The Institute offers instruction leading to associate degrees and certificates, and supporting or related instruction. Lamar Institute of Technology is committed to serving the people of Texas and primarily the Southeast Texas region with exemplary post-secondary vocational and technical educational programs. Educational opportunities are provided to all students through a policy of open access. The Institute provides outstanding committed, competent faculty, quality curriculum and instruction and support services programs to develop in students the attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary for meaningful employment and positions of responsibility.

The basic objective of the Institute of Technology is to help students equip themselves for effective living and for responsible citizenship in our society by offering educational programs and training which will extend their basic knowledge, encourage their continued development and give them marketable skills. In working toward this goal, the Institute encourages students to assume a major share of the responsibility for the development of their potential and use their abilities for their own purposes and for the good of society.

In order to stimulate students to have open minds, emphasis is placed upon the development of creative and scientific thinking for the solution of problems in the social and physical environment of their time. An effort is also made to provide guidance which will encourage the students to reach mature and responsible decisions, whatever the nature of the problems they may encounter.

The Institute of Technology recognizes its obligation to make available to the community all the opportunities implicit in its function as part of the Texas State University System. In an effort to achieve this goal, the specific objectives of the college are as follows:

1. To provide guidance services to assist each student in making an appropriate vocational choice,
2. To provide certificate, diploma and degree programs to prepare students for employment in various fields,
3. To provide education and training which allows graduates to advance rapidly in their chosen fields,
4. To instill in students the desire to learn which will guide their growth in professions, and
5. To provide in-service training to persons currently employed in Southest Texas.

The guiding customer service principles, goals and objectives for Lamar Institute of Technology can be found in the excerpt from its mission statement as follows:

• Quality - Professionally competent faculty and staff,
  Demonstrated excellent and effective teaching,
  Student oriented faculty and staff,
  Competent graduates,
  Environment conducive to academic excellence and growth for all students,
  Safe, healthy physical facilities,
  Active student development program to foster student participation in university activities,
  Programs developed and implemented to attract regional, state and national recognition.
• Adaptability - Responding to community needs by designing curriculum and instructional methodologies and providing the technical equipment relevant to changing society, Ensuring continued professional competence of faculty and staff in teaching, creative endeavors and service.
• Accessibility - Open access for those who wish to attend, Active student recruitment for technical and vocational post-secondary programs, Methods initiated to provide services for the community.
• Diversity - Promote a belief in the dignity, equality and value of every person, Recruit and maintain a diverse student population, Decrease gender-bias stereotyping within traditional vocational/technical programs.

A great deal of student/customer activity at Lamar Institute of Technology revolves around registration. As such, the wait times vary depending on the time of the semester. During regular times in the semester students/customers experience little if any wait time in having their initial inquiries answered. Similarly, phone calls are answered promptly and/or routed to the proper department. However, during peak registration/enrollment periods wait times are increased for most activities. Every effort is made to encourage students/customers to early register and/or take advantage of technology options to avoid long lines for advisement, registration, financial aid assistance and payment. Prospective students/customers calling for information to be mailed during this period are advised that it will take at least a week for the information to be sent. However, this information can be accessed on the web page at any time.

Complaints are handled based on the type/nature of the complaint and where the problem arose. Students with complaints generally come to the Office of Student Services as it is the first point of contact for most students and centrally located on campus. Front office personnel will attempt to promptly identify the nature of the complaint and refer the student appropriately as discussed below.

Students/customers request/receive information in a variety of forms. The most common is walk in/phone inquiry for basic Lamar Institute of Technology information. A walk-in customer is handed the needed information while the student phoning in will receive information by mail. Students also have the option of requesting general information electronically for receipt by mail. Information is also easily accessible on the shelves outside of the Student Services office for those customers not needing or wanting additional help or personal contact.

Students/customers generally still rely on phone or office hours as printed on course syllabi to communicate with their instructors. Most, if not all, faculty and staff have voice mail systems on their phones so students are able to leave messages at their convenience. Instructors and other staff members have their email addresses posted on the LIT web site allowing students/customers to ask questions and receive information in this format.

Student Services front desk personnel promptly address walk-in or phoned-in concerns of students. After listening to determine the area of the complaint the students are referred appropriately as follows (the following is a list of the most common areas of complaint):

• Grade/instructor complaint: The student is instructed to meet with the instructor and if the issue is not resolved go to the program coordinator or director, then department chair and finally the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
• Cashier: Students with problems arising from cashiering or their fee statements are directed to return to that office for assistance/clarification. If the issue is still not resolved students are directed to the business office manager and finally the Vice President for Finance and Operations.
• Students with problems regarding registration are handled in the Student Services Office and referred as appropriate (admissions, finance, financial aid etc.)
• Students with problems regarding other students are to follow procedures in The Student Handbook.
• Students with procedural problems are encouraged to work with the Student Government Association to research and understand the situation and/or policy in question or dispute.

