pharmacy Technology Program Director to discuss options moving forward, including possible dismissal from the program.
Students must notify the instructor of any anticipated absence by emailing the instructor using their LSCO email account. If a student is absent unexpectedly, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor as soon as possible. If absences exceed four (4), the student may be dropped from the course unless extremely extenuating circumstances exist.
Students are expected to arrive at class and lab prepared. All coursework is completed online; however, students must bring all required materials to class and lab. This includes the correct textbook, any required assignments, note-taking materials, calculators, and any other materials or accessories required for class or lab activities.
In the event of illness, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor BEFORE the missed class or lab session. Court appearances will not be counted as absences if the student provides appropriate documentation to the instructor by the next scheduled class or lab session.
Late work and makeup work are not accepted. If a student is absent from class, it is their responsibility to complete all assigned coursework by the established due date. If an assignment or activity is given and completed during class while the student is absent, the student will receive a “0” for that assignment or activity.
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.
Instructor Initiated Drop: The program director has the right to initiate the administrative withdrawal of any student whose attendance, conduct, or scholastic abilities, for the role of the pharmacy technician makes it inadvisable for the student to continue in the program. This includes, but is not limited to, a randomly acquired screening for alcohol or illicit drugs.
Immediate dismissal from the Pharmacy Technology Program will follow documented evidence of the following:
A. Willful lying or deceit.
B. Verbal or physical abuse of faculty or pharmacy personnel.
C. Falsification.
D. Academic dishonesty.
E. Theft of any personal or company property
F. Working under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.
G. Insubordination to faculty or pharmacy personnel.
H. Unethical conduct or unsafe performance of the training duties of the pharmacy technician.
1. Violating or threatening the physical, psychological, microbiological, chemical, or thermal safety of the client.
2. Breaking previously mastered principles/ learning objectives in carrying out delegated pharmacy technician functions.
3. Assuming inappropriate independence in actions or decisions.
4. Failing to recognize own limitations, incompetence, and/or legal responsibilities.
5. Failing to accept moral and legal responsibility for his/her actions; thereby violating the professional integrity of the pharmacy technician.
6. Falsifying or altering academic records, medical records, and prescription orders.
7. Representing you as a Pharmacist.
8. Engaging in dispensing, counseling, supervising other supportive personnel or other duties only belonging to a registered pharmacist.
9. Unlawful or unauthorized delivery of any prescription to anyone but the patient or his/her agent.
10. Accepting monetary compensation for fulfilling or not performing technician duties during clinical.
11. Unauthorized distribution, delivery, or possession of any prescription, controlled substance, or illegal drug on clinical site premises and classroom.
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.
Make-up Work Policy
ALL assignments are to be turned in on the assigned day.
Late work will NOT be accepted.
Classroom Etiquette
• Lab - No cell phones, smartwatches, or pagers are allowed out during class. They must be put up in the appropriate place or turned off
• 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.
Exam Policy
All exams/final are taken as scheduled. Exams and Final are scheduled with NO MAKE-UP.
If a student does not take an exam/final as scheduled, he/she will be issued a ZERO "0" for that exam/final.
ALL QUIZZES, EXAMS, AND FINAL WILL BE PROCTORED THROUGH RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER AND MONITOR
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 Catalog. 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), 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.
Grading and Evaluation Method
Chapter Quizzes in Blackboard:
- Chapter quizzes will be completed in Blackboard using Respondus LockDown Browser.
- Students will have unlimited attempts on chapter quizzes.
- The highest score earned will be recorded in the gradebook.
- Chapter quizzes are due on Friday by 5:00 PM.
- Late Submissions will not be accepted
Pop Quizzes in Blackboard:
- Pop quizzes are unannounced and may be given at any time during class.
- Pop quizzes will be completed in Blackboard using Respondus LockDown Browser.
- Students will have one (1) attempt on each pop quiz.
- Pop quizzes are due at the time they are assigned.
- Students must be present in class to complete a pop quiz. If a student is absent when a pop quiz is given, the student will receive a “0” for that quiz.
