Announcements

Last Modified on 04/28/2026 10:00 am CDT

Below are the latest news and announcements from LSC-Online, as seen in the D2L Announcements widget. This page will be regularly updated, with the newest information at the top.

LSC-Online also provides other outlets of helpful information, including an email newsletter, a video newsletter, and an event calendar.


[RESOLVED] VTAC/VLAC Sites Are Down
Posted in D2L on Apr 27, 2026 9:40 AM (Edited)

UPDATE: "The fix is holding and this incident is now resolved. All systems should be back online." 

Original Message:

The VTAC/VLAC support sites were having connection issues. The vendor has decided to put all knowledge bases into maintenance mode while they work on a resolution.

We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.  We will provide additional updates as they are made available. You can track the status of this issue here.


NEW DATE: D2L Accessibility Training
Posted in D2L on Apr 24, 2026 10:38 AM

Join D2L for a practical accessibility training webinar focused on creating more inclusive learning experiences. You’ll learn simple, effective ways to improve course accessibility using D2L Brightspace and other tools. The session will also cover key updates to federal accessibility requirements coming in April 2027, helping you understand what’s changing and how to prepare with confidence.

NEW DATE:  Friday, May 1
TIME:  1:00-3:00 PM
LOCATION:  Virtual
ENROLL NOW!

The zoom link will be available in MyWorkshops, after you enroll. A recording of this event will be posted to VTAC. Faculty will get credit for this session through MyWorkshops.

For other training sessions and open labs, be sure to check out the VTAC Training Calendar.


POSTPONED: D2L Accessibility Training
Posted in D2L on Apr 22, 2026 10:42 AM

Due to an unforeseen emergency involving our speaker, we unfortunately have to POSTPONE the Accessibility Training scheduled for today.

We apologize for the late notice and any inconvenience this may cause. We are currently working on a new date and will share those details with you as soon as they are finalized. Thank you for your understanding.

For other accessibility-focused training sessions and open labs, check out the VTAC Training Calendar.


April D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Apr 20, 2026 12:01 AM

The following D2L update will go live on Friday, April 24.

Quizzes

  • The quiz evaluation experience now includes an Incorrect filter that lets instructors review only the questions a student answered incorrectly.
  • This enhancement helps instructors identify patterns and determine whether updates to questions or instructional materials are needed.

If you have questions about this update or would like support using these new features, please email VTAC Support.


Scheduled D2L Course Purge
Posted in D2L on Apr 17, 2026 12:01 AM

Starting on May 4th, all D2L courses from 2018 will be purged. The purge process will result in the complete deletion of course data.

This yearly process helps maintain system performance in D2L and is completed in accordance with Office of the General Counsel policy.

If you have 2018 course data that has not been backed up, please do so as soon as possible. You can either export your content to a .zip file or create a sandbox and copy the content to it.

The latest information and answers to common questions can be found on the D2L Course Purge page in VTAC.


D2L Accessibility Training
Posted in D2L on Apr 14, 2026 11:00 AM

UPDATE: This event was POSTPONED.

Join D2L for a practical accessibility training webinar focused on creating more inclusive learning experiences. You’ll learn simple, effective ways to improve course accessibility using D2L Brightspace tools. The session will also cover key updates to federal accessibility requirements coming in April 2026, helping you understand what’s changing and how to prepare with confidence.

DATE:  Wednesday, April 22
TIME:  1:00-1:50 PM
LOCATION:  Virtual
ENROLL NOW! (link removed)

Faculty will get credit for this session through MyWorkshops. A recording of it will be posted in VTAC.

Be sure to check out the VTAC Training Calendar for more accessibility-focused training sessions and open labs, as we near the April deadline for ADA Title II.


April Trainings
Posted in D2L on Apr 1, 2026 12:00 PM (Edited)

Because of the April 24th deadline for ADA Title II, Online Services representatives are hosting several accessibility focused sessions. We'll teach you about helpful accessibility tools and do our best to answer your questions.

In addition those sessions, here are a few other trainings happening this month:

Be sure to check out the VTAC Training Calendar for more, as there are too many to list here. They include trainings by LSC faculty and staff, as well as the vendors themselves.


March D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Mar 24, 2026 12:01 AM

The following D2L updates will go live on Friday, March 27.

Classlist

  • Using the new Export button, instructors can now export Classlist details to a Comma Separated Values (CSV) file, for administrative or offline use.

Awards

  • Text fields now support more characters, allowing instructors to enter more detailed information for an award.

If you have questions about this update or would like support using these new features, please email VTAC Support.


March Trainings
Posted in D2L on Mar 1, 2026 12:01 AM

There is a variety of training sessions happening this month. Here are just a few:

Be sure to check out the VTAC Training Calendar for more, as there are too many to list here. They include trainings by LSC faculty and staff, as well as the vendors themselves.


