Fight the heat with cool summer classes, both in-person and virtual. Austin Community College District (ACC) and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) partner Deer Oaks have teamed up to offer a whole new schedule of classes starting Monday, June 10.

EXERCISE CLASSES In-person classes

Strength and Conditioning
Mondays & Wednesdays at Noon | Northridge Campus Gym, Building 2000, Room 2102

Pilates
Tuesdays at Noon | Highland Campus, Building 4000, Room 2125

Yoga
Wednesdays at Noon | Cypress Creek Campus, Building 1000, Room 1102
Wednesdays at Noon | Highland Campus, Building 4000, Room 2125
Wednesdays at Noon | Round Rock Campus, Building 1000, Room 1124

Circuits
Thursdays at Noon | Highland Campus, Building 4000, Room 2125

Zumba
Fridays at Noon | Highland Campus, Building 4000, Room 2125

Virtual

Yoga
Tuesdays & Thursdays at Noon 
Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Stretch and Meditation
Tuesdays at 6 p.m. 
Fridays at Noon

Zumba
Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

Register HERE for any of the exercise classes!

WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Virtual Group Chat Sessions
What’s on your mind? Join other ACC employees for casual conversations led by an outside licensed professional. Come to talk or just to listen! 
Friday, May 31 – 1 p.m.
Register HERE

NEW How to Thrive in a Multi-Generational Workplace Environment
Learn the differences among five generations and discover how best to collaborate with each in the workplace.
Wednesday, June 5 – 1 p.m. 
Register HERE

NEW Nature & Your Health with Jesus Aguirre
The chairperson of the National Recreation & Parks Board shows us how spending time in nature can positively impact health and well-being. 
Thursday, June 13 – 10 a.m.
Register HERE

Austin Community College District (ACC) announces Ernest Afuta as the new Impact Lab Manager for the Advanced Manufacturing Department. Afuta has an extensive background in advanced manufacturing, from prototype development to production and operations management.

Afuta previously worked at the Tesla Gigafactory as the supervisor for the Body in White Maintenance Department. In this role, he was instrumental in overseeing the equipment installation phase and production scale-up of the Gigafactory. He also built teams, which included hiring and training new members. Additionally, he was responsible for maintenance operations and implementing process improvements on highly automated equipment, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

“My initial encounter with ACC occurred when I met coworkers who had completed the Tesla Start Program at ACC, and I was thoroughly impressed. Many of my colleagues, who had already earned bachelor’s degrees from university, were opting to join the Tesla Start program to acquire practical experience. Given my enduring passion for teaching, which has been with me since my own student days, I knew it would be an integral part of my career journey,” says Afuta. “Consequently, I made the decision to join the ACC advanced manufacturing team on a part-time basis, motivated by the profound impact it had on my coworkers. Witnessing the achievements of the Impact Lab and recognizing its potential, I committed to joining it full time as the manager, determined to facilitate its progression to the next level.”

Afuta holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Lean Six Sigma from Indiana State University.

ACC welcomes the wealth of expertise and experience Afuta brings to the role. His leadership ensures that the laboratory operates efficiently and safely while fostering an environment conducive to academic and research excellence.

Learn more about the Impact Lab here.

Donations to ACC’s annual Foster Care Luggage Drive have been slow this year. The goal is to raise $3,000 and 60 pieces of luggage. As of May 28, $1,458 and 25 pieces of luggage have been donated.

Read Shilda’s story and learn how you can help our students aging out of foster care get a fresh, dignified start.

For Austin Community College District (ACC) student Shilda Fresch, life wasn’t easy. Shilda grew up in the foster system. 

Now, a mother herself, she wants to provide a better life for her family. It’s what keeps her moving forward.

“My children inspire me every day. I strive to create opportunities for them to become their best versions.”

Shilda knows firsthand how small, simple things can make a significant and lasting impact. She recalls her time in the foster care system — when she would have to move from one home to another. 

“When I was moving from home to home in foster care, all I was given was a brown paper bag or a trash bag. That made me feel like trash because not only did I have to move, but I was given something trash goes in.”

