Austin Community College is an institution committed to helping all students achieve their educational and career goals. This section of the catalog highlights programs and services available to increase student success.
Advising and Counseling
www.austincc.edu/support/advising
Once a student is admitted to ACC advisors and counselors work to provide students with accurate, up-to-date academic information from ACC’s instructional departments. They also assist students in developing an educational plan that includes:
- Career goals
- A degree plan
- Course planning, to include developmental education course requirements
- Transfer planning
- Support services
Advisors advise students who:
- Are academically underprepared for college level courses
- Have a declared major
- Are in good academic standing
Counselors advise students who:
- Are academically underprepared for college level courses
- Have not declared a major
- Are not in good academic standing
- Have not met Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to receive financial aid
Counselors work with faculty members to provide diagnostic testing to assess student learning problems and to offer workshops on preparing for a test, dealing with test anxiety, and improving test taking skills. They will provide short-term intervention, crisis counseling for students with issues that affect their academic performance, academic progress or achievement of their post-secondary education and career development goals. Counselors will refer students needing long-term assistance to outside providers.
Education Plan
Advisors and Counselors assist each new student in completing an Education Plan, which includes educational goals, transfer intent, course placement information, review of the chosen degree plan, and course selection for at least the first semester. Through on-line services, a student may print the Education Plan for future reference.
Faculty Advising for Majors
Faculty members assist students who have completed the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) and who have a declared major in the faculty member’s academic discipline. (Students who are General Studies majors will be advised by student services counselors and advisors.) ACC recommends that students see a faculty member in their major at least twice while attending ACC. The first time should occur before students enroll in their second semester at ACC (if the student has completed TSI). Students should also see a faculty member in their major for an advising session when the student has completed 75 percent of credit hours for his or her transfer plan, ACC credit certificate, or ACC degree. Academic advising by faculty members includes assisting students with:
- Information about career possibilities
- Preparing an educational plan that is consistent with students’ career and life goals
- Selection and sequencing of courses at ACC
- Understanding and navigating the program and institutional requirements at ACC
- Referrals to ACC resources that will help students achieve success in academics and their chosen career
Assessment and Testing Centers
Assessment Center
www.austincc.edu/support/assessment
The Assessment Center provides course placement assessment for new students as described in the Assessment and Testing section of the catalog.
Business Assessment Center
The Business Assessment Center (phone 223.7769) provides professional licensure and certification exams and other high-stakes testing. These include Castle Worldwide, DSST, IELTS, BABCEP, GED, ACT, Pearson VUE, Workkeys, CLEP, TOEFL, and TExES exams. The Business Assessment Center also provides proctor services to students from other colleges and universities. For a complete list of exams and services, see the Continuing Education section in this catalog or visit austincc.edu/bact.
Testing Center
The Testing Center is used by ACC students taking classroom exams. Testing Centers are located at all campuses and at the Fredericksburg and San Marcos centers. Students should check with their instructors on the availability of tests at the various locations.
Bookstore
The ACC Bookstore offers an extensive selection of new and used textbooks in addition to school supplies and convenience items that support student needs while attending classes. A percentage of all sales is returned to the college.
Textbooks
- Buy “Used” books and save 25%.
- “Rent” textbooks and save up to 50% of the new price.
- Digital textbooks are available at a lower price with interactive benefits.
- Alternative options (such as loose-leaf versions) will be found at your campus bookstore at a lower price when available.
On-line ordering for home delivery at www.austincc.bncollege.com.
Buyback
For the most back on your textbooks, sell them back no later than finals week of each semester.
- Year round student buyback program offering current market value.
- 50% buyback program for textbooks being used again.
Refunds
- A full refund will be given in your original form of payment if textbooks are returned with a receipt during the first week of classes. Books must be in the same condition as purchased.
- For a schedule change during the first 30 days of the 16 week session, a refund will be made with a receipt and copy of the change. Books must be in same original condition or refund will be at the used price.
Bookstore Scholarships
- The ACC Bookstore offers 12 textbook scholarships. Please visit any campus bookstore for information.
Career services
Students interested in exploring career issues and options will find helpful resources on the career website, in on-campus Career and Transfer Centers, off-campus local Workforce Solutions through: Career Centers, ACC libraries, and by meeting with an ACC counselor or ACC Workforce Solutions. Services vary by location. They include:
- Counseling to identify career goals or college majors
- Workshops on various career and job search topics such as résumé writing, job search strategies, and interview preparation
- Occupational and job market information
- WorkInTexas.com job seeker registration assistance
- Financial assistance information under the Workforce Investment Act and eligible ACC programs.
- Information on hiring events and job fairs
- Free career and self-assessment instruments such as Discover, Strong Interest Inventory, and the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory
- Information regarding ACC and local job listings (full-time and part-time employment)
- Access to job clubs (through Workforce Solutions Centers)
- Free classes to develop or enhance basic skills such as computer skills or English for speakers of other languages (at Workforce Solutions Centers only)
- Free access to computers, telephones, fax machines, and copiers for job search purposes (at Workforce Solutions Centers only)
Employers: Employers may submit job postings and requests for recruiting visits (which must be approved and scheduled in advance). Contact the Career and Transfer Center or visit the career website.
