Name of Department: GOVT

Course Subject Area, Number, Title, and Section Number: GOVT 2306 – Texas GOVT

Instructor Name: Azarria Tyson

Building/Office Number: AC Building 105.4

Office Hours: M/W 9:00-12:30 & T/TH 8:30-9:30

Virtual Hours: M/W 1-2pm & T/TH 3-4

Office Telephone: 409-883-7750

Email Address: atyson@lsco.edu

GOVT 2306 – Texas Government

Origin and development of the Texas Constitution, structure and powers of state and local government, federalism and intergovernmental relations, political participation, the election process, public policy, and the political culture of Texas.

This course provides an introduction to the institutions, processes, policies, and political environment of Texas government. Students will examine the historical and constitutional foundations of Texas government, the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, political parties, elections, interest groups, and the role of citizens in the political process.

Emphasis will also be placed on understanding state and local government, public policy, civil rights and liberties, political participation, and contemporary issues affecting Texas. Throughout the course, students will apply critical-thinking skills to evaluate how Texas government operates and how governmental decisions affect individuals, communities, and the state as a whole.

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

There are no formal prerequisites or co-requisites required for GOVT 2306 – Texas Government.

Students are expected to possess college-level reading, writing, critical-thinking, and communication skills necessary to successfully complete course requirements.

Students should also have basic computer literacy and regular access to a reliable computer and internet connection to access Blackboard, the required electronic textbook, course materials, assignments, Discussion Boards, examinations, announcements, and other required online resources.

Required Textbook

Title: Uncovering Texas Politics in the 21st Century

Authors: Eric Lopez, Marcus Stadelmann, and Robert E. Sterken Jr.

Edition: First Edition

Publisher: The University of Texas at Tyler Press

ISBN-13: 978-1-7333299-2-7

Format: Electronic Textbook (PDF/Open Educational Resource)

Cost: FREE

Status: REQUIRED

The required textbook for GOVT 2306 – Texas Government is available electronically at no cost to students. Students are responsible for maintaining access to the textbook throughout the semester and completing all assigned readings.

Additional Required Materials

Students must have regular access to:

• A reliable computer or laptop with internet access.
• Blackboard for course announcements, instructional materials, Discussion Boards, assignments, examinations, grades, and other course information.
• A valid LSCO student email account that is checked regularly.
• A word-processing program, preferably Microsoft Word.
• The ability to create, save, download, and upload documents in required formats, including .docx and .pdf.
• Any additional readings, PowerPoints, articles, videos, or supplemental materials provided by the instructor through Blackboard.

Course Material Expectations

Students are expected to complete all assigned textbook readings and review the supplemental materials provided for each unit. The required textbook should be used regularly when preparing for Discussion Boards, examinations, written assignments, and other course activities.

Students are responsible for regularly checking Blackboard and their LSCO student email for announcements, course updates, assignments, and important deadlines.

Technology problems or failure to access required course materials do not automatically excuse missed assignments or deadlines. Students experiencing legitimate technical difficulties should contact the instructor via email as soon as possible.

Upon registration, LSCO students are automatically charged $25 per semester credit hour for access to all required textbooks, lab manuals, access codes, and e-books through the Gator Book Pack program. Physical materials may be picked up in Beaumont or shipped for an additional fee. Information and FAQs are available on the LSCO Gator Book Pack webpage. Students have until the second class day of the semester to opt out of the program.

Students are expected to have access to all required materials during the first week of class and are responsible for completing all assigned coursework. Students who do not have access to their materials during the first week should notify the instructor immediately for guidance.

Upon successful completion of GOVT 2306 – Texas Government, students will be able to:

1. Explain the origin and development of the Texas Constitution and demonstrate an understanding of the historical foundations of Texas government.
2. Describe and evaluate the structure, functions, and powers of Texas state government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
3. Explain the relationship among federal, state, and local governments and analyze how federalism affects government and public policy in Texas.
4. Identify and describe the rights and responsibilities of Texas citizens and explain the importance of civic engagement and political participation.
5. Evaluate the role of political parties, interest groups, elections, campaigns, and public opinion in the Texas political system.
6. Analyze the election and voting processes in Texas, including factors that influence voter participation and political behavior.
7. Describe the structure and functions of local governments in Texas, including counties, municipalities, school districts, and other special districts.
8. Analyze major public policy issues affecting Texas and evaluate the roles of governmental institutions and political actors in developing and implementing public policy.
9. Apply critical-thinking skills to contemporary issues in Texas government and politics using credible evidence, course concepts, and appropriate political terminology.
10. Demonstrate an understanding of civic responsibility and the importance of informed participation in Texas state and local government.
11. Communicate effectively about Texas government and politics through written assignments, Discussion Boards, examinations, and other course activities.

