ACC Distance Education General Information

• How do I enroll in an ACC Distance Education course?

  • The enrollment and registration process is the same for online courses as it is for on-campus courses. If you are not an ACC student, visit the ACC admissions page for information to get started on becoming an ACC student. There’s no fee to apply, and applications are accepted year-round. This will get you ready to register for courses.

    If you are already an ACC student, visit the ACC registration page for detailed instructions on how to register for courses.

• What kind of distance education courses does ACC offer?

  • The following types of distance education classes are offered at ACC:

    Online – ONL
    Instruction and testing are fully online without required class times.

    Synchronous Virtual Class Meetings Required – DLS
    Instruction is fully online with required online meetings during the specified days and times listed.

    Hybrid Distance – HYD
    Instruction is mostly online with some on-campus meetings. An ACC ID card and personal safety measures will be required when on campus.

    Hybrid Classroom - HYC
    Instruction is mostly on-campus with remaining instruction online. An ACC ID card and personal safety measures will be required when on campus.

• Are ACC distance education courses self-paced?
  • No, distance education courses are not self-paced. They start and end in the same academic term as on-campus courses, and they have due dates and deadlines for various assignments, tests, projects, etc. assigned by your instructor. All work must be completed by the end of the session in which you are registered. You may be allowed to turn in work early and finish before the end of the session, but final grades will not be posted until the end of the semester.
• When are distance education courses offered?
  • Distance education courses are offered during ACC’s fall, spring, and summer semesters, the same as on-campus courses. Refer to the Academic Calendar for session dates.
• Are distance education courses easier than face-to-face courses?

  • No, you will cover the same course topics and objectives as in the equivalent course on campus. Be prepared to spend more time reading and completing coursework.

    ACC distance education courses are every bit as academically challenging as on-campus courses, but many students discover that there are also unique challenges to online education. Common challenges that online students encounter include lack of self-motivation, inability to focus, trouble maintaining accountability, being disorganized, inability to effectively communicate, poor time management, and failure to balance your educational and personal commitments.

    Since you may not be meeting regularly with your instructor, you must be able to manage your time effectively and prioritize to meet deadlines and stay on track with your coursework. Successful online students are self-starters who understand the commitment and discipline required to thrive in an online environment. You must be an active learner who asks questions when you do not understand something. Your instructor cannot see you, so you need to “speak up” if you have problems by contacting your instructor right away; otherwise, there is no way for your instructor to know that something is wrong.

• How can I find out if distance education is for me?
  • To figure out if distance education is for you, we have two online quizzes that can help you self-assess your readiness to take an online course or start an online program. Take the “Am I ready for distance education” survey and review the "Technical Skills Checklist" to find out if you’re ready for learning online.
• What should I expect in a distance education course?

  • ACC distance education courses are interactive, web-based classes designed for students who desire flexibility in their studies. You can take courses at your convenience and study at the times and places that fit into your busy lifestyle. If work or family schedules conflict with on-campus classes, you don’t have to give up your important responsibilities to pursue your education.

    Successful online students actively participate in class on a regular basis just like in an on-campus class and avoid putting off classwork until the last minute. This includes reading assignments, taking quizzes and tests, and any other activities assigned by your professor. You will need to stay motivated and routinely log in to your classes in order to keep on top of your assignments.

    The course syllabus is your key to success. Make sure you read the course syllabus completely and refer to it regularly throughout the semester. The syllabus typically contains the following: instructor contact information and office hours, textbook and other required course materials, assignment schedules, expectations for participation, exam deadlines, and the grading policy.

• Will a distance education course require as much reading as a face-to-face course?

  • The same topics and objectives will be covered in an online course as in an equivalent face-to-face course. The amount of reading required for a specific class will vary by course and department, but you should expect that online courses will typically require more reading and independent studying than a lecture class on campus. Much of the material covered in an online course will come from your textbook or written lectures, so strong reading and critical thinking skills are very important for your success.