When Shilda aged out, she found herself without the support to move forward. 

“While in foster care, I was fortunate to have a wonderful family. However, transitioning out of foster care was daunting because I no longer had the support of my caseworker, foster mother, teachers, and attorney. I had to find my way.”

To provide youth like Shilda with a fresh start, Austin Community College District supports the annual Foster Care Luggage Drive. Donations are accepted throughout May and delivered to ACC students aging out of foster care.

“Having luggage is a big deal. If I had proper luggage, my transitions would have been smoother, and I wouldn’t have felt so bad carrying a trash bag around.”

Shilda came to ACC in 2006 and earned her first degree in Radio, Television, and Film in 2022. She is now working toward a degree in Sociology. 

“Loretta Edelen helped me get started, giving me the confidence to keep pushing forward. I chose Austin Community College because it offered me the flexibility and affordability to balance my family responsibilities.”

Preparing to publish her third children’s book, Shilda found her community at ACC through work experience with the college. Currently, she’s an intern for the Office of College Relations & Marketing, supporting community events and the college’s mascot team. 

“The most important experience is participating in the mascot team. It has allowed me to network and build valuable connections within the community.”

Now, Shilda wants to make sure any teen who follows in her footsteps has the same opportunities she was given. 

“Donating is crucial because a single act of kindness can change a life. You never know what obstacles someone might face on their path to success, and lending a helping hand can uplift and inspire others.”

For more information and to donate, visit austincc.edu/luggagedrive.

The summer semester begins next week on Tuesday, May 28! As faculty and staff, our students look to us for support and guidance. Below are some helpful resources you can share with students so they can start the semester strong. We want to make sure they know what to expect when they come to campus. 

Start with the 10 Tips for a Great Summer 2024 Semester web page created with students in mind. Here are some additional resources you can share to help students prepare for summer classes.

Finding Their Classes
Students can find out where their class is located by checking the course schedule or class syllabus. It should also contain when the class meets and where they should go. 

• Example: 

Most campuses have an easy-to-remember numbering style. The first number tells you what building to go to, and the second number tells you what floor the room is on. 

•  Example: Room 1142: Building 1000 at Cypress Creek Campus; 1st Floor; Room 1142

Getting to Campus
Parking permits are now digital and are available at no charge. Everyone who plans to park on campus will need to sign up for their ACC parking permit. 

Eligible ACC faculty, staff, and students who use public transportation can ride Capital Metro for free. The special Cap Metro Green Pass at ACC gives you unlimited rides on Capital Metro Fixed Route Service, Express Bus Service, MetroAccess, MetroRail services, and their new on-demand transit service, Pickup. 

Getting to Know Their Campus
Help eliminate the stress of finding their classes by getting students familiar with their campus before the first day. Every ACC campus is unique, so have them bookmark their campus page for important information they will need all semester, like building maps, department contact information, and campus hours.

Accessing Free Support
As a Riverbat, students get access to a ton of free support services. ACC has teams ready to help every step of the way — from academic and technological to financial and personal support resources. Click here to see everything available for FREE to ACC students.

Connecting With Resources
Help students get familiar with quick links to the information they’ll need all semester. Share the link to their MyACC account for fast access to Blackboard, registration, grades, class schedule, notifications, and more. 

Staying Informed
This summer, ACC introduces a new resource to keep students connected to all the latest news and events happening at ACC that impact them. Tell them to bookmark the Student InfoHub today. Students can also register for the Riverbat Echo. It’s a special student newsletter that goes out each week and provides important reminders and information. Click here to sign up. 

Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrated outstanding student leaders at the inaugural Legacy of Leaders event at Eastview Campus on Thursday, April 18.

The event, hosted by Student Life, honored the dedication, passion, and impact that ACC student leaders bring to the ACC community and beyond.

Attendees received a distinctive pin, symbolizing their exceptional impact. They were also invited to contribute to the Legacy Banner, creating a tangible representation of their enduring legacy at ACC.

