Course Syllabus

Syllabus ID: syllabus-4598ccabe77b

Course Syllabus
Structured Public Version

EMSP 1501-01C

Emergency Med Tech Basic
Instructor
Hanks, Ramona
Term
Fall 2026
Department
HP
Workflow Status
Published

Course Information

Name of Department: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Course Subject Area, Number, Title, and Section Number: Preparation for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) EMSP 1501-D, Corequisite: EMSP 1260. Course Identifier 51.0904 TEC

Instructor Name:  Ramona Hanks

Building/Office Number:  Workforce Education Building/ 110

Office Hours:   one hour prior to or after class with available upon request

Virtual Hours:  By appt.

Office Telephone:  409-626-2870

Email Address: Ramona.Hanks@lsco.edu

Course Description

Preparation for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) EMSP 1501-D, Corequisite: EMSP 1260. Course Identifier 51.0904 TEC

This course is an introduction to the level of Emergency Medical Technician — Basic, (EMT-B). It includes all the skills necessary to provide emergency medical care at the basic life support level with an ambulance service or other specialized services. This course typically consists of 150 classroom, laboratory and clinical hours as set forth by DSHS.

Pre-requisites/Co-requisites

EMSP 1260-Clinical and Field Internship. Refer to you Clinical syllabus for more information.

Required Textbook & Materials

The book that will be used will be Emergency Care 14th Edition, Pearson. Limmer, Dan, O'Keefe, Michael,

Students are required to purchase an approved uniform designated by the instructor, including a shirt, pants, belt, and boots. In addition, each student must have a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff.

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

Upon completion of EMSP-1501-D, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, the student has had the opportunity to:

Display a working knowledge of clinical information through laboratory practice. Demonstrate the ability to perform all applicable skills.

Exhibit attitudes and behavior consistent with the ethics and professionalism expected of the EMT-Basic. Prepare for the National Registry exam.

•      Implement emergency care to clients of various age groups and diverse cultural backgrounds in a variety of emergency situations.

•      Integrate knowledge from concepts of emergency technology, the natural behavioral, and social sciences to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of emergency care for individuals and groups.

•      Demonstrate appropriate therapeutic communications skills in verbal and written form in caring for individuals and groups throughout the life cycle.

•      Collaborate with other members of the healthcare profession in providing emergency care to individuals and groups.

•      Appraise the effectiveness of preventive health education measures and adaptive techniques appropriate to various experiences along the wellness-illness continuum.

•      Utilize the problem-solving process in administering emergency care to clients throughout the life cycle with common acute and/or chronic health problems:

•      Assess needs of individuals.

• Implement care to meet client needs.

•      Develop probable individualized diagnosis based on silent symptoms.

•      Support the ethical values of the Emergency Medical Services Technician by being accountable and responsible for one's own practice and actions.

•      Accept responsibility for practicing self-evaluation, self development, self-directed learning and continuing education.

•      Participate in continuing quality improvement to ensure quality care while working within the policies of the employing institution.

• Practice within the profession's legal and ethical framework.

• Support professional organizations in Emergency Medical Services Technology. Student may vary in their competency levels on their abilities. Students can expect to acquire there abilities only if they honor all course policies, attend classes regularly, complete all assigned work in good faith and on time. And meet all other course expectations.







