Course Syllabus

Syllabus ID: syllabus-51d1b3a06144

Course Syllabus
Structured Public Version

PLAB 1223-E7

Phlebotomy
Instructor
Whittenburg, Eugenia
Term
Fall 2026
Department
HP
Workflow Status
Published

Course Information

Instructor: Eugenia Whittenburg BSN, RN

School: Lamar State College orange & Goodrich High School (Dual Credit)

 Email: eugenia.whittenburg@goodrichisd.net

Office Phone: 936-365-1100 ext 1042

Room: 208 in Goodrich Elementary / School Nurse Clinic

Course Schedule: Fall Semester Aug – December per Goodrich ISD Calendar

Class length: 50 minutes Monday – Friday (Goodrich ISD Period 4)

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30 - 7:50am & 3:30 - 4:00pm

Other hours by appointment / request



Course Description

Medical Assisting introduces students to patient-centered clinical skills through the fall Lamar ECRD 1211 Electrocardiography course and PLAB 1223 Phlebotomy foundations. Students learn medical assistant professionalism, confidentiality, infection control, cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, ECG lead placement, ECG quality, basic rhythm interpretation, emergency response, phlebotomy safety, equipment, patient identification, order of draw, specimen labeling, and specimen handling. Instruction is student-centered and paper-friendly because the classroom also functions as the school nurse office.

Pre-requisites/Co-requisites

Pathway sequence for this Goodrich/Lamar cohort: Fall includes ECRD 1211 Electrocardiography and PLAB 1223 Phlebotomy foundations in one high-school Medical Assisting period. Spring includes PLAB 1160 clinical and continued phlebotomy classroom/lab work as needed. Then CNA/PCT will be required next school year to complete the MA certificate requirements.



Required Textbook & Materials

Source & Alignment Notes

Lamar State College-Port Arthur Catalog: ECRD 1211 Electrocardiography: cardiovascular A&P, basic electrocardiography procedures, basic dysrhythmias, treatment modalities; outcomes include describing cardiovascular A&P, performing basic ECG procedures, and interpreting basic dysrhythmias.

Lamar State College-Port Arthur Catalog: PLAB 1223 Phlebotomy: blood-collection skills, safety/standard precautions, vacuum collection devices, syringes, capillary puncture, butterfly needles, blood culture, specimen collection across ages, infection prevention, patient ID, labeling, QA, handling, processing, accessioning, professionalism, ethics, and medical terminology.

Texas Education Agency / Texas Administrative Code: Medical Assistant TEKS currently appears on TEA Chapter 127 as §127.489; legacy sources may show §127.427. Alignment in this bundle uses §127.489 numbering.

Instructor-supplied Goodrich context: Goodrich high-school grade needs, shared nurse-office/classroom setting, 2026 fall dates, Google Classroom practice, HIPAA/FERPA signed-paper assessment, and pathway sequence were supplied by instructor.

Materials: Teacher provided materials and iCEV access. Teacher-created tests and worksheets are original practice materials, not copied publisher test bank items. One set of black scrubs will be provided by Goodrich ISD. Proper nonslip footwear will be provided by student/parent. Name tag is required for all clinical days and will be provided by Goodrich ISD. For Seniors, One set of black scrubs will be provided by Goodrich ISD. Proper nonslip footwear will be provided by student/parent. Name tag is required for all clinical days and will be provided by Goodrich ISD. 

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

1.     Describe cardiovascular anatomy and physiology related to ECG testing.

2.     Perform basic ECG preparation and 12-lead setup in simulation according to safety, privacy, and quality expectations.

3.     Recognize basic rhythm patterns and report abnormal findings appropriately within the medical assistant role.

4.     Apply infection-control, patient-identification, specimen-labeling, and safety practices in phlebotomy simulations.

