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STAR Center Guidelines

Student Tutoring And Research (STAR) Center Spaces

The Student Tutoring And Research (STAR) Center provides academic support services to the LSC-Montgomery campus and includes all of the Library and Tutoring Services spaces, including: 

The STAR Center, 1st Floor, Building F

STAR Center, 1st Floor, Building F

The Math Homework Lab (F234)

Math Homework Lab (F234)

The HUB (F112)

The HUB (F102 & F112)

The Science Homework Lab (B113)

Science Homework Lab (B113)

The Write Place (G104 & G105)

The Write Place (G104 & G105)

STAR Center Guidelines

The following guidelines apply in all STAR Center spaces.

  • Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed in the STAR Center.
  • Service animals are welcome; however, must remain under the control of the owner at all times. The animal must be harnessed or leashed unless the harness/leash interferes with the task the animal is trained to perform. If the animal is disruptive, aggressive, or creates a distraction, the owner will be asked to remove the animal from the premises until s/he is able to maintain control of the animal. Multiple complaints may result in the animal being banned until the owner can provide proof that the animal has been properly trained.
  • Cell phone use in the STAR Center is allowed as long as it is not disturbing other patrons. Talking is not allowed in the Quiet Study Area.
  • Patrons engaging in long and/or loud conversations in open study areas will be asked to relocate to the patio or Building F lobby. 
  • Generally, STAR Center staff will allow patrons to complete a conversation as the patron is walking into the STAR Center, answer and complete a short call received while already seated, or engage in a longer conversation if it is not disturbing other patrons.
  • Patrons texting with the sound engaged on their phones will be asked to turn their phones to silent or vibrate if the “pings” are disturbing other patrons.
  • LSC Board policy (II.D.1.05) prohibits the conducting of business or commercial activities on LSC property, including the sale of products or services, such as private tutoring services. Please refer to the board policy for a complete list of exceptions.
  • The setup of collection bins to collect items for charity is only allowed by Lone Star College affiliated organizations and clubs. 
  • Collection efforts are limited to one organization at a time and for a period of not more than one month.
  • Donation collection bins must be approved by STAR Center staff prior to setup and must be:
    • clearly marked with collecting organization's name, contact information, and the duration of the collection period (start and end date);
    • set up in the designated collection area; and
    • emptied regularly.
  • Food and covered drinks are allowed in the STAR Center as long as they are consumed discreetly and do not disturb other patrons.
  • Patrons eating noisy, messy, or fragrant foods will be asked to leave the STAR Center until the food is consumed. 
  • ALL drinks must be covered.
  • Individuals working in groups of two or more will be asked to relocate to a study room or to the tutoring area if they are disturbing others and space is available.
  • If a group is asked to relocate, the STAR Center staff member will assist the group in locating an appropriate space.
  • Groups can check out a laptop for use in the study rooms if needed.
  • Talking is not allowed in the Quiet Study Areas.
  • Groups have priority; single patrons may be asked to relocate.
  • Items left unattended in study rooms for 10 minutes or more will be removed from the room and placed at the circulation desk.
  • Please dispose of your trash and erase the board if you used it.
  • Please return any materials borrowed to the circulation desk i.e. markers and erasers.
  • Minors aged 15 and under on College premises must be supervised by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized responsible adult unless the Board has approved a variance to this requirement. Unaccompanied Minors aged 15 and under will be reported to College police and an officer will attempt to locate the minor’s parent/guardian to accompany or remove the child. Please refer to the board policy for information on variances. LSC Board policy (II.D.2.01)
  • Smoking and other use of tobacco products is prohibited on the campus proper. Smoking or vaping is restricted to the student parking lots. LSC Board Policy (IV.F.8.4.)
  • To maintain a learning-focused environment, non-departmental solicitations and advertisements are not allowed in STAR Center spaces, including but not limited to student organization or community events or job postings.
  • Student ID cards are issued to students currently enrolled in credit, continuing education, and dual credit courses. All students must provide the following:
    • Government-Issued Photo ID,
    • Student ID Number, and
      • Student ID numbers can be found in the upper right-hand section of the student's MyLoneStar homepage.
    • Proof of Current Registration.
      • Class schedules can be shown in print or via a digital device, such as a phone or tablet.
  • The LSC Library barcode is included on the back of the Student ID card and provides access to the library's print and electronic resources.
  • Replacement Student IDs are available for $10.
    • All students seeking a replacement Student ID must provide the following:
      • A Government-Issued Photo ID,
      • Student ID Number,
      • Proof of Current Registration, and
      • Receipt for Replacement Student ID Fee from the Business Office.
  • Scheduling
    • Tutoring sessions are limited to 30 minutes. 
    • Students may not schedule more than three back-to-back appointments to create more than 90 total minutes of continuous tutoring time for the same subject.
  • Attendance / Late Arrival / No-shows / Cancellation 
    • Students are expected to arrive on time.
    • Late Arrivals: If a student arrives late to a session, the session will end at the scheduled time. The session will not be extended to account for the late arrival. If a student arrives 10 minutes or more after the scheduled start time, the appointment will be canceled, and must be rescheduled by the student.
    • No-Shows: Failing to log in to an appointment will be recorded as a “no-show”. Students who receive more than two “no-shows” will not be able to schedule a session until they communicate with staff.
    • Cancellation: Sessions must be canceled at least 2 hours prior to the session start time. Failure to cancel an appointment 2 hours prior to the appointment will result in a “no-show”.
  • Session Expectations
    • Think about what you want to accomplish during your visit and let the tutor know.  
    • Have copies of any relevant materials (syllabi, assignment sheets, papers, textbooks, etc.) accessible for the session.
    • Give yourself enough time to complete the assignment. If your assignment is due the same day as your tutoring session, we may only be able to provide limited help.
    • All student-tutor interactions must remain professional and respectful. 
    • For online tutoring sessions, students must have their audio and/or video functions operating and be in a distraction-free environment that is professional and conducive to learning. 
  • Academic Integrity: Students may not seek tutoring help for any assignment for which the instructor has forbidden assistance. The LSC-Montgomery Tutors or administrative staff must receive written permission from instructors to allow tutors to assist on any assignment labeled “exam,” “test,” “quiz,” or “take-home”. Any student found in violation of this policy will be reported for investigation and disciplinary action under the College’s Academic Misconduct Policy. You can find more information on these policies:  https://www.lonestar.edu/instructional-resources.htm
  • The use of speakers on electronic devices is NOT allowed in the open study areas. 
  • Patrons listening to sound/video recordings on a computer or personal device will be directed to check-out earphones at the circulation desk or move to a study room if one is available.
  • Earphone sound should be kept at a reasonable level to avoid disturbing other patrons. Patrons with significant amounts of sound “leaking” from earphones will be asked to reduce the volume.
  • Patrons can listen to sound on device speakers in the study rooms as long as the sound does not disturb others outside of the study room.