Student speakers Kristen Hummel and Bronday Manansala spoke about their involvement and leadership at ACC, and students involved in the following programs were recognized for their achievements during the 2023-24 academic year: 

• Riverbat Ambassadors
• Student Life Volunteers
• Mentor & Leadership Members
• Student Government Association Officers & Senators
• Recreational Sports & Athletics Athletes
• Student Organization Officers & Advisors
• Bat Chat Student Hosts & Finalists
• Chancellor Student Achievement Award Nominees
• Student Life Student Leader Award Nominees & Recipients

For more event highlights, visit https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/development-and-recognition.

The Teaching and Learning Excellence Division (TLED) announces the call for proposals for Summer Software Day (SSD) 2024. The theme for SSD 2024 is “The Future of Education: Adapting to a Changing Landscape.”

SSD is an annual event that offers workshops for all Austin Community College District (ACC) faculty and staff. The event provides an opportunity to keep up to date with your tech skills and learn new ones to implement in your classrooms and daily tasks. 

This year, Summer Software Day will be entirely online with workshops delivered virtually via Zoom. SSD will take place on Friday, July 26, 2024.

TLED’s Office of Faculty Development invites proposals for sessions that explore tools that further enhance the learning and working environment at ACC.

We are seeking presenters for workshops that focus on:

• ACC Resources
• Accessibility and Universal Design
• Active and Engaged Teaching
• Adobe Tools
• Assessment Techniques
• Creativity
• Google Suite
• Purpose and Belonging
• Wellness
• Resiliency/Self-Care/Mindfulness
• Classroom Community
• Grading/Providing Feedback to Students
• Course Curriculum (Re) Design
• Teaching Online/Hybrid/HyFlex
• Other

For complete details, schedule, and to submit a proposal, visit the call for proposal form. The deadline to submit a proposal is Monday, June 17, 2024.

For questions, please email the Office of Faculty Development at facdev@austincc.edu.

Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of the emancipation of slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865 — two and a half years after the official Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. ACC honors this special day of freedom, achievement, and reflection by welcoming the community onto our campus to learn and celebrate.

Join ACC’s 2024 Juneteenth Celebration on Tuesday, June 18, at the Eastview Campus, and invite your friends, family, and colleagues to participate in this important day. Hosted by the ACC’s African American Cultural Center, the communitywide Juneteenth celebration will include music, games, giveaways, and more. This event is free and open to the public.

Juneteenth 2024 Celebration Details

Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: ACC Eastview Campus | 3401 Webberville Road Austin, TX 78702

Activities for the day include:

• Live performances
• Giveaways
• Bouncy house
• Gaming truck
• Henna/tattoo artist & face painting
• Caricaturist
• Dominoes & cards
• Bean bag toss
• Basketball, pickleball, football & soccer
• Various vendors
• ACC and community resources

The City of Austin Code Department will provide lunch for the youth. There will be a free food truck for the adults and free Kona ice truck for all.

In addition to the day of celebration, ACC will observe the historic day. The college will be closed on Wednesday, June 19. All campuses and activities will reopen and resume their normal schedules Thursday, June 20. 

For more information, visit the college’s Juneteenth website at austincc.edu/juneteenth.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Visit the Juneteenth Padlet wall below to share your thoughts, feelings, and news about Juneteenth, or Freedom Day. 

Being financially successful isn’t about having a huge paycheck. It’s about how you control the money you have, including the money you earn and the money you spend. ACC’s Student Money Management Office partners with University Federal Credit Union (UFCU) to offer tips, advice, and tools that can help students and employees learn about ways they can take control of their money. In this segment, UFCU supports new college grads as they make the transition from student to career with tips on how to establish their finances. 

Three Tips to Help College Graduates Establish Their Finances

A Message from University Federal Credit Union 

Recent college graduates have their whole lives ahead of them. It’s an incredibly exciting time and one of the best times to learn about personal finance and make smart money decisions from the start. Here are three tips for college graduates who hope to find financial independence.

Use this loan payment calculator to determine what your monthly payments would be on a given loan amount.

Prioritize Your Student Loan Payments
Many student loan lenders offer a 6-month grace period upon graduation before loan payments must begin. This allows time to look for a job, get settled, and build your finances before you have to start paying them back.

