The Office of Technology Services (OTS) serves the information technology needs of Lone Star College in addition to serving as a trusted partner providing data and analytical expertise to support planning and decision-making.
OTS Service Desk | Student Resources | Faculty and Staff Resources | General Info | OTiS
Get IT Help Around-the-Clock
If you need assistance, the OTS Service Desk is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (366 days during a leap year!) to meet the ongoing needs of our students, faculty, and staff.
- Visit our online LSC Service Center day or night to look up helpful documentation, submit a ticket or open a live chat with one of our agents, or
- Give us a call at 832.813.6600 (toll-free 866.614.5014). We're happy to help!
Anytime, Anywhere, Any Device
There are numerous ways Lone Star College students, faculty, and staff, can collaborate - no matter if they're on campus or on the go. Check out the resources below for helpful links, information, and tutorials to help you get started with technology services at LSC.
Student Resources
- Reset Your LSC Password
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Save time. Reset your password online.
All LSC accounts are password-protected. Use a unique password, preferably a sentence, and do not share it with anyone or enter it into a website without being sure it is associated with Lone Star College. When in doubt, contact the OTS Service Desk for verification.
- Get Help Using myLoneStar
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get the latest videos on how to navigate and complete tasks in myLoneStar and other iStar applications such as:
- how to access your LSC student email,
- how to plan and register for courses,
- how to enroll in corequisite courses,
- and more!
Go to the myLoneStar Training Channel
- Access LSC Email
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Students should access their email by logging into myLoneStar. Log into myLoneStar (my.lonestar.edu), select the Student Email tile, and log in when prompted.
NOTE: Students can also access their email through Microsoft 365.
IMPORTANT! Check Your LSC Email Regularly
All official communication from Lone Star College is sent through email including emergency information, school closure information and notifications. Be sure to check your LSC email every day for important communications.
Expecting an email, but it hasn’t shown up? Check your “Junk E-mail” folder for any emails that may have inadvertently been caught in the spam filter. You can also change safe senders by clicking the three dots in the right corner of the email and changing the security options to “Mark as not junk”.
Follow the links below for information to help get started:
- Borrow, Pick Up & Set Up a Student iPad or Laptop (LSC TechConnect Program)
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Students who meet the minimum number of enrolled credit hours (a minimum of 6 credit hours during a fall or spring semester; 3 credit hours over the summer) may request the use of an HP Windows Laptop bundle (currently available) or an Apple iPad bundle (estimated to arrive August 30th) in order to complete their courses remotely. Upon approval, students will receive a device and accessories, along with instructions on how to download LSC software for student use.
Once you qualify for the program and pick up your equipment, go to LoneStar.edu/OTS-StudentDevice for pick-up location maps, setup instructions, and helpful resources; as well as for information regarding our Virtual Student Technology Bootcamp (available at no additional cost) where you will learn about the technology you will frequently utilize during your time at LSC.
- Get Software
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Microsoft 365 and OneDrive
In order to help our students be successful, Lone Star College provides Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) and 1 TB of OneDrive storage to every enrolled student. With Microsoft 365 on your personal device(s), you will have access to the latest version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and more!
Share and co-edit your schoolwork using Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote in real time—anywhere, any time, on any device. Log into myLoneStar and select the Student Email tile to get started, or go to https://portal.office.com and log in with your LSC email address and password.
For installation instructions, go to Accessing, Downloading, and Installing Microsoft 365.
Need help using Microsoft 365? Go to Office Quick Starts or Microsoft 365 Help & Learning for videos and training.
Other Software
There is a variety of software available that can be used at home. Go to Software Available for Students where you will need to complete a quick assessment survey before you can access the list of available software titles and download links.
Find out what software is available in LSC classrooms and computer labs. Go to Software Available in LSC Classrooms and Computer Labs.
