Lone Star College – Tomball – Criminal Justice Department

Arts, Behavioral & Social Science Division

CRIJ-1310 3E01 1 – Fundamentals of Criminal Law
Spring 2025 – 16 Weeks (On-line Course)

Communication: (Professor) Dr. Zuri Birla

Instructor: (Professor) Dr. Zuri Birla

Email: zuri.birla@d2l.lonestar.edu
Email is recommended communication for documentation/communication purposes.
Office Location & Hours: Virtual appointments via WebEx. (By appointment Only).
Communication: through course email (D2L) or by appointment through WebEx.

Division coordinator: Mrs. Danielle Thornton, 281-357-3760

Department Chair: Dr. Margaret Jelinek Lewis, 713-487-6755
Dean of Arts/Behavioral Social Sciences: Mr. Jared Cootz, 281-351-3342

Credit Hours & Pre/Co-requisites

Three (3) credit hours course
Corequisites: None
Prerequisite: ENGL 1301

Course schedule and drop dates

First day of class: Monday, 13 January 2025
Official date: Monday, 27 January 2025
Midpoint of course: Monday, 24 March 2025
W-Date: Tuesday, 01 April 2025
End of class: Sunday, 11 May 2025

Course Text:
Criminal Law, 12th Edition,
Joel Samaha
Cengage Learning, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-305-57738-1
EBOOK: 978-0-357-03302-9

Accessibility Service & Resources: Assistive Technology Accommodation Center

Students needing additional assistance with completing this online course can contact the LSC-
Tomball Assistive Technology Center or an Assistive Technology Center at any LSCS college
located near them. Click on the following link for the location and/or phone number of the
assistive technology center near you. LSCS Assistive Technology Center
https://www.lonestar.edu/accessibility-services-resources.htm ; https://www.lonestar.edu/lsc-
online-disability-services

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COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is the study of criminal law including application of definitions, statutory elements, defenses
and penalties using Texas statutes, the Model Penal Code, and case law. The course also analyzes the
philosophical and historical development of criminal law and criminal culpability. The course will present
a study of the nature of criminal law. Topics include philosophical and historical development, major
definitions and concepts, classifications of crime, elements of crime and penalties, and individual
criminal responsibilities.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify the elements of crimes and defenses under Texas statutes, Model Penal Code, and case
law.
2. Classify offenses and articulate penalties for various crimes.
3. Compare culpable mental states when assigning criminal responsibility.
4. Assess the impact of history and philosophy on current criminal laws.
5. Evaluate the application of criminal law to other areas of criminal justice such as law
enforcement and corrections.
6. Explain the historical and philosophical development of the 6th nature of criminal law. Describe
definitions and concepts of criminal law and the classification of crimes and penalties using
Texas statutes as an illustration. List the elements of crime using the Texas statutes as an
illustration. Discuss the criminal responsibilities as they apply to the criminal statues

Final Grade Determination

The below listed values are the points a student must achieve in order to achieve a particular grade for
the course.

A = 89% to 100% of total calculated points

B = 79% to less than 88% of total calculated points
C = 67% to less than 78% of total calculated points
D = 50% to less than 66% of total calculated points
F = less than 50% of total calculated points

Course Grading Summary

I. Final Exam (200 points each x 2 parts) = 200 total = 20% of final course grade
II. Quizzes (20 points each x 13 chapters) = 260 total = 25% of final course grade
III. Case Briefs (35 points each x 2 briefs) = 70 total = 25% of final course grade
IV. Discussion/MindTap (30 points each x 3 cumulative) = 30 % of final course grade
Participation/Attendance/Cumulative

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 Please watch the due dates & submission times per the momentum of the class.
*If at any time during the course, you are having difficulty with the material reach-out/speak-up.
*Use communication as a resource (e-mail instructor, WhatsApp, WebEx, classmates, Google).
*Contact Instructor via d2l: Email at any time with questions or concerns.
*Please contact/email me if you have special needs, emergencies, or need accommodations
* All information will be posted/provided/linked via Course Content, Announced, & Notified by Email

Accessibility Services & Resources: LSCS Special Needs / Scribe / ADA Assistance/Compliance
PLEASE PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OR INFORMATION FOR SPECIAL REQUEST or EXTENDED TIME.

