Introduction |
ACC 101 will guide you through the Austin Community College (ACC) admission and registration process so that you are prepared to have a successful advising session and can register for courses.
Once you have completed this tutorial, you will be able to:
This checklist will be used to help you build an advising folder by listing all the items you need to complete, provide or submit for admission to ACC.
As you proceed through ACC 101, you will be asked a series of questions about your application. Your answers to these questions should be recorded on an Advising Checklist. Print the checklist now, fill it out as you go through this tutorial, and bring it to your advising appointment.
You will need to bring your Advising Checklist and any additional materials required for your advising folder to your advising session.
It is helpful to know the subject areas or majors you are interested in pursuing at ACC as you go through this tutorial. If you are not sure what is available, think about topics that interest you or your career plans. This information will help your advisor provide the appropriate guidance in selecting courses and programs of study.
Review all of the material and answer all questions carefully.
Steps in the process:
Check the glossary for definitions of terms that are new to you.
With these resources, you can:
Create an Advising Folder to take to an advisor who will help you register!
1. Admission |
The first step in the process is applying for admission. All new students to Austin Community College must submit all three of the following:
If you have not completed and submitted the residency form, you will not be able to register for ACC courses. This is the most common cause for registration delay.
You can complete and submit an ACC application in one of two ways - online or manually.
ACC Online
Application URL
https://www3.austincc.edu/IT/student%5
Fapp/www/studentinfo_begin.php
The online application is accessed, completed and submitted through the ACC website.
If you do not have access to a computer or the Internet, or you prefer to fill out the application by hand, you may pick up a paper application at any campus Admissions and Records Office except the Highland Business Center (HBC).
A residency form is included at the end of the paper application which must be returned to any ACC campus Admission Office or ACC center with your photo ID. The online form has a link to the residency form that can be printed at the end of the online application. A paper copy of this form must be submitted in one of the following ways:
Option 1 - Deliver to any ACC Admissions Office
The Office of Admissions & Records can be reached at admission@austincc.edu
Cypress - Rm 1103; phone: 223-2022
Eastview - Bldg 2000/Rm 2113; phone: 223-5150
Northridge - Bldg 1000/Rm 1136; phone: 223-4730
Pinnacle - Room 113; phone: 223-8120
Rio Grande - Annex Bldg/Rm 152; phone: 223-3030
Riverside - Bldg G/Rm 8105; phone: 223-6020
South Austin - Rm 1104; phone: 223-9150
Option 2 - Fax to ACC Admissions Office at (512) 223-7175.
Option 3 - Mail the form to:
Admissions and Records Office
PO Box 15306
Austin, Texas 78761-5306
These questions will help you complete the ACC 101 Advising Checklist:
Have you already submitted an application?
If not, how will you complete it - online or on paper?
Have you already submitted your residency forms?
If not, how will you submit the residency form? Deliver it to an ACC campus? Send it by mail along with a copy of your photo ID? Fax it to ACC along with a copy of your photo ID?
To complete the application process, you will need to collect and submit appropriate documents to the Admissions and Records Office.
Some students follow a different process or need additional information before going through the admissions and registration process.
| Veterans | |
If you are a Veteran or currently serving in the military, you may be exempt from assessment. You should contact the Veterans Affairs Office for details about admission and special requirements. You will also need a copy of your DD214 or active duty orders. Veterans Affairs Office Veterans Affairs Office
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| Early College Start | |
If you are an ECS student, make sure you bring the following items to the advising session with your high school counselor or ACC advisor.
Some things that are critical to your success…
If you withdraw and miss the deadline you may receive a grade of F. |
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| International Students | |
If you are an International Student, you will need to contact the International Student Office. International Student Office
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| Tech-Prep | |
If you are a Tech-Prep student, you should submit CATEMA Information on the CATEMA website or contact your school counselor to request a Credit in Escrow form. CATEMA Website: The Credit in Escrow form should be faxed or mailed. CATEMA information will automatically be submitted to the Capital Area College Tech-Prep Consortium. Capital Area College Tech-Prep Consortium For more information, contact the Tech-Prep Office at (512) 223-7825.
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If this is your first time attending college, you will need to request an official copy of either your high school transcript or GED certificate. You need an unofficial copy of the appropriate one in your advising folder.
If you have previously attended college, you will need an official copy of transcripts from each college that you have attended. You need an unofficial copy of each transcript in your advising folder. You do not need to submit a high school transcript or GED proof of completion.
The official copy of these documents should be sent or delivered to any ACC Admissions and Records Office. If you deliver your transcript to admissions and records, they will make you an unofficial copy for you to place in your advising folder.
What is your status? Are you a first-time college student? Or, have you previously attended college?
If you are a first-time college student:
Have you completed high school or the GED?
If you've previously attended college, have you requested an official copy of your college transcript(s) be sent to ACC's Admissions and Records Office? Do you have copies of your college transcript(s) in your advising folder?