Course Level Learning Outcomes (ACGM or WECM)Core Objectives  Associated Course Activities/Assignments/Projects

This course is broken down into four units. Each unit consist of One Discussion Board and One Exam.

You are also required to complete a written assignment on or before the due date

.

Texas Government — Fall 2026 Unit Schedule

Written Assignment due on or before SUNDAY November 22nd, 2026, at 11:59

Unit One: Chapter 1 and 2.  08/24-09/20

Discussion Board 1: due Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Exam 1: due Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Unit Two: Chapter 3 and 4.  09/21-10/18

Discussion Board 2: due Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Exam 2: due Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Unit Three: Chapter 5 and 6.  10/19-11/08

Discussion Board 3: due Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Exam 3: due Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Unit Four: Chapter 7 and 8.  11/9-12/6

Discussion Board 4: due Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Exam 4: due Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM. (NO LATE SUBMISSIONS, NO EXCEPTIONS)

Grading Scale:

Exams 1-4: 50%

Written Assignment: 25%

Discussions: 25%

Faculty who suspect violation of academic honesty, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, or abuse of resource materials may assign an academic penalty. Students must be notified of their right to appeal before the academic penalty is imposed.

Students subject to penalty due to academic honesty have the right to appeal the decision. Refer to the current LSCO Catalog for details on the appeal process.

LSCO students are required to use their LSCO email account (Office 365 / Microsoft Outlook) for all electronic communication. In order to ensure the privacy and identity of the student communicating via electronic methods, LSCO faculty will direct students to use their LSCO email accounts rather than personal accounts. If a student has trouble accessing their LSCO email account, they should contact the LSCO Help Desk at (409) 882-3033 or helpdesk@lsco.edu.

Federal regulations require students who receive financial aid to have begun “attending” and participate substantially in each course for which they are enrolled on or before the official census reporting date outlined on the LSCO Academic Calendar. Students documented as “not attending” a course upon the census date are assumed (for financial aid purposes) to have not begun attendance for that course This negatively affects their financial aid eligibility and disbursement and requires the student to repay any financial aid funds that have already been disbursed . Attendance in an ONLINE course is verified by substantial participation in the course on or before the census date published in the LSCO Academic Calendar. Substantial participation in this online course is defined as logging in and completing/participating in at least one requirement of the course. Note: Simply logging in to your online course does not constitute attendance.

Hybrid classes are a mix of face-to-face and online environments. Students will be expected to attend class during the scheduled meeting time. (Include the policy on absences and tardiness.) In addition to classroom attendance, your weekly active participation in the online component (Blackboard and/or homework software) will be considered and expected.

Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) courses utilize a blended course design that allows students to choose how they will ATTEND their class sessions. Students can choose to attend sessions in-person or live online without attending class on campus. A watch later option is available to students taking a HyFlex course, however, students may utilize watch later sessions no more than three classes during an 8-week term or five classes during a 16-week term.

Students are expected to complete and submit all coursework by the established deadlines listed in the course syllabus, course schedule, and Blackboard. It is the student's responsibility to remain aware of all assignment, Discussion Board, examination, and other course deadlines.

Late & Make-up Work

Make-up work and extensions are not automatically granted. Requests for make-up work may be considered on a case-by-case basis for documented illness, emergencies, college-approved activities, or other extenuating circumstances.

If a student knows that they will be unable to meet a deadline, they should contact the instructor via email as soon as possible and preferably BEFORE the assignment is due.

When requesting an extension or make-up opportunity, students should:

• Include their full name and course number (GOVT 2306).
• Identify the specific assignment or examination.
• Explain the circumstances preventing them from meeting the deadline.
• Provide supporting documentation when requested.

Contacting the instructor after an assignment has closed does not guarantee that the assignment will be reopened or that an extension will be granted.

