Course Syllabus

Syllabus ID: syllabus-0ddf3366b0e8

Course Syllabus
Structured Output

ENGL 1301-90S

Composition I
Term
Fall 2026
Instructor
Lumpkin, Byron
Department
STEM
Meeting Pattern
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM · LAC 0000111

Course Information

Name of Department: English

Course Subject Area, Number, Title, and Section Number: English Composition I - 1301, 90S

Instructor Name: Byron Lumpkin

Building/Office Number: Academic Building, Room 105.15

Office Hours: M-W 10:00AM - 2:00 PM

Virtual Hours: Fridays 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Office Telephone: (409) 882-3043, Ext. 3043 

Email Address: byron.lumpkin@lsco.edu

Important Course Information:

  • I treat all my students as adults with respect to professionalism, courtesy, and understanding. Yet, for respect to be given, a person must have self respect. I take pride in my work and students should take pride in theirs. Challenging behavior, inappropriate emails, or any other adverse behavior will not be tolerated.
  • This course is a Hy-Flex course that will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 AM. The course is built on weekly modules, where assignments will be usually uploaded on Sunday evenings or early Monday morning. All assignments will be due on Tuesdays at midnight. However, there is a 24-hour late policy. This means that assignments are due in finality on Wednesdays at midnight. If an assignment is submitted after midnight on Wednesday, then it will be deducted 15% points. If you are having difficulty with an assignment in submitting it on time or a personal matter has arisen, please email me so that you can avoid the late penalty. Yet, if you do not email me ahead of the deadline, the 15% penalty will stand. This late policy is included in the "Course Information" section in Blackboard.
  • Email is the best way to get in touch with me. I advise all students check their email at least twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening). This is the best way to stay on top of your studies. Also, some things in the course may change or I may need to revise a course assignment. Therefore, please be sure to check your email daily.
  • The use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in this course is prohibited when the student copies work from AI generators. However, students can use AI to help generate ideas, find concepts, or look up information. Copying text from AI generators is qualified as plagiarism and the student will receive a "zero" grade for any assignment that has been copied, pasted, or wholly inserted as the student's work. Certain circumstances may pervade. The LSCO AI Policy is located in the "Course Information" section of Blackboard.
  • The course's material will mostly come from the course textbook, Study.com, and other online resources/documents. Be sure to complete your free registration for Study.com the first week of class and complete its assignments. See the "Study.com - Online Platform" folder in the "Assignments" section of Blackboard to complete account setup. 
  • Attendance: Attendance for the course will be worth 100 points. Students can attend class physically or virtually. A link will be provided to students who wish to view the class meeting remotely. Also, each class meeting will be recorded for student use.
  • It is the student's responsibility to complete assignments and pay attention to assignment deadlines. To put things simply, a lack of preparation or inattention on your part does not designate an emergency on my part.
  • ***If you are reading this syllabus, you can get 10 bonus points for emailing me a picture of a hamster (since part of our password is "hamster" in Study.com). Be sure to email me also which class and section number you are enrolled.
  • It is the student's responsibility to complete assignments and pay attention to assignment deadlines. To put things simply, a lack of preparation or inattention on your part does not designate an emergency on my part. As mentioned above, please email me if you have issues or concerns with anything related to the course.

Course Description

Principles and intensive study and practice in techniques of written, expository, and persuasive composition; expository and persuasive texts; and critical thinking.

Pre-requisites/Co-requisites

Prerequisite: Passing English placement test(s), such as the TSI college readiness standard test for reading and writing; or equivalent. ACGM

Required Textbook & Materials

  • Everyone's an Author, 5th Edition (Norton Publishing, 2026). This textbook is in digital format and will be provided for free to the student. There will be a link(s) to the eBook in Blackboard under the "Course Textbook" section.
  • Online access to Study.com. This is a free online learning website where the student will create an account and complete a series of lessons each week. These assignments are composed of lessons with short videos and quizzes.
  • A working and stable internet connection for accessing online material including the Blackboard website, video, audio, etc.
  • Any other materials that the student deems necessary for the successful completion of the online 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.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

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

ACGM Learning Outcomes

·        Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative writing processes.

·        Develop ideas with appropriate support and attribution.

·        Write in a style appropriate to audience and purpose.

·        Read, reflect, and respond critically to a variety of texts.

·        Use Edited American English in academic essays.