 It is the student’s responsibility to contact me & catch up with what is missed.

 I will not accept any “make-ups” or “extensions” at the very end of the semester.
 Students need to check if the answer to their questions is already in the
syllabus before asking them via email.

Utilization of AI resources with citations is allowed

IF using AI – cite or state the source or AI platform you have used to create any of your work with
explanation of words or details incorporated (in brackets after citations).

{Scroll down - syllabus & course details below}

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 Course Syllabus CRIJ 1310 3E01-1 Fundamentals of Criminal Law

Weekly Schedule Topic Assignment Due Dates Sunday

(Monday-thru- Friday) @ 11:30 pm
Recommended due dates below (Excluding noted
major due date)
1 Jan. 13th – Jan.19th Intro./ Ch. 1 • Class Café Introduction Post (Required) Jan 26th
(1st week of class) • Quiz Ch. 1
• Get familiar with the Course & Tips!
2 Jan. 20th – Jan. 26th Ch. 2 • Quiz Ch. 2 Jan 26th
(MLK Jr. Office Closed)
3 Jan. 27th - Feb. 2nd Ch. 3 • Quiz Ch. 3 Feb 16th
(Jan. 27th Official Day-ODR)
4 Feb. 3rd – Feb 9th Ch. 4 • Quiz Ch. 4 Feb 16th
• Practice: Cumulative Review on
(Chapter 1,2,3,4) (Extra Point Check)
• 1st Discussion Board Due

5 Feb. 10th – Feb. 16th Ch. 5 • Quiz Ch. 5 Case Brief Due Sunday
• START Case Brief #1 on: Linton v. State, March 16th
15 S.W.3d 615, (2000)
6 Feb. 17th – Feb. 23rd Ch. 6 • Quiz Ch. 6 March 16th
7 Feb. 24th – March 2nd Ch. 7 • Quiz Ch. 7 March 16th
8 March 3rd – March 9th Brief Due + Catch-up • Case Brief # 1 Due & Catch-up March 16th

9 March 10th - March 16th SPRING BREAK MID-Point of the Class March 16th
(Zeros implemented after (Zero implemented after midterm)
midterm/midpoint)
10 March 17th – March 23rd Ch. 8 • Quiz Ch. 8 March 30th
• Practice: Cumulative Review on
(Chapter 5,6,7,8) (Extra Point Check)
11 March 24th – March 30th Ch. 9 • Quiz Ch. 9 March 30th
(March 24th Midpoint Date) • 2nd Discussion Board Due
12 March 31st – April 6th Ch. 10 • Quiz Ch. 10 Case Brief Due Sunday
(April 1st ‘W’ Date) • START Case Brief #2 on: Matthews V. April 20th
State, 708 S.W.2d 835 (1986)
13 April 7th – April 13th Ch. 11 • Quiz Ch. 11 April 20th

14 April 14th – April 20th Ch. 12 • Quiz Ch. 12 April 20th

(Spring holiday April 18th to 20th) • Case Brief # 2 DUE
15 April 21st – April 27th Ch. 13 • Quiz Ch. 13 May 4th
• Practice: Cumulative Review on
(Chapter 9,10,11,12,13) (Extra Point
Check)
• 3rd Discussion Board Due
16 April 28 – May 4
th th
Catch-up & Review • Catch-up, Review, and Submit Work May 4th
17 May 5th – 8th Finals Week Finals Week - 2 parts • 2- Part Final Exam May 5th – May 8th
(May 11th- End of Semester) Due 8th May Thurs. Due 8th May Thursday
END Thursday – May 8th 2-part FINAL EXAMS & Final Day 8th MAY Thursday
Last Day of Class ALL FINAL to Submit ALL pending work. Last Day of Class
NO Extension or Exceptions SUBMISSIONS Thursday MAY 8th NO Extensions or
DUE Thurs. May 8th NO Extension or Exceptions Exceptions

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 Class Evaluation Tools
I. FINAL EXAMINATION: (200 points each x 2 parts) = 200 total = 20% of final course grade

a. The Final Exams will be 2-part Exam and is scheduled during the last calendar week of the
semester All Exams will be open 5-7 days prior to final submission date (open at 12:30 a.m. and
end at 11:30 p.m) as per schedule above.