Course Topical Outline

08/24/2026
Introduction to EMS
Ch.1
None — first day of class!
What EMTs do, history of EMS, and your roles and responsibilities as an EMT.
 08/25/2026
 Well-Being of the EMT
 Ch.2
 PPE donning and doffing practice
 Learn about stress, scene safety, and how to protect yourself on the job.
08/26/2026
Medical, Legal, and Ethical Issues
Ch. 3
Ethical scenario discussions
Consent, refusal, duty to act, HIPAA, and DNR orders explained clearly.
08/27/2026
The Human Body — Anatomy Overview
Ch. 4
Body landmark identification on partner
Anatomy overview — body systems, positions, and directional terms.
08/31/2026
The Human Body — Body Systems
Ch. 4
Body landmark identification on partner
Review all major body systems: heart, lungs, brain, bones, muscles, and digestive.
09/1/2026
Baseline Vital Signs — Pulse and Breathing
Ch. 5
Taking full vitals on a partner
How to measure pulse and breathing rate. Normal ranges and what changes mean.
09/02/2026
Baseline Vital Signs — Blood Pressure and Skin
Ch. 5
Taking full vitals on a partner
Blood pressure with a cuff. Skin color, temperature, and moisture assessment.
09/03/2026
SAMPLE History — Patient Interview
Ch. 5
Full patient interview practice
Chief complaint, OPQRST, and the full SAMPLE history method.
09/08/2026
Lifting and Moving Patients — Body Mechanics
Ch. 6
Proper lifting and log roll practice
Safe lifting posture. Body mechanics to protect your back on the job.
09/09/2026
Lifting and Moving Patients — Stretcher Use
Ch. 6
Stretcher loading and unloading
Log roll, emergency carries, and loading/unloading the stretcher safely.
09/10/2026
Review of Unit 1 — Study Guide and Group Review
Chs. 1–6
Partner quiz and full vitals practice
Flashcards, group review, and study guide covering all Unit 1 topics.
09/14/2026
Review of Unit 1 — Check-Off Practice
Chs. 1–6
Full vitals and SAMPLE interview check-off practice
Timed vitals and SAMPLE interview practice to get ready for the Unit 1 exam.
09/15/2026
TEST DAY — Unit 1 Exam
Chs. 1–6
Exam covers EMS intro, well-being, legal issues, anatomy, vital signs, and lifting. Chs. 1–6.
09/16/2026
Airway Management — Airway Anatomy and Manual Maneuvers
Ch. 7
Manual airway maneuvers, suction technique, OPA/NPA insertion on mannequin
Airway anatomy, head-tilt chin-lift, jaw thrust, suctioning, and airway adjuncts.
09/17/2026
Airway Management — OPA, NPA, and Suctioning Review
Ch. 7
OPA and NPA sizing and insertion; suctioning practice
Review and practice all manual airway skills before moving to devices.
09/21/2026
Airway Devices — BVM Ventilation
Ch. 7
BVM ventilation on mannequin
How to use a bag-valve mask (BVM) to breathe for a patient who cannot breathe on their own.
09/22/2026
Airway Devices — Oxygen Therapy and Flow Rates
Ch. 7
Setting up O2 tank; applying oxygen masks
Oxygen tank setup, flow rates, non-rebreather mask, and nasal cannula.
09/23/2026
Airway Review and Scenarios — Station Rotation Day 1
Ch. 7
Full airway station rotation — manual maneuvers, suctioning, OPA/NPA
Full airway skill rotation: manual maneuvers, suctioning, OPA, and NPA.
09/24/2026
Airway Review and Scenarios — Station Rotation Day 2
Ch. 7
BVM and oxygen delivery station rotation
Continue airway station rotation — BVM ventilation and all oxygen delivery devices.
09/28/2026
TEST DAY — Airway Exam
Ch. 7
Exam covers airway anatomy, airway devices, and oxygen therapy. Ch. 7.
09/29/2026
Scene Size-Up and Primary Survey — Scene Safety and MOI
Chs. 8–9
Scene walk-through scenario; primary survey on mannequin
Scene safety, mechanism of injury (MOI), nature of illness (NOI), and ABCs.
09/30/2026
Scene Size-Up and Primary Survey — Life Threats and Patient Priority
Chs. 8–9
Primary survey on mannequin; bleeding control practice
Identify life threats, control bleeding, and decide if the patient is high or low priority.
10/01/2026
History Taking and Secondary Assessment — SAMPLE and OPQRST
Chs. 10–11
Full patient interview and secondary assessment on partner
SAMPLE and OPQRST review. Full secondary assessment — head-to-toe exam.
10/05/2026
History Taking and Secondary Assessment — Focused Exam