    Communication in a distance course occurs using tools such as email, web conferencing, discussion forums, chats, and instant messaging. You need to feel comfortable expressing yourself effectively and respectfully through writing. This involves more than just being able to put your thoughts into words; it also includes your ability to type, and a basic understanding of online etiquette.

• What technical computer skills do I need to have?

  • Distance education students will need access to a computer with a reliable internet connection to review course material, turn in assignments, and communicate with your instructor and classmates.

    Some courses may require additional software or equipment such as a webcam, headset, or microphone. Always check the syllabus for each of your courses for complete details about technical requirements.

    Students should have a basic knowledge of computer and internet skills in order to be successful in an online course. Computer literacy includes:

    • Knowledge of common terminology (examples: browser, application, software, plug-in, etc.)
    • Internet skills (examples: connect to the internet, use and update browsers, adjust browser settings)
    • Ability to send and receive emails and download attachments
    • Familiarity with other online communication tools (examples: web conferencing, discussion boards, chats, messengers)
    • Ability to use common software applications (examples: Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
    • Word-processing skills (examples: copy/paste, spell-check)
    • Ability to perform computer operations (examples: manage files and folders, open and save files in different formats)
    • Ability to conduct research online using search engines and library databases
    • Installing browser plug-ins (examples: Adobe Reader, Adobe Shockwave, Java)
    • Installing and uninstalling software
    • Awareness of Internet privacy and security issues, virus protection

    To find out if your technical skills and experience meet the needs of Distance Education courses at ACC, take the “Technical Skills Checklist” survey.

• How much time should I schedule each day/week to complete a distance education course?

  • Most students find that online courses take at least as much time, if not more, than classes on campus. You need to set aside sufficient time for study. Successful online students should expect to spend at least 2 to 3 hours each week for every credit hour of class time working on your assignments and studying. For example, if you are taking a 3-credit course, you should set aside a minimum of 6 to 9 hours per week.

    There are no minimum or maximum time requirements, so you will have to determine how much time you need to spend based on the assignments and exams listed in the syllabus. Estimate how many hours it will take you to complete the work, and then block off times on your calendar each week for doing it.

    Never wait until the last minute to complete your assignments. You may have a technical problem or other unforeseen issues that may cause you to run out of time. One of the major reasons students fail online classes is procrastination, since it is very easy to fall behind in the online environment. Make sure to set aside specific times on a regular basis to log in and to study.

    Keeping your coursework organized can be a huge factor in saving you some time throughout the week, especially if you’re taking more than one class at a time. If you have separate binders, notebooks, or folders for each class, you’ll quickly be able to find that sheet of notes you need for next week’s test or the printed article you planned to reference for your big research paper. Avoiding clutter isn’t just important when organizing your notes and hand-outs. Be sure to keep your computer desktop organized in a way that always allows you to locate the files you’ll need for each particular class.

    To support you on your path to success in college, ACC offers free online student skills workshops with advice about common topics like taking effective notes, conquering test anxiety, setting goals, and managing your time and stress.

• Will I have to write essays or make speeches/presentations in an online class?
  • Assignments and activities vary by class. Refer to your syllabus for details about assignments and other course requirements.
• Can I still go to campus to use the library, learning lab, and other ACC services?

  • Of course! Distance education students have access to all the campus-based support resources available at ACC, including the Libraries, Learning Labs, Instructional Testing Centers, Computer Labs, Student Life, Student Services and Advising.

    There are also services available specifically for online learners.