b. This will be a 2-part final (Final Exam I & Final Exam II) – Make Sure to take BOTH.
i. Material presented/discussed in class is valid for examination
ii. PART 1 of Final Exam 1 consist of Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
iii. PART 2 of Final Exam 2 consist of Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

c. ALL exams must be completed according to schedule noted in course syllabus

d. Make-up Exam Policy/Special or Emergency Cases:

Students not taking the Final Exam must contact the professor/instructor regarding availability or
to make arrangements for a make-up.

e. These Final Exams can be found in the Course Content module titled “Final Exams”. You will find
the starting and end dates listed with each final exam, so pay close attention as to when an Exam
opens and closes.

f. There will be Cumulative Chapter Exams and Chapter Quizzes.

g. Not completing any final exams by the completion date will receive a ‘zero’.

II. QUIZZES: (20 points each x 13 chapters) = 260 total = 25 % of final course grade

a. Chapter quizzes are online quizzes. There are (13) chapter quizzes available at different times
throughout the semester. You are required to take each quiz and will be able to take each quiz
twice with the highest grade from both attempts being posted to the grade sheet. These are
timed quizzes so make sure you read the instructions carefully to ensure your answers are
properly recorded.
b. These quizzes can be found in the Course Content module titled “Chapter Quizzes”. You will find
the starting and end dates listed with each quiz, so pay close attention as to when a quiz opens
and closes.

c. Make-up Quiz Policy for Special/Emergency Cases:

Quiz make-ups are not a mandatory part of a course and are only offered as an effort to assist the
student who need them in order to maintain a satisfactory final course grade.
ALL quizzes must be completed by the end of semester dates noted in course syllabus.

d. Not completing any quizzes by the completion date will receive a ‘zero’.

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III. CASE BRIEFS: (35 points each x 2 briefs) = 70 total = 25% of final course grade)

a. There will be two (2) case briefs assigned during the semester covering key criminal law issues.
The names of the cases to be briefed and due dates for these case briefs are listed in the course
agenda and above. Specifics regarding case brief assignments will be found within the Course
Content Folder. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain this information and begin working on
their case brief assignment.

i. Case Brief # 1 – Due 16th March – Sunday

Linton v. State, 15 S.W.3d 615 (2000)

ii. Case Brief # 2 – Due 20th April – Sunday

Matthews V. State, 708 S.W.2d 835 (1986)

b. DROP BOX ONLY Please make sure your name and course is written on the document and email
subject line (Example: last name, first name – CRIJ 1310 Fund. Crim. Law)
i. Drop-Box ONLY (last name, first name – CRIJ 1310 Fund. Crim. Law)  drop-box a copy of
the case briefs on by due date
1. There is a module to submit the completed case brief online titled “Case Briefs Dropbox
Location”. Submit each case brief there.
2. Student are to submit their completed case brief online

c. General and technical/formatting information

i. Case Brief Format: A ‘case brief template’ will be provided for you within the Course Content
Folder section for this class.
ii. This is the REQUIRED format to be used when writing your case brief. There will be a MS
Word document you can use to format your case briefs.
a. Maximum 2-3 page requirement
b. Size: 12; Font: Arial or Calibri or Times New Roman, and double-spaced
c. Microsoft Word Format ONLY, Do NOT submit a case brief in an ‘rtf’, ‘html’ or
‘PDF’ format.
d. Use Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or AI grammar and linguistic resources.
e. APA 7 Format -
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_a
nd_style_guide/reference_list_basic_rules.html

d. Late Assignments will receive a one-time ten-point deduction.

i. Please notify the instructor by email that a late case brief has been submitted.

e. Failure to Submit
i. Submission of all briefs is required, and all case briefs must be submitted by the end of the
last week, before the final examination.
ii. Corrupt or Non-opening files a submitted case brief that cannot be open, regardless of the
reason, will be considered ‘not submitted’ for grading purposes. It is a student’s responsibility
to ensure the integrity of their files and to submit a file with a proper file extension. Students
are expected to have a saved file in case their submitted file cannot be opened. Requests
from the course instructor for a resubmission of a case brief must be completed within a 24-
hour period.
iii. Not submitting any case brief will result in a major grade impact. The last day to submit a
case brief and not receive a ‘0’ score.