Approved Make-up Work

If make-up work is approved, the instructor will establish a new deadline. Students must complete the approved work within the timeframe provided.

The instructor reserves the right to provide an alternative assignment or examination when appropriate. Failure to complete approved make-up work by the new deadline may result in a grade of zero.

Circumstances That Generally Do Not Qualify

The following will generally not be considered acceptable reasons for missing a deadline:

• Forgetting about an assignment or examination
• Waiting until the last minute to begin or submit coursework
• Failure to regularly check Blackboard
• Work schedule conflicts that could have been planned for in advance
• Vacations or personal travel
• Failure to access required course materials
• Routine computer or internet issues that were not reported promptly

Technology Problems

Students are strongly encouraged to submit assignments and complete examinations well before the posted deadline.

If a legitimate technical issue occurs, students should contact the instructor immediately via email and provide documentation of the issue, such as a screenshot or error message, when possible.

Waiting until after the deadline to report a technology problem may result in the request for additional time being denied.

Hard Deadlines

Assignments or examinations specifically identified as “NO LATE SUBMISSIONS – NO EXCEPTIONS” must be completed and submitted by the posted deadline.

These assignments will not be reopened after the deadline except when required by college policy, an approved accommodation, or circumstances specifically authorized by the instructor.

Students are encouraged to plan ahead, begin coursework early, monitor Blackboard regularly, and communicate promptly when circumstances arise that may interfere with their ability to meet a course deadline.

• 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.

Exams are a required component of GOVT 2306 – Texas Government and are designed to assess students' understanding of the assigned readings, course concepts, lectures, and supplemental materials.

Students are responsible for completing all examinations within the designated testing window and by the deadlines listed in the course syllabus, course schedule, and Blackboard.

Exam Expectations

• All examinations must be completed independently unless otherwise stated by the instructor.
• Students are responsible for reviewing all assigned textbook chapters, PowerPoints, lectures, videos, and supplemental course materials before beginning an exam.
• Students should use a reliable computer and internet connection when completing online examinations.
• Once an exam has been started, students should be prepared to complete it within the allotted time.
• Students are strongly encouraged not to wait until the final hours before an exam deadline to begin.
• Students may not copy, photograph, screenshot, reproduce, distribute, post, or share examination questions or answers.
• Receiving or providing unauthorized assistance during an examination is prohibited.
• Unless specifically permitted by the instructor, students may not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, answer-sharing websites, unauthorized online resources, or other prohibited materials to complete examinations.

Missed Exams

Students who are unable to complete an examination because of a documented illness, emergency, college-approved activity, or other extenuating circumstance must contact the instructor via email as soon as possible.

Make-up examinations are not automatically guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the course Make-up Work Policy.

If a make-up examination is approved, the instructor may establish a new deadline and/or provide an alternative version of the examination.

Technical Difficulties

Students who experience a legitimate technical issue while taking an examination should contact the instructor immediately via email.

When possible, students should provide documentation of the problem, such as a screenshot, error message, or other evidence of the technical difficulty.

Waiting until after the examination deadline to report a technical issue may result in the request to reopen the examination being denied.

Academic Integrity

All examinations are subject to the college's Academic Integrity Policy. Cheating, sharing examination content, receiving unauthorized assistance, using prohibited resources, or otherwise violating academic integrity requirements may result in a grade of zero on the examination and/or additional disciplinary action in accordance with college policy.

Final Examination

The Final Examination must be completed within the designated final examination period. Students are responsible for planning accordingly and ensuring that the examination is successfully submitted before the posted deadline.

No late Final Exam submissions will be accepted unless otherwise required by college policy, an approved accommodation, or circumstances specifically authorized by the instructor.

Students should use AI technology responsibly and ethically. This includes refraining from using AI to engage in harmful or unethical activities, such as generating false information, spreading misinformation, or engaging in malicious behaviors. The use of AI should align with the principles of academic integrity, honesty, and respect for others. Students are responsible for adhering to LSCO's Academic Honesty policy found in the Catalog. LSCO's full AI policy can be found at AI Policy | Lamar State College Orange (lsco.edu)

For every hour in class (or unit of credit), students should expect to spend at least two to three hours per week studying and completing assignments. For a 3-credit-hour class, students should prepare to allocate approximately six to nine hours per week outside of class in a 16-week session OR approximately twelve to eighteen hours in an 8-week session. All Online/Hybrid students should expect to spend at least as much time in this course as you would in the traditional, face-to-face class.

