Career Services hosts multiple events each semester to allow our students to prepare for employment, connect with employers, and explore careers. There are opportunities for students seeking flexible, part-time work and for those looking to start their careers.

Spread the word to your students about the upcoming Fall Job Fairs:

Side Hustle Job Fair
Are you searching for a job that fits your class schedule? The Side Hustle Job Fair is a great place to explore part-time opportunities that accommodate your lifestyle.
Date: Wednesday, September 18
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: ACC Highland Campus, Building 1000, outside the ACCelerator
Learn More

San Gabriel Campus Job Fair
Date: Tuesday, October 1
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Location: ACC San Gabriel Campus
Learn More

All Majors Job Fair
Mark your calendar for October’s biggest career event, the All Majors Job Fair, which will feature a wide range of employers looking to hire ACC students from all majors.
Date: Wednesday, October 23
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: ACC Highland Campus

Don’t forget — Career Services is here to help students prepare. Career Services staff are available to assist students with their search, resume review, and interview preparation. 

Students can schedule an appointment at austincc.edu/career or check out the free Strategies for Today’s Jobs course at austincc.edu/strategies.

Austin Community College District (ACC) is gearing up for the 2024 election by encouraging students, faculty, and staff to check their voter registration and make a plan to vote in the upcoming election. 

In addition to the presidential election, there are many other important races at the federal, state, and local level on the November ballot that will have a huge impact on our daily lives. Every vote counts, especially in elections for local offices that play a direct role in how our tax dollars are spent on things that matter to us most.

“We encourage everyone to register and vote. Your voice matters,” says Dr. Chris Cervini, ACC vice chancellor of Community and Government Affairs. “Voting is a powerful way to have a say in the decisions that shape our future.”

ACC recognizes the importance of every vote and is committed to empowering its community members to exercise their civic duty. The College will host several events over the next month to help the community register and learn what will be on the ballot this November. 

Events to engage and educate:

• Volunteer Deputy Registrar Training | September 9-12: Taking place at ACC’s Highland Campus, El Centro, and the Asian American & Pacific Islander cultural centers, this training will equip volunteers with the skills they need to register new voters.
• Voter Registration Resource Fairs | September 16-19: ACC will host resource fairs across multiple campuses, including Highland, Riverside, Rio Grande, and Round Rock. These fairs will provide resources and connections to volunteer and employment opportunities, in addition to on-the-spot voter registration. There will also be free pizza!
• National Voter Education Week Speaker Series | October 7-10: Held at Highland, Eastview, Rio Grande, and Riverside campuses, this series will feature speakers who will discuss the importance of voting, current political issues, and how to stay informed as a voter.
• Parades to the Polls | October 22 & 24: ACC will host several “Parade to the Polls” events at Highland, Cypress, Eastview, Rio Grande, and Riverside campuses. These parades are designed to draw students closer to nearby polling places and encourage community participation.

The deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 7. Early voting begins on Monday, October 21, and runs until Friday, November 1, with Election Day on Tuesday, November 5. 

For more information about the election and to find resources and guides, visit austincc.edu/accvotes. 

The average property tax bill will NOT increase under the new rate.

The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees adopted a new tax rate for 2024-25 during its regular board meeting on Monday, September 9. The new rate of $0.1013 (10.13 cents) per $100 valuation consists of $0.0881 for Maintenance and Operations and $0.0132 for Debt Service. 

It remains the lowest among all Texas community colleges and means the average property tax bill won’t increase for ACC taxpayers. 

The College also continues to offer numerous tax exemptions, including: 

• Homestead exemption: ACC provides a $5,000 homestead exemption to all residential taxpayers (or 1% of property value, whichever is greater).
• Exemption for seniors (65+) and homeowners with disabilities: The College also provides an additional $75,000 exemption for seniors and homeowners with disabilities, for a total homestead exemption of $80,000.
• Commercial property owners: Commercial properties are taxed at the same rate as residential property; however, per Texas Property Tax Code, commercial properties are taxed on both real property and personal property, while residential properties are only taxed on real property.
• Tax freeze for seniors (65+) and homeowners with disabilities: ACC offers a tax ceiling/freeze for seniors and homeowners with disabilities. The ceiling freezes your ACC taxes at the amount you pay in the year that you qualify for the exemption. The college taxes on your house may go below the ceiling, but not above.