2. Assessment |
The second step is to determine your testing status.The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requires that you are assessed in college level reading, writing and math skills to evaluate your readiness for college-level course work.
On your checklist, note which of the following assessment tests you have taken:
For the test(s) you have taken, have you requested that the scores be sent to ACC?
For the test(s) you have taken, do you have a copy(ies) of your assessment scores in your advising folder?
You will need to verify your TSI status in person with the Student Services Office at one of the ACC campuses. To determine your TSI status, the Student Services Office needs to review your existing assessment scores, transcripts, and other pertinent documents you have placed in your advising folder.
Early College Start students should check with their high school counselor to verify TSI status.
Student Services Office
http://www.austincc.edu/rss/index.htm
There are four different TSI categories: Waived, Exempt, Complete, Not Complete. Review these categories below to determine which one applies to you.
| TSI "Waived" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Your TSI requirements are waived if you are seeking a Level 1 certificate consisting of 15 to 42 credit hours. This means you are TSI "Waived”. The advisor may recommend additional assessment to determine if you have the necessary prerequisite skills for the required coursework. For a list of the Level 1 Certificate Programs, click here. You must declare the certificate program on your application in order to get the exemption. |
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| TSI "Exempt" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
You are considered exempt from taking assessment tests or TSI "Exempt” if you meet one or more of the following criteria.
What are the minimum scores?
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| TSI "Complete" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
You are considered TSI "Complete" if you meet either of the following criteria.
What are the Core Curriculum courses? What are the minimum scores?
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| TSI "Not Complete" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
If none of the previous TSI categories applied to you, you are considered TSI “Not Complete.” You will need to take a state-mandated reading, writing and/or math assessment. Typical assessment tests include the COMPASS,THEA, ASSET, ACCUPLACER or MAPS. |
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Follow these steps to take the required assessment tests:
How do I contact the Student Services Office?
How much will it cost to take the test to meet my TSI requirements?
It will cost you $29.00, regardless of whether you are taking a full or partial COMPASS, ASSET, or the official THEA test. The Quick THEA costs $39.00; and the cost for the CAT THEA is $89.00.
For more information visit the website: http://www.austincc.edu/assess/faqs/testfees.htm
How do I contact the assessment center?
Website: http://www.austincc.edu/assess/schedule.htm
Locations and phone numbers:
Cypress Creek - 1555 Cypress, Cedar Park, TX; Phone 223-2010
Eastview - 3401 Webberville Rd.,Austin, TX; Phone 223-5188
Northridge - 11928 Stonehollow Dr., Austin, TX; Phone 223-4807
Pinnacle - 7749 Hwy. 290 W., Austin, TX; Phone 223-8189
Rio Grande - 1212 Rio Grande, Austin, TX; Phone 223-3139
Riverside - 1020 Grove Blvd., Austin, TX; Phone 223-6015
South Austin - 1820 W. Stassney Lane, Austin, TX; Phone 223-9162
ACC Assessment Centers work very closely with the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) to provide the necessary accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Contact the OSD office prior to scheduling your test to discuss your needs and responsibilities.
We recommend that you bring a copy of your test scores in your advising folder.
If after taking these tests, your scores still do not meet the minimum requirements for TSI, you may still register for ACC courses. However, you must be continually enrolled in at least one developmental course as long as
your status is TSI “Not Complete.”
If for any reason you drop or withdraw from your developmental course, you will be automatically withdrawn from all of your courses.
3. Advising |
The third step is to meet with an ACC academic advisor. Your advisor will help you determine which programs and courses are right for you. Once you are admitted to ACC, advisors collaborate with counselors and faculty to provide you with accurate, up-to-date advising information.
Academic advisors help students complete the application process, review state-mandated required testing, understand ACC's placement policies and evaluate assessment results.
Proper educational planning increases the chances that you will succeed at ACC. You should consult a Student Services advisor or counselor about educational goals.
A student whose goal is to transfer to another college should contact that institution as soon as possible to obtain information about transfer requirements, educational programs and course prerequisites.
Individual academic advising is available on a first-come, first-served basis – no appointment is necessary. You can go to any campus advising office for your advising session.
Where are the ACC advising office locations?
Campus maps: http://www.austincc.edu/campuses/
At peak periods in the semester, there may be a significant wait time.
If you have a special circumstance and are not able to attend your advising session in person, contact an advising office to make alternate arrangements.
How can I contact an Advisor?
If you are an Early College Start student please check with a counselor to see if advising is offered at your high school.
When you go to your academic advising session, you will need to bring your advising folder and the advising checklist you are filling out using this tutorial.
You should make sure that all the necessary items are in your advising folder.
It will be helpful for your advisor to know the reason you are interested in attending ACC so he or she can better meet your needs. On your checklist, note the option(s) below that best describe your intentions:
4. Registering |
The fourth step in the process is to register for courses at ACC. An advisor will assist in developing your schedule.