Many college graduates get on a graduated loan repayment plan or an income-based repayment plan. While it’s great that there are so many options when it comes to repaying your student loans, the truth is, the faster you pay off your student loans, the better. You might also consider student loan consolidation if you have more than one.

Don’t make the mistake of delaying your student loan payments. Every time you get a bonus or extra money, put something toward paying off your debt. It will feel so amazing to be in your early 20s without any loan payments at all, so try hard to reach that goal so you can spend the rest of your life growing your wealth and not giving your money to your student loan lender.

Resist that Brand New Car
Of course, it is an amazing experience to buy a new car. It’s exciting for anyone, most certainly a college graduate. But as a recent grad, try to manage your lifestyle inflation. Lifestyle inflation is the tendency for one’s rate of spending to unnecessarily go up in conjunction with income, making it virtually impossible to get out of debt, increase savings, or invest more.

Remember that as soon as a car drives off the lot, it depreciates. So instead of buying brand new, consider buying a quality car that is just a few years old. Payments on a brand new car can be substantial. The money you would spend on a car payment could go a long way to reducing your debt instead.

Contribute to Retirement
It’s easy to ignore retirement contributions when you’re just starting out in your life and career. After all, retirement is a long way away. However, the biggest financial mistake you can make as a new college graduate is not contributing to retirement when you’re young. As soon as you get your first job, try to contribute at least 10% of your income to a retirement account. If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, you can always open a Roth IRA on your own and contribute to that.

The reason retirement contributions are so important for a college graduate is because of compound interest. If you start investing later in life, like at age 40, you’ll have to contribute so much more each month to get to the same retirement goal. When you’re young, you have the power of compound interest on your side.

Start Today
There’s no time like the present. If you take advantage of these three tips when you’re young, you’ll be well on your way to establishing very strong personal finances from the start of your career, which will serve you well throughout the next few decades of your life. 

Want to Learn More?
If you know a student who could use more guidance, connect them with ACC’s Student Money Management team. Our teams can help them access special finance tools and workshops.

Employees who want support are encouraged to contact UFCU. You can visit one of the local branches to chat with a Personal Financial Representative.

Austin Community College District (ACC) celebrated major milestones at its Spring 2024 Commencement. More than 3,000 graduates were invited to participate, and 853 students—along with their families—attended the ceremony at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park on Friday, May 17.

Graduates were first greeted with a welcome squad as they walked into the center. Representatives from Student Affairs, Student Life, Recruitment, College Relations & Marketing, Bold Representation of Student Success (BRASS), and Texas State University lined up to congratulate students.

Texas State University at San Marcos Chancellor Dr. Kelly Damphousse presented this year’s keynote address. ACC mascot R.B. the Riverbat was joined at the ceremony by Boko the Bobcat, Texas State’s mascot. 

The ceremony took about two hours and ended with a bang as the Soul Train Drumline from Northeast Early College High School closed the event.

View a slideshow of photos from the day in our Flickr album below.

Watch the full ceremony below.

In addition to the collegewide commencement celebration, the college hosted several completion events for graduates. Read more about some of these events below. 

ASCENDER Celebración

More than 300 people attended the 9th Annual Ascender Celebración on May 2 at the Austin PBS Black Box studio in the ACC Highland Campus. Special guests included Austin PBS CEO Luis Patiño and former Texas Representative Celia Israel, with performances by students from Leander Elementary School showcasing Ballet Folklórico and Xunaxhii, a graduating senior from Leander High School. Learn more here.

AVANCE to College Program

The college celebrated the first cohort of the AVANCE to College Program––a program to support parents who want to attend college––on Wednesday, May 8, at the Riverside Campus. The program’s two-generation approach fosters long-term success and economic mobility for predominantly Latino families, addressing their unique needs and promoting school readiness and family growth. Learn more here.

National Adult Education Honor Society

More than 140 Adult Education students were celebrated at the National Adult Education Honor Society induction ceremony, which serves as a completion ceremony, on May 2 at ACC Eastview Campus. The annual event honors students who earned their GED® this year, as well as students from ACC’s High School Equivalency, English as a Second Language, College Prep, and Career Pathways programs. Learn more here.