February D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Feb 24, 2026 12:01 AM

The following D2L updates will go live on Friday, February 27.

Grades – Improved Navigation

  • The Enter Grades page now offers improved horizontal navigation, making it easier to work with large gradebooks.
  • Instructors can use navigation arrows on either side of the gradebook, along with a scroll bar at the bottom of the grid, to navigate across grade columns.

Group Assignments - Advanced Assessment

  • Group assignments are now supported in Advanced Assessment, enabling instructors to collaboratively evaluate groups of students.

Multi-Profile widget – Collapsible Profile

  • The Multi-Profile widget on course homepages now supports collapsible profile fields, enabling users to view profile information more efficiently when multiple profiles are displayed.

If you have questions about this update or would like support using these new features, please email VTAC Support.


Export D2L Grades to iStar
Posted in D2L on Feb 19, 2026 1:00 PM

Starting today, Thursday, February 19, you’ll be able to submit final grades from your D2L course directly into iStar quickly and easily, helping you spend less time on manual entry and more time focusing on your students. 

How this fits into your current grading process

This new D2L-to-iStar integration offers an additional, secure, and optional way to submit final grades, reflecting faculty feedback and our shared focus on continuous improvement across our learning and student information systems. For faculty who choose to use it, this option allows grades to move directly from D2L to iStar, reducing duplicate entry.

Importantly, the current manual grade entry process in iStar will remain available and valid, and faculty may continue submitting grades using the method that works best for them.

Why some grades aren’t included

This release supports courses using a letter grade scheme. CE courses, Pass/Fail, Pass/No-Pass, IP (In-Progress), and I (Incomplete) grades are not included and will continue to be submitted using the current process.

Training opportunities coming soon!

OTS will be offering training sessions to help you get familiar with the new D2L-to-iStar grade submission process. Please watch for upcoming reminders with training dates and details.

We’re here to support you

For more information, please see our Export Grades to iStar VTAC article, as well as this short video.

If you have questions about setting up or organizing your D2L gradebook, the Virtual Teaching Assistance Center (VTAC) is ready to help. You can also submit a ticket to the IT Service Desk through LoneStar.edu/ServiceCenter for support with any iStar issues.


Accessibility Improvements: ReadSpeaker Presence Increases Within D2L
Posted in D2L on Feb 5, 2026 12:53 PM

The new ReadSpeaker extension now appears in many additional areas in D2L, including the Home page, Course Home page, system widgets, Admin Tools, Announcements, Calendar, Course Administration, and My Org Units. This ReadSpeaker update is of immense help for accessibility in D2L.


February Trainings
Posted in D2L on Feb 3, 2026 12:01 AM (Edited)

There is a variety of training sessions happening this month. Here are just a few:

Be sure to check out the VTAC Event Calendar for more, as there are too many to list here. They include trainings by LSC faculty and staff, as well as the vendors themselves. 


Upcoming Professional Development
Posted in D2L on Jan 28, 2026 8:57 AM

UPCEA Digital Teaching & Learning Conference

  • WHEN: February 4-5, 2026
  • WHERE: Virtual
  • THEME: "Designing the Future" reflects a shared commitment to exploring innovation, fostering community, and advancing digital learning across higher education. This is an excellent conference for online educators and instructional designers.

REGISTER HERE

  • To access UPCEA benefits and before you can register for the conference, join our LSC roster by going to the Member Portal and Create a User account at no additional cost. When you sign up, be sure to list our name in full either as {Lone Star College System OR Lone Star College - System Office } to properly link to our member benefits.

Lone Star College has invested in institutional licenses to help you create, collaborate, and grow. You can attend this virtual conference at no cost to you. Visit the Virtual Teaching Assistance Center (VTAC) to learn about other institutional memberships.


Campus Closure: January 26
Posted in D2L on Jan 23, 2026 5:07 PM

Because of possible freezing weather, all Lone Star College System properties will be closed, and classes will be canceled on Monday, January 26, 2026. 

LSCS expects to reopen for normal hours and resume classes on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. 

For questions regarding your class, contact your instructor or visit https://www.lonestar.edu/weather. For additional helpful resources, click here. 

Stay Safe and Warm!


January D2L Update
Posted in D2L on Jan 23, 2026 11:01 AM

The following D2L update went live on Friday, January 23.

Quizzes – Single Session Quiz

  • Instructors can now require students to complete a quiz within a single D2L login session, helping maintain academic integrity. 
  • For example, if a student starts a quiz on a laptop, they cannot continue the quiz on another device such as a smartphone or tablet.
  • To enable this option, navigate to the Availability Dates & Conditions section while creating or editing a quiz and select [Lock each attempt to a single login session].

If you have questions about this update or would like support using the new feature, please email VTAC Support.


In Case You Missed It... Digital Digest Newsletter
Posted in D2L on Jan 21, 2026 12:01 AM

Our start-of-semester newsletter was recently sent out via email. If you haven't read it yet, here's another chance.