Grading Scale:

Exams 1-4: 50%

Written Assignment: 25%

Discussions: 25%

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.

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.)

Students are responsible for regularly monitoring their grades in Blackboard throughout the semester. Exam grades will be posted after grading has been completed and/or according to the settings established for each examination.

If a student believes an exam grade has been recorded incorrectly or has questions regarding their performance on an examination, the student should contact the instructor via email only.

Grade Review Requests

Requests to review an examination grade should be submitted within seven (7) calendar days of the grade being posted in Blackboard.

When requesting a review, students should:

• Include their full name and course number (GOVT 2306).
• Clearly identify the examination or grade in question.
• Provide a specific explanation of their concern.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully.

The instructor will review the student's concern and determine whether a grading error occurred or whether an adjustment is warranted. Requesting a grade review does not guarantee that the grade will be changed.

Examination Security

To protect the integrity of course examinations, students may not copy, photograph, screenshot, download, reproduce, post, distribute, or share examination questions or answers with other individuals or through websites, social media, group chats, artificial intelligence platforms, or other electronic services.

Students who have questions about specific examination items should contact the instructor directly rather than sharing or reproducing the examination content.

Student Responsibility

Students are strongly encouraged to review their grades throughout the semester rather than waiting until the end of the course. Any suspected grading or submission errors should be reported as soon as possible.

Requests to reconsider multiple grades at the end of the semester that were not questioned within the established review period may not be considered.

The purpose of reviewing examination grades is to help students understand their performance, identify areas for improvement, and better prepare for future course assessments.

This syllabus contains information, policies, and procedures for a specific course. By enrolling, the student agrees to read, understand, and abide by the rules, policies, regulations, and ethical standards of Lamar State College Orange as those contained in the current LSCO Catalog and schedule of classes.

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus if deemed necessary. All changes will be provided to the students orally or in writing before the implementation of the change.

TimelyCare is a virtual health and well-being platform that is available 24/7 for all non-dual credit enrolled LSCO students. There is no cost to eligible students for this service. TimelyCare providers offer emotional support, mental health counseling, health coaching, psychiatry, and basic needs support. Non-Dual Credit students enrolled in classes can log in to the TimelyCare website or app available at timelycare.com/LSCO.

Any student who faces challenges securing their food, housing, transportation, or childcare for minor dependents and believes this may affect their performance in the course is encouraged to contact the student care office (studentcare@lsco.edu)for guidance on how to access possible resources. Please notify the instructor of your circumstance if you are comfortable doing so.

Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is an equal opportunity educational institution and does not discriminate against any person regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status, in admissions, educational programs, student activities or employment. For further information about this policy, contact the Director of Student Care and Accessibility at studentcare@lsco.edu.

LSCO prohibits discrimination, including sexual harassment and retaliation, against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Any student who believes that he or she has experienced prohibited conduct or believes that another student has experienced prohibited conduct should immediately report the alleged acts to the Title IX Coordinator, Rebecca Gentry rebecca.gentry@lsco.edu.

LSCO students will access Blackboard through the MyGator portal. Login credentials will use the following format: NetID@my.lsco.edu/Password. For help in identifying your NetID/Password, visit https://www2.lsco.edu/sspr/userinfo1.asp.

Students needing help learning how to navigate Blackboard are encouraged to reach out to LearningTechnology@lsco.edu. Blackboard student resource videos and help-sites are available at https://www.lsco.edu/distanceed/blackboard-student.asp.

Lamar State College Orange provides career advising services to all students and alumni through Career Coach, an online career planning tool. Career Coach assists students through all phases of developing, initiating, and implementing career plans.

Information regarding employment opportunities and career options are provided along with access to live local job postings. Full-time and part-time employment opportunities, as well as internships, are available through Career Coach. Access https://www.lsco.edu/advising/career-planning.asp for more details on how to use LSCO’s Career Coach to plan for and learn more about your future career.

Lamar State College Orange provides currently enrolled students support for daycare and/or transportation costs on a first come first serve basis as funding allows.

Access https://www.lsco.edu/advising/gator-assistance.asp for details on assistance services.