Future Healthcare Heroes

The Future Healthcare Heroes ceremony honored 18 students from Eastside Early College High School. The ceremony was part of the Future Healthcare Heroes grant initiative, a partnership between ACC’s Health Sciences Division, Eastside ECHS, HCA Healthcare-Healthier Tomorrow Fund, and St. David’s HealthCare. The initiative aims to identify and nurture rising juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers in healthcare after high school. Learn more here.

Austin Community College District (ACC) will close in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27. The college will reopen on Tuesday, May 28.

Registration for summer and fall remains open.  Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to find the best courses for their needs. All students get access to the college’s full suite of free student support services, including unlimited 1-on-1 tutoring, advising, academic coaching, library services, and more.

Registration for summer classes remains open through the holiday weekend. Students may select among 5-, 9-, or 10-week courses. The semester begins on Tuesday, May 28. For more information, visit austincc.edu/summer.

Fall classes begin Monday, August 26. For more information, visit austincc.edu/fall. This fall, ACC launches its bold new pilot program for free tuition for the class of 2024. The pilot program offers free tuition and general fees for new high school grads, including public, private, charter, and homeschoolers as well as for GED® completers who live in the ACC service area. For more information, visit austincc.edu/freetuition.

For more information and to register, visit austincc.edu/register.

Early voting for the May 2024 primary runoffs has started! Austin Community College District (ACC) is committed to providing access to nonpartisan information about voter registration and voting procedures.

The college encourages students, faculty, and staff to cast a ballot. Employees who wish to vote during their regularly scheduled working hours may use up to two hours of administrative leave once cleared with a supervisor.

Early voting runs from Monday, May 20, through Friday, May 24. You can find an interactive map of polling locations on the ACC Votes web page.

The ACC Service area is large, spanning multiple counties that all have different ballots, polling locations, and hours/dates for Early Voting. Visit the ACC Votes web page to find all the resources and information employees and students need to make your plan to vote.

Why are the primaries important?

2024 is a presidential election year. May primary runoffs will finalize which Democratic and Republican primary candidates will be on the ballot in the November general election.

During the March 5 primaries, there were some congressional, judicial, and other local races in which no candidate exceeded 50% of the vote. Now, voters must decide between the two candidates who came in first and second to determine who will appear on the November ballot.

Primary runoff elections in the ACC District include:

Democratic Ballot

• United States Representative, District 31
• Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals District, Place 2
• Hays County Tax Assessor Collector
• Hays County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 2

Republican Ballot

• United States Representative, District 35
• State Board of Education, District 10
• Bastrop County Commissioner, Precinct 1
• Bastrop County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2

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

Work is underway to renovate the Student Affairs Center at the Austin Community College District’s Round Rock Campus. In May, the college filed a permit with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. 

The renovation will include the addition of new campus Welcome and Student Care centers. 

Located in Building 1000, the centers will serve as the college’s front door to support. The new spaces are estimated to open by fall 2025. 

Pfluger Architects is nearing the completion of its design. The next phase will start the contractor solicitation process. The total project cost is estimated at $5.5 million. The project is part of the college’s Maintenance and Operations bond program, which is funded by existing college dollars and can be used to upgrade and improve existing structures.  

Both centers are modeled after the college’s inaugural Welcome and Student Care centers, which opened in October 2023 at the ACC Highland Campus.

 The centers are strategically located in a single, easily accessible location, providing students with a convenient one-stop shop to access support.

• Welcome Center: Designed for future, new, and current Riverbats and their families to explore the college’s programs, get 1-on-1 guidance, and learn about free support services.
• Student Care Center: A hub for life support, whether that’s access to food or a connection to community resources, including housing, transportation, legal aid, family support, and more.

These centers will be built in every region of the district.

Keep the confetti popping for Austin Community College District (ACC) graduates! More than 140 Adult Education students were celebrated for the National Adult Education Honor Society induction ceremony, which serves as a completion ceremony, on May 2 at ACC Eastview Campus.