Off-campus career services: On-campus career services are available through area Workforce Solutions Centers. Visit www.wfscapitalarea.com for information, or stop by the Workforce Solutions Center locations:
- North, 6505 Airport Blvd., #101-A
- South, 4175 Freidrich Lane, #200
- East, 3401 Webberville Road, Bldg. 1000
(Eastview Campus)
Childcare at Eastview
The Children’s Laboratory School on the Eastview Campus
is a full-day and evening, year-round preschool program that also serves as a demonstration school for ACC’s Child Development Department. Child Development students observe, practice and receive feedback from degreed and experienced classroom teachers. The Children’s Lab School offers a quality program for children ages 6 months through
5 years during the day and ages 2 through 9 years in the evening. It enrolls children of ACC students, staff, and faculty, as well as children from the Greater Austin community.
The Children’s Lab School is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The program strives to provide children with a culturally enriched environment reflecting the diversity of the Austin area. For more information call 223.5200.
Childcare/Textbook Payment Assistance
www.austincc.edu/support/financialaid/center
Students who meet specific income-eligibility requirements may receive childcare and/or textbook payment assistance through the Support Center. The Support Center is primarily a grant-funded program and also offers – for eligible students – textbook checkout through ACC's Library Services, Riverside Campus Library. Assistance is limited to available funds. To learn more and for contact information, visit the website or call 223.6273.
Cultural Centers
African-American Cultural Center
The African-American Cultural Center at the Eastview Campus strives to increase understanding in the ACC and Central Texas communities of the culture, history, and contributions of African-Americans. The African-American Cultural Center offers many opportunities to students:
- A comfortable academic environment as they pursue their educational goals
- A respect for, knowledge of and appreciation for their heritage by offering history and English courses with an emphasis on the Black experience
- Opportunities for faculty members to increase their awareness of and sensitivity to the cultural dynamics of African-American students
- A variety of activities focusing on the recruitment and retention of Black students
For more information, contact Director Roland C. Hayes at 223.5166 or Associate Director Stacey Thompson Stover at 223.5165.
Latino/Latin American Studies Center
The Latino/Latin American Studies Center, or “El Centro,” provides students a portal to college services and friendly staff to make them feel welcome and appreciated.
El Centro hosts an annual Hispanic Student Reception to connect Latino students and their families with ACC’s Latino faculty, staff, and administrators. El Centro also oversees the Latino American Student Organization to provide opportunities for Latino students to share academic experiences, cultural values and ethnic identities, and to serve the college and the community.
El Centro is at the Riverside Campus, Building G, Room 9155. Call 223.6360, or email elcentro@austincc.edu.
Foster Care Champions
The college has developed a support system for ACC students who grew up in foster care to help them make a successful transition into higher education. The campus Advising Office has a “campus champion” to provide one-on-one support and create a community of scholars among former foster youth. Campus champions also work closely with former foster youth to address their specialized legal, medical, housing, and financial needs. Visit the website for details.
Field Studies
In order to provide students the unique advantages of academic, cultural, and physical resources not available in the classroom, Austin Community College offers some select courses that are taught out-of-state or out-of-country. Such courses offer students the opportunity to “experience” the subject they are studying and enhance their understanding of other peoples and places. Generally, study programs take place during the summer.
Health Services
Austin Community College is not equipped to provide health services to students. However, first aid kits are available at the Campus Police Office and in various workforce instructional areas.
ID Cards
A student needs an ACC photo ID card to use ACC services. All rights and privileges of the ID card are governed by ACC policy and procedures. Students are eligible to receive an ID card after they have registered for classes. The Admissions Office distributes ID cards. There is a replacement fee.
International Programs
Austin Community College is committed to preparing its students to become globally responsible citizens through an education that emphasizes cultural diversity and global interdependence. The International Programs office ensures an international dimension in ACC’s teaching, scholarship, and community service by:
- Supporting faculty-led study abroad programs;
- Collaborating with instructional areas; and
- Partnering with the region’s international community
Activities include providing global education, perspectives, and cultural experiences; creating and maintaining agreements with partner institutions in other countries; hosting international delegations and visitors; recruiting international students; serving as an advocate for faculty and students with international interests; promoting international research and curriculum development; and communicating and promoting ACC international activities both within the college and to external constituencies.
Study Abroad
The International Programs office recognizes that combining study and travel is an important alternative learning experience for students. Study abroad expands students’ horizons and broadens their awareness of the world. It’s an exciting way to encounter another culture, further foreign language skills, and/or take classes and earn credit toward a college degree. For information call (512) 223.7114 or (512) 223.7688.
Learning Lab
The Learning Lab offers free tutoring to all ACC students by qualified instructors and tutors. Available at each campus, the Learning Lab is open weekdays and weekends; hours vary by location. The lab offers:
- Individual instruction in an open-access lab
- Traditional and/or computerized one-on-one and small group instruction
- Skills review workshops/materials
- Self-paced independent study
- Supplemental instruction
- Tutorial software
Orientation (TOP)
All ACC students who are new to college with 0 credit hours are required to complete orientation prior to attending their first day of class. Coordinated by Student Life, The Orientation Program (TOP) offers students an opportunity to get acquainted with other students, faculty, staff and support services. TOP is offered in person at various times, on every campus, and online.