Topics included in this issue:

  • Microsoft Teams + D2L
  • Announcement to Email
  • Due Date in Discussions
  • Zero Points in Quiz Questions
  • April Accessibility Deadline
  • Course Reset Requests
  • Start Up Reminders
  • and more...

Want to see some of these topics in action? Watch our video newsletter! 

For previous issues, please visit the Newsletter Archive page in VTAC.


Extended Support Hours: January 17
Posted in D2L on Jan 16, 2026 10:50 AM

Reminder:  Online Services is offering extended support hours on Saturday, Jan. 17th from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The team will be providing ticket support and a virtual open lab to assist faculty with D2L, supported technologies, and course design.

The virtual open lab can be accessed through this link.

Tickets for D2L related questions/issues can be submitted by emailing VTAC@LoneStar.edu.

OTS is available 6 a.m. to midnight for technology questions.

For other support opportunities, please refer to the VTAC Event Calendar.


Video Newsletter - Spring 2026
Posted in D2L on Jan 13, 2026 8:00 AM

The Online Update is a video newsletter produced every major semester by Online Services.

Here are the topics in the Spring 2026 Episode:

  • Due Date for Discussions
  • Zero Points for Quiz Questions
  • Microsoft Teams in D2L
  • Course Reset Request Form
  • Leadership Self-Enrollment Form
  • Instructional Leadership Management
  • Faculty Support Options
  • And more...

You can also read our corresponding email newsletter for additional updates.  More information about these topics can be found in this VTAC knowledge base.


Spring 2026 Semester Start
Posted in D2L on Jan 12, 2026 12:02 AM

Welcome to the Spring 2026 Semester!

To get started in your D2L course, please explore the following resources:

D2L Semester Start Checklist:

This checklist will assist you in making a smooth start in your D2L courses and includes topics like copying content and merging course sections. You can find it at the following link: D2L Semester Start Instructor Checklist.

Visit the VTAC Knowledge Base:

This site contains guides to help you work with your new D2L course. Access VTAC using the VTAC Support link on the navbar or by visiting vtac.lonestar.edu. If you are new to teaching online at Lone Star College, view our Welcome Video to get started.

Extended Support Hours:

Online Services is offering extended support hours on Saturday, Jan. 17th from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. We will be providing ticket support and a virtual open lab to assist faculty with D2L, supported technologies, and course design. OTS is also available 6 a.m. to midnight for other technology questions.

Star Bundle & Publisher Trainings:

These 30-minute sessions include a live demonstration of how to set up publisher courseware and/or etexts. Visit the VitalSource Training page for registration links, dates/times, and more information. 

For additional support opportunities, please refer to the VTAC Event Calendar.

D2L resources for students can be found at this link: Virtual Learning Assistance Center.


Access Microsoft Teams NOW directly from within D2L
Posted in D2L on Jan 9, 2026 5:10 PM

Microsoft Teams + D2L

Looking to strengthen communication and teamwork in your courses? The Microsoft Teams Course Connector Widget offers a seamless way to integrate your D2L course with Microsoft Teams, instantly creating a hub for you and your students to communicate and collaborate.

Once created, the widget acts as a link to the Team, giving you and your students one-click access to chat, file sharing, and more. The connector also syncs enrollment automatically each day, ensuring your Team always reflects your current D2L classlist without any extra work.

If you’re interested in using Microsoft Teams to enhance interaction in your course, check out the Microsoft Teams VTAC article for more information.

Using the widget, instructors can generate a Microsoft Team for their course with the press of a button. Simply click “Create Course Team” in the widget and it will create a Team based on your course and automatically enroll your students in the Team.


StarBundle (VitalSource) & Publisher Trainings
Posted in D2L on Jan 8, 2026 12:00 PM

Prepare for a smooth Spring 2026 semester with training sessions hosted by VitalSource and their publisher partners. Each 30-minute session includes a live demonstration of how to set up publisher courseware and/or etexts, along with clear guidance on the student access experience.

These sessions are designed to support Lone Star College instructors using D2L with publisher courseware and VitalSource etexts.

Publishers include...

  • Cengage
  • Macmillan
  • McGraw Hill
  • Norton
  • Pearson
  • Top Hat
  • Wolters Kluwer

Visit the VitalSource Training page for registration links, dates/times, and more information.

Be sure to check out the VTAC Event Calendar for additional trainings by LSC faculty, staff, and other supported vendors.


January Trainings
Posted in D2L on Jan 1, 2026 12:01 AM (Edited)

There is a variety of training sessions happening this month. Here are just a few:

Be sure to check out the VTAC Event Calendar and Star Bundle & Publisher Trainings for more, as there are too many to list here. They include trainings by LSC faculty and staff, as well as the vendors themselves.


Previous announcements have been archived on other pages:

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