Chs. 10–11
Full patient interview and secondary assessment on partner
Focused physical exam based on the patient's chief complaint. Practice on a partner.
10/06/2026
Monitoring Devices — Pulse Ox, CO Detector, and Glucometer
Chs. 12–13
Using monitoring devices; writing a patient care report
How to use a pulse oximeter, carbon monoxide detector, and glucometer correctly.
10/07/2026
Documentation — Radio Reports and PCR Writing
Chs. 12–13
Radio report practice; patient care report writing
Clear radio reports to the hospital. Writing an accurate prehospital care report (PCR).
10/08/2026
Patient Assessment Review — Full Scenario Practice Day 1
Chs. 8–13
Full timed patient assessment scenario with radio report and PCR
Combine all assessment steps into one timed, realistic patient scenario.
10/12/2026
Patient Assessment Review — Full Scenario Practice Day 2
Chs. 8–13
Full timed patient assessment scenario with documentation
Continue full-scenario practice. Focus on speed, accuracy, and documentation quality.
10/13/2026
TEST DAY — Patient Assessment Exam
Chs. 8–13
Exam covers scene size-up, primary survey, history taking, secondary assessment, monitoring, and documentation. Chs. 8–13.
10/14/2026
Pharmacology Basics — How Drugs Work
Ch. 14
Identify EMT drug kit contents; oral glucose administration practice
How drugs work in the body, drug forms, and routes of administration for EMTs.
10/15/2026
Pharmacology Basics — EMT Medications
Ch. 14
Name and match EMT drugs to their uses
EMT medications: aspirin, epinephrine, nitroglycerin, oral glucose, and inhalers.
10/26/2026
Respiratory Emergencies — Asthma and COPD
Ch. 15
Assist with prescribed inhaler; BVM use for respiratory failure scenario
Asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema — signs and EMT treatment.
10/27/2026
Respiratory Emergencies — Scenario Practice
Ch. 15
Respiratory distress full scenario
Full breathing emergency scenario from scene size-up through treatment and report.
10/28/2026
TEST DAY — Pharmacology and Respiratory Exam
Chs. 14–15
Exam covers drug basics and breathing emergencies. Chs. 14–15.
10/29/2026
Cardiovascular Emergencies — Heart Attack Signs
Ch. 16
Nitroglycerin and aspirin assist practice
Signs of a heart attack and how to assist with nitroglycerin and aspirin.
11/02/2026
Cardiovascular Emergencies — Cardiac Arrest and CPR
Ch. 16
CPR on mannequin — full cycle practice
Cardiac arrest recognition, CPR technique — proper depth, rate, and hand position.
11/03/2026
Cardiovascular Emergencies — AED Operation
Ch. 16
AED operation from case to shock; CPR and AED combined scenario
AED use from opening the case to delivering a shock. Full cardiac arrest scenario.
11/04/2026
TEST DAY — Cardiovascular Exam
Ch. 16
Exam covers heart attack, cardiac arrest, CPR, and AED. Ch. 16.
11/05/2026
Diabetic Emergencies — High and Low Blood Sugar
Ch. 17
Glucometer use; oral glucose administration practice
Hypoglycemia vs. hyperglycemia — signs, symptoms, and EMT treatment steps.
11/09/2026
Diabetic Emergencies — Scenario Practice
Ch. 17
Diabetic emergency full scenario
Full diabetic emergency scenario from dispatch to patient care and documentation.
11/10/2026
Allergic Reactions — Anaphylaxis Signs
Ch. 18
Patient assessment for allergic reaction scenario
Anaphylaxis: hives, throat swelling, low blood pressure, and shock — recognize it fast.
11/11/2026
Allergic Reactions — Epinephrine Auto-Injector
Ch. 18
Epi-pen practice on training device; full anaphylaxis scenario
When and how to assist a patient with an epinephrine auto-injector (Epi-pen).
11/12/2026
TEST DAY — Diabetic and Allergy Exam
Chs. 17–18
Exam covers diabetic emergencies and anaphylaxis. Chs. 17–18.
11/16/2026
Poisoning and Overdose — Types of Toxins
Ch. 19
Poison control call scenario
Four ways toxins enter the body: ingested, inhaled, absorbed through skin, injected.
11/17/2026
Poisoning and Overdose — EMT Management
Ch. 19
Overdose scenario — opioid and other toxins
EMT management of poisoning: call poison control, support ABCs, activated charcoal.
11/18/2026
Environmental Emergencies — Heat Illness
Ch. 20