To apply for an exemption or to verify that the exemption is being applied, residents are encouraged to contact their county’s taxing district.

This summer, Trustees approved a $534 million budget for fiscal year 2024-25. About 67 percent of the annual budget comes from property tax revenue. Other funding comes through state appropriations and student tuition and fees which remains unchanged for the 11th consecutive year.

According to 2024-25 tuition and fee rates published by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, ACC students who live in-district pay among the lowest rates in the state compared with other area institutions. 

“I don’t know how many colleges can say for they have kept tuition and fees the same for over a decade. I am proud of this board’s commitment to support all of our students  — and a big part of that is making college affordable,” said Dr. Barbara Mink, ACC board chair, at the time of the vote.

For more information about the college’s budget and tax rate, visit the ACC Property Taxes webpage. 

The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees accepted a $200,000 gift from Samsung Austin Semiconductor to help expand the College’s semiconductor training program. The gift was accepted during the Board’s regular meeting on Monday, September 9, 2024. 

“Samsung Austin Semiconductor has been a thriving part of Central Texas since we opened our first fab at our Austin campus back in 1996. Throughout our journey, we have had numerous organizations assist us in our success, and we appreciate Austin Community College for being one of those organizations,” said Jon Taylor, Samsung Austin Semiconductor Corporate vice president of Fab Engineering and Public Affairs, at the Board meeting. “Thank you (ACC) for your support of our employees…and your positive impact on the semiconductor ecosystem in Central Texas.”

According to Samsung, ACC is the company’s leading training provider. The $200,000 gift will be invested entirely to support the College’s Semiconductor Technician Advanced Rapid Start program known as STARS. The STARS curriculum currently serves as a national model for semiconductor training. 

“We developed the STARS program in collaboration with Samsung Austin Semiconductor and four other companies in the region to create an accelerated route toward a technician role,” said Dr. Laura Marmolejo, ACC dean of Advanced Manufacturing. “This gift will make a significant impact on our ability to grow STARS and help meet the growing workforce demands in our community.”

Due to the availability of space and equipment, ACC is currently only able to offer the STARS program at the Highland Campus. The gift allows ACC to invest in the equipment needed to offer the program (and others in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing) to the Round Rock Campus.

In appreciation of the gift, the ACC Foundation has proposed a recommendation to name the new advanced manufacturing classroom at the Round Rock Campus as the Samsung Austin Semiconductor Advanced Manufacturing Lab.

The College expects to use existing classroom space on campus to support the immediate expansion for the program. Construction on the new facility will begin in the year ahead.  

For more information about ACC’s Advanced Manufacturing and Semiconductor programs, visit austincc.edu/semiconductor and austincc.edu/manufacturing.

As we enter a new semester, it’s a perfect opportunity to refresh our knowledge and skills as well as connect with peers in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. The Teaching and Learning Excellence Division (TLED)’s Office of Academic Technology (OAT) proudly introduces the Fall 2024 Remote Recess sessions. These workshops are designed specifically for faculty looking to spruce up their technical toolkit while enjoying a collegial online gathering.

Whether you’re looking to master a new tool or simply connect with peers, these sessions are tailored to make learning accessible and enjoyable. Remote Recess sessions blend learning and leisure, allowing faculty to explore new technologies through short demonstrations followed by an interactive Q&A period. Each session encourages participants to exchange tips and insights, fostering a community of shared knowledge and innovative practices. 

Remote Recess sessions are open to all Austin Community College (ACC) faculty.

Mark your calendar and prepare to dive into a semester of learning and connection. All sessions will either be offered on a Tuesday from 11 a.m. to noon or on a Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. via Zoom, promising a power-packed hour full of learning and interaction.