Prohibited Technologies
As of January 2023, Lone Star College has drafted and put into affect the Lone Star College Prohibited Technologies Security Policy in response to a December 2022 directive from Governor Greg Abbott that all state agencies, including Lone Star College, ban the video-sharing application TikTok from all state-owned and state-issued devices and networks due to concerns over the Chinese government’s ability to harvest potentially sensitive information (https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/State_Agencies_Letter_1.pdf). This policy includes a list of software, applications (including TikTok), and hardware products identified as being security concerns that will be removed and/or blocked on all LSC-owned devices. The up-to-date list of prohibited technologies is published at https://dir.texas.gov/information-security/prohibited-technologies.
- Store and Share Files with Your LSC OneDrive
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Upload documents to work on from home, share with others, work on simultaneously with others with Microsoft OneDrive. Log into your Microsoft Office 365 account, or use the "Go to My Storage (OneDrive) quicklink in myLoneStar, to get started.
Follow the Microsoft links below for information to help get started:
We also have a few helpful how-to documents specifically for using the Microsoft 365 and OneDrive apps on iOS devices available in our LSC KnowledgeBase:
- Stay Connected Virtually with Webex and LSC Zoom
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Webex
IMPORTANT! If you have been using the Webex Meetings application, please be aware that we will be consolidating applications and moving to only using Webex (formerly Webex Teams) starting October 14. More information and instructions will be sent out via email toward the end of September.
Use Webex (formerly Webex Teams) at web.webex.com to stay connected to your professors and classmates continuously with videoconferencing, group messaging, instant messaging, file sharing and more.
Follow the links below for information to help get started:
LSC Zoom
In addition to Webex, LSC Zoom Lonestar-EDU.Zoom.US is available as another video conferencing option to meet online with your instructors or other students.
Follow the links below for information to help get started:
- Be Cyber Smart, Stay Cyber Aware - Report "Phishy" Emails
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Watch out for phishing scam emails. Even if an email looks like it may be from your professor, another student, or even the OTS Service Desk.
Received a suspicious email? Don’t click anything or reply. Report it!
Complete the "Report a Phishing/Scam/Spam Email" form in LSC Service Center, or call the OTS Service Desk at 832.813.6600.
Be wary of any email containing links and/or attachments. We will NEVER ask for your password or email you a link to update your account. Find Out More About Cyber Security Awareness
- Wi-Fi and Computer Resources for Learning from Home
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Check out the External Resources page for a list of resources for wireless service by a variety of local providers as well as a few deals we have found for a low cost computer.
- Get Assistance With Registration & Locating What Textbooks(s) You May Need
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Faculty and Staff Resources
- Reset Your LSC Password
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Save time. Reset your password online.
Important Info for Faculty & Staff When Working Off-Site!
When resetting your password on an LSC-owned computer while off-campus, do not use Ctrl+Alt+Del. Instead, use the "Reset Password" link on the myLoneStar log-in page or Enterprise Connect (for Mac users). For detailed instructions, go to Resetting Your LSC Password (For Faculty & Staff Resetting While Off-Campus).
- Get Help Using myLoneStar
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- Access LSC Email
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Remember: All official communication from Lone Star College is sent through email including emergency information, school closure information and notifications.
Faculty and staff should access their email by logging into myLoneStar. Log into myLoneStar (my.lonestar.edu) and select the Employee Email tile.This will re-direct to your LSC Microsoft 365 account. Sign in using your LSC password.
NOTE: Faculty, Staff, and Retirees can also access their LSC email through Microsoft 365 or Outlook.com. Sign in using your LSC email address and password.
- Make Calls and Access LSC Voicemail
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While away from campus, make phone calls from your LSC office number using Jabber, and access your voicemail online.
Follow the links below for information to help get started:
- Get Software
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Microsoft 365 and OneDrive
Every Lone Star College Faculty & Staff member is allocated a Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) and 1 TB of OneDrive storage to use on-the-go. With Microsoft 365 on your personal device(s), you will have access to the latest version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and more!
Share and co-edit your work using Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote in real time—anywhere, any time, on any device. Log into myLoneStar and select the Employee Email tile to get started, or go to https://portal.office.com and log in with your LSC email address and password.