Course Level Learning Outcomes (ACGM or WECM)

Core Objective

 

 

Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects

Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative writing processes.  · Critical Thinking · Communication · Personal Responsibility·        Students will learn and use the process approach to writing to prepare a minimum of four essays in a variety of rhetorical and analytical styles and addressing a range of potential audiences and rhetorical dynamics; students will participate in collaborative activities involving invention, drafting, and presentation. ·        Students will read, analyze, and interpret an extensive schedule of selections from the course text including sample essays from multiple genres and addressing a range of audiences and purposes; students will complete unique invention, organizational, compositional, revision, and/or reflective exercises designed to promote analysis, exploration, synthesis, and reflection. ·        Students will complete assignments in online assigned exercises, writing journals, video lessons, and other methods of online instruction. This includes the use of invention, audience analysis, organizational planning, assessment of content, and revision of causal analysis and researched persuasive essays in individual and collaborative assignments; rubric-driven assessments of published and personal compositions. Lesson quizzes, documented participation in online discussions, journaling, researched writing assignment(s) as required by instructor (properly, fully, and unambiguously documented). ·        Though students will attend this class online, they will connect to the online class regularly, observe and conform to requirements of course policies and procedures; show respect for other members of the class, the instructor, the learning environment, and the institution; and will meet assignment boundaries, deadlines, and other obligations to the course, the other students, and the institution.  
Develop ideas with appropriate support and attribution.  · Critical Thinking · Communication · Personal Responsibility·        The student will be expected to develop both creative and academic/professional ideas that can be supported through either personal reiteration or professional citation. Students will develop appropriately focused topics with authoritative, rich content that is organized effectively and supports a college-level thesis; students will explore research options, selecting relevant and credible information, unambiguously distinguish source material from original content, and document sources properly using an approved documentation style. ·         See outcome above for activities  
Write in a style appropriate to audience and purpose.  · Critical Thinking · Communication · Personal Responsibility · Social Responsibility·        Students will be exposed to lessons, lectures, and readings that offer knowledge on how to reach an audience through creative and professional approaches. The student will be exposed to sample essays that form a wide variety of ideas and information. The student will also discern target audiences and authors’ purposes. Required essay assignments will address a variety of writing situations and purposes, from personal to informative to persuasive at varying levels of formality and technicality. Differentiations between formal and informal writing is to be examined. ·        Students will read, interpret, critique, and write an array of essays in various genres and a variety of rhetorical and analytical styles addressing a range of potential audiences and rhetorical dynamics, developing appropriately focused topics with authoritative, ample, relevant, and appropriate content organized effectively and supporting a college-level thesis using relatively error-free prose written in a style and with a tone appropriate to the audience, purpose, and genre. ·        Readings, quizzes, and video lessons with objective test items and rubric-driven exercises; collaborative peer review exercises; student critiques; argumentative/persuasive essay (which is composed using planning, drafting, and revisions). ·        Students will contribute to a learner-centered environment, engaging in active reading/listening and showing tolerance of multiple viewpoints and interpretations of issues. Students will participate in collaborative invention, drafting, revising, assessment, and presentation activities, as well as participating in collaborative interpretation and research activities as specified by the instructor. ·        Students will be given the opportunity to explore and research contemporary social and cultural issues, think critically about these issues, and write, reflect, and present their views on how engaged citizens interact with society on regional, national, and global levels.  
Read, reflect, and respond critically to a variety of texts.  · Critical Thinking · Communication · Personal Responsibility·        See outcomes above          
Use Edited American English in academic essays.  · Critical Thinking · Personal Responsibility·        Students will be expected to write in complete sentences that further one’s understanding of the material. Therefore, grammar assignments and assessments will be utilized. Also, the student will be expected to know and utilize MLA (Modern Language Association) format. This includes composing professional academic essays which have bibliography (Works Cited) pages and adhere to MLA guidelines. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in unsatisfactory grades. ·        See outcomes above.  


Course Topical Outline

Weekly Schedule

The schedule below contains the major and minor assignments of the course; it does not contain course readings. Course readings and other assignment information will be found in each weekly module.

Important: Assignments for each week will be due on Tuesdays at midnight. With the 24-hour late window policy, students will be allowed to submit assignments by midnight on Wednesdays without a late penalty. After Wednesdays, a 15%-point deduction will apply for late work.