Tuesday, September 10 | Exploring Collaborative Whiteboard Tools
Are you a Google Jamboard user looking for a new tool? Are you curious about what a collaborative whiteboard can do for your classes? Join us to learn about what collaborative whiteboard tools are available and try using one in an online class environment.

Wednesday, September 18 | Office Hours with Zoom
This short workshop is an introduction to using Zoom for virtual office hours with your students.

Tuesday, September 24 | Save Time: AI Solutions for Universal Design and Accessibility
Join us to discover ways of using AI tools to make your course accessible and save yourself design time!

Wednesday, October 9 | Faculty Perspectives — Adobe Express Presentations Using Text to AI Features with Dr. C. Jason Vidrine
Join guest presenter Dr. C. Jason Vidrine, Professor of Communication Studies and Assistant Dean of Liberal Arts Area of Study, as he shows us how he uses Adobe Express’ presentation features and text-to-AI functionality to create engaging presentation materials for his classes.

Tuesday, October 22 | Panopto: Overview with Blackboard
Learn how to connect Panopto to Blackboard, create quizzes, and navigate student submissions.

Tuesday, October 29 | Getting Started with Panopto
Panopto is a powerful tool that features video creation and editing functionality; automatic machine captioning; and effortless access on desktop and mobile devices. Join this session to get some quick-start tips for this easy-to-use tool.

Wednesday, November 6 | Innovative Assessment Techniques: Utilizing Padlet, VoiceThread, and Poll Everywhere
Discover innovative ways to employ Padlet, VoiceThread, and Poll Everywhere in your classroom to capture and assess student learning. This workshop will cover practical examples and best practices to conduct real-time assessments and facilitate meaningful student feedback.

Tuesday, November 19 | Using AI Images for Learning
Discover different ways to use AI-generated images for both faculty and student needs.

Wednesday, December 4 | Designing VoiceThread Activities: A Student-Centered Approach
Learn how to design VoiceThread activities that cater to diverse learning preferences. Participants will review strategies to ensure all students can effectively engage with and benefit from VoiceThread assignments.

For more details or questions, contact TLED’s Academic Technology Projects Manager Sara Schulz at sara.schulz@austincc.edu. 

Get to know what you can do during an emergency on campus during Emergency Preparedness Week, September 9 through 13.

ACC hosts Emergency Preparedness Week (EPW) during the third week of every semester. Throughout the week the College will test and practice its emergency response procedures districtwide with campus drills and an Emergency Alert test.

“Being prepared for an emergency is essential for everyone on campus. The College is taking new steps to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure while here,” says Dr. Mike Garcia, ACC executive director of Regulatory Affairs. “We encourage all members of the ACC community to familiarize themselves with the updated procedures and learn how to react in any situation. Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference, and we’re committed to providing the resources and support needed to keep everyone safe.”

Drills are scheduled at campuses throughout the week. You can get prepared ahead of time by reviewing our emergency egress plans. This special map is designed to help you find campus exits and alternate routes. You can also find special rally points at each campus. These are areas you’ll want to go to in the event of an evacuation. 

On Wednesday, September 11, ACC will test its Emergency Alert System. Now is the time to make sure your emergency contact information is up to date. During the test, you’ll receive warning messages through text and email. 

To get ready, verify or update your contact information. Emergency message boards and PA speakers around campus also may be activated and a test message will be posted on the ACC website and on the District’s Facebook page.

Any message from our Emergency Alert System will display as “ACC Emergency Alert.” We recommend you create or update the entry in your phone’s contacts list with the following information: 226787, 67283, 78015, 81437 (enter these “short codes” as individual phone numbers) and austincc@getrave.com OR messages@getrave.com (if your phone doesn’t receive short codes). 

Below are simple steps you can take now to get ready for the semester ahead. 