5.     Identify common phlebotomy equipment, tube additives, order of draw, and specimen-handling requirements.

6.     Communicate professionally with patients, classmates, the nurse/instructor, and healthcare team members.

7.     Protect confidentiality in the shared clinic/classroom setting.

8.     Demonstrate employability skills, teamwork, problem solving, and documentation accuracy.

Course Topical Outline

First Six Weeks

Date

Type

Grade Evidence

Topic

Mon 08/17/26

MAJOR/TEST

T1-SW1 HIPAA/FERPA Test

HIPAA/FERPA Quiz + Signed Confidentiality Acknowledgment

Tue 08/18/26

ASSIGNMENT

A1-SW1

Medical Assistant Role, Scope, Chain of Command & Fall Pathway

Wed 08/19/26

ASSIGNMENT

A2-SW1

Healthcare Team Communication, Delegation Boundaries & Clinic Workflow

Thu 08/20/26

ASSIGNMENT

A3-SW1

Standard Precautions, Hand Hygiene & PPE for EKG/Phlebotomy

Fri 08/21/26

ASSIGNMENT

A4-SW1

Cardiovascular Anatomy: Heart Chambers, Valves & Great Vessels

Mon 08/24/26

ASSIGNMENT

A5-SW1

Blood Flow Through the Heart and Lungs

Tue 08/25/26

ASSIGNMENT

A6-SW1

Cardiac Conduction System: SA Node to Purkinje Fibers

Wed 08/26/26

ASSIGNMENT

A7-SW1

ECG Paper, Grid, Calibration & Time/Voltage Measurement

Thu 08/27/26

ASSIGNMENT

A8-SW1

ECG Waves, Segments & Intervals: P-QRS-T Basics

Fri 08/28/26

ASSIGNMENT

A9-SW1

Heart Rate, Regularity & Rhythm Strip Measurement

Mon 08/31/26

ASSIGNMENT

A10-SW1

Patient Prep, Skin Prep, Privacy & Equipment Check

Thu 09/03/26

MAJOR/TEST

T2-SW1 12-Lead Setup Skills

Major Skills Assessment: 12-Lead Setup Simulation

Thu 09/10/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

Professional Dress + EKG Safety and Patient Education

Fri 09/11/26

MAJOR/TEST

T3-SW1 Unit 1 Exam

Unit 1 Exam: Cardiovascular Basics, ECG Setup & Safety

Thu 09/17/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

FLEX / Make-Up / Remediation

Planned count: 3 major/test grades + 12 assignment grades.

Second Six Weeks

Date

Type

Grade Evidence

Topic

Mon 09/21/26

ASSIGNMENT

A1-SW2

Atrial Rhythms and What to Report

Tue 09/22/26

ASSIGNMENT

A2-SW2

Junctional Rhythms and AV Dissociation Basics

Wed 09/23/26

ASSIGNMENT

A3-SW2

Ventricular Rhythms: PVCs, VT, VF and Report-Now Findings

Thu 09/24/26

ASSIGNMENT

A4-SW2

AV Blocks: First, Second, and Third Degree Patterns

Thu 09/24/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

AV Blocks: First, Second, and Third Degree Patterns

Fri 09/25/26

ASSIGNMENT

A5-SW2

ST Changes, Ischemia/Injury/Infarct: Introduction for Medical Assistants

Mon 09/28/26

ASSIGNMENT

A6-SW2

ECG Critical Findings: When to Stop and Get Help

Tue 09/29/26

MAJOR/TEST

T1-SW2 Rhythm Practical

Major Rhythm Practical: Classify and Report ECG Strips

Thu 10/01/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

Emergency Response Simulation: Chest Pain, Syncope and Anaphylaxis

Thu 10/08/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

FLEX / Make-Up / Remediation

Tue 10/13/26

MAJOR/TEST

T2-SW2 EKG Unit 2 Exam

Unit 2 Exam: Dysrhythmias, Emergency Response & ECG Quality

Thu 10/15/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

Phlebotomy Equipment ID: Tubes, Needles, Holders, Lancets, Tourniquets

Thu 10/22/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

Venipuncture Anatomy: Veins, Landmarks and Site Selection

Mon 10/26/26

MAJOR/TEST

T3-SW2 Phlebotomy Safety Performance

Major Phlebotomy Safety Performance: ID, PPE, Equipment & Labeling

Thu 10/29/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

FLEX / Make-Up / Remediation

Planned count: 3 major/test grades + 12 assignment grades.