The annual event honors students who earned their GED® this year, as well as students from ACC’s High School Equivalency, English as a Second Language, College Prep, and Career Pathways programs. All the students celebrated were nominated by their instructors for their exemplary attendance, cooperative attitude, and work ethic in their classes.

Watch the ceremony here.

Adult Education graduates River Holland Bryan and Maribel Ortiz Lopez spoke with students during the ceremony.

Special guests at the ceremony included ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, ACC Board Members Dr. Manny Gonzalez and Steve Jackobs, and founder and executive director of our community partner Todos Juntos, Christina Collazo.

ACC’s Career Services team hosts Career Ready Week annually to help students prepare for career success with specialized training, workshops, and information sessions. This year, more than 500 students attended the in-person and virtual events. Sessions included resume writing, interview techniques, managing career anxiety, conquering imposter syndrome, and more.

Standout sessions included the Liberal Arts Faculty Panel, which provided students with insights into marketable “power skills,” and the Career Services Employer relations panel in partnership with ACC’s Women in Tech, which featured representatives from prominent companies like Dell Technologies, Adobe, Google, Cyber Security Simplified, and Trajector Medical.

The Neurobats of ACCess Autism celebrated Autism Awareness Month and discussed their advocacy efforts, while ACC GROW showcased career competencies that their student employees have gained through high-impact employment practices.

Career Services remains an important resource as students prepare for graduation and their transition into the workforce. Career Specialists are readily available to assist students with job searches, facilitate connections with local employers, and provide guidance on navigating the evolving job market. Whether students are refining their career goals, establishing plans, or transitioning into the workforce, the Career Services team is dedicated to supporting them every step of the way.

For more information and to access valuable resources, send students to austincc.edu/career.

ACC is committed to supporting service members and their families in Central Texas by providing resources, encouraging educational opportunities, and building community. As part of its outreach to military families, ACC launches a microcredential pilot program to help prepare military spouses for the increasingly digital workforce.

ACC’s Digital Fluency & Innovation team, in partnership with the Military Families Center, will offer the Military Spouse Microcredential Pilot Program this June. The program will run from Monday, June 10, to Monday, July 15. 

Each microcredential takes approximately 20 to 26 hours to complete and is accompanied by the support of a Digital Navigator. The program is offered at no cost to participants. It is open to active duty and veteran spouses of the armed forces looking to gain the skills necessary to succeed in the modern workplace.

Cohort members who complete the pilot program will receive ACC’s Microcredential Certificates:

• Fundamentals of Computer Skills for Job Readiness
• Web Presence Fundamentals
• Interactive Presentations for Effective Communication
• Problem Solving with Systems Thinking and Technology

As part of the pilot program, a cohort of military spouses will be selected to go through the microcredentials together. ACC offers 16 microcredentials designed to teach participants digital expertise while also addressing professional skills such as critical thinking, integrative learning, and ethical reasoning. 

ACC offers in-person application assistance on Tuesday, June 4, and Thursday, June 6, from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the Military Families Center at ACC Highland Campus, Building 4000. 

Those interested in learning more about the program and signing up for in-person application assistance should complete the Military Spouse Microcredential Program interest form. 

Additionally, ACC is seeking partners interested in helping with the Military Spouse Pilot Program. Ideal partners include those interested in helping the college identify cohort members, assisting/mentoring the cohort as it progresses, supporting the job searches of spouses in the cohort, and funding an expansion of the pilot.

To learn more about digital fluency at ACC, click here. For more information about the ACC Military Families Center, visit here.

ACC encourages faculty and staff to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on Thursday, May 16, 2024.GAAD is a worldwide effort to get people talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities. 

The college encourages all Riverbats to take this opportunity to increase their knowledge of digital accessibility in education. A curated set of learning and professional development opportunities is now available. This includes special guides, tutorials, and educational videos as well as online resources geared toward the GAAD theme of raising awareness about the importance of digital accessibility.

View ACC’s GAAD 2004 Guide here. 