Heat stroke cooling techniques practice
Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke — signs and cooling treatments.
11/19/2026
Environmental Emergencies — Hypothermia, Bites, and Drowning
Ch. 20
Rewarming practice; drowning and bite scenario
Hypothermia, frostbite, bites, stings, and drowning — recognition and care.
11/23/2026
TEST DAY — Poisoning and Environmental Exam
Chs. 19–20
Exam covers toxins and environmental emergencies. Chs. 19–20.
11/24/2026
Behavioral Emergencies — Mental Health Crises
Ch. 21
De-escalation scenario with a partner
Recognize and respond to mental health crises: agitation, psychosis, and suicidal behavior.
11/30/2026
Behavioral Emergencies — Safe Restraint
Ch. 21
Safe restraint technique practice
When and how to safely restrain a patient. Legal guidelines and patient dignity.
12/01/2026
Obstetrics and Gynecology — Stages of Labor and Normal Delivery
Ch. 22
Delivery scenario with OB kit
Stages of labor and how to assist with a normal childbirth in the field.
12/02/2026
Obstetrics and Gynecology — OB Complications and Newborn Care
Ch. 22
Newborn assessment and warming
OB complications: prolapsed cord, breech, bleeding. Newborn assessment and warming.
12/03/2026
TEST DAY — Behavioral and OB Exam
Chs. 21–22
Exam covers mental health emergencies and childbirth. Chs. 21–22.
12/07/2026
Medical Emergencies Review — Station Rotation Day 1
Chs. 14–22
Multi-scenario station rotation: respiratory, cardiac, diabetic
Rotate through medical emergency scenarios — respiratory, cardiac, and diabetic.
12/08/2026
Medical Emergencies Review — Station Rotation Day 2
Chs. 14–22
Multi-scenario station rotation: allergic, poisoning, behavioral
Continue station rotations — allergic reactions, poisoning, and behavioral emergencies.
12/9/2026
Medical Emergencies Review — Station Rotation Day 3
Chs. 14–22
Multi-scenario station rotation: OB and environmental scenarios
OB and environmental emergency station rotations. Peer feedback and debriefing.
2/14/2026
TEST DAY — Medical Emergencies Comprehensive Exam
Chs. 14–22
Comprehensive exam covering all medical emergency units. Chs. 14–22.

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 and participation are required for successful completion of this course. Students may not miss more than three (3) class days during the semester.

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

Students are responsible for coordinating with the instructor to schedule the completion of any missed coursework due to an absence. Arrangements must be made within three (3) calendar days of the missed class. Failure to do so will result in a grade of zero (0) for all missed assignments, examinations, or other required course activities.

Classroom Etiquette

.Sleeping during class is not permitted. Students should be actively participating and attentive throughout the class period.

• 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

Students are prohibited from using textbooks, notes, study guides, cellular phones, smart watches, electronic devices, or any unauthorized materials during examinations, quizzes, or other assessments unless specifically permitted by the instructor.

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

This class meets at 08:00 - 09:15 M T W T sharp. There is no excuse being late to class.

For the 1501-D class, 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.

Grading and Evaluation Method

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

Active participation in all classroom discussions, instructional activities, and psychomotor skills sessions is an expected component of this course. Students are required to engage fully in both the didactic and hands-on learning experiences to support their academic success and professional development.

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

Any questions, concerns, or disputes regarding a grade must be communicated to the instructor within three (3) calendar days of the grade being posted. Requests for review submitted after this period may not be considered.

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.