Students needing course content or study skills support are encouraged to make an appointment or walk in to receive tutoring and academic support services. Our series of student success seminars, named Lifesavers, are available Face-to-face, online, and self-paced throughout the semester. Reach out to OASIS@lsco.edu for more information on how students can receive academic support. Visit https://www.lsco.edu/student-life/library/lifesavers.php for more information about Lifesavers.

Students are encouraged to visit library.lsco.edu to find the library’s current operating hours, access the catalog to locate print materials, and access GatorSearch to explore the vast electronic collection. The library provides over 77 electronic database collections that include eBooks, newspapers, magazines, academic journals, and streaming video. The physical library contains a specialized collection of research materials specifically chosen to support the degrees and courses offered. Additionally, Students with research questions or questions about library services are encouraged visit the library in person, call 409-882-3352, access the chat on the library webpage, or to email their question to lscolibrary@lsco.edu.

Under the Texas State System, Lamar State College Orange complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, pertaining to the provision of reasonable academic adjustments/auxiliary aids for students with disability. We strive to provide reasonable academic adjustments/auxiliary aids to students who request and require them.

Students who believe they have a disability requiring an academic adjustment/auxiliary aid are encouraged to contact the Director of Student Care & Accessibility at studentcare@lsco.edu. Students are encouraged to apply before the start of the semester when at all possible. The Accommodation Request Form and details regarding the appropriate documentation needed can be found here: https://www.lsco.edu/advising/disability.asp. Once approved, the signed accommodation form provided by the Director of Student Care & Accessibility must be submitted to the instructor at least two business days in advance of need.

Lamar State College Orange provides currently enrolled students with access to online tutoring through a partnership with Upswing, an online tutoring platform. Tutors are available 24/7 online in almost every subject.

Access https://www.lsco.edu/tutoring/online-tutoring.asp for details on how to log-in to the FREE services.

In the event of an emergency campus closure in excess of three class days, Lamar State College Orange’s classes will continue via the use of Blackboard. In such an instance, the college website, www.lsco.edu, will have information concerning the event and anticipated re-opening plans.

Please be considerate of other classmates’ feelings, ethnic background, cultural differences, situations, and level of maturity. Students will be asked to leave the course if disruptive or inappropriate behavior is exhibited in any of the course requirements. If your instructor feels that you have not contributed appropriately to course requirements, your final course grade may be reduced accordingly.

The instructor reserves the right to manage a positive learning environment and will not tolerate inappropriate conduct in the course. Rude correspondence (discourteous or impolite, especially in a deliberate way) in e-mails, telephone calls, in person, or comments made to other class members, the instructor, or the office staff.

Students should develop a backup plan should their computer system or their Internet provider fail. Computer or internet connectivity issues are not valid excuses for missing a deadline. The College provides many opportunities for using computer equipment, as do many public libraries. Refer to the LSCO website for operational hours of the Library and OASIS.

Students should check in advance with the institution to which they plan to transfer credit to confirm transferability.

LSCO awards some certificates and degrees in which a criminal history MAY disqualify candidates from becoming licensed, certified, and/or employed upon degree/certificate completion. Students with a criminal background enrolling in courses leading to a degree/certificate in Criminal Justice, Barber, Cosmetology, Emergency Medical Technology, HVAC, Electrician, Plumbing, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Vocational Nursing (VN), Registered Nursing (RN), Pharmacy Technician, Real Estate, or Teacher Preparation program are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to discuss the certification and/or licensing regulations of the program with the program director listed in order to learn more about the current guidelines related to criminal history as well as the right of individuals to request a criminal history evaluation letter.

Never attending or ceasing to attend classes DOES NOT constitute a drop or withdrawal. You remain registered until you request a drop from the instructor. Failure to act in a timely manner will result in an "F" grade for the course. It is the student's responsibility to follow up with the LSCO advising office to ensure that all drops/withdrawals are processed as desired.

The grade of "I" may be given when any requirement of the course, including the final examination, is not completed. Students seeking an incomplete should have completed 75% of the course requirements and be passing the course at the time of the request. Arrangements to complete deficiencies in a course should be made in advance of the end of the semester with the instructor. The instructor will process the Incomplete form online, and a confirmation will be sent to the student’s LSCO email.