Need help using Microsoft 365? Go to the Microsoft 365 Training site, Office Quick Starts or Microsoft 365 Help & Learning for videos and training.
For installation instructions, go to Accessing, Downloading, and Installing Microsoft 365.
NOTE: Every LSC-owned computer is pre-loaded with Microsoft Office. These instructions describe how to install Office on your personal computer and/or device(s).
Other Software
There is a variety of software available that can be used at home. Go to Software Available for Faculty & Staff for the list and download links.
Find out what software is available in LSC classrooms and computer labs. Go to Software Available in LSC Classrooms and Computer Labs.
Prohibited Technologies
As of January 2023, Lone Star College has drafted and put into affect the Lone Star College Prohibited Technologies Security Policy in response to a December 2022 directive from Governor Greg Abbott that all state agencies, including Lone Star College, ban the video-sharing application TikTok from all state-owned and state-issued devices and networks due to concerns over the Chinese government’s ability to harvest potentially sensitive information (https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/State_Agencies_Letter_1.pdf). This policy includes a list of software, applications (including TikTok), and hardware products identified as being security concerns that will be removed and/or blocked on all LSC-owned devices. The up-to-date list of prohibited technologies is published at https://dir.texas.gov/information-security/prohibited-technologies.
- Store and Share Files with Your LSC OneDrive
-
Upload documents to work on anywhere, share with others, or work on simultaneously with others using Microsoft OneDrive.
To access your OneDrive account, log into your Microsoft Office 365 account, or use the "Go to My Storage (OneDrive)" quicklink in myLoneStar, to get started.
Follow the links below for information to help get started:
- Store and Share Team/Department Files on the LSC Employee Intranet
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Use the LSC Employee Intranet (also known by the application behind it, SharePoint) to store team or department files, or work on simultaneously with others. Storing files on the intranet rather than a department share drives allows you and your team to felixibility to access the files at any time, from anywhere, and on any device without having to connect through the VPN.
To access the LSC Employee Intranet, go to https://intranet.lonestar.edu and log in with your LSC username and password.
Follow the link below for information to get started:
- Get Data for Planning and Decision-Making
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The Office of Analytics and Institutional Research (AIR) is the arm of OTS that serves as a trusted partner providing data and analytical expertise to support planning and decision-making.
Do you need data or a report? What about a dashboard or research study? Use these forms in the LSC ServiceCenter to submit your request for assistance.
Get access to the AIR dashboard reports, request a new Power BI license, or report an access issue here.
- Hold Small-Medium Group Online Meetings with Webex or LSC Zoom
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Webex
IMPORTANT! If you have been using the Webex Meetings application, please be aware that we will be consolidating applications and moving to only using Webex (formerly Webex Teams) starting October 14. More information and instructions will be sent out via email toward the end of September.
Use Webex (formerly Webex Teams) at web.webex.com to stay connected to colleagues and students continuously with videoconferencing, group messaging, instant messaging, file sharing and more.
- For meetings of fewer than 20 participants, we recommend using your Webex Personal Room. Select the Calendar icon in the left-side toolbar and choose Start a Personal Room Meeting.
- To host scheduled meetings of up to 1,000 participants, select the Calendar icon in the left-side toolbar and choose Schedule a Meeting.
- To host an impromptu meeting of the people in a Webex space (up to 100 participants), right-click the space from your space list and choose Start a Meeting.
Follow the links below for information to help get started:
LSC Zoom
In addition to Webex, LSC Zoom Lonestar-EDU.Zoom.US is available as another video conferencing option to meet online with colleagues and students.