Agency Customer Relations Representative:

Vivian Jefferson, Vice President for Student Services
P.O. Box 10043, Beaumont, TX 77710
(409) 839-2066
Vivian.jefferson@lit.edu

Other Agency Personnel:

Division of Academic Affairs

Dr. Betty Reynard, Vice President for Academic Affairs, CB Room 230
(409) 839-2048
betty.reynard@lit.edu

Phyllis Bruene, Executive Associate Sr.
Larrie Barkley, Director of Testing Center
Tom Noyola, Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Coordinator and Tech Prep Coordinator
Robin Lisk, Distance Education Coordinator          

Department of Allied Health & Sciences

Sheila Trahan, Department Chair, MPC Room 220
(409)839-2937
Sheila.trahan@lit.edu

Jana Newbold, Administrative Associate Senior
Alicia Shepard, Administrative Associate
Drew Garner, Media Lab Assistant

Child Care and Development
Gail Williams, TC Room 236

Dental Hygiene
Patti Parrott, MPC Room 216

Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Judy Tinsley, MPC Room 208

Health Information Technology
Debbie Long, MPC Room 247

Medical Radiologic Technology
Brenda Barrow, MPC Room 232

Occupational Safety and Health
Joy Griffin, MPC Room 240

Respiratory Care
Gwen Walden, MPC Room 239

Department of Business Technologies

Stephen Miller, Department Chair, T4 Room 103A
(409) 839-2092
stephen.miller@lit.edu

Accounting Technology
Stephen Miller, T4 Room 103A

Business Computer Information Systems
Linda Stoudemayer, TC Room 230

Computer Networking and Troubleshooting Technology
Lauri Arnold, T4 Room 103C

Management Development
Ira Wilsker, TC Room 216

Office Technology Administration
Marsha Steffek, TC Room 226

Real Estate
Vacant, TA4 room 106

Department of General Education and Developmental Studies

Lyn Brown, Department Chair, TC Room 116B
(409) 880-8191
gened@lit.edu; lyn.brown@lit.edu
Cindy King, Administrative Associate Senior
Learning Resource Center
Marsha Fisher, TC Room 112

Department of Public Service and Safety

Wilburn Lyons, Chair, TC Room 116A
(409) 839-2967
wilburn.lyons@lit.edu

Melinda Davis, Administrative Associate Senior

Correctional Officer Training
Wilburn Lyons, TC Room 116A

Emergency Medical Services
Tom Jones, MPC 243

Fire Protection Technology
Christopher Delacerda, TC Room 116A

Criminal Justice & Homeland Security
Jim Doane, TC 212

Regional Police Academy
Gary Duncan, MPC Room 260

Department of Technology

Pat O’Connor, Department Chair, T1 Room 104
(409) 880-8206
pat.oconnor@lit.edu

Eileen Burch, Administrative Associate Senior
Deborah Sunderland, Administrative Assistant

Computer Drafting
Larry Breaux, T5 Room 109

Commercial Construction Technology
Pat O’Connor, T1 Room 104

Diesel Mechanics (Advanced Engine Technology)
Pete Matak, T1 Room 117

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology
Henry Gaus, T2 Room 100

Industrial Mechanics Technology
William Holton, T3 Room 102

Instrumentation Technology
Weldon Jacobs, T1 Room 109

Process Operating Technology
Walter Tucker, T1 Room 103A

Restaurant/Institutional Food Management
Linda St. Cyr, MPC Room 215

Utility Line Technology
Rusty Koenig, Silsbee Campus

Welding Technology
John McKeehan, T1 Room 119

Division of Finance and Operations

Jonathan Wolfe, Vice President for Finance and Operations, CB Room 219
(409) 880-7633
jonathan.wolfe@lit.edu

Bonnie Albright, Director of Finance, CB Room 246
Delaina Gaspard, Accounting Clerk III, CB Room 251
Lisa Griffin, Accountant II, CB Room 246
TBA, Payroll Coordinator, CB Room 121
Luouida Newbold, Administrative Associate Senior, CB Room 247
Alicia Placette, Accountant II, CB Room 217
Terri Stallard, Administrative Associate Senior, CB Room 215
Dawna Whitmire, Property Manager, CB Room 244