• View the ACC Emergency website for detailed information about various types of emergencies. 
• Get connected to ACC on social media. Most emergency alerts that are distributed through our Emergency Alert System also are posted to the college’s homepage and its Facebook page.
• Know the Emergency Egress Plan. Maps are posted on every campus and in classrooms to identify emergency exits, Areas of Rescue Assistance, Automated External Defibrillators, shelter-in-place locations in the event of severe weather, and evacuation rally points.
• Learn ACC’s 5 Safety Actions. These actions are uniquely designed to address specific emergency scenarios

1. Hold: “In Your Room or Area” | During a Hold, individuals are instructed to remain in their current room or area until further notice, ensuring that hallways are free for emergency responders or to isolate a specific area.
2. Secure: “Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors” | The Secure protocol directs everyone to get inside and lock exterior doors to prevent potential threats from entering the building while maintaining a safe environment inside.
3. Lockdown: “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight” | Lockdown protocol asks occupants to lock their doors, turn off lights, and remain out of sight, making it difficult for intruders to find them.
4. Evacuate: “Get Out” | The Evacuate directive, which may be followed by a specified location, is used to move people from one area to another, either within the building or outside, for swift and orderly evacuation in case of fires, chemical spills, or other emergencies.
5. Shelter: “State the Hazard and Safety Strategy” | For situations like severe weather or hazardous material incidents, the Shelter protocol is activated. The specific hazard and corresponding safety strategy are clearly communicated to ensure appropriate protective measures are taken.

For more information on ACC’s emergency response and procedures, visit austincc.edu/emergency.

ACC’s Student Life is kicking off the fall semester with the Riverbat Bash. The annual event introduces students to ACC’s different departments and resources and helps them foster connections within their college community.

Here’s what students can look forward to:

• Connect With Student Life Programming Areas: Learn about different leadership opportunities, intramural and club sports, and more.
• Explore Resources Through Departmental Tabling: Meet staff from different ACC departments to learn about the resources and support they offer.
• Discover Opportunities to Get Involved: Find out how students can participate in campus life and enrich their college experience.
• Join Student Organizations and Groups: Identify and connect with student-led groups and organizations that match different interests and passions.
• Develop a Sense of Community and Belonging: Immerse yourself in the ACC community, making connections to help you feel supported.

North Region
San Gabriel Campus | Monday, September 16 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Northridge Campus | Thursday, September 19 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Round Rock Campus | Tuesday, September 24 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cypress Creek Campus | Thursday, September 26 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Central Region
Elgin Campus | Tuesday, September 17 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Rio Grande Campus | Wednesday, September 18 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Eastview Campus | Monday, September 23 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Highland Campus | Monday, September 30 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

South Region
Hays Campus | Wednesday, September 18 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
South Austin Campus | Monday, September 23 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Riverside Campus | Wednesday, September 25 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

For more information and updates about Riverbat Bash, visit austincc.edu/welcome. 

ACC invites students to apply for a special Emerging Leaders Summit on Friday, October 4. The leadership summit takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at ACC Highland Campus.

Hosted by ACC’s Ascender program, Student Affairs, and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the summit can help students::

• Engage and learn about career insights with industry professionals.
• Gain tips on networking and securing internship opportunities.
• Enhance your resume, interviewing, and networking skills.
• Meet and establish a network with other diverse talent in the local region.

Participants can engage in intensive workshops and panel discussions focused on leadership development and career readiness. Additionally, students will have the chance to connect with HACU’s partners for networking and recruiting opportunities.

To be eligible to attend, students must be actively enrolled and have a minimum 2.5 GPA (3.0 GPA preferred). Students from all majors are encouraged to apply. 

Do you know of a student who could benefit from this opportunity? Have them RSVP at hacu.net/emergingleaders. 

Understanding and mastering credit is essential for financial success. ACC invites you to attend Credit Mastery: Expert Tips for Managing Your Credit, a comprehensive virtual workshop designed to break down the complexities of credit and credit scores. 

This free workshop is invaluable for anyone seeking to improve their credit understanding, including faculty, staff, and students. 