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IV. DISCUSSION, MIND-TAP, PARTICIPATION, ATTENDANCE: (30 points) = 30 % of final course grade

a. Please complete the Class Café – Introduction Discussion Question its Participation! (This
activity shows me that you have established your attendance throughout the class – I report
attendance the 1st week of class to the administration).

b. Attendance is expected as an active learning skill set. Class attendance will be evaluated on
occurrences via WebEx meetings (not-mandatory or graded), cumulative chapter reviews, asking
questions in class, activity updates in the MindTap portal, class involvement, and discussion
question(s).

c. Discussion Questions = participation, (Mandatory Activity): From time-to-time student will be

asked to either go online and answer discussion questions dealing with certain aspects of legal
fundamentals to ascertain that students are comprehending the course material. At any point of
time, the instructor feels there is lack of in class participation assignments may be assigned to be
due the next class period. (MindTap will be checked for activity).

i. Notifications will be provided for any discussion or participatory activities.

i. Discussion Board Questions/Responses = participation: There will be (3)

discussion board questions throughout the semester. Refer to course
syllabus. Each discussion board will need a response with a minimum of
300 to 350+ words each – you can write more if you wish. I always honor
quality over quantity and whatever it takes to answer the question.
Citations do not count in the word count.
ii. Respond to (1) classmate and/or my inference question with 150+words
– THEN, a grade is given.
iii. Please be respectful, professional, and use academic language.
iv. Single spaced - Time, Arial, or Calibri - 11-12 font size.
v. APA citations are required throughout the course!

d. Students are expected to read the assigned material and participate in class discussions. Lack of
participation will result in a lower score at the end of the semester or receive a ‘zero’. The quality
of a students’ participation is taken into consideration when determining the point value.

DO NOT PLAGIARIZE (DO NOT COPY OTHERS WORK) – I WOULD RATHER YOU WRITE SOMETHING!
Assignment is Original Anyways

Written Assessment /Overall Grading Rubric

Written Assignment

 Demonstrates the ability intellectually to explore and/or

implement key instructional concepts.
 Demonstrates insightful reflection and/or critical thinking,
as well as creativity and originality of ideas.
 Demonstrates exceptional inclusion of major points, using
credible sources, in addition to required readings and
course materials.
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  Assignment meets all expectations, integrating exemplary
material and/or information.
 Assignment demonstrates exceptional breadth and depth.

 Work is unified around a central purpose with well-

developed ideas; logically organized in paragraph structure
with clear transitions.

 Work is written in Standard Edited English.

 No prominent errors interfere with reading.
 Represents scholarly writing in a correct APA format.

V. OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES for Exams, Quizzes, and Assignments (discussion/participation)

a. Starting dates and times can be found with each quiz, exam or assignment within the Content
Section of the course or in the appropriate linked section under the assessment or
communication tabs found at the top of every Brightspace (D2L) course page.

i. NOTE: Because of a quirk with Brightspace (D2L) in regard to how it posts information on its
calendar, you will not find quizzes, exams, or other assignments listed in the calendar. You must
refer to the proper module within your Content Page for dates- a quiz, exam or assignment
starts.
ii. NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they match the dates of a quiz or exam with
the days of the week as they can change from quiz to quiz. Do not assume that a quiz will always
be the same day of the week as the last one.
iii. NOTE: I am not a technical or Information technology (IT) specialist please reach out to the
necessary resources provided by the school (e.g. D2L, VTAC, OTC, Library, or any tech-support as
advised by the Lone Star College).

b. Due Dates and times can be found with each quiz, exam, or assignment either within the Content
Section of the course or in the appropriate linked section under the Assessment or Communication
tabs found at the top of every Brightspace course page.

c. Communication is provided via syllabus, announcements, email notifications, and course content
sections – information is easily available. Professor can be emailed with any questions, concerns, or
accommodations.

d. Time Availability All Quizzes will open at 12:30 am on the start date and will close at 11:30 pm on
the due date. Students will find the allotted time to take a quiz or exam listed when they open a
quiz. Quizzes typically have a 20-30-minute limit which will be taken online. Exams will have a 100-
130-minute time limit.

