The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees virtually met for its regular meeting on Monday, May 3. Below are highlights from the meeting.

2021-22 Tuition and Fee Rates
The Board unanimously approved to leave in-district tuition and fees unchanged for an eighth consecutive year and voted to lower fees for out-of-district and out-of-state students by $81 and $75, respectively. The new rates align with ACC Board policy to lower costs for students who live out-of-district. The change still maintains a sizable difference between those who live in-district. Read more here.

Chancellor’s Report
ACC Chancellor, Dr. Richard Rhodes, updated the Board of Trustees on the success of two COVID-19 vaccination clinics at ACC Highland Campus. The college continues to provide vaccination opportunities on-site and encourages all eligible employees and students to sign up for an appointment. View the schedule here.

The Army Futures Command Software Factory at ACC Rio Grande Campus celebrated its grand opening April 15. The college hosted Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, the 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The event was broadcast via live stream. Watch the recording here.

Dr. Rhodes also provided updates on:

• ACC’s new health sciences dean: After a nationwide search, ACC hired Dr. Nina Almasy to serve as the new dean. Former dean, Pat Recek, retired earlier this year. Almasy begins her new role June 1.
• Student-run ACCENT wins big: ACCENT, ACC’s student-run news operation, earned nine awards during the 2021 Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Contest. ACCENT is dedicated to bringing a student voice to our ACC community through videos, podcasts, and written articles. View the publication here.
• CRRSA: Nearly $7 million of federal student aid was delivered to more than 4,000 students impacted by COVID-19 this spring. Applications are now open for students enrolled in summer courses.

Chancellor’s Priority No. 4: Institutional Effectiveness Report
Garrett Groves, ACC vice president of Business and Industry Partnerships, provided updates on Chancellor’s Priority No. 4 for institutional effectiveness. Some notable highlights include:

• Increase student success through Fast Track: ACC began offering a 50 percent tuition discount in high-demand fast track career programs this academic year. In spring, the college hit its goal to support more than 500 students with enrollments still underway.
• Expanding bachelor’s degree offerings: ACC is working to offer its third bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology. The program aims to support multiple career paths. More information is to come.

Property Tax Exemption for Residential Homesteads
The standard $5,000 homestead property tax exemption will remain unchanged. Board members requested more time before making a decision on senior and disabled exemptions. The board is considering an increase of $16,000 from $164,000 to $180,000. It is important to note, a final decision on property tax rates will require more discussion and public hearings.

Pinnacle Campus Use for Oakhill Parkway Project
The Board of Trustees authorized the Chancellor to negotiate with Colorado River Constructors JV (CRC) on their request to use portions of the Pinnacle Campus property as a staging site for a new TXDOT improvement project along Highway 290 at the “Y” in Oak Hill. The permitted use will not include a temporary wet cement batch plant which CRC had previously requested. The agreement also must include a community engagement plan and come back to the board before any contract is executed.