November … a time for thanks and spring registration

Melissa Hernandez grins big after hearing the ACC Board of Trustees is rescinding the student fee increase.

Melissa Hernandez grins big after hearing the ACC Board of Trustees rescind the student fee increase.

Can you believe it’s November already? And that means two things: Thanksgiving is right around the corner and spring registration has started.

This year, students and parents alike have one more thing for which to be thankful.

On November 5, the Austin Community College District Board of Trustees rescinded a $2 general student fee increase after the state agreed to restore $154 million in community college funding that was vetoed this summer. ACC will receive an additional $7.2 million.

“I think that’s awesome,” says an elated Melissa Hernandez who’s footing the bill for a full 12 credits of classes this spring.

“A lot of people think you can just apply for financial aid and get the help you need, but it’s not that easy.”

Michael Leverett flips through the course schedule contemplating for which classes he will register. Michael Leverett plans spring classes.

Like most students today, Hernandez is splitting her days between work and school. She says a little more assistance from the state would be nice.

“It seems like the cost of everything is on the rise lately, and it’s tough. If they (the state) want us to work and make money for the economy, they need to help a bit.”

Michael Leverett, a part-time student at the South Austin Campus, couldn’t agree more.

“We are all here to get skills for a good job, so it’s better for ACC to be more affordable,” he says.

“Paying for college is still a barrier for so many people in our community,” says Dr. Magdalena de la Teja, student services dean at South Austin. “I applaud our board for immediately taking action to rescind this fee increase and making college more accessible to students.”

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