Below are some of the live online learning opportunities taking place on Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

TGPi Webinar: Integrate Accessibility into Your Organization
Date: Thursday, May 16
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Description: This event is carefully designed to provide a supportive environment for organizations seeking education on digital accessibility best practices or searching for guidance on how to start their accessibility journey.
RSVP HERE

Elevate Your Impact: Fostering Inclusion through Content
Date: Thursday, May 16
Time: 12-1 p.m.
Description: Join us for an enlightening journey into the heart of accessibility and inclusion through content.
RSVP HERE

WeCo’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day event
Date: Thursday, May 16
Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Description: Join WeCo’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day event, moderated by Paul Daye, to learn how AI impacts the digital accessibility of people with disabilities in both positive and negative ways. Our panelists will also demonstrate Be My AI, which allows users with limited or no vision to access visual information and physical spaces.
RSVP HERE 

To learn more about GAAD, visit https://accessibility.day

The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees approved the ACC Free Tuition pilot program in April 2024. The new program provides FREE tuition and general fees to the high school class of 2024.

It is a five-year pilot that will begin this fall, and it is a step toward the ultimate goal of providing free tuition to everyone.

The college established an informational web page to provide more details about the program and answer frequently asked questions.  

We’re also hearing from faculty and staff. This page is dedicated to answering your questions related to the pilot and will be updated periodically. 

About the Free Tuition Program FAQs

• Is there an application process?
  • The ACC application process for students remains the same. There are no additional steps or changes in the process.

• Are CE Programs included in the Free Tuition program?
  • Continuing Education programs are not yet eligible for free tuition. Students can get free tuition and general fees on courses that are part of any ACC credit program that leads to a credit workforce certificate or an associate or bachelor’s degree. Courses that are eligible for transfer to a four-year university also will qualify. Credit certificates or credit occupational awards that are embedded in associate degree programs also qualify.

• How does the Free Tuition program affect classes that have lab or material fees?
  • Students will still be responsible for unique course fees, including materials and textbooks. 

• What are we doing to support other students, including current students and adult learners?
  • Our goal is to expand the ACC Free Tuition program to all students, but at this time it remains a pilot program. The college encourages other student populations to apply for other financial support services available. Our options are posted to the college’s financial support website. The FAFSA and TASFA programs are a great place to begin. It is also scholarship season. 

• Will members of the Class of ’24 who want to start in the summer be able to get free tuition (prevent summer melt)?
  • To allow for planning and coordination, the ACC Free Tuition program begins fall 2024. Summer 2024 classes are not eligible. 

• How will the costs of this program be covered?
  • Tuition and fees make up a small part of our annual budget. Currently, the tuition revenue for all direct-to-college high school graduates represents about four percent of the college’s total budget. We estimated the cost for the pilot program in its first year to be approximately $7 million. So, we are able to pay for this program in our existing budget.
  • To grow this pilot and expand it to future student groups, we’re going to rely heavily upon our partnerships in the community. The college is aggressively expanding its development efforts to encourage more corporate, community, and philanthropic partners to invest in the college and the success of our students.

• What happens to people who have free tuition and drop out or just don’t show up?
  • ACC Free Tuition eliminates tuition costs up-front for at least three years and does not require students to pay back any tuition. However, repayment of financial aid may be required in certain scenarios, such as dropping courses, withdrawing, or failing grades. For more information, visit the Financial Aid website.
• Will incoming students still need to be TSI-compliant? How will college readiness be determined?
  • Students must still meet the standard college-readiness requirements to enroll. The Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA2) tests determine college readiness in reading, writing, and math. All entering students must take the TSIA2 tests before registering for classes unless they are exempt or meet the minimum scores.

• Do the students only have the three (or five) years immediately following their graduation to receive free tuition?
  • Eligible high school graduates & GED® completers get three years of free tuition at ACC from the time they graduate to earn up to an associate degree or five years of free tuition if they want to pursue their bachelor’s degree at ACC.
  • The time constraints begin the first fall after a student graduates high school. While a student is not required to enroll during any given semester, they will forfeit free tuition opportunities for that semester if they decide not to enroll. Free tuition benefits will not carry over. 

