2017-2018 Lamar State College Port Arthur Catalog 40 | Page 40

Lamar State College Port Arthur
2017-2018 Catalog
A grade of ‘C’ or better must be earned in EDUC
1300 OR PSYC 1300 to satisfy the institutional
requirement; otherwise, the course must be
repeated. EDUC 1300 OR PSYC 1300 may count as
elective credit toward a degree or certificate.
Students who petition for readmission after being
placed on scholastic suspension either at Lamar
State College Port Arthur or at another institution
must enroll in and complete EDUC 1300 OR PSYC
1300 as a condition for readmission and retention in
the College.
A department may set academic requirements for its
majors in addition to the basic grade point standard,
with the approval of the Vice President for Academic
Affairs.
Attendance
Regular and punctual class attendance is important
to the attainment of the educational objectives. Each
instructor’s policy is explained at the beginning of
the semester and is enforced in a consistent and
uniform manner. Determination of whether an
absence is excused or approved is the responsibility
of the instructor, except in the case of an approved
absence for participation in a college-sponsored
activity or a religious holy day. When absences,
other than approved absences, seriously interfere
with a student’s performance, the instructor may
recommend to his/her Department Chair that the
student be dropped from a course.
Extended Class Absence
A student may submit a request to the Vice
President for Student Services to notify faculty
member’s prior to or during an extended absence due
to
personal
or
family
illness,
accident,
hospitalization or other emergency circumstance.
This notification does not constitute an “excused
absence” from class. It does advise faculty members
as to the reason a student is absent and the expected
dates of his/her return.
Absence on Religious Holy Day
In accordance with Texas Education Code §51.911,
all institutions of higher learning shall excuse a
student from attending class or other required
activities, including examinations, for the
observance of a religious day, including travel for
that purpose. A student whose absence is excused
under this policy may not be penalized for that
absence and shall be allowed to take an examination
or complete an assignment within a reasonable time
after the absence. Policies and procedures for
absence due to religious holy days shall be consistent
with (or no more arduous than) the instructor’s
policies and procedures related to other excused
absences.
The Texas Education Code defines a “religious holy
day” as a day observed by a religion in places of
worship that are exempt from property taxes under
Section 11.20 of the state tax code.
A student who will be absent to observe a “religious
holy day” must notify the instructor for each class
before the planned absence. If a student and
instructor disagree about the nature of the absence,
or if there is similar disagreement about whether
the student has been given reasonable time to
complete any missed assignments or examinations,
either the student or the instructor may request a
ruling from the President or Presidential designee.
The decision of the President or Presidential
designee is final.
Missed Examinations
Students must make arrangements with the course
instructor for taking an examination outside of a
regularly scheduled class meeting. Faculty members
are not required to allow students to makeup exams
missed for any reason other than an excused
absence. Students who know in advance that they
will be absent from class on an examination day
should discuss the matter in advance with their
instructor.
Students who miss an examination without prior
notification should contact the instructor as soon as
possible after the absence and prior to the next class
meeting.
Class Meetings Canceled
The semester calendar will not be lengthened if the
College cancels class meetings because of weather or
other circumstances. Final exams are administered
as scheduled.
The method for including the subject matter that
normally would have been covered in missed class
meetings will be left to the discretion of each
instructor, and may include, but is not limited to,
additional class meetings, lengthened class
meetings, additional assignments, library or
laboratory activities, field trips and/or fewer or take
home exams in order to free more class time for
demonstration, discussion and lecture.
Course Information
Students may register for classes in person or online.
Students registering for the first time or students
with registration holds should contact Student
Services for assistance in registering. Students must
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