- Pop quizzes cannot be made up.
Chapter Journal Entries in Blackboard:
- Journal Entries must include a citation from at least one source (textbook, Internet, article, etc.)
- APA citations are required for the Journal Entry
- Journal Entry must be a minimum of 250 words
- Journal Entries are due on Friday by 5:00 PM.
All criteria and due date must be met to receive full credit.
Chapter Discussion Board in Blackboard:
- Discussion Board must include a citation from at least one source (textbook, Internet, article, etc.)
- APA citations are required for the Discussion Boards
- Discussion Board must be a minimum of 250 words
- Discussion Board Initial Post are due on the 1st Friday by 5:00 PM.
- Discussion Board Responses are due on the 2nd Friday by 5:00 PM.
All criteria and due date must be met to receive full credit.
Chapter Assignments/Projects in Blackboard:
- Assignments/Projects must include all the information requested
- Assignments/Projects must include APA citations when citing any source
- Assignments/Projects must be uploaded as an MS Word or PDF Document
- Assignments/Projects are due on Friday by 5:00 PM.
All criteria and due date must be met to receive full credit.
Chapter Field Knowledge Research in Blackboard:
- Field Knowledge Research must include all the information requested
- Field Knowledge Research must be uploaded as an MS Word or PDF Document
- Field Knowledge Research are due on Friday by 5:00 PM.
All criteria and due date must be met to receive full credit.
Exam Policy:
- All exams/final are taken as scheduled. Exams and final are scheduled with NO MAKE-UP. If a student does not take an exam/final as scheduled, he/she will receive a ZERO ("0") for that exam/final.
- EXAMS ARE NOT RESTARTED.
- ALL EXAMS/FINAL ARE TAKEN ON BLACKBOARD AS SCEDHULED.
- ALL QUIZZES, EXAMS, AND FINAL EXAMS WILL BE PROCTORED THROUGH RESPONDUS LOCKDOWN BROWSER AND MONITOR.
- Remember to have devices fully charged, with a reliable WiFi signal.
- When taking the exam, pay close attention; if you press the wrong button, it will submit your exam.
- DO NOT wait until the last minute to take your Exam.
- If you are in the middle of taking your exam and it reaches the time limit or the due date and time limit, your exam will be submitted automatically, and the questions you did not answer will be counted as wrong.
A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = below 60
Grades are not rounded.
Example: If you have a 69.50%, then your grade is 69.50% which equals a letter grade of D.
Final grades will be calculated as follows:
- Chapter Quizzes 25%
- Discussion Questions 12.5%
- Assignments 12.5%
- Critical Thinking 25%
- Unit Exams and Final Exam 25%
A final course grade of 70% "C" or above, independent of all other requirements is necessary for the student to continue with the program.
Failure is defined as a grade below 60%.
If the student makes 70% or below on an exam, the student will have a mandatory meeting with the instructor.
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 Catalog, Class Attendance.)
Review of Test Grades
If the student has an issue about his/her grade, the instructor must be contacted no later than three (3) days after receiving the grade. If a student fails a unit examination, he/she is expected to make an appointment within one week, after the examination with the course instructor. At that time, the student will review the examination and, with the assistance of the instructor, identify strategies to improve testing performance.
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.
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 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, 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.
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 Director of Student Care and Accessibility at studentcare@lsco.edu.
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, Rebecca Gentry rebecca.gentry@lsco.edu.
Blackboard Resources
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.
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. 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.
Gator Assistance Program
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.
OASIS Tutoring
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.
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 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.
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.
Access https://www.lsco.edu/tutoring/online-tutoring.asp for details on how to log-in to the FREE services.
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 OASIS.
Credit Transfer
Students should check in advance with the institution to which they plan to transfer credit to confirm transferability.
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 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.
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 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 and the Academic Grievance Process
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.
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:
• 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.
MyGator and Log-In Credentials
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.
Policies and Procedures
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.
Prohibited Items in the Classroom
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.
Student Complaints (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:
- 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 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:
- 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.
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, appendix D.