 

Week 1 Module (October 27-November 1)

  • Introduction to Course: Review syllabus and course information
  • Unit 1: Grammar and Writing Mechanics
  • Learn of basic and advanced grammar and writing mechanics
  • Learn about the rhetorical modes of writing
  • Set up Study.com account
  • Module/Textbook Readings:
    • “Common Grammar Mistakes” (PowerPoint)
    • “The Fundamentals of Writing” (document)
    • “Fragments and Run-On Sentences” (document)
    • “Common Writing Problems” (PDF document)
    • “Writing Pitfalls” (PDF document)
  • Self-Introductory Post (Discussion Board)
  • Week 1 Study.com Assignments
  • Journal Writing Assignment #1 (Week 1)

Week 2 Module (November 2-8)

  • Continuing Unit 1: Grammar and Writing Mechanics
  • Begin and Complete Unit over AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Writing
  • Learn how to use AI Responsibly and Properly
  • Understand Plagiarism, Copyright Infringement, and Intellectual Property Concepts
  • Learn how to integrate AI and Your Writing
  • Module/Textbook Readings:
    • Various readings from module and textbook
  • Week 2 Quiz
  • Week 2 Study.com Assignments
  • Journal Writing Assignment #2 (Week 2)
  • AI Assignment (Quiz and Writing)

Week 3 Module (November 9-15)
 

  • Unit 2: The Mode of Descriptive Writing
  • Learn about the Five Senses Attributed to Description
  • Enhance detail and depth in writing through Description
  • Learn the “Show Don’t Tell” Method in Descriptive Writing
  • Module/Textbook Readings:
    • Various readings from module and textbook
  • Week 3 Quiz
  • Week 3 Study.com Assignments
  • Journal Writing Assignment #3 (Week 3)

Week 4 Module (November 16-22)

  • Unit 3: The Mode of Narrative Writing
  • Understand the importance of Storytelling through Narration, Plot, Setting, Characterization, Dialogue, Conflict, and Theme
  • Learn how to combine Description and Narration to produce the first essay of the course
  • Module/Textbook Readings:
    • Various readings from module and textbook
  • Week 4 Quiz
  • Week 4 Study.com Assignments
  • Journal Writing Assignment #4 (Week 4)
  • Essay #1 (Descriptive Narration)

Week 5 Module (November 23-29)

  • Unit 4: The Mode of Process Analysis Writing
  • Understand the mode of process analysis and learn ways to continue to improve writing.
  • Module/Textbook Readings:
    • Various readings from module and textbook
  • Week 5 Quiz
  • Week 5 Study.com Assignments
  • Journal Writing Assignment #5 (Week 5)

Week 6 Module (November 30-Decmeber 6)

  • Unit 4: The Mode of Process Analysis Writing
  • Continue understanding the mode of process analysis and learn ways to continue to improve writing.
  • Module/Textbook Readings:
    • Various readings from module and textbook
  • Week 6 Quiz
  • Week 6 Study.com Assignments
  • Journal Writing Assignment #6 (Week 6)
  • Essay #2 (Process Analysis)

Week 7 Module (December 7-13)

  • Unit 5: The Mode of Argumentative/Persuasive Writing
  • Learn about ethos, logos, and pathos, and how to target a specific audience with argumentation/persuasion.
  • Module/Textbook Readings:
    • Various readings from module and textbook
  • Week 7 Quiz
  • Week 7 Study.com Assignments
  • Journal Writing Assignment #7 (Week 7)

Week 8 Module (December 14-15)

  • Unit 5: The Mode of Argumentative/Persuasive Writing
  • Continue learning about argumentation/persuasion and other concapts.
  • Module/Textbook Readings:
    • Various readings from module and textbook
  • Essay #3 (Argumentation/Persuasion)
  • Final Exam (over MLA format)
  • Reflection Letter

NOTE: The instructor can and will change the syllabus, assignments, and policies of the course if they see fit for the progression of the course. This means that over the duration of the term, the dates, assignment requirements, and any other course information can change if the instructor feels that it must.

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

  • Attendance: Attendance for the course will be worth 100 points. Students can attend class physically or virtually. A link will be provided to students who wish to view the class meeting remotely. Also, each class meeting will be recorded for student use.

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

24-Hour Late Policy

Please note that there is a 24-hour late window that allows students to submit late work within 24 hours after an assignment’s due date. After the 24-hour period, the student receives a 15% point deduction. All assignments will be due on Sundays at midnight (Mondays at midnight in finality with late policy). Please contact the professor for any questions or concerns regarding the late policy.

Classroom Etiquette

• 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

The only exam for the course will be the Final Exam taken at the end of the term. It will be multiple choice and will pertain to MLA style and formatting in relation to writing. The exam will be completed on Blackboard.

