Mastering Your Lone Star College Class Search: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the class search at Lone Star College (LSC) can seem daunting, but with the right strategies, you can efficiently find the courses you need. Whether you are a new, returning, or transfer student, this guide provides essential tips and information to streamline your class search and registration process.

Getting Started: Admission and Advising

Before diving into the class search, ensure you have completed the necessary preliminary steps:

Complete the Online Admissions Application: This is the first step for all new students.
Transfer Credit Confirmation: If you plan to transfer credits from LSC to another institution, confirm with your home institution that the courses are transferable.
TSI Assessment: Transfer students who are TSI Complete or Exempt must submit appropriate documentation for verification.
New Student Orientation: While not required for transfer students, attending the New Student Orientation can be beneficial, especially for First Time In College (FTIC) students. The Student Success Hold is designed for FTIC students.
Academic Advising: Meeting with an academic advisor can help ensure you meet the prerequisites when completing course registration. Transient students may need to visit the campus to bypass online holds.

Once advised and cleared, you can start searching for open courses using myLonestar.

MyLonestar: Your Gateway to Class Search

MyLonestar is your primary tool for searching and registering for classes. You can register for classes online or in person with a Student Services staff member.

Deciphering Course Formats: Online, Hybrid, and Face-to-Face

Lone Star College offers courses in various formats to accommodate different learning styles and schedules:

Face-to-Face Classes: Traditional classroom settings with in-person instruction.
Online Classes: Conducted entirely online through the learning management system (LMS), Brightspace by D2L.
Hybrid Classes: A combination of online and face-to-face instruction, offering both flexibility and in-person interaction. Hybrid classes are available during the day and evening.

Online Classes: A Deeper Dive

Online college classes are in our learning management system (LMS). LSC-Online uses Brightspace by D2L for our LMS. Each instructor develops their own online course in the LMS, and this is where you will find all your needed course information, instructional materials, and assignments. Just like a face-to-face class, most online classes are structured by weeks, and students are expected to log in at the start of the week to determine the assignments.

Many believe that online courses are easier than face-to-face classes. However, the expectations and outcomes are identical. While online classes offer flexibility, they also require self-direction and motivation. Students taking online classes need to be self-directed, proactive, and motivated. Online students often comment they are surprised at the community formed during a semester.

Structure and Expectations: The essentials of college learning are the same in both online and face-to-face classes. Instructor expectations, assignments, time-frames, and many other aspects are the same. Rather than discussions held in the classrooms online classes use discussion forums and students post/write their thoughts.
Assessments: Quizzes are often taken online (though we are seeing this more and more in face-to-face classes as well). Some classes may require exams to be taken in person at any Lone Star College assessment center while others may allow exams to be taken at home.
Flexibility: Yes, you can work at 2 am or 2pm if you want. However, each instructor determines their own due dates and time; pay close attention to deadlines.
Registration: You register for an online course as you do for any credit course. If you are looking for 100% online classes, choose click on Advanced Search and choose Online from the Mode of Instruction dropdown menu.
Advising: Fully online students have access to online advisors. If you are taking a face-to-face class, you can visit an advisor on campus.

Advanced Search: Filtering for Online Classes

To find 100% online classes, use the advanced search feature in myLonestar. In the "Mode of Instruction" dropdown menu, select "Online" to filter your search results.

Essential Steps After Registration

After registering for your classes, there are several crucial steps to complete:

Textbook Requirements: Just like face-to-face classes, each class has different textbook requirements. You will need to know your class and section number (ENGL 1301 Section 3001).
Fees and Payments: Insure all fees are paid. Students are responsible for paying charges by the payment due date. Students not paying by the due date may be dropped from their classes.
Materials: If book is required, have the book. If you need lab packs or other class items have them ready.
Brightspace Access: All classes are available through Brightspace after 12 midnight the day the class opens. It may be possible to begin readings and preparation prior to the first day of class. We highly recommend that students log in to D2L on day one to determine any week 1 requirements. If you are unable to start on the first day of class, contact the instructor and let them know.

Time Commitment and Expectations

Success in an online class is no different than in a face-to-face class. Instructors have high expectations for their students. It is important to manage your time effectively and stay organized. For a 3-credit course on campus, a student would be in class for about 3 hours. An expectation of 6-8 hours of work outside of class is not unexpected.

Assignments and Deadlines: Complete your assignments on time, ask questions, participate in discussions, and pay attention to deadlines.
Tutoring: Don’t forget to take advantage of tutoring options available to you as a Lone Star College student. Online tutoring is available for online students. every day.
Instructor Interaction: Some instructors may hold office hours or study sessions online at specific times, but those will be posted well in advance.
Final Exams: Final exams are determined by individual instructors.

Technology and System Requirements

To succeed in online classes, ensure you have the necessary technology and skills:

Browser Compatibility: Brightspace will run on any computer or tablet or phone that runs an internet browser though the Chrome browser is the most effective.
Device Access: Having access to a computer is best as some items don’t run as well on the mobile version.
Internet Speed: You need a high speed access; you don’t need the fastest speed if cost is an issue. Please don’t assume your data minutes will be enough. You should use your devices on a Wi-Fi system.
Software Proficiency: You need to be able to manage Word documents, PowerPoints, pdfs and, potentially, spreadsheets. Because you are taking an online class, professors assume you have basic computer knowledge. Lone Star College System also has Microsoft Office 365 available free to all students.
Document Compatibility: That depends on the faculty but any word document program that produces, .docx, .doc or, .rtf can be used. A word of caution with documents sent from phones some of these cannot be opened. Contact your faculty for any questions.

If you encounter technical issues, contact the Lone Star College Service Desk at 832-813-6600. Let them know your problem and they can direct you.

Exploring Next Start and Minimester Options

Lone Star College offers flexible scheduling options, including Next Start classes and Minimesters:

Next Start Classes: Each semester, the college offers Next Start classes ranging from 8 to 14 weeks that are available in-person, online or hybrid formats. Next Start classes fit a broad range of goals to help students earn associate degrees, program certificates or transfer credits to a four-year university. To view available class options, use the search tools below. Are you a new or returning student? You can enroll in the Next Start session or add one more class to finish your degree faster! Courses begin throughout the semester and are offered through in-person, online, and hybrid formats at various times, including days, nights, and weekends, for students who need flexible schedules.
Minimesters: A Minimester is a “miniature semester” of either 3- or 4-Week length taking place after the Fall and Spring Semesters, in December and May. When searching for classes, select the Spring Term for the December Minimester and the Summer Term for the May Minimester.

Additional Tips for Success

Early Registration: Classes may fill up quickly, so we recommend that you register as early as possible.
Check Class Listings: Also check the class listing periodically to see if additional class sections are available.
Advising Participation: LSC encourages students to participate in advising.
Course Load: A full-time course load is 12 to 18 credit hours. An overload is defined as attempting more than 18 credit hours in the fall or spring term.

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