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
Academic advisors and counselors assist new college credit students to complete the application process, review state-mandated Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements, understand ACC’s placement policies, and evaluate assessment results. Once a student is admitted to ACC, they work to provide students with accurate, up-to-date academic information from ACC’s instructional departments. Advisors assist each student in selecting courses for their first semester and in developing an educational plan, including transferring to another college or university.
Counselors also assist students in defining educational and career goals, learning to benefit from instruction, and dealing with life challenges that may reduce their chances of succeeding at ACC. Counseling services include:
- Career counseling and planning
- Educational planning and advising
- Targeting support services for underprepared students
- Working with students whose learning is at-risk
- Crisis counseling
- Helping students transfer to another college or university
- Helping students transition into the community and/or workforce
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 entry-level testing for new students as described in the Assessment and Testing section of the catalog. When appropriate, counselors work with faculty members in providing 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.
Business Assessment Center
The Business Assessment Center (phone 223.7769) provides professional licensure and certification exams and other high-stakes testing. These include GED, ACT, Person 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 listing of exams and services, see the Continuing Education section in this catalog or visit www.austincc.edu/bact.
Testing Center
The Testing Center is used by ACC students taking classroom exams. Testing Centers are located at all campuses, the Round Rock Higher Education Center, and 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 as well as year-round buyback service. Please note:
- Buying used books can reduce students’ cost by 25 percent. Buy early because quantities are limited.
- Students who drop a class should return the textbook as soon as possible. The bookstore gives full refunds on book returns through the first week of classes if students can present the original receipt and the book is in its original purchase condition.
- For home delivery, order online at whywaitforbooks.com.
- Digital textbooks have the same content as the printed version, but cost less. Check the bookstore website for available titles.
- The ACC Bookstore buys back textbooks every day, no matter where they were purchased. Bring books and student ID to any location. The best time to sell unwanted textbooks is finals week.
- A percentage of all sales funds over 12 student scholarships a year.
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 WorkSource Career Centers, ACC library, and by meeting with an ACC counselor or ACC WorkSource advisor. 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 which ACC programs are eligible
- Student-employer interviews
- 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 WorkSource Centers)
- Free classes to develop or enhance basic skills such as computer skills or English for speakers of other languages (at WorkSource Centers only)
- Free access to computers, telephones, fax machines,
and copiers for job search purposes (at WorkSource 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: Off-campus career services are available through area WorkSource Centers. Visit www.worksourceaustin.com/contactus for information, or stop by the WorkSource 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. Assistance is limited to available funds.
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 African-American 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 African-American 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
New students who have earned fewer than 12 semester credit hours are required to attend orientation to learn about campus resources and activities available to support their academic success and personal and career development. Students are expected to complete the orientation during their first semester at ACC.
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 Officer 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 or 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.
Safety and Security
ACC Campus Police Department
The ACC Police Department (ACC PD) has more than 50 commissioned police officers and 10 support staff members. It operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with officers on patrol at all times. In addition, ACC PD maintains a 24-hour emergency dispatch system to monitor fire and intrusion alarms and to dispatch officers to calls for service.
ACC PD responds to emergencies, investigates reported crimes and traffic accidents, provides safety escorts, enforces parking regulations, provides vehicle hang-tags, manages after-hours access, and assists motorists. ACC PD also provides security awareness and crime prevention seminars and workshops on request.
Police personnel are in direct radio communication with all local area emergency response groups. Students needing assistance should approach any police department personnel and make their request. If officers cannot help, they will be able to contact someone who can.
To report suspicious activity or an emergency, contact ACC PD by calling 222 from any campus phone or 223.7999 from any outside line or cell phone.
Alcohol
Possession, sale or use of alcoholic beverages on ACC premises is prohibited by policy.
Drug Free Campuses
ACC policy and state law prohibits the possession or use of illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia on any of its premises.
Registered Sex Offenders
Sex offenders must register with the ACC Police Department as required by law or court order. Information concerning ACC students or employees who are convicted sex offenders and who have registered this fact with ACC can be found at www.austincc.edu/police.
Weapons
State law and ACC policy prohibit the possession of weapons as defined in Article 46.03 of the Texas Penal Code and prohibited weapons as defined in Article 46.05(a) of the code on ACC premises. A weapon may be used as a teaching aid if prior approval has been obtained from the Campus Manager’s Office and the campus police are notified.
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 Activities
Includes Campus Activity Funding Board (CAB), annual events, activities, volunteering, and student recognition. Check the SL website for upcoming events.
Campus Governance
Students work with ACC administration through Student Government Association and shared governance committees. Select leadership positions receive a stipend every semester.
Clubs and Organizations
Join a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social clubs on campus, or start your own.
Diversity Outreach
Promotes awareness and appreciation of self and others through programs, conferences, film series, and much more.
Intramural Sports and Recreation
Provides students with sports and other recreational activities that develop leaders and encourage good sportsmanship.
Leadership
Develops the next generation of student leaders through a structured track of workshops, conferences, and other events.
Orientation
Interactive program designed to show new ACC students how to navigate ACC resources and college life.
Student Media
Includes Accent newspaper, Life4U magazine, Student Life media and marketing
Student Newspaper–Accent
Accent is the award-winning student newspaper for Austin Community College District. The newspaper’s goal is to provide an ethical, socially responsible, independent student press while providing opportunities for students to learn and gain practical experience in journalism, photography, desktop publishing, electronic media, and related areas.
Students with Disabilities
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities should apply for services with the Office for Students with Disabilities at the primary campus they expect to attend. Each semester students need to meet with the OSD coordinator at all campuses they are attending in order to discuss accommodation needs. Sample accommodations include, but are not limited to, interpreters, note takers, registration assistance, and testing with accommodations. Students with disabilities are urged to apply for accommodations well ahead of, but no less than three weeks before, the start of a term for the accommodations to be prepared for the first day of classes. ACC works with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and community service organizations to provide support services to students.
Transfer services
www.austincc.edu/support/advising/transfer
Students may access information on how to successfully transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Students who intend to transfer should contact an ACC advisor or counselor during their first semester to discuss:
- Transfer information such as degree plans, transfer guides, course equivalencies
- Current information on required grade-point averages and when best to transfer
- Information regarding student essays, letters of application
- Matching career goals to ACC degree and university bachelor’s degree programs
- Assistance with other considerations such as costs, housing, and support services
You may refer to the transfer services website online to acquire information on the recommended steps for transferring to a four-year college or university.
Workforce Connection
ACC advisors are housed at two Workforce Centers, one in North Austin and one in South Austin. These advisors work with advisors and counselors on ACC campuses in assuring that Capitol Area Workforce Development Board clients enter 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.