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

Grade Determination (Point System)

This course will be divided into weekly modules where the student will be provided with course materials, information about assignments, documents, and links to other types of coursework. The student's grade will be determined by compiling scores on writings, quizzes, creative projects, and other assignments. The course assignments include:

  • Self-Introduction- (10 points) This assignment will be completed in the course Discussion Board. The student will have the chance to introduce themselves, their hobbies, interests, loves, and academic goals.
  • Attendance (100 points)- Attendance for the course will be worth 100 points. Students can attend class physically or virtually. A link will be provided to students who wish to view the class meeting remotely. Also, each class meeting will be recorded for student use.
  • Study.com Assignments (submitted on Study.com website)- (100 points) These assignments will be assigned each week (about 5-10 lessons per week) and will contain videos and multiple-choice quizzes that will be completed through the Study.com website. 
  • Quizzes (6 total)- (100 points; about 17 points each) The quizzes will contain multiple choice questions that pertain to each specific weekly module and readings.
  • Weekly Journal Writing Assignments (6 total)- (100 points; about 17 points each) The journal writing will contain specific instructions and guidelines. They will be written down physically and submitted to the professor (email versions may be acceptable due to certain circumstances).
  • AI (Artificial Intelligence) Assignment- (50 points) This assignment will be composed of multiple choice and writing exercises that pertain to using AI responsibly and properly.
  • Three (3) Essays in MLA Format- (300 points, 100 points each) The essays for the course will follow strict instructions and guidelines depending upon the mode of writing for each unit.
  • Final Exam- (50 points) The Final Exam of the course will be multiple choice and will reference MLA formatting and style.
  • Reflection Letter- (50 points) This assignment will be submitted at the end of the term with specific instructions and guidelines.

Total Points = 860 points (not including possible bonus points)

All essays are to be submitted to Blackboard, just as other assignments. It is also heavily advised for the student to use the tutoring program called “Upswing”. This free online tutoring program allows the student to upload an essay/paper to a specific or random tutor. This tutor will then contact the student and give edited feedback. If a student’s essay has numerous errors after Blackboard submission, validation of the “Upswing” submission will be required by email. Failure to provide proof of “Upswing” tutoring help (or any other outside help) will result in a 25% reduction of points for the essay.

Study.com: Study.com is a virtual classroom that will be free to the student upon an account creation. Students will have a series of lessons each week that will be composed of videos and quizzes. The points accrued for the assignments will be an average running total (100 points). Students can retake the quizzes however many times they like; the average accumulated will be the grade. This means that students can keep re-taking the quizzes until they reach a 100% average for each week. However, if students wish to settle for a lesser grade, that is up to them. Understanding these requirements is crucial for student success. Please contact the professor with any questions or concerns.

Quizzes: There will be weekly quizzes in the course, and each quiz will be multiple choice and contain material over the weekly modules, readings, and other important material. The student will have two (2) attempts for each quiz and there will be no time limits. The quizzes are considered “open book” where the student can use material from the course to aid them.

Journal Writings: As mentioned above, these assignments will have specific instructions and modes of writing. They will cover important concepts, ideas, and material from the course readings and will be submitted in class.

 

AI (Artificial Intelligence) Assignment: As mentioned above, this assignment will be composed of multiple choice and writing exercises that pertain to using AI responsibly and properly.

 

Essays: The essays for the course will follow strict instructions and guidelines depending upon the mode of writing for each unit.

Final Exam: As mentioned above, the Final Exam of the course will be composed of multiple-choice questions pertaining to MLA style and formatting in writing. The exam will be completed on Blackboard.

24-Hour Late Policy: Please note that there is a 24-hour late window that allows students to submit late work within 24 hours after an assignment’s due date. After the 24-hour period, the student starts off an assignment at an 85% grade.

 

Submitting Assignments: When submitting any assignments for this course (whether they be the essays, journal writings, or other assignments), submit them to the Blackboard system through a desktop or laptop computer. Sometimes, submitting work through a phone or tablet can glitch and the student may have to restart the assignment. This can lead to frustration and annoyance. Also, when submitting essays or papers through a mobile device, the formatting may not be the same and full content may not transfer over into the Blackboard system. If you do not have a computer (desktop or laptop) at home, please use the library computers to submit any coursework. Also, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor if you do not have a personal computer (desktop or laptop).

 

A = 90 - 100%

B = 80 - 89

C = 70 - 79

D = 60 - 69

F = below 60

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 with his/her grade, the instructor must be contacted no later than three (3) days after receiving the grade.

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.