Third Six Weeks

Date

Type

Grade Evidence

Topic

Tue 11/03/26

MAJOR/TEST

T1-SW3 ECRD Comprehensive Final

ECRD Comprehensive Final Examination

Thu 11/05/26

ASSIGNMENT

A1-SW3

Evacuated Tube System: Parts, Assembly and Safety

Thu 11/05/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

Evacuated Tube System: Parts, Assembly and Safety

Fri 11/06/26

ASSIGNMENT

A2-SW3

Syringe, Butterfly and Special Collection Devices: When and Why

Mon 11/09/26

ASSIGNMENT

A3-SW3

Blood Culture Collection: Contamination Prevention Overview

Tue 11/10/26

ASSIGNMENT

A4-SW3

Tube Selection for Common Tests: CBC, CMP, Lipids and Coagulation

Wed 11/11/26

ASSIGNMENT

A5-SW3

Specimen Handling, Processing, Transport and Accessioning

Thu 11/12/26

ASSIGNMENT

A6-SW3

Quality Assurance: Hemolysis, Clotting, Short Draws and Rejection

Thu 11/12/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

Quality Assurance: Hemolysis, Clotting, Short Draws and Rejection

Wed 11/18/26

MAJOR/TEST

T2-SW3 PLAB Foundations Test

Major PLAB Test: Equipment, Order of Draw, Labeling and Handling

Thu 11/19/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

Professionalism, Ethics and Communication in Blood Collection

Thu 12/03/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

Phlebotomy Documentation and Error Reporting

Thu 12/10/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

Phlebotomy Review Stations and Portfolio Work Day

Wed 12/16/26

MAJOR/TEST

T3-SW3 Semester Skills Readiness

Semester Final / Medical Assisting Skills Readiness Assessment

Thu 12/17/26

ASSIGNMENT

Professional Dress

Final Capstone: EKG Handoff + Phlebotomy Readiness Portfolio

Academic Honesty

Academic Integrity & Professionalism

Healthcare work depends on accurate records and honest competency. Students must submit their own work unless collaboration is authorized. Falsifying attendance, documentation, a skill check-off, or assessment result is inconsistent with healthcare professional standards and will be handled under applicable Goodrich and Lamar policies.

Academic Honesty and Integrity

Students are expected to complete their own original work and demonstrate honesty in all assignments, assessments, skills checkoffs, documentation, and class activities. Cheating, plagiarism, falsification of information, unauthorized collaboration, or submitting another person's work as one's own is not acceptable.

Because Health Science courses prepare students for careers in which accuracy, honesty, confidentiality, and patient safety are essential, academic integrity will be treated as part of professional behavior. Students should ask the instructor when they are unsure whether collaboration, outside resources, or technology may be used on an assignment.

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

Students will use their Goodrich ISD student email account for school-related electronic communication.



The instructor may communicate with students and parents through:

  • Goodrich ISD Rooms/Apptegy
  • Google Classroom
  • Goodrich ISD email
  • other district-approved communication systems

Students are expected to join the appropriate Rooms class/group, set their notification preferences, and encourage a parent or guardian to do the same.

Assignments, announcements, instructional materials, make-up work, and reminders may be posted in Google Classroom.

Students are responsible for checking district-approved communication systems regularly.

Attendance Requirements

Regular attendance is essential for successful completion of Health Science coursework.



Students are expected to attend class in accordance with Goodrich ISD attendance requirements. Some Health Science courses also contain laboratory, skills, clinical, competency, certification, or clock-hour requirements that cannot always be replaced by completing written work.

Students are responsible for discussing missed skills, laboratory activities, required hours, or clinical experiences with the instructor.

For CNA and other courses with regulatory or certification requirements, completion of academic make-up work does not automatically replace required training hours, clinical hours, or skill competency requirements.

Make-up Work Policy

Students who are absent will be provided an opportunity to complete eligible make-up work according to Goodrich ISD policy.

Unless another arrangement is approved, students should complete make-up work within the number of school days allowed by district policy. Students who need additional time because of an extended absence, illness, accommodation, or other circumstance should communicate with the instructor.



It is the student's responsibility to:

  • check Google Classroom;
  • obtain missed assignments and notes;
  • ask questions about missed instruction;
  • schedule make-up assessments or skills when necessary; and
  • submit work by the established make-up deadline.

Work that remains incomplete after the allowable make-up period and for which no extension has been arranged may receive a zero according to district grading policy.

Classroom Etiquette

Civility and Respect

Students are expected to contribute to a positive, professional, and respectful learning environment.

Health Science students will work with classmates who may have different experiences, cultures, backgrounds, beliefs, abilities, maturity levels, and career interests. Students should communicate in a manner that respects those differences.

Disruptive, disrespectful, threatening, harassing, discriminatory, or deliberately discourteous conduct is not acceptable in:

  • classroom discussions;
  • skills laboratories;
  • clinical experiences;
  • email;
  • Google Classroom;
  • Rooms messages;
  • telephone conversations;
  • group work; or
  • communication with classmates, faculty, school personnel, patients, residents, or community partners.