Reserve Officer Training Corps (AROTC - Army)
Students planning to transfer to a four-year university for a bachelor’s degree may earn a commission in the Army by participating in the Army Reserve Office. Training Corps (ROTC) four-year program. Army ROTC is comprised of two phases. the Basic Course and the Advanced Course. The Basic Course is conducted during the first two years of college as elective credit. It requires enrollment in one elective class and one lab each semester. You can take Army ROTC Basic Course classes without a military commitment. Through a cooperative agreement between ACC and The University of Texas at Austin, ACC students may earn ROTC credits applicable to the four-year program.
The Advanced Course takes place during the last two years of college as elective credit. It involves enrollment in one elective class, one lab each semester and summer attendance at the Leader Development and Assessment Course. Entering the Advanced Course requires enrollment in a four-year degree granting institution and a commitment to serve as an officer in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve or National Guard. Upon completion of the Army ROTC program, graduates will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army and will embark on specialized training in their Army branch.
Students may register at ACC for the Army ROTC Basic Course classes only. All course instruction is conducted on the University of Texas at Austin campus. Army ROTC also offers two-, three-, and four-year college scholarships to qualified high schools seniors and current college students.
Students interested in the Army ROTC program should contact the Army ROTC office at The University of Texas at Austin at 471.5919 o. www.utexas.edu/depts/arotc.
Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC – Air Force)
Students planning to transfer to a four-year university for a bachelor’s degree may earn a commission in the Air Force by participating in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) four-year program. AFROTC units are hosted by The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at San Antonio, The University of Texas at El Paso, Baylor University, Texas Christian University, Angelo State University, Southwest Texas State University, North Texas State University, Texas A&M University, East Texas State University, and Texas Technological University. Both scholarship and non-scholarship options are offered. In addition, AFROTC offers a two-year program for juniors and seniors, and several special one-year programs for nurses and lawyers.
Students interested in the two-year program should contact the AFROTC unit, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712 (471.1776), during the first semester of their sophomore year. All AFROTC students attend AFROTC courses on the senior university campus. Graduates are commissioned as Air Force Second Lieutenants and go on to become pilots, navigators, missile officers, engineers, and staff officers in a multitude of career fields.
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association serves as the voice of the student body. SGA functions as a crucial link between students and the college administration.
Student Life
The Office of Student Life provides quality services, programs, activities, and opportunities for student growth and enrichment outside the classroom. Upcoming event information as well as information and applications for each program can be found online at the Student Life website.
Campus Life
Includes annual, events, activities, and student recognition to promote student engagement.
The Campus Activity Funding Board is run by students, and distributes funding for clubs, groups, and individual students to enhance their college experience.
Campus Governance
Enables collaboration between students and ACC administration through Student Government Association and shared governance committees.
Clubs and Organizations
Opportunities to join a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social clubs on campus, or start your own.
Diversity
Promotes awareness and appreciation of self and others through various programming.
First Year Experience
Shows students how to successfully navigate campus resources and encourages participation in college life.
Intramural Sports and Recreation
Offers sports and other recreational activities to develop leaders and encourage good sportsmanship.
Leadership Development
Provides training and development for student leaders through workshops, conferences, and other events.
Service
Fosters civic engagement and social responsibility through experiential learning.
Student Media
Includes Accent newspaper, Life4U magazine, Student Life media and marketing.
Students with Disabilities
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students who need accommodations must apply for services with the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) at the primary campus they expect to attend. After applying, students should meet with the OSD Coordinator at each campus they attend in order to discuss accommodation needs. Sample accommodations include, but are not limited to, priority registration, interpreters, note takers, and testing with accommodations. Students who need accommodations are urged to request accommodations through OSD at least three weeks before the start of the semester so that the accommodations can be in place for the first day of classes. ACC partners with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and other community service organizations to provide support services to students with disabilities. To learn more and for contact information, visit the website listed above.
Transfer Academy
The ACC Transfer Academy offers practical information and guidance to students who intend to transfer. Participants attend three advisory sessions which include a session on transfer essentials, an interactive panel with university representatives, and a tour of several local universities. Students may also sign-up for a one-on-one advising session with a four-year university representative on an ACC campus. To join the ACC Transfer Academy, please visit your counselor or advisor or you may register online.
Workforce Solutions Connection
ACC advisors are housed at two Workforce Solutions Centers, one in North Austin and one in South Austin. These advisors work with advisors and counselors on ACC campuses to assure that Capitol Area Workforce Development Board clients can access and benefit from the services available at the college.
WorkKeys Service Center and Business Assessment Center
The WorkKeys Service Center provides job and occupational profiling to determine the skills needed for successful employment, and assessment of individuals’ skill levels to help in determining the education and training they need to meet these standards. The Business Assessment Center provides additional career and placement assessment services to individuals as well as testing and assessment for business, industry, and individuals.