Credit Mastery: Tips for Managing Your Credit
Date: Friday, September 27 
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: Virtual

This session, presented by the Student Money Management Office, will address critical questions such as:

• How to initiate your credit journey effectively.
• Strategies for attaining an excellent credit score.
• The components that constitute your credit score formula.

Participants will gain access to expert insights and actionable strategies to enhance their financial well-being.

Register now to secure your spot and take the first step toward mastering your credit.

Fall is here! Now is the time to prepare our students to start the semester strong. The Benefits of Being a Riverbat (BOBAR) campaign by Student Affairs Communication helps students get the right resources at the right times throughout the semester.

From academic resources to fun events and opportunities, being a Riverbat has its benefits. We are excited to share them with our students in a new fun way. 

Watch this video to familiarize yourself with some of the tools, tips, and resources that can help students make the most of their semester. Then share this information with your students!

In addition, students can find information about the Benefits of Being a Riverbat on posters and signage around campus and by stopping by our tabling events around the district. 

Keep an eye out mid-semester for more timely tips leading up to midterms.

Visit austincc.edu/BOBAR to learn more. 

Living in Austin can be tough with the current housing market. To support students and employees, Austin Community College District (ACC) is teaming up with Austin Habitat for Humanity (Austin Habitat) to offer a new option.

Austin Habitat is currently selling units in Persimmon Point, a newly built community of flats and townhomes in Southeast Austin. Eligibility requirements are generous. A family of four, for example, can make as much as $97,800 to be eligible for a 3-bedroom unit costing $250,000. The program is limited to first-time home buyers with a credit score of 620 or higher. 

On Thursday, September 19, ACC and Austin Habitat will host an information session for interested ACC employees and students to learn more. 

Austin Habitat for Humanity Persimmon Point Information Session
Date: Thursday, September 19
Time: 10:30 a.m. to Noon
Location: ACC Riverside Campus, Building G — Lecture Hall

ACC partner United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) will also attend the session to discuss mortgage options.

The info session will be livestreamed and recorded for later playback. To watch virtually, click this link.

ACC guides students toward a successful transfer by offering planning and preparation support during Transfer Week, September 9 – 13, 2024.

Throughout the week, ACC’s Transfer Services team and university partners will host virtual, in-person, and hybrid events that allow students to explore and plan their transfer to a 4-year university. 

Transfer Week event highlights: 

1. Find the Right University for YOU!
2. Preparing for Financial Aid for Transfer
3. Smart Start to your Bachelor’s Degree
4. Transferring to Out-of-State Universities
5. Bats to Cats Welcome & Information Session
6. Cultivating Student Success through On-Campus Employment
7. How to use Transfer Guides Workshop
8. SEM (Science, Engineering, Math) Pathway Discovery Session
9. Strengthening Your Holistic Application
10. Visits from colleges and universities
11. And more!

If you know students thinking about transferring, don’t let them miss Transfer Week! 

Visit austincc.edu/transferweek to learn more and register.

In an effort to extend the feeling of belonging to the hundreds of former ACC employees, the College will host its inaugural Riverbat Employee Retiree Luncheon. 

Retirees are invited to join ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart for lunch and conversation on Friday, September 27. They will learn about what’s happening at ACC and ways they can stay connected with the Riverbat community.

Inaugural ACC Riverbat Employee Retiree Luncheon
Date: Friday, September 27
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Location: ACC Rio Grande Campus | Building 1000 | MultiPurpose Room

If you know a retiree, invite them to RSVP for the luncheon.

It’s no secret that police departments across the nation have struggled to recruit and retain peace officers in recent years. Austin Community College District Police Department (ACCDPD) Chief Lynn Dixon is trying a novel approach to solve the problem: growing his own officers.

Beginning the week of September 3, the department will accept applications for a new program that offers ACC employees a fast-track entrance into the field of law enforcement. 

“At ACC, this job is more about customer service than it is law enforcement,” says Chief Dixon. “We love engaging with students and employees, and I think the feeling is mutual. This is a perfect opportunity for someone who wants to grow their career at ACC.”