Students may be redirected or removed from an activity when behavior interferes with safety, learning, patient dignity, or the rights of others. Repeated or serious misconduct will be addressed according to Goodrich ISD policy and, when applicable, LSCO or clinical-site requirements.

Professional behavior is considered part of preparation for a healthcare career.

Participation and Student Responsibility

Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, labs, simulations, skills practice, group work, reflection activities, and other assigned learning experiences.



Participation includes more than simply being physically present. Students should:

  • arrive prepared;
  • participate appropriately;
  • ask questions;
  • complete assigned work;
  • work respectfully with classmates;
  • follow safety procedures;
  • protect confidentiality;
  • practice within the role being taught; and
  • communicate concerns to the instructor.

Students are encouraged to think, ask why, notice changes, and explain their reasoning rather than simply memorize information.

Exam Policy

Exams will normally be administered during the assigned class period.

Students who are absent on an exam day are responsible for arranging a make-up exam according to Goodrich ISD make-up-work requirements. The make-up exam may differ in question order or format while assessing the same course objectives.



Students should discuss testing concerns, accommodations, absences, or scheduling conflicts with the instructor as soon as possible.

Approved accommodations identified through a student's educational plan will be provided.

Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence tools may be used only when permitted by the instructor and in the manner identified for the assignment. AI may be useful for brainstorming, reviewing concepts, generating study questions, or receiving feedback when directed; however, it may not replace the student's own thinking, clinical reasoning, skill performance, or original work.

Students remain responsible for checking the accuracy of any AI-generated information. AI-generated information should never be treated as a substitute for approved course materials, instructor guidance, facility policy, or current healthcare standards.



When an assignment requires independent work, using AI to create answers or complete the assignment may be considered academic dishonesty.

Expected Time Requirement for this Course

Students should expect approximately 50 minutes of scheduled class time each school day, in addition to occasional study, review, homework, make-up work, or project time outside the school day.



Dual-credit and certification courses may require additional preparation because students are completing high-school expectations while also preparing for college-level or industry-certification standards.

Grading and Evaluation Method

Tests/Major Assessments — 60%

Assignments/Daily Grades — 40%

Grading scale:

A: 90–100

B: 80–89

C: 70–79

D: 60–69

F: 0–59

Assessments may include written tests, quizzes, projects, skills demonstrations, clinical reasoning activities, simulations, documentation exercises, presentations, competency checkoffs, or other course-appropriate measures.



When LSCO or another college requires a separate college grade, that grade will be recorded according to the college course requirements in addition to the student's Goodrich ISD grade as applicable.

Instructor Response Time

During the regular school calendar, the instructor will generally respond to student or parent email or approved electronic communication within 24 hours on regular school days.

Messages received during weekends, holidays, school closures, or when the instructor is unavailable because of school or clinical responsibilities may be answered on the next regular school day.



Students should report urgent school-day concerns directly to an appropriate school employee rather than relying solely on electronic communication.

Participation Requirements

Participation and Student Responsibility

Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, labs, simulations, skills practice, group work, reflection activities, and other assigned learning experiences.



Participation includes more than simply being physically present. Students should:

  • arrive prepared;
  • participate appropriately;
  • ask questions;
  • complete assigned work;
  • work respectfully with classmates;
  • follow safety procedures;
  • protect confidentiality;
  • practice within the role being taught; and
  • communicate concerns to the instructor.

Students are encouraged to think, ask why, notice changes, and explain their reasoning rather than simply memorize information.

Review of Test Grades

Students who have a question about an assignment or grade should first speak with the instructor.



The goal of the first conversation is to review the assignment, grading criteria, calculation, or concern and determine whether an error or misunderstanding occurred.

If the matter cannot be resolved at the classroom level, the student or parent may follow the Goodrich ISD complaint or grade-review process, beginning with the appropriate campus administrator/principal.

For a dual-credit matter involving the official college record, the applicable LSCO academic or grade-appeal process may also apply.

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.

Goodrich ISD Specifics for Course

Students who have a question about an assignment or grade should first speak with the instructor.

The goal of the first conversation is to review the assignment, grading criteria, calculation, or concern and determine whether an error or misunderstanding occurred.

If the matter cannot be resolved at the classroom level, the student or parent may follow the Goodrich ISD complaint or grade-review process, beginning with the appropriate campus administrator/principal.

For a dual-credit matter involving the official college record, the applicable LSCO academic or grade-appeal process may also apply.