Cashiers
Carlene Fitch, Administrative Associate, CB Room 106
Bishell Ryals, Cashier II, Beeson Room 106

Facilities Management
Jack Wiggins, Director of Facilities Management, CB Room 221
(409) 839-2073
jack.wiggins@lit.edu
Environmental Services Technicians

Food Service/Megabytes
Lisa Smith, Food Service Manager, CB Room 215
lisa.smith@lit.edu
Food Service Workers

Technology Services
Isaac Barbosa, Director of Computer Services, CB 233
(409) 880-8195
isaac.barbosa@lit.edu

Sheryll Plaia, Administrative Assistant Senior

Division of Institutional Effectiveness & Grants

David Mosley, Coordinator of Institutional Research and Planning, CB Room 220
david.mosley@lit.edu

Division of Student Services

Dr. Vivian Jefferson, Vice President for Student Services
(409) 839-2066
Vivian.jefferson@lit.edu

Yolanda Avery, Coordinator of Placement and Cooperative Education
Francis Bruce, Developmental Studies Advisor
Rebecca Cole, Special Populations Coordinator
TBA, Administrative Associate Senior
Trevor Howard, Recruiter
Roneka Polidore, Administrative Assistant

Student Financial Aid
Lisa Schroeder, Director, CB Room 100
(409) 880-2137
lisa.schroeder@lit.edu

Cathy Falb, Financial Aid Specialist
Judy Park, Financial Aid Specialist

Division of Workforce Training

Sam Williams, Vice President of Workforce Training, CB 238
(409) 839-2014
sam.williams@lit.edu

Jackie Dupuy, Director, TC Room 220
Idelice Haack, Coordinator

Truck Driving
Marlon Hartman, Stadium Hall, Annie McCammon,

Continuing Education/Program Developer
Jackie Dupuy, TC Room 220

Program Developer
Robert Craigue , TC Room 218

Administrative Coordinator
Angela Clark, TC Room 210

Office of Development and the LIT Foundation

Joanne Brown, Executive Director of Foundation and Director of Development, CB 229
(409) 839-2956

Division of Public Information

Beth Miller, Director of Public Information and Marketing, CB Room 230
(409) 839-2292

Melanie Lanuza, Publications Specialist
Kim Challie, Administrative Associate Senior

Office of the President

Dr. Paul Szuch, President
(409) 880-8185

Susie Fortenberry, Executive Assistant to the President
Pam Brashier, Special Events Coordinator
April Coon, Administrative Assistant

COMPLAINT POLICY

Students desiring to file an initial complaint about services, activities, faculty and staff should bring the complaint to the attention of the appropriate department head for resolution. Procedures for specific types of grievances can be found in The Student Handbook. The Office of Student Services (Beeson121, 880-8321) can assist students with referrals and advice if needed. If a student follows the proper procedures and an acceptable resolution is not reached within five working days, the student can then file a formal written complaint on the “Complaint Intake Form” in the Office of Student Services or other administrative offices. The student will need to demonstrate an attempt to resolve the matter through the appropriate channels before filing a formal complaint. After receiving the formal complaint, the form will be referred by the Dean of Student Services to the appropriate department head and the student will receive a written progress report within ten working days. The complainant as well as the Dean of Student Services should be notified in writing of the outcome. Each semester, a formal report will be made to the Executive Council about the previous semester’s complaints and resolutions.

ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE POLICY

To provide for the resolution of alleged grievances, LIT has a student-faculty relations committee composed of four faculty members and three students. The initial step for the aggrieved party is to discuss the issue with the offending party. If the issue is not resolved, the second step is to consult with the department chair. If the department chair cannot resolve this issue, the matter should be referred to the Student Faculty Relations Committee. In the event that any party involved in the alleged grievance should seek to appeal the decision and/or recommendations of the committee, the written appeal should be addressed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs. All academic grades and grading methods are subject to review by the appropriate chair when review is requested by a student regarding a specific grade. The department chair and Vice President of Academic Affairs must approve any change in grade requested by an instructor after final grades are recorded.

FINANCIAL AID GRIEVANCE POLICY

Students desiring to submit a letter of appeal should do so within ten (10) business days of their most recent denial. Appeal letters and all supporting documentation should be submitted to the Director of Student Financial Aid , Lamar Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 10043, Beaumont, TX 77710. Decisions regarding student eligibility will be made by the Financial Aid Director based on information provided by the student. Students who wish to dispute results of the appeal process may do so by submitting a written statement to the Vice President of Finance and Operations at Lamar Institute of Technology. However, academic progress decisions are made at the school level and may not be appealed to the Department of Education.