Here’s how the new program, casually known as Bats to Badges, works:

1. Interested employees can apply for the program beginning September 3, 2024. 
2. Candidates will be interviewed and will go through standard background checks conducted by the College and Police Department. 
3. Applicants who are accepted will be enrolled in an approved Basic Peace Officer Academy.
4. Upon successfully completing the academy, cadets will take the state licensing exam.
5. Upon earning their license, cadets are commissioned by Chief Dixon and will begin working full-time as officers of the ACC District Police Department.

All active ACC employees including staff, faculty, adjunct, and hourly employees are eligible to apply for the program. The cost of the academy is fully funded by the College. During the training period, cadets will receive up to 75% of the salary paid to entry-level officers, with the minimum being $47,840. Once they are commissioned officers, cadets will be paid 100% of pay grade 121, or $56,919, for FY25. In return for their training, cadets will commit to serving at least two years as a full-time officer with the ACC Police Department. 

The new program is a collaboration between ACCDPD leadership and Human Resources, led by HR Business Partner Donald Jackson. 

“This is a good example of how connecting a Business Partner with departments across ACC can solve people problems together,” says HR Vice Chancellor Kelly Torrico.

For more information and details on how to apply, visit the ACCDPD website. To start your application, visit Workday.

Talk About It ACC Campus Conversations are special events hosted at ACC to educate young adults about reproductive health and empower them to take control of their well-being. The events foster active discussions, provide valuable resources, and offer referrals to low- and no-cost healthcare services. 

Upcoming Campus Conversations Include:

1. SHARP – This comprehensive workshop will cover topics such as healthy and unhealthy relationships, basic anatomy, STI/HIV prevention, contraception methods, and more. Participants who complete the SHARP workshop will receive a $75 gift card. 
2. Plan A – This 45-minute session includes an educational video and group discussion focusing on HIV/STI transmission, consent, healthy communication, and condom advocacy. Completion of the Plan A workshop will earn participants a $15 gift card.
3. Seventeen Days – A one-hour, web-based interactive workshop that covers STI/HIV prevention, transmission, contraceptive methods, reproductive anatomy, and an overview of visiting an OBGYN. Participants who complete the Seventeen Days workshop will receive a $25 gift card.

Encourage your students to take advantage of these resources this fall! For more information on when these workshops will take place, visit austincc.edu/talkaboutit.

Recognize exceptional Austin Community College District (ACC) faculty or staff members by nominating them for an ACC teaching or leadership award. 

Nominations are now open for the ACC Leadership Awards, the ACC Teaching Excellence Awards, the E-Faculty of the Year Award, and the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty. Recipients of these awards will be recognized at the ACC Annual Awards Celebration next spring.

To submit a nomination, use your ACC credentials to log in using the links below. The deadline to submit a nomination is October 14, 2024. 

ACC Leadership Awards honor Classified, Professional-Technical, Faculty, and Administrator employees who go above and beyond by:

• Serving as mentors to their colleagues or staff members
• Providing assistance beyond their normal duties to aid their department or the institution as a whole
• Volunteering to help with institution-wide projects
• Encouraging their staff or colleagues to enhance their education and/or their professional skills
• Providing superior internal and external customer service
• Supporting the institution in a positive and optimistic manner
• Consistently seeking improvement of their own skills

ACC Teaching Excellence Awards honor full-time and adjunct faculty who:

• Exemplify the ACC Faculty Values of Teaching, Scholarship, Inclusion, Collaboration, Service, and Empowerment
• Promote special learning opportunities, student interaction, and innovation that support student success

Full-time and adjunct faculty selected for an ACC Teaching Excellence Award can be recognized at commencement and receive a $1,000 cash award. Nominations are made by faculty, staff, and students.

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty honors nursing faculty who:

• Inspire their students to remember that nursing is more than tasks and technology
• Ensure that both the art and science of nursing are brought to every patient experience

The recipient will receive a certificate, a special DAISY Award pin, and a Healer’s Touch sculpture. Nominations are made by ACC staff, faculty, current students, and nursing student alumni.