Following is an overview of information you will need to know to register successfully.
| What is in the Course Schedule? | |||||||||||||||||
Each semester, ACC publishes a Course Schedule. The ACC Course Schedule contains vital information about the courses being offered during a given semester. In the schedule, you will find a list of courses grouped by subject area, where and when classes are offered and much more. Being able to find information in the course schedule will make the registration process much easier for you. |
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| Why is the Course Schedule important? | |||||||||||||||||
You may view the Course Schedule on the ACC website or obtain a free copy of the Course Schedule at any ACC campus. The Course Schedule lists many important dates: your time to register for courses, payment deadlines, holidays, course withdrawal deadlines and semester beginning/ending dates. You should review a Course Schedule and make sure you know how to find relevant information before you meet with your advisor. Course Schedule URL: www3.austincc.edu/schedule/ |
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| What is a credit hour? | |||||||||||||||||
Each course is assigned a number of credit hours identified by the second digit of the course number. Examples: ACCT 2301 Principles of Financial Accounting is worth three (3) credit hours ACTN 1404 Introduction to Accounting II includes a lab and is worth four (4) credit hours ENG 2673 Writing Practice / Internship is worth six (6) credit hours FREN 1511 French I is worth five (5) credit hours
Keep in mind that this does not include the additional time outside of class required for homework and other assignments. |
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| How long is a semester? | |||||||||||||||||
The usual semester is 16 weeks. However, some classes are offered for 8 weeks and 12 weeks. In the summer, classes last 5-1/2 weeks, 9 weeks or 11 weeks. The shorter the semester, the more time you spend in class each week. For Example: If you were to take an English course worth three credit hours, your total hours committed would vary based on the length of the semester.
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| How many courses should I take? | |||||||||||||||||
Most students find they need to spend three hours on homework and assignments outside of class for each credit hour they take. For example, a typical semester-long, three-credit hour class would require a commitment of approximately 12 hours per week. A full-time student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester would need to commit approximately 48 hours to his/her studies per week. Distance learning classes require the same time commitments. They may even take more time depending on your familiarity with the delivery method. |
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| What are the different types of classes? | |||||||||||||||||
ACC offers traditional on-campus classes as well as courses with alternative delivery formats such as online or Web-based, hybrid courses with both online and classroom components, interactive video courses and others. You can discuss which type of courses best meets your scheduling and learning needs with your advisor. The classes offered in alternate formats are called Distance Learning courses.While traditional on-campus classes require students to be in a classroom during scheduled times, Distance Learning courses provide more flexibility, allowing you to balance your life schedule more successfully with your class schedule. Distance Learning Delivery Methods Instructional Television (ITV) – These courses use recorded video programs in addition to textbooks and other course materials. Students view ITV programs at home on cable television, in ACC libraries, in some ACC regional centers, or by renting tapes from a distributor for the semester. For more information about Distance Learning and if these courses are right for you, take a look at the Distance Learning “Passport to Success” workshop available online at |
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| How do I select courses? | |||||||||||||||||
An advisor will help you select appropriate courses during your individual advising session. college catalog URL The college catalog provides information about course selection and lists all of the required courses for each major and program. The college catalog also lists the core-curriculum for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution. You may view the catalog on the ACC website or purchase a copy at any ACC Bookstore for $2.00. Free copies of the catalog are available when you attend The Orientation Program (TOP). |
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| How do I register? | |||||||||||||||||
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The registration worksheet found on the ACC website and in the Course Schedule is a step-by-step guide to registering online or by phone. Registration Worksheet URL At the end of the registration process, you will be asked if you want to purchase a parking permit. Everyone who parks in an ACC parking lot must have a parking permit. The cost for parking permits is $10 per academic year and the permit is valid at all ACC locations. |
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The last thing you must do to complete the registration process is pay your tuition.
Tuition Payment Deadlines URL
www.austincc.edu/howtoreg/paying.htm
Students who register for classes and do not pay the tuition by the stated deadline are dropped from the classes, so make sure you are aware of your payment deadlines.
5. Orientation |
The fifth and final step in the process is attending The Orientation Program (TOP).
New students transferring to ACC with fewer than 12 semester credit hours are required to complete an orientation.
Austin Community College is dedicated to your success, whether you're coming straight from high school or returning after some time out of the education environment. A special orientation is available for International Students.
To get more information about dates, times, locations and other details go to www.austincc.edu/support/advising/orientation.php
Congratulations! |
You have just completed ACC 101 and are now prepared to go through the admissions and registration process at Austin Community College.
If you haven't done so, please print this advising checklist, fill it out, and put it in your advising folder along with all the other required materials.
A Resource Document containing a summary of important names, numbers, locations, etc., compiled during this tutorial can also be printed for future reference.
Be sure to bring your advising folder and your advising checklist to your advising session.
| ACC 101 Advising Checklist | ACC 101 Resource Document | ACC 101 Glossary |