• I believe the expectation is that those on free tuition program will be enrolled full time. But I didn’t see a reference to full-time status on the flyer.
  • A student does not have to enroll full time to be eligible for the ACC Free Tuition pilot program, and there are no minimum course credits a student must register for to be eligible. However, we hope that with this financial support, more students can enroll full time. Data show students who enroll full time have higher persistence and completion rates.

Lights, Color, and Celebración. It was a full house, with more than 300 people, at the 9th Annual Ascender Celebración. The ceremony was held May 2 at ACC Highland Campus in the Austin PBS Black Box studio. 70 Ascender Catch the Next students were recognized for completing their program.

The evening started with Luis Patiño, CEO of PBS, introducing a performance by students from Leander Elementary School showcasing Ballet Folklórico. Graduates also enjoyed a musical performance by Xunaxhii, a graduating senior from Leander High School. Celia Israel, former Texas Representative, delivered the keynote address. 

ACC Board of Trustee Secretary Dr. Manny Gonzalez and Manager of ASCENDER Alejandra Polcik presented all the students with their graduation stoles. ASCENDER Coordinator Diana Gorostieta Martinez presented a special recognition to outstanding students, advisors, professors, and mentors.

Ascender is a student support organization created to help improve the educational outcomes of Latino and underserved student populations throughout the state. 

For more information, visit austincc.edu/ascender. 

View more photos from the event in the Flickr album below.

Did you know that there are more Spanish speakers in the U.S. than Canadians in Canada? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 41 million Spanish speakers in the U.S., with almost 8 million Spanish speakers in Texas alone. 

Austin Community College District (ACC) Continuing Education Division works to support the growing need for interpreters and translators. Registration is now open for the 2024-25 cohort of the Translation and Interpreting Program. It offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in translation and interpreting. The noncredit, three-semester online certificate program provides three specialized tracks: Translation, Community and Medical Interpreting, and Court Interpreting.

The U.S.’s diverse population, international trade expansion, and the digital age fuel a strong demand for translators and interpreters. The Department of Labor forecasts a 24% growth in this field by 2032, with a median annual wage of $57,090 in May 2023. This demand spans education, healthcare, legal, and business sectors.

The program offers opportunities for practical experience, with students volunteering as interpreters at various community events and clinics such as the Texas School for the Blind, Sacred Heart Community Clinic, Foundation Communities Prosper Centers, and ACC’s Ascender to College Mini Majors Day.

For more information, visit https://continue.austincc.edu/register or https://continue.austincc.edu/translation.

Registering for classes can feel overwhelming, but Austin Community College District (ACC) remains committed to providing a sense of belonging for all students. The college will host Registration Week beginning Monday, May 13, to empower students with the support to make informed decisions about their academic path.

During this districtwide event, students can receive comprehensive support, including activities and personalized one-on-one guidance from ACC staff. Registration Week offers helpful and quick access to ACC staff to answer questions about fall registration, applying, and paying for college. 

The week culminates with special, full-access registration rallies. There are virtual and in-person options. 

Virtual Registration Rally

• Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Date: Friday, May 17
• Location: Click Here to Join 

In-Person Registration Rally

• Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Date: Saturday, May 18
• Location: Highland, Hays, and Round Rock Campus

Following Registration Week, ACC will host ongoing support for students through Saturday Registration Rallies and at Registration Stations on campus. 

Registration Stations

Registration Stations will be at the ACCelerators on the ACC Highland, Round Rock, and San Gabriel campuses. Staff will be ready to assist ACC students in scheduling in-person or virtual appointments to register for classes. Stop by an ACCelerator Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Students can also book a virtual session for support. 

Saturday Registration Rallies

Ongoing support is available throughout the summer semester. The college hosts in-person registration rallies once a month at the Hays, Highland, and Round Rock campuses. 

• Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Date: Saturday, June 15, Saturday, July 20, and Saturday, August 17
• Location: Hays, Highland, and Round Rock campuses

For more information, visit austincc.edu/regsupport.