The E-Faculty of the Year Award recognizes faculty who:

• Creatively utilized appropriate Internet-based technologies to teach online and/or hybrid courses at ACC
• Have designed and taught one or more online or hybrid courses with an imaginative approach, well-designed course materials, instructional strategies, and a demonstrated rapport with the course participants

The recipient will be sponsored to attend a distance education conference. Nominations are made by faculty, instructional designers, and students.

To learn more about these awards, please visit austincc.edu/awards.

Our Academic Guidance and Financial Aid teams are excited to announce a collaborative workshop held each semester, designed to help students navigate their academic journey more effectively. 

These specialty workshops will be held each semester and are crafted to provide students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in their educational goals.

Fall 2024 Academic Rescue Workshop: Guide to GPA, Financial Aid & Student Support
Date: Wednesday, September 18
Time: 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Location: Virtual
RSVP Here

One key focus of the workshops is teaching students how to track their academic progress and understand how it can affect things like financial aid and their transfer and completion goals. Our experts can help students outline steps and strategies to reach their objectives.

For students who may be at risk of facing academic and financial obstacles due to their GPA, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), or Completion Rate, our Academic Rescue workshop is tailored to support them in getting back on track.

If you know someone who could benefit from this conversation, encourage them to RSVP at austincc.edu/academicrescue.

The start of a new semester means kicking off a new sports season!  Encourage students looking to connect with fellow Riverbats or for a little friendly competition outside of class and studying to consider joining one of ACC’s intramural sports teams this fall.

The College offers a variety of sports for all genders, and all levels of athletic ability are welcome to participate. This fall, Student Life is looking for players to participate in: 

1. Recreational Soccer (all genders)
2. Recreational Basketball (all genders)
3. Recreational Volleyball (women)
4. Disc golf (all genders)
5. Pickleball (all genders)
6. Club Volleyball (women)
7. Club Basketball (all genders)
8. Club Tennis (all genders)
9. And Club Disc Golf (all genders)

Rec Sports offers students opportunities to engage in friendly competition through sports. Students who crave more competition are encouraged to consider trying out for a Club Sports team and go head-to-head with other schools around the Austin area. These opportunities are free and available to all current ACC students as long as they register in advance.

For more information, visit austincc.edu/sports.

National leaders are coming to Austin Community College District (ACC) to learn more about how the College is working to remain in the forefront of the semiconductor industry. 

On Thursday, August 30, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett visited the College to announce new $1.5 million congressional funding to support semiconductor training at ACC. The Congressman announced the new funding at the Highland Campus in the NXP Advanced Manufacturing Lab. 

“The new landscape of higher education is going to take anyone, at any stage in their career or education development, whether they have a GED or need one, or they have a master’s degree in philosophy. Everyone’s going to need access to new skills to apply in whatever field they’re in or to be in the foundation of creating those experiences,” says ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart. “The power of educators leading in our Semiconductor training is that talking about AI or chips feels intimidating. No one knows what that means. When you bring funding to a space like this and ACC, it makes sense. You learn with your hands and (you) realize I can do that. That’s the power of creating this learning environment.”

The federal funds allow ACC’s Advanced Manufacturing Department to acquire new semiconductor subsystems to expand current training programs and develop new ones aligned with industry demands. This new equipment will provide hands-on learning in a setting that replicates industry conditions. Funding will also support necessary facility upgrades. 

“This does indicate the investment in workforce and in the NXP Manufacturing Lab at ACC. NXP is one of the partners that will be contributing expensive and complex equipment for students. The idea is (to) incentivize the public and private partnership — that is essential,” says Doggett. “This funding will help ACC reflect the capabilities of modern semiconductor processes and meet the industry and workforce needs. We are building capacity that is (a) vital national security application. It will put food on the table for Central Texas families and provide the opportunity for one family after another here because of getting a great ACC education.”