Follow the links below for information to help get started:
- Hold Large Group Online Meetings, Classes with Webex Webinars
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Formerly known as Webex Events, schedule a Webex Webinar at lonestar.webex.com to meet online (50 or more people) with colleagues and students, share presentations, and hold video conferences. Follow the links below for information to help get started:
Already have an event scheduled? Check out these documents for more details:
- Deliver Hands-On Training, Tests, Breakout Sessions with Webex Training
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Use Webex Training at lonestar.webex.com to deliver live, interactive sessions to students anywhere, and keep them engaged with hands-on training, tests, and breakout sessions to enhance their learning. Follow the links below for information to help get started:
- Be Cyber Smart, Stay Cyber Aware - Report "Phishy" Emails
-
Watch out for phishing scam emails. Even if an email looks like it may be from a co-worker, supervisor, student, or even the OTS Service Desk.
Received a suspicious email? Don’t click anything or reply. Report it!
Click the "Report Phishing" button in Outlook or Webmail, complete the "Report a Phishing/Scam/Spam Email" form in LSC Service Center, or call the OTS Service Desk at 832.813.6600.
Be wary of any email containing links and/or attachments. We will NEVER ask for your password or email you a link to update your account. Find Out More About Cyber Security Awareness
- Wi-Fi and Computer Resources for Teaching Remotely
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Check out the External Resources page for a list of resources for wireless service by a variety of local providers as well as a few deals we have found for a low cost computer.
- Connect to the LSC VPN and Access Share Drives
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- Get Training
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Looking for training on applications such as Webex, SharePoint, and Microsoft Teams?
We highly recommend the fantastic (and free!) video tutorials available on these sites to help you get familiar with some of the most-used applications across the college:
We also have a robust library of helpful how-to articles available to faculty, staff, and students in the LSC Service Center within ServiceNow (LoneStar.edu/Service Center-Knowledge). Our “how-to” library has a variety of job aids to help you with LSC-specific functions such as setting up your LSC email on your mobile device or connecting to the LoneStar Wi-Fi.
Do you need iStar, Onbase, or AIR training? We’ve got you covered! Training is available via live webinars, video-on-demand, as well as some in-person training sessions.
Visit the LSC iStar Knowledge Center in UPK to access a repository of OnDemand training videos designed to further expand LSC employees' knowledge of the iStar system. To see what live webinars and face-to-face classes are currently being offered that cover iStar, OnBase, and AIR tools and resources, visit MyWorkshops.
- Professional Development Resources from Organizational Development
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Organizational Development has partnered with their colleagues at each college and System Office, to share a variety of timely learning opportunities. During this time of uncertainty, learning and professional development continue to play a critical role as we take on the new challenges of this transition.
Our faculty and staff continue to find ways to support our students, and their mission is to support you in that effort. Check out all Lone Star College Resources at One Stop for Resources and Training.
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General Information
Annual Report
Our Annual Report offers transparency and insight to the customers we support. The scope of the report is a high-level review of the past year's accomplishments by the Office of Technology Services and the Office of Analytics & Institutional Reporting, as well as statistics and facts about our day-to-day operations and strategic plan.
Although every IT project is directly tied to and aligned with supporting the mission of Lone Star College, our IT strategy allows us to approach initiatives with a specific focus so we are continuously improving in all areas.
Helpful Resources
-- Contacting OTS for Issues or Requests - Quick Links for Common Requests and More
-- LSC Resources & Tools Available Online - What's The Difference Between Them?
-- Visit the LSC Service Center Knowledge Base for other helpful "How-To" docs.
-- For employees: To see a visual representation of the wireless coverage in each building, go to Wireless Coverage on the Employee Intranet.
We Want Your Feedback
Faculty & Staff, you could win an OTiS! When your OTS Service Desk ticket is closed, be sure to fill out a customer satisfaction survey to tell us how we did. Your name will go into our monthly drawing for your very own plush OTiS. Don't miss out on your chance to win. He's a cutie!
OTiS Tweets
Follow our friendly little helper, OTiS, on Twitter @LSCots. Check out the helpful info, tech fun, and more that OTiS tweets to his followers.
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OTS on Flikr
What's OTS been up to? Follow us on Flikr @LSCots to see photos of our events, community service activities, monthly OTiS drawing winners, and more.
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