Lone Star College announces plans for fall reopening

Lone Star College has announced its plans for the upcoming fall semester, with classes beginning Aug. 24.

According to a press release from LSC, the fall 2020 semester classes will consist of 50% of courses offered online; 25% will be a combination of online and face-to-face courses; and the remaining 25% of courses will be face-to-face.

“We understand there continues to be uncertainty, but it is important for students to know their safety is our No. 1 priority,” LSC Chancellor Stephen Head said. “We have taken every precaution necessary to ensure students can continue their education in a safe environment.”

The press release states that buildings that are open in the fall will be limited to students who are taking classes with face-to-face instruction. Students and instructors will be required to undergo a temperature check, wear a mask and complete a health questionnaire when entering a building. Personal protective equipment will be provided for those who do not have it.

“We have asked the college presidents to be creative and innovative in their planning by offering block scheduling, afternoons, nights, Friday, Saturday and, where needed, Sunday classes to meet the needs of our students,” Head said. “We are also preparing contingency plans to shift back to 100% online classes if the situation warrants in the fall.”

LSC is also using stimulus funding to provide 5,000 loaner computers to students in need that can be checked out through the LSC Office of Technology Services, and CARES Act funding can provide grant funding for students to help cover expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care due to coronavirus disruptions.