“The investments ACC is getting from Congressman Doggett to NXP and Samsung, and Tokyo Electronic (demonstrates) a promising way for us to work together and (for) ACC to love our Central Texas students to success,” says Dr. Lowery-Hart. “We import a lot of talent. These industry connections allow us to connect with the talent that was born and raised here, that we want to keep here and give them a path, to the life we want them to have here.”

One of the systems is Integrating Fenceless Fanuc Robot Systems. It will help ACC’s programs mirror modern semiconductor automation. Combined with the existing NXP Advanced Manufacturing Lab and potential future investments, this grant will enable ACC to meet workforce needs in this critical field.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of workforce development in the semiconductor industry,” says Dr. Laura Marmolejo, ACC dean of Advanced Manufacturing. “Our programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this rapidly changing field, and events like today’s roundtable are crucial for fostering collaboration and innovation between education and industry.”

“Additional funding such as this $1.5 million investment will help ACC to continue (to) develop the scope — the talent — our industry needs, especially here in Central Texas, and help lead the nation in semiconductor manufacturing, training, and education. We hope this raises awareness and encourages more investment in the local community, especially in the world, demanding STEM aptitude,” says Brendan Greenwood, NXP Semiconductors vice president of Operations.

According to the federal data, the semiconductor industry is projected to grow by 115,000 jobs by 2030, a 33% increase. However, almost 60% of these jobs may go unfilled at current degree completion rates. Of the unfilled jobs, 39% will be technicians with certificates or two-year degrees, 35% will be engineers or computer scientists with four-year degrees, and the rest will be graduate degrees (master’s and doctorate programs).

“Choosing ACC is giving me the opportunity to do more in the field. Having a degree gives a lot of opportunity to open many doors to many places,” says Julio Gutierrez, ACC Bachelor of Applied Technology in Manufacturing Engineering Technology Student. “Currently, I’m looking for a technical position. Semiconductors are a very skilled trade. There’s a lot to go through and there (are) a lot of computers, troubleshooting, and wiring. It’s very technical. I am learning all of that in my program and using it in my job at NXP.”

The College’s Advanced Manufacturing Program offers multiple pathways for students. Beginning with the Certified Production Technician (CPT) program, which can be completed in just two months. Students can stack those credits toward their associate degree and again toward the College’s Bachelor of Applied Technology in Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree program. ACC partners with several industry partners, allowing students to work and learn simultaneously.

“No matter what your degrees are, you get the skills that allow you to navigate, this new world that we don’t even, fully understand yet. One of the beauties of the program and having the partnerships is also recognizing that it does,” says Dr. Lowery-Hart.

For more information on ACC’s Advanced Manufacturing programs, visit austincc.edu/manufacturing.

The Art Galleries (TAG) at Austin Community College and ACC’s Military Families Center, in partnership with Austin Veteran Arts Fest (AVAFEST), invite Texas veterans, military family members, and artists from the ACC community to submit artwork for the exhibition Art and Healing: My PTSD Experience.

This year’s open call asks artists to reflect on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma through a lens of connection and hope. All ACC veterans, military families, current students, staff, and faculty are invited to submit.

For this exhibition, artists should submit a work that embodies the theme as a way to process and heal trauma. Artists do not need to expand upon their experiences for this exhibition or share any information they feel uncomfortable having on public display. For questions, please email theartgalleries@austincc.edu.

Early submission deadline: Sunday, September 15, 2024*
Deadline to submit artwork: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 

Submit Artwork Here

*Artists who submit their work before September 15 will have priority consideration for inclusion in the exhibition.

Guest juror and Austin-based artist Brian Joseph will select the artwork for display. This exhibition will be held in the College’s TAG Art Lab space at ACC Highland, Building 4000.

AVAFEST is a non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting veterans through the healing power of the arts. Addressing the challenges veterans face, like PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, AVAFEST unites them with communities via diverse artistic mediums, from visual arts to dance and music. Beyond celebration, the festival promotes mental well-being, fostering connectivity, tolerance, and love, aiming to alleviate emotional struggles within the veteran community.

Learn more about the exhibit.