    • Online Advising
    • Library Services for Distance Education students
    • Online Tutoring
• When will my class show up in Blackboard?
  • Your course should be available in Blackboard by the Friday before the class begins. If you register after the session begins, it may take up to 24 hours to see your course in Blackboard.
• How do I access Blackboard?
  • To log on to Blackboard go to http://acconline.austincc.edu.
• How do I begin my distance education class?
  • First, read the entire syllabus for your class. The syllabus can be found with the course section description in the Course Schedule. Next, complete your DE Course Orientation following the instructions explained in the Course Schedule or course syllabus. It’s critical to complete your DE Course Orientation within the first week of class because knowing expectations and how to navigate through the course will help your chances of having a successful learning experience.
• Where do I find my DE Course Orientation information?
  • Check the Course Schedule for details on how to complete your DE Course Orientation. Typically, the DE Course Orientation is completed the first week of class.
• Will I have to buy textbooks for my distance education course?
  • Refer to your syllabus for detailed information about textbooks and other course materials you may be required to purchase. You can purchase materials from the ACC Bookstore website by clicking the “Textbooks” link to the right of the course name in the Course Schedule. Learn more about textbooks and supplies.
• How do I stay motivated to complete a distance education class?

  • Distance education courses are a convenient option for students who want to work towards completing a degree or certificate program while maintaining their busy everyday lives. Balancing school, family, work, and other obligations can be a challenge; staying motivated is key to your success. Here are a few tips:

    Create a Realistic Schedule

    Setting attainable goals will help keep you from getting overwhelmed and discouraged. Make a list of all the specific actions you need to complete for your courses, as well as for your job, your family, and your other personal or extra-curricular activities, then rank everything on the list in order of importance. Once you have prioritized your responsibilities, estimate how long each activity will take to complete and create a schedule.  Use a calendar and block off exact times for each activity. This will help you ensure that you can get everything done on time.

    Make Time for Yourself

    Between classes, work, family, and other personal responsibilities, it can be hard to find time for yourself. Remember that giving yourself time for a breather every now and then can help you avoid course burnout; in fact, taking occasional breaks will help you return to your studies refreshed and ready to focus.

    Get Social

    Since you may not be seeing your instructor and classmates on a weekly basis, as you would in a traditional class on campus, you may find yourself feeling isolated. Interacting with your classmates online can help bridge that gap. Most online courses provide chat rooms or forums where you can communicate with your classmates. Take advantage of discussion boards to get to know the other students. You might even try setting up an online study group that all the students in your class can use.

    Reward Yourself

    With all the hard work that you are doing, you should take some time out to reward yourself. When you accomplish a goal, no matter how small, reward yourself with a little something you enjoy, and then move on to the next project. Don’t let these rewards distract you from getting all your work done; giving yourself a small reward will help you stay motivated and keep you working toward your next goal.

    Stay Positive

    Staying positive is a big part of the motivational process. If you get overwhelmed and stressed out, you may start to develop a negative attitude when it comes to anything school-related, which can cause you to skip assignments and fall behind in your classes. If you are finding it difficult to stay positive, talk to your instructor or an Advisor. You may also want to talk with other students in your class and compare tactics for dealing with stress. Keeping a positive attitude makes online learning much more enjoyable.

• Who do I contact if I need help with a distance education class?

  • If you have a technical difficulty, problems understanding course content, or difficulty meeting a deadline, contact your instructor right away. Your instructor can assist you with questions pertaining to your course and what will be expected of you during the semester, and it is always important to let your instructor know immediately if you are having difficulty with your coursework. Be sure you read the syllabus carefully – it may already provide the answers to many of your questions.

    If you are struggling with the coursework, be sure to take advantage of ACC’s Tutoring & Learning labs. They offer services at all ACC campuses, as well as online.

    ACC Libraries offer extensive support and resources for students at all ACC campuses and offer many services online.

    The Student Services Help Desk provides help with a variety of problems including ACCeID issues, ACCmail, Blackboard problems, and is also the first point of contact for Admissions and Records, Student Accounting, Financial Aid, and registration questions.

    Phone: (512) 223-4636
    Email: helpdesk@austincc.edu

    Blackboard Student Support topics are available online.

Blackboard

• My login isn’t working for Blackboard
  • To help get help with your Blackboard log in, visit the ACC Student Services Help Desk for assistance.
• What do I do? Where can I access the course materials?

