The Austin Community College District is canceling classes at ACC’s Pinnacle Campus in Oak Hill through Wednesday, October 21, as electricians make necessary repairs following a small electrical fire.
Students are encouraged to check with your instructor regarding the rescheduling of classes for 10/19 through 10/21. You can also check your course’s Blackboard site for additional class information.
The cancellation affects only the Pinnacle Campus; all other ACC campuses are operating as usual.
Austin fire crews responded to Pinnacle on Wednesday, October 14 at about 6:30 a.m. after a fire alarm was activated. A small fire contained to one electrical box in a mechanical room on the 9th floor caused an electrical outage. The campus was not open at the time.
Firefighters found an odor of smoke on that floor but no flames, and they left the campus after determining that there was no further fire danger. Electricians are inspecting the electrical systems and making needed repairs. Some equipment in the mechanical room must be replaced; this equipment needs to be ordered and installed, which will take a few days.
ACC is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Classes are expected to resume at Pinnacle on Thursday, October 22.
“Our highest priority is for the safety and security of ACC faculty, staff, and students,” said Dr. Mary Hensley, Executive Vice President of College Operations. “Given the anticipated timeline for repairs, and proceeding with the greatest assurance that the building is ready for re-occupancy, we have set a goal of re-opening the Pinnacle Campus for Thursday morning, October 22nd. There are some unknown variables that exist, which could surface as we progress through the equipment installations and operational security checks. Therefore, if changes to our timeline occur, I will inform students, faculty, and staff immediately.
The latest information can always be found on ACC’s homepage, austincc.edu.
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By Michael C. Emmert October 15, 2009 - 9:40 am
It was totally bizzarre, like something out of the Twilight Zone. The dispatcher called the bus driver, who announced that the bus would be taking a detour because my destination had burnt up! Knowing little, he stopped the driver coming the other way and they talked, but all we learned was that it was an electrical fire. I got dropped at Oak Hill Shopping Plaza. Students were seated at McDonald’s. I heard a rumor that Pinnacle was closed until noon. Then I went to the shuttle bus and the drivers said the building was closed for the rest of the day. Then the shuttle drivers took off. Unfortunately, they neglected to make a sign informing students about what happened.
I missed my Chemistry test and I was ready. Monday, I guess.
By Judy Scholl October 17, 2009 - 8:21 am
Please add that students should check with their instructors regarding where their classes have been rescheduled.
Please have instructors change their phone messages, their homepage, Blackboard announcements, to show the location of the reschedule. And instructors should email the students regarding where their classes have been rescheduled. And, if not rescheduled, also state that so students know what to expect.
Also, post rescheduled classes on the building at Pinnacle in case someone shows up.
By G Stewart October 17, 2009 - 9:11 am
I am an adjunct at ACC. I do not have classes at the Pinnacle, but some of my students who do are wondering if any temporary class meetings will occur at other locations Monday through Wednesday.
Please advise.
Thank you.