The available times for each quiz/exam/discussion can be found by clicking on the appropriate
Chapter Module and then the appropriate sub-module. The beginning and ending dates will be
listed beneath the title of the quiz/exam/discussion. In cases of conflicting dates or time listings,
the dates listed in the Chapter Modules will be the determination of when a assignment opens and
closes.
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 VI. Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom & AI writing partners
a. Content section consist of tips and AI writing assistance platforms
b. IF using AI – cite or state the source or AI platform you have used to
create any of your work with explanation of words or details
incorporated (in brackets after citations).

EXTRA: WEBSITES OF ASSISTANCE/ RESOURCES / WRITING & EDITING

Websites: Penal Code

Texas Penal Code
Any current or recent printed edition
[Google <Texas penal code 2018 pdf> 2nd link]
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/SDocs/PENALCODE.pdf
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?link=PE
Or any online version found at the following websites:
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure)
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/SDocs/CODEOFCRIMINALPROCEDURE.pdf
http://texasevidence.com/ (Texas Rule of Evidence)

APA FORMAT GUIDES AND RESOURCES

o PURDUE OWL - APA 7 FORMAT & WRITING
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/refer
ence_list_basic_rules.html
o APA STYLE https://apastyle.apa.org/
o APA CITATION GENERATOR https://www.citationmachine.net/apa
o GRAMMARLY https://www.grammarly.com OR ProWritingAid https://prowritingaid.com/

EXTRA: Research/DATA/Report Sites

o Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program – FBI https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr

o The Crime Report – Center on Media Crime and Justice https://thecrimereport.org/
o National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) https://www.ncjrs.gov/
o FRONTLINE https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/
o National Institute of Justice – Topics https://nij.ojp.gov/topics
o The Heritage Foundation https://www.heritage.org/
o Pinkerton https://www.pinkerton.com/
o YouTube - VICE News, Al Jazeera, Vox, France24, RT (News) International
o Radio/Pod Cast – The Monocle
o FEDERAL: US Department of State, US Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security

EXTRA: Scholarly Research / Journals

How to Search Example of Few Credible Sources
 Key words into GOOGLE  ‘Criminal Justice Publications o Council of Foreign Relations
 ‘GOOGLE SCHOLAR’  recent publications year 20** o Elsevier- Journal of Criminal Justice
o Use YouTube to help understand material o SAGE Journals/Publications - Criminal Justice
o Google “power-points” on the subject o NIJ Journal – National Institute of Justice
o Taylor and Francis - Criminal Justice Studies
o Springer- American Journal of Criminal
Justice

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 Lone Star College Policies & Procedures
https://www.lonestar.edu/syllabus-policies

LSCS Special Needs / Scribe / Assistance: ADA Assistance/Compliance

PLEASE PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OR INFORMATION FOR SPECIAL REQUEST or EXTENDED TIME.
Students must acquire an official accommodation from the Lone Star College of Disability Service office
and inform the instructor of any necessary accommodations – Which can be put into action immediately
upon notification.

LSCS Policies, Procedures, and Student Success Information Link:

http://www.lonestar.edu/syllabus-policies
This link will provide students with all pertinent information of which the below is only a part. Keep in
mind that some of the below listed information is subject to LSCS board changes and therefore it is
recommended that students check the above link to insure current and accurate LSCS policy statements.

LSCS Campus Carry Statement

The Texas Legislature enacted campus carry by passing Senate Bill 11, effective at LSC on August 1, 2017.
Senate Bill 22, known as the “Campus Carry” law, amends Texas law to allow license holders to carry
concealed handguns on college campuses. To carry a concealed handgun on LSC campuses, an individual
must have a valid License to Carry issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

LSC has established rules and regulations regarding enforcement of Campus Carry. Lone Star College
prohibits concealed carry in some areas of LSC campuses. For more information about Campus Carry,
visit the LSC Campus Carry website at http://www.lonestar.edu/campuscarry.

Classroom Respect and Conduct

A. Plagiarism and fraudulent behavior will NOT be accepted. A student may be dropped from any
course if Lone Star College determines there is a misuse of fiduciary allocations a student has
received, plagiarism, or other fraudulent behavior associated with the course.

B. Disruptive participation or activities will be cause for dropping a student from the class roll.
This includes improper use of personal computers brought to class for note taking purposes as
well as vulgar, or inappropriate activities through e-mail correspondence, online chat rooms,
discussion questions, or any other form of communication available for use within this course.