  • Your course should be available in Blackboard by the Friday before the class begins. If you register after the session begins, it may take up to 24 hours to see your course in Blackboard. To access Blackboard go to: http://acconline.austincc.edu

    If you log into your course after the first day of class and the Blackboard course site has no materials available, please contact your instructor. Also, check your syllabus for any instructions on how to get started with the course.

First Day Classes

• What is the First Day Program?

  • First Day is a program where the cost of digital course materials is included with your class fees for a particular class or program.

    Students receive digital versions of the physical textbook that may include additional educational resources such as workbooks, problem sets, tutorials, video, simulations and interactive software. Digital textbooks have many features that allow you to interact with your class content like never before. Standard features include highlighting, annotation, search functions, and multimedia links. All First Day materials are easy to access through our Blackboard learning management system.

    Get more info from the ACC First Day Program page.

• How do I access my First Day course materials?

  • Read the course syllabus for detailed information. Access to course materials is typically through Blackboard. Blackboard is the ACC learning management system where students can access their courses and all course materials.

    Get more info from the ACC First Day Program page.

Evaluation

• Where can I comment on my learning experience?

  • Every distance education course at ACC is evaluated at the end of the semester. Read the ACC Online Faculty Evaluation page for how to submit your course evaluation.

    If you have problems or complaints about a course during the semester, contact the Instructional Department.

Out-of-State Student Information

• What is the National Council for State Authorizations Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA)?

  • Austin Community College is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) provides a process to expand the opportunities for educational achievement of people by aligning standards and practices across states and creating processes to effectively address quality in online and distance education programs while reducing costs to states, institutions and consumers.

    Austin Community College became a member of NC SARA in 2017. Membership in SARA allows Austin Community College to offer distance education courses in other SARA states without having to obtain approval from each state.

    The following states and U.S. Territories are authorized members of SARA:

    Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

    Information regarding the complaint process can be found at NC-SARA and Students.

    Disclosures

    No state or accrediting agency has taken adverse actions against Austin Community College.

    • College Refund and Withdrawal Policies
    • The Complaint Process

    Professional Licensure

    Important information for prospective and currently enrolled students: SARA does not include provisions for state professional licensing requirements.  It is highly recommended that you contact the licensing board in your state before starting an academic program.  Academic programs and graduating students must satisfy standards that are established by that state’s licensing requirements to be eligible for a license.

    Accreditation and State Authorization

    Austin Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificate, associate, and baccalaureate, degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Austin Community College. The Commission is to be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard.

    State Contact Information

    To ensure compliance with the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrity Rules, Austin Community College must provide out-of-state distance learning students and out-of-state prospective students with the contact information and complaint filing process for each state’s licensing board and any other agency that would be responsible for the complaint.

    Distance education students who reside out-of-state must follow the institution’s standard procedure for the resolution of student grievances.  If a resolution is not met by following Austin Community College’s complaint process, students may file the complaint with the SARA portal agency in the institution’s home state.  The state where the student resides may also resolve the complaint.

    Although students may use their own state’s SARA office to resolve a complaint, the SARA office in the state where the institution is located is responsible for staffing and investigating and resolving the complaint.  Students who are classified as “in state” may not use SARA to complain about distance education courses offered inside the state, only those offered outside the state.

    • SARA States and Institutions

Student Privacy and Information

• What are the procedures for protecting student privacy in distance education courses and programs?

  • Austin Community College (ACC) protects the privacy of all students including distance learning students through strict adherence to the rules of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as Amended (FERPA). The official FERPA statement is available for student and public view through the ACC website (https://www.austincc.edu/ferpa) and in the ACC College Catalog and Student Handbook (https://www.austincc.edu/catalog). ACC is committed to protecting student privacy for students enrolled in all courses and programs regardless of the mode of instruction (online, hybrid, classroom). All of the college policies regarding student privacy and information security apply to distance education courses and programs. All ACC students and employees to include Faculty teaching distance education courses and programs are expected to uphold these policies and follow the procedures in the following document:

    Procedures for Protecting Student Privacy in Distance Education Courses and Programs (PDF File)