Incomplete work must be finished during the next long semester. If not, the Office of Admission and Records must change the "I" grade to the grade of "F." The course must then be repeated if credit is desired. An "I" grade also automatically becomes an "F" if the student registers for the course prior to removing the deficiencies and receiving a grade change. The instructor may record the grade of "F" for a student who is absent from the final examination and is not passing the course.

Grade determination and awarding of grades in a course are the responsibility of the instructor and should be calculated according to college policy, procedures, and written details provided in the course syllabus. NOTE: Final grades are available to students within 48 hours of the instructor posting the grade in Banner. Students may view final grades by logging into MyGator and then accessing Gator Self-Service.

An academic appeal process is afforded to students who desire to dispute a grade or any decision that affects the student’s ability to complete and earn a grade for the course provided it is not related to a violation outlined in the LSCO Student Code of Conduct. If an informal conference with the faculty member regarding an academic complaint fails to reach the outcome requested by the student, the student may initiate the formal process. Even after initiating the formal complaint process, students are encouraged to seek informal resolution of their concerns. A student whose concerns are resolved may withdraw a formal complaint at any time.

Refer to the current catalog or for details on the formal grade appeal process.

Lamar State College Orange has identified seven educational goals to specify the knowledge and skills that students should gain from completing academic and technical programs with the College. These goals are:

• Critical thinking (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to demonstrate creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.

• Communication (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to effectively develop, interpret and express ideas through written, oral and visual communication.

• Empirical and quantitative skills (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to manipulate and analyze numerical data or observable facts and create informed conclusions.

• Teamwork (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.

• Social responsibility (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to recognize and acquire a sense of intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national and global communities.

• Personal responsibility (General Education, Technical) – Students will be able to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making.

• Professional competency (Technical) – Students will be able to recognize or demonstrate skills that depict professional values and employability. If the career has licensure or certification requirements, students may prepare for the licensure and certification in a capstone course and sit for the licensure or certificate at the end of the program.

Current students will access many LSCO applications through the MyGator portal. Login credentials will use the following format: NetID@my.lsco.edu/Password.

Students can set a password here: https://www2.lsco.edu/sspr/

IMPORTANT: It is a violation of College policy, state laws, and federal laws for anyone to gain or help others gain unauthorized access to MyGator or any LSCO application or service. All accounts shall be for use by a single individual – the person for whom the account was approved or assigned. This includes Blackboard accounts as well as any application within MyGator. Sharing or loaning accounts is strictly prohibited, can be construed as a form of cheating, and violates College policy, state laws, and federal laws.

LSCO adheres to the policies and procedures established in the Texas Education Code, Texas State University System Rules and Regulations, LSCO Faculty Handbook, and LSCO Catalog.

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. It is inappropriate for minor children to be on campus due to the potential liability to the College, the risk of harm to the children, and decreased employee productivity due to distractions and disruptions.

LSCO believes that all matters involving a staff member (non-instructor) OR an instructor are best resolved directly with the employee. Should it not be resolved at that level, access and complete the Student Complaint Intake form within five (5) business days from the date of the offense. The Student Complaint Intake Form can be found in any of these locations: 

• LSCO Website (Current Students)
• LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints)
• MyGator Card
• Blackboard (Student Resources, Student Services, Student Resources)

After a student completes the Student Complaint Intake Form, they will be contacted by an LSCO employee unrelated to the offense and provided guidance on how to proceed with the Complaint process. 

Refer to the LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints) for details on the complaint process. 

Student-Staff and Student-Instructor Complaint Process involving Safety, Harassment, or Title IX: 

Students who have experienced a safety, harassment, or title IX event should access and complete the Title IX/Clery: Anonymous Reporting Form found in any of these locations: 

• LSCO Website (Sexual Misconduct & Title IX)
• LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints)
• MyGator Card
• Blackboard (Student Resources, Student Services, Student Resources)

After a student completes the intake form, they will be contacted by an LSCO employee and provided guidance on how to proceed. 

Refer to the LSCO Catalog (Student Services, Complaints) for details on the complaint process. 

The privacy of all students, including Distance Education students, is protected through strict adherence to the rules of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. LSCO’s statement regarding the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act can be found in LSCO’s Catalog. Additional information regarding privacy for Distance Education students can be found in the Distance Education Handbook, appendix D.