C. On-line behavior disruptive, vulgar, or inappropriate activities through e-mail correspondence,

chat rooms, discussion questions, or any other form of communication available for use within
in this course will be cause for dropping a student from the class roll. (This is not a good thing, so
let us not do something to bring this into play– Thank you).

Withdrawal Policy
A. Except for extraordinary circumstances, students will not be dropped from the course for
excessive absences.
B. It is the Student’s responsibility to notify the registrar of their intent to drop a course.
C. Keep in mind that the State of Texas has instituted a maximum limit of six (6) drops while
undertaking your baccalaureate degree, regardless of how long it takes or how many colleges in
the state you attend in the process of completing it.

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FERPA
Release of Student Records Policy
The College will comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) when
collecting, maintaining, and releasing student records. Students have rights regarding their records.

(a) The right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the College's
receipt of a written request for access.
(b) The right to request amendment of the student's education records if the student believes
the records are inaccurate, misleading, or violate the student's privacy rights.
(c) The right to provide written consent before the College discloses personally identifiable
information from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes
disclosure without consent.
(d) The right to file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of
Education, concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

The College collects directory information regarding each student. Directory information includes the
student's name, classification, full or part-time enrollment, program of study, dates of enrollment,
degrees and certificates received, and awards and honors received. The College may release directory
information without the student's consent unless the student requests that the College not release
directory information.
The College also collects student addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses, which LSC
classifies as Limited Directory Information. Only College Partner Organizations can request a student's
Limited Directory Information. LSC may release Limited Directory Information to College Partner
Organizations without a student's consent unless the student requests the College not release this
Limited Directory Information.
Any student objecting to the release of all or any portion of such information must complete the FERPA
release at my.LoneStar.edu in the online Student Center under Personal Information - Security/FERPA
Restrictions.
Release of any additional information pertaining to student records must be authorized by the student
(i.e., grades, transcripts).

Title IX Clery Act

LSC complies with the Jeanne Clery Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, Violence Against
Women Act of 2013, and the Jacob Wetterling Crimes against Children and Sexually Violent Offender
Registration Act. Relevant information can be found in the Lone Star College Annual Security Report
available online at LoneStar.edu/police

Please review LSC's Board Policy and Chancellor's Procedures on Sexual Harassment, Assault, Violence,
and Discrimination Process to find more information including how to report a violation to the Title IX
Coordinator. Policy & Procedures are found at LoneStar.edu/policy

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Academic Integrity

Lone Star College upholds the academic core values of learning: honesty, respect, fairness, and
accountability. LSC promotes the importance of personal and academic honesty from its students,
instructors, and faculty members. LSC's academic integrity policies embrace the belief that all learners-
students, faculty, staff, and administrators - produce their own work and give appropriate credit to the
work of others. No fabrication of sources, cheating, or unauthorized collaboration is permitted on any
work submitted to the College or work submitted to third parties.

LSC treats academic integrity violations or engaging in academic dishonesty by students as grounds for
disciplinary action under LSC's Academic Misconduct Policy found in Board Policy Section V.F. LSC treats
academic integrity violations or engaging in academic dishonesty by instructors as grounds for
disciplinary action under Board Policy Section IV.

Academic Appeals

An academic appeal is a formal request by a student to change a grade for an approved basis. A grade
appeal must be made within 12 months of the date the grade was posted by the registrar. A grade may
only be changed by the instructor of record, the instructor's department chair, the academic dean, or by
the Academic Appeals Committee. Students in specialized disciplines should check their student
handbook for program-specific appeal procedures.

An academic appeal will be considered if there is evidence that one or more of the following conditions
exist: (1) a mathematical error in the grade's calculation; (2) a deviation-by the instructor-from the
course syllabus or LSC policy manual; or (3) disparate treatment of a student that is not addressed by
EEO policies. An appeal will not be considered because of general dissatisfaction with a grade, penalty,
or outcome of a course. Disagreement with the instructor's professional judgment of the quality of the
student's work and performance is also not an admissible basis for an academic appeal.

Before a student brings an academic appeal, he or she should first meet with the instructor to request
that a change be made. If unable to informally resolve a grade dispute, a student may initiate an
academic appeal only by filing a Final Grade Dispute Form with the instructor of record for that
course. If the student is not satisfied with the instructor of record's decision or cannot consult with the
instructor, the Final Grade Dispute Form must be submitted to the appropriate dean to determine if a
resolution can be reached.

If a resolution is not reached, and the student desires to pursue the appeal further, the student may
appeal to the Chief Academic Officer ("CAO") by submitting the Final Grade Dispute Form to the CAO of
the college employing the instructor of record. If the Chief Academic Officer determines that the appeal
does not meet the requirements of this policy, he or she shall communicate this in writing to the
student.

If the Chief Academic Officer determines that the appeal is appropriate under this policy, he or she will
convene the Academic Appeals Committee to consider the complaint. The Chief Academic Officer will
notify the student regarding the Academic Appeals Committee's meeting date, his or her rights, and
next steps in the process.

Refer to the website for more information: LoneStar.edu/academic-appeal. The decision of the
Academic Appeals Committee is final.

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ADA 504/508: Students with Disability Rights

LSC recognizes and supports the principles set forth in federal and state laws designed to prevent and
eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities. LSC believes in equal access to educational
opportunities for all individuals and is committed to making reasonable accommodations, including
furnishing auxiliary aids and services, for individuals with disabilities as required by law. Please review

LSC's Board Policy and Chancellor's Procedures on Students with Disability Rights (Section VI.D.11) to
find more information, including how to request accommodation.

Policy & Procedures: LoneStar.edu/policy Disability Services: LoneStar.edu/disability-services

Emergency procedures

Lone Star College is committed to providing a safe environment in which to learn, study, and work.
Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility. In the event of a health, safety, or
environmental emergency while on campus, students should immediately contact LSC Police at
281.290.5911 or the administrator on duty.

If you know you will need assistance to evacuate during an emergency, please register by calling
281.290.3667 or emailing oem@lonestar.edu. We encourage you to register to receive emergency
notification via your cell phone or personal email by updating your my.LoneStar.edu information or
registering at LoneStarCollegeAlert.

Detailed information on LSC emergency procedures is available by visiting LoneStar.edu/oem or

selecting Emergency Management at the bottom of each webpage.

Concealed Carry - Campus Carry

The Texas Legislature enacted campus carry by passing Texas Government Code § 411.2031, effective at
LSC on August 1, 2017. Texas Government Code § 411.2031, known as the Campus Carry law, amends of
the Texas Government Code and Texas Penal Code to allow license holders to carry concealed handguns
on college campuses. To carry a concealed handgun on LSC campuses, an individual must have a valid
License to Carry issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety. License holders may carry a concealed
handgun on or about their person on LSC's premises except within exclusion zones. LSC students,
employees, and visitors on LSC's premises or at LSC-sponsored or affiliated events are prohibited from
openly carrying a handgun-holstered or not-on LSC premises.

LSC has established rules and regulations regarding enforcement of Campus Carry, which are found at
LoneStar.edu/WeaponsProcedures. For more information about Campus Carry, visit the LSC Campus
Carry website at lonestar.edu/campuscarry.

Anyone may report a visible handgun on LSC's premises or LSC events by contacting the Lone Star
College Police Department at 281-290-5911 from any phone or 5911 from a Lone Star College phone

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Lone Star College COVID-19 Prevention Expectations / Recommendations

Lone Star College is dedicated to the health and safety of all employees and students with a strong
commitment to student engagement and success. In coordination with federal, state, and local
mandates and guidelines, Lone Star College has established general COVID-19 prevention expectations
below. Campus-specific COVID-19 protocols may be provided to you by campus presidents.

Lone Star College supports students with tutoring, bookstore access, library resources, with access to
Office 365 available. Information about tutoring and available resources may be found at
https://www.lonestar.edu/Student-Resources.htm.

Lone Star College has implemented the following COVID-19 Prevention Recommendations:

On-Campus and In the Classroom

• If you are sick, please stay home.
• You should stay at least three feet from others while on campus.
• You should sanitize your hands regularly but especially prior to entering a classroom and
when leaving.

Notifications of Possible Exposure

• If you have COVID-19 please let your instructor know as soon as you are confirmed positive
for COVID-19 and email the College at LSC